The McDonalds Ballarat FNL will lead a trial in 2023 of a White Card that will be used to improve and enhance gameday behaviours and expectations for players, officials, volunteers and supporters.
Following isolated instances in 2022 of behaviour that does not meet codes of conduct or expectations, in a proactive stance, the Ballarat FNL have adapted a system utilised by AFL Queensland that puts the onus on coaches to model and support these codes of conduct that ensures football is enjoyable and safe for all.
In conjunction with the BFUA, the White Card trial will allow three warnings to be provided for behaviours that do not meet expectations, each warning having various sanctions.
The first warning will see the White Card displayed to the coaches’ box, indicating a behaviour or action is not acceptable.
The second warning will again see a White Card shown to the coaches box and a free kick awarded to the opposition team, again for behaviours or actions that do not meet expectations.
The final White Card will see the head coach reported as there have been multiple instance of behaviour or actions that are not acceptable and have not been suitably addressed.
BFNL General Manager Shane Anwyl
“The introduction of the White Card will allow clubs to be made aware of behaviours that are not acceptable, such as language, constant abuse or ongoing questioning of decisions and ensure that the game is safe for players and officials, but also for families and supporters.
There were isolated instances in 2022 where this was an issue, but the concept is being looked at across all leagues and we are proud to lead the way in trialling this across leagues in the region”
