OCTOBER NEWSLETTER 2021

Hello friends,

AFL and the major sports leagues, including their broadcast commentary, play a huge part in the way we think about the games we love and have a significant influence on the way community sports play out.

The issue of respect in sports came to the forefront last month when GWS Giants player Toby Greene made contact with Umpire Matt Stevic. AFL CEO, Gillon McLachlan, was perplexed with the tribunal outcome and the message it would send out to community leagues: 

"If I'm honest, I find it personally - and I need to be careful - hard to reconcile how it can be intentional conduct that was aggressive, demonstrative and disrespectful ... and then only be 3 weeks."

In our latest installment of 'Sport at the crossroads', Patrick Skene argues that "the incident was an unintended litmus test for the AFL – would they stand by their sacred position that umpires are to be protected from any physical abuse?"

Umpires brace for abuse, they know it's coming. So what's being done in AFL and the community leagues to combat abuse? Do Umpires feel safe and respected? 

The outcome of the appeal this week needs to send strong signals to community sports. Respect the Umpire.

Regards,
Tarik Bayrakli 
Manager, Club Respect

CR JOURNAL

Sport at the crossroads - Part 3: Aussie Rules
Tales from the frontline tackling the abuse of officials
By Patrick Skene

"For some, the lack of umpiring capability is the primary cause of abuse whilst for many, there is a ‘blame culture’ in which the players can make many mistakes in the game but umpires are not afforded the same luxury to make mistakes, learn and grow."

CLUB RESPECT TOOLS

CR Tips for The Player

Club Respect places a 'right actions' lens over each role in the club. Print out all 8 info sheets and hand them out to your club members. This month we feature 'The Player'.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT... 

12 of the best 'Respect Moments' from the Paralympics
By Patrick Skene

The Tokyo 2020 Paralympics continued the honourable spirit of the Olympics providing great moments of inspiration. Here are 12 moments that showcased the Paralympic spirit of mutual respect that brought the world closer in a dark time. Enjoy! 🥇🥈🥉

We respectfully acknowledge the wisdom of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and their custodianship of the lands and waterways.