BFLW

The McDonalds Ballarat FNL today announces several venue changes to Junior Competitions across football and netball this weekend.

In conjunction with the City of Ballarat and competing clubs, a decision has been made to move matches away from the Mars Stadium precinct this Sunday 11^th July.

Venue changes have been made to avoid a clash with the Greater Western Sydney vs Gold Coast Suns match, now scheduled to be played in Ballarat this Sunday following recent fixture confirmations from the AFL.

As a result, the following amendments have been made to this weekend’s junior fixtures:

• Lake Wendouree vs Ballarat Swans to now be played on Oval 2 at Alfredton Recreation Reserve.
• North Ballarat v Bacchus Marsh to now be played at Marty Busch Reserve in Sebastopol.

Both the Ballarat FNL and the City of Ballarat appreciate the understanding and cooperation of all clubs involved in the changes.

END RELEASE

In line with the AFL stance, the BFUA will be adopting a zero-tolerance approach to umpire abuse, disrespect and dissent across all grades of the McDonald's Ballarat Football Netball League.

In line with the AFL’s strict stance against umpire abuse, the BFUA will be adopting a zero-tolerance approach to umpire abuse, disrespect, and dissent from the 2022 season onwards.

Players, coaches, and officials who abuse umpires, dispute decisions or behave in a disrespectful manner towards umpires will be penalised by way of free kicks, 50m penalties, send-offs and reports.

This stance will be adopted across all grades.

Umpires have been instructed to apply a strict interpretation of the rules surrounding umpire abuse and these rules apply to abuse or disrespect towards or in relation to any umpire – field, boundary or goal.

The best policy is to remove your focus away from the umpires to avoid exchanges that could potentially cost your side. As always, umpires are happy to discuss rules or decisions, and we welcome opportunities to engage constructively.

We appreciate the support of club leaders, namely coaches and captains, who have a huge degree of influence in this space.

This change enables us to create a better match-day environment for everyone. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact the league.