Just over a week before the start of the local football season, AFL Barwon has unveiled a strategy to crack down on abuse of umpires from the region’s coaches boxes.
Labelled the ‘White Card Policy,’ it will operate under a three-phase system, and a coach could be ejected from the match if he or she violates it.
In the first phase, if an umpire deems behaviour from a coach’s box unacceptable, a free kick will be awarded against the offending team, and a white card will be shown.
Phase two will result in a free kick, a 50-metre penalty and a white card.
In the third phase, a free kick and a 100-metre penalty will be awarded before the coach is shown a red card and tossed from the game.
The coach can then sit beside the ground manager’s desk or leave the venue until the match is complete.
They cannot address their team at any stage if they choose to remain at the venue.
“Field umpires are empowered to implement the appropriate phase of the policy upon observing or hearing unacceptable behaviour from the coaching box area,” AFL Barwon said in a statement.
“Importantly, the process is characterised by clarity and decisiveness, with umpires instructed not to engage in conversation or debate during card issuance.
“By adhering to these procedures, AFL Barwon aims to maintain order and always uphold the integrity of the game.”
The local governing body says further action could be taken depending on the nature of the incident.
The statement further said, “Instances of white and red card issuance are recorded by timekeepers and documented in umpire match reports for further review if necessary.”
“Cases involving breaches of the policy are subject to scrutiny by the Match Review Panel (MRP), ensuring that any disciplinary action taken is fair and consistent with the values of the organisation.”
