Behaviour Management & Incident Protocol

Devonport Cup – Behaviour Management and Incident Protocol

Purpose

The Devonport Cup is committed to providing a safe, welcoming, and enjoyable environment for all players, coaches, referees, volunteers, spectators, and officials.

All participants are expected to behave in accordance with Football Australia's Codes of Conduct, XI Standards of Respect and Child Safe requirements.

Unacceptable Behaviour

The following behaviour will not be tolerated:

• Abuse of referees, officials, volunteers, players, or spectators.

• Offensive, discriminatory, racist, sexist, or threatening language.

• Intimidation, bullying or harassment.

• Physical aggression or violence.

• Entering the field of play without permission.

• Damage to facilities or equipment.

• Any behaviour that places a child or participant at risk.

Incident Response Procedure

Level 1 – Minor Behaviour Issue

Examples:

• Negative comments from the sideline.

• Disrespectful behaviour towards officials.

• Minor disagreements between spectators.

Action:

1. Venue Manager/Ground Manager/Committee approaches the individual.

2. Behaviour expectations are explained.

3. Verbal warning issued.

4. Incident recorded if considered necessary.

Level 2 – Serious Behaviour Issue

Examples:

• Continued abuse after warning.

• Aggressive confrontation.

• Offensive or discriminatory language.

• Refusal to comply with directions.

Action:

1. Venue Manager/Ground Manager/Committee attends immediately.

2. Individual instructed to cease behaviour.

3. Club representative is requested to assist.

4. Formal warning issued.

5. Incident recorded on Incident Report Form.

Level 3 – Removal from Venue

Examples:

• Threatening behaviour.

• Physical intimidation.

• Repeated breaches after warning.

• Abuse directed at children, referees, or volunteers.

Action:

1. Venue Manager/Ground Manager and Committee Representative attend.

2. DJSA Vice President should be contacted immediately.

3. Individual directed to leave the venue immediately.

4. Club official informed.

5. Failure to leave may result in Police attendance.

6. Incident documented and referred to DJSA Executive.

Level 4 – Emergency Response

Examples:

• Physical assault.

• Violence.

• Serious threats.

• Child safety concerns.

Action:

1. Contact Police on 000 immediately if required.

2. Contact DJSA Vice President

3. Ensure safety of participants.

4. Suspend or abandon the match if necessary.

5. Complete Incident Report.

6. Refer matter to Football Tasmania and relevant authorities where required.

Authority to Act

The following people have authority to intervene and issue directions:

• DJSA Executive and General Committee Members

• Venue Managers

• Ground Managers

• Referees (within the Laws of the Game)

• Police if required

Match Suspension

Referees may stop, suspend, or abandon a match if spectator behaviour, team official behaviour or safety concerns make it unsafe for the match to continue.

Reporting

All significant incidents should be reported to the President/Vice President/Secretary as soon as practicable and documented on the Devonport Cup Incident Report Form before the end of the day.

Key Principle

Respect the Game. Respect the Referee. Respect Each Other.

Any person who abuses referees, volunteers, players, or officials may be removed from the venue and may be excluded from the remainder of the Devonport Cup.

If a spectator is removed from a venue, the team or club they are associated with may be sanctioned, including loss of competition points, removal from the tournament, or refusal of future entries, at the discretion of the Tournament Committee