10th November, 2006

RUSSELL STUBBINGS

As an Australian Rules Football enthusiast (that’s the one where highly skilled players attempt to kick goals with an oval ball for those who prefer lesser sporting endeavours) I am suffering with major internal conflict.

TIME TO BLOW THE WHISTLE?: Russell Stubbings argues that it's time for sports organisation - whether local, state or national - to take a firmer stand on bad behaviour. PICTURE: Dalton00 (iStockphoto.com) "There are those who argue that footballers don’t want to be role models, they just want to play football. Well, it is time to wake up."

Everything I love about the sport is still there: the skill, speed, bumps, tackles, agility, high marks, courage, camaraderie, the smell of Dencorub, the atmosphere of a big crowd, remarkable goals that seem to defy physical laws, yet something is amiss.

Over the past few years I have become increasingly disturbed by the boorish, rude, arrogant, and inappropriate behaviour modeled by our so called elite footballers, and those at local league levels who seem to follow suit. A number of high profile recent cases in both Australia and overseas come to mind - many involving drink-driving or violence - which typify the disturbing behaviour of many so-called stars.

While not in the same category in terms of seriousness, but disappointing at the very least, the lack of respect and humility shown by West Coast Eagles players at the recent AFL Grand Final during the medal presentation ceremony. Many players failed to even acknowledge the children who presented them with their medals. The disappointed looks on the faces of those kids spoke volumes.

To his credit, player David Wirrapunda had the grace and courage to apologise and offer to remedy the situation. To make matters worse we then had the use of the 'f' word in public by a number of players. Yes, they were excited by their victory, but to resort to using language that most Australians still find obscene was a case of poor judgment at best.

Similarly, the propensity of so many players to swear animatedly after missing a shot at goal, an act always captured by the cameras and beamed into loungerooms across Australia, does not promote the game in a positive light. Our children don’t need to be lip readers to interpret the words being used. This simply teaches them that such language is an appropriate response to a misdirected kick, or even a poor umpiring decision. It is not doing any favours for those of us who coach children, or umpire local junior games.

And it's not just the elite. Such poor behaviour is also evident at local leagues. And, of course, such behaviour is not just confined to Australian Rules. It extends across all sports - rugby, cricket and soccer included.

Yes, I am concerned. Having played football at local league level for many years, in a range of leagues, I am well aware of the drinking culture that surrounds football clubs. I had one coach that even favoured his drinking buddies over hard working equally able players at the selection table. But, the problem seems to be worsening. The question is, have football clubs created a culture of drinking, abuse, and inappropriate behaviour, or, do they simply attract Aussie males with a tendency towards such behaviour? Regardless, the onus is on clubs at all levels to clean up their acts and encourage appropriate, respectful behaviour by taking an active, intentional stand against excessive drinking and related behaviours.

There are those who argue that footballers don’t want to be role models, they just want to play football. Well, it is time to wake up, like it or not as elite sportsmen AFL players are in the public eye and thousands of children idolize their “stars”. This attitude is simply a cop out, and an unwillingness to accept responsibility as an adult, who knew the adoration that came with the job so to speak. Like it or not AFL players are role models, they do influence scores of young players and fans, and they do need to make every effort to provide a positive example.

So, you see my intense inner conflict. I am disturbed, angry and disappointed. The sport I love denigrated by unacceptable off-field behaviour, and, at times, on-field behaviour that is also less than positive. It is time for the AFL to take a firmer stand, time for local clubs to take a stand, time to remove the cone of silence, time to attempt to change the culture that seems to pervade football clubs by beginning to embrace positive values and behaviours, by rewarding those players who do the right thing, and disciplining those who continue to behave badly.

As a junior coach, parent, and spectator I am angry and disturbed. But, it is not too late. Australian Rules football and those who participate at all levels can rise from the murky depths of inappropriate behaviour and scandals to a place of significance, a place where children can look up to players who are worthy of the adulation they receive.

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