SANFL Juniors Statement

The SANFL wishes to advise that its investigation into incidents at a SANFL Juniors Under 17.5 Girls Division 2 match last month has now concluded.

Following the detailed investigation into spectator behaviour following an on-field incident during the match between Edwardstown and Ingle Farm football clubs at Edwardstown Memorial Oval on May 23, the following sanctions have been handed down:

• An Ingle Farm FC male parent/spectator, charged with breaching the SANFL Juniors Spectators Code of Conduct for his assault of another spectator and a junior boundary umpire, has received a lifetime ban from attending any SANFL Junior matches. In addition, Ingle Farm Football Club has been fined over this incident, with additional fines to be issued should the offending parent attend any future matches. The same spectator has also been charged by SAPOL for this incident.

• An Edwardstown FC female parent/spectator, charged with breaching the SANFL Juniors Spectators Code of Conduct by entering the field of play, verbally abusing Ingle Farm players and engaging with umpires, has been suspended from attending any SANFL Juniors matches for the remainder of the 2021 season. In addition, the Edwardstown Football Club has been fined over this incident, with additional fines to be issued should the offending parent attend any matches during the suspension period.

SANFL General Manager Football Matt Duldig said today:

“SANFL has zero tolerance for anyone who is in breach of our Code of Conduct at junior matches.

 In this instance, the severe penalties should serve as a clear warning to all spectators attending junior matches that this type of physical and verbal abuse of players and umpires will not be tolerated.

 We have a thriving SANFL Juniors competition with 13,600 players and more than 500 umpiring appointments each week, with the majority of people involved in the game doing the right thing.

 As a League, our priority is to protect the wellbeing of young players and umpires, ensuring that junior footy is an enjoyable and quality environment in which the game can be played.”