BROUGHT TO YOU BY SGFL
ENOUGH IS ENOUGH
Memo
Level 2, Riverbank Stand Adelaide Oval, War Memorial Drive,
North Adelaide SA 5006
To:
SANFL Affiliated Community Football Leagues, Club Delegates Umpire Panels
From:
Shawn Ford – Head of Community Football
Date:
10 August 2026
Re:
Community Football Behaviour Management
Community football exists to bring people together, develop players and provide a safe, enjoyable environment for everyone involved. Recent incidents across our game demonstrate that unacceptable behaviour is becoming far too common. This trend must stop.
We have seen incidents involving:
• Racial vilification
• Verbal and physical abuse of umpires
• Abuse of players, officials and spectators
• Increased player misconduct resulting in yellow and red cards
• On-field violence and aggression
• Poor crowd behaviour
There is no place for this conduct in community football.
Without umpires, there is no football.
Umpires have the right to perform their role in a safe, respectful and supportive environment. Any threatening, abusive, insulting or intimidating behaviour directed towards an umpire by players, coaches, officials, parents or spectators is unacceptable.
The State & Territory Tribunal Guidelines now include offences relating to abusive, insulting or obscene language directed at umpires. Individuals found guilty will face significant sanctions, including suspension from attending football matches.
Every club must take responsibility for protecting and supporting its umpires.
Coaches, officials, committee members and senior players set the standard for everyone else.
Children watch and learn from the behaviour they see. Every act of abuse, aggression, racial vilification, swearing or violence sends a message that such behaviour is acceptable. It is not.
It is particularly concerning to see a number of these incidents occurring in junior football grades, where the future of player’s participation is crucial to the ongoing sustainability of community football.
We expect all club leaders to:
• Model respectful behaviour at all times
• Hold players and supporters accountable
• Act immediately when misconduct occurs
• Promote inclusion, respect and sportsmanship
Silence is not leadership. Inaction is not acceptable.
One incident is one too many.
If behavioural issues continue, clubs risk:
• Losing volunteers
• Losing players and families
• Losing sponsors and revenue
• Damaging their reputation
• Undermining the future of community football
The consequences extend far beyond the final siren.
Every participant, coach, official, parent and spectator must contribute to a safe, respectful and inclusive football environment.
Competition and rivalry are part of our game. Abuse, violence, intimidation and discrimination are not.
We expect all clubs to actively address behavioural standards within their organisations and take immediate steps to prevent unacceptable conduct.
Respect everyone. Protect our umpires. Lead by example.
Abuse, violence, vilification and threatening behaviour will not be tolerated.
The future of community football depends on the standards we are prepared to uphold today.
Yours sincerely,
Shawn Ford
SANFL Head of Community Football
