I THINK it’s time we all took a big, deep breath.
What happened at Greenham Park on Sunday was disappointing – and I’m not just talking about on the field, but off it.
The incident between Jaxon Neagle and Riley Hird has been dealt with by the tribunal this week and, with an appeal appending, I’m not about to wade into that territory. That will be left for another day.
Unfortunately, the events that transpired on Sunday are not isolated incidents – and I’m talking about the off-field behaviour that was displayed.
Just so I’m crystal clear, this is no shot at either the Balranald or Cohuna clubs or their supporters either because, to be brutally honest, I’ve seen or heard poor behaviour in one form or another regularly throughout the season.
In my other role as part of the 3SH Central Murray Live broadcast team (which can be heard every Saturday from 2pm on 3SH – shameless plug) we often hear some of the most vile and disgusting things directed towards those inside the arena from those outside it.
Unfortunately, the vitriol is often directed at those who without their assistance we wouldn’t have a game – the umpires.
It has to stop.
As many who have been unlucky enough to be within earshot of our broadcast would be aware, we have a great big microphone that picks up the sounds of the game every week.
It can also pick up the sound of a mouse breaking wind 100 metres away, so just know that when somebody in the crowd says something less than desirable, we hear it.
Thankfully, the sound of our voices drowns out the individual comments from the crowd on the broadcast, so what gets said never goes to air, but it is certainly heard by us.
Which means it’s also heard by those around you.
The fact that the Central Rivers board were this week forced to remind clubs of their obligation to behave can only be described as disappointing – as well as necessary.
All clubs have now been rightly warned that poor behaviour by supporters, officials, players or members will be met with strict penalties, including a minimum $5000 fine and potentially, in the case of poor on-field behaviour, the suspension of a game.
That will be the one and only warning.
Football and netball are both emotional and passionate games.
Why else would we all give up six months of our year, only to go and stand out in the wind, rain and freezing cold every Saturday.
We all love our clubs and we love those that pull on our team’s guernsey and at finals time, that emotion and passion goes up tenfold.
But that doesn’t mean we can behave in the manner in which was displayed last Sunday.
Remember, everyone out in the middle, or on the sidelines for that matter, is someone’s son, daughter, father, mother, brother – and if you wouldn’t say it to your own family, don’t say it to someone else’s.
Spectators clashing with coaches, players arguing with officials, umpires threatening to call a game off because of poor behaviour. It’s just not acceptable – not now, not ever.
The saddest part of all is that after two amazing games of football last weekend, both of which went down to the dying moments, all that has been discussed since is the negatives.
I’m aware of the irony that I am here writing about something that happened five days ago.
But it needs to be said, because I can’t ever recall heading home from a game so disappointed with what I witnessed, when I should have been thrilled to watch such an enthralling contest.
So if you are attending a game this weekend and you’re team is lucky enough to still be playing, please, cheer loud, cheer proud, but know where the line is – and don’t go over it, as there will be no more chances.
Good luck to all teams, may everyone’s weekend be a safe, happy and enjoyable one.
See you at the footy.
