From time to time, our Hampton Rovers children are going to experience on field issues from opposition players. This may come in the form of verbal or physical acts. It appears that some clarification is required to how we handle such situations.
Quite obviously we do not want Hampton Rovers players reacting in a negative fashion. We want them to be Team players and to remain focused on the ball. Undisciplined acts have the potential to be very costly to the individual and the Team through giving away free kicks, send off’s and possibly suspensions.
Everyone plays a role to ensure on field discipline:
PLAYERS: If a child is experiencing on field issues from the opposition, they must inform one of our Team Officials at the earliest convenience. – the runner during the game, Coaches and/or the Team Manager during breaks.
TEAM MANAGERS: Prior to the game, TM’s should discuss in a polite manner with their opposition counterpart, that we want a fun, clean game and request that the opposition TM advise them directly of any on field issues stemming from Hampton Rovers children behaviour and that these will be dealt with and that we will advise them of the same.
COACHES: Please reinforce the Team mantra. That undisciplined actions and reactions will not be tolerated and will result in possible significant bench time or internal suspension. Coaches need to counsel and console our children as may be required.
PARENTS: Please enforce with your children that AFL is first and foremost a Team game and that they are playing to have FUN in the game we all love. Off the ball niggle, verbal and cheap shots is not how we play at Hampton Rovers. It is not tough or clever and such behaviour reflects poorly on them, the Team and the Club. Be hard at the ball!!!
UMPIRES: SMJFL rules dictate our Umpires are not to be communicated with during the game on game matters. The only officials able to communicate at all with the Umpires are the Team Manager and the Umpires Escort. Again, not on matters pertaining to the game. We need to support our mostly very young Umpires by enforcing an appropriate level of discipline of our players.
Play hard but fair at all times!!!
