A JUNIOR footy match in the state’s northeast was marred by an alleged horror assault last weekend.
A 47-year-old spectator was charged after allegedly assaulting a 49-year-old umpire during an under-14 game in the Albury-Wodonga league.
Why is this relevant to Sunraysia?
Well, the same thing nearly occurred at a local under-16 game last weekend when a spectator allegedly entered the ground at half-time threatening a volunteer club umpire and had to be restrained by two of his mates.
No reports were lodged, but one spectator who witnessed the incident contacted Sunraysia Daily and described the behaviour as “disgusting”.
Report or no report, it comes down to the club involved to take a strong stance when incidents like this occur, and not sweep them under the carpet.
There must be zero tolerance for any type of physical violence.
The clubs must set their own standards. You threaten an umpire, you’re out. You start a fight in the crowd, you’re not welcome here. Not on our watch. Not in our colours. Not ever.
To not confront people involved is to enable violent behaviour and risk an ongoing poor culture.
It was only a few weeks ago that a referee was knocked out at a Sunraysia soccer reserves match after handing out a yellow card.
Supporters of one team invaded the pitch and players were also assaulted in one of the ugliest scenes in this region’s proud sporting history.
A number of people were charged over the alleged assaults, which left people hospitalised, so we can’t go into the specifics.
But those found to have done wrong have no place in the game. They’ve lost that right.
Sport, and particularly junior sport, should be a safe and welcoming environment for everyone, including families.
The incident at a junior Aussie Rules game in Albury on Saturday, along with what has occurred on sporting fields in Sunraysia in recent weeks, should serve as a reminder to all to lift our game.
And that also extends to the players.
Just this week, the Sunraysia Football Netball League issued a memo to clubs about abusive language towards umpires.
In recent weeks, it has become a serious issue and the league has had enough.
The league is right to back its umpires on this one.
So, to players, a word of warning: abuse the umps in the coming weeks at your peril – the red cards will be coming out if you do.
Aussie Rules footy started the season some 6000 umpires short across the country. We need more of them, including those volunteers who are just trying to offer help where it is needed.
Perhaps those ‘heroes’ who threaten these umps could instead put a whistle where their mouth is. That takes a lot more courage.
