IT hasn’t been a great look for local footy over the past few weeks.
First we had the investigation into the Imperials and Irymple match which resulted in three players being charged and suspended for striking offences.
Then last weekend, in the final round of the Millewa Football League, Nangiloc coach John Guthrie was knocked out in an off-the-ball incident which resulted in him being taken to hospital by ambulance and ruled out from playing and coaching in this weekend’s second semi-final against Bambill.
It’s a concern this level of violence is still happening in our local footy leagues.
It’s not something that can be swept under the carpet and it needs to be addressed.
There is no room for this type of behaviour in football any more.
The days of belting blokes and being lauded for it are well and truly over.
The modern game has moved on from the thuggery we saw in the ’80s and early ’90s.
Being tough is putting your head over the football and keeping your eye on the ball.
Picking someone off when they aren’t looking is just a cheap shot and needs to be stamped out.
The umpires need to exert their authority on games and take charge early, letting players know that this sort of behaviour won’t be tolerated.
I know it is difficult if an umpire doesn’t see an incident to do anything about it, but it surprises me watching games some of the things some players get away with.
The send-off rule was brought in for a reason and maybe umpires need to use it a bit more to set the tone for matches before they get too out of hand, like it did between Irymple and Imperials a few weeks ago.
No side wants to be a player short, it potentially can be game-changing.
Umpires exerting their authority is what I want to see as we head into finals.
I’m not saying send players off for something minor, that draws as much criticism as missing something major.
All I’m asking is for umpires to stamp their authority on the game and let players and coaching staff know right from the first bounce there is zero tolerance in regard to the sort of behaviour we have seen across both leagues in recent weeks.
We have a responsibility to set an example for junior players across the region.
It is difficult enough getting and keeping under age players without having parents seeing senior players acting unruly.
Whether you are a player, supporter, administrator, umpire or football follower we all have a responsibility to uphold the integrity of the game.
The days of some good old “biffo” are over.
Let’s keep that sort of stuff buried in the archives and celebrate the modern game for its skill and professionalism.
