NEW RULE: Under 11 - 15 Teams. No spectators allowed on the oval. Please abide by this new rule.

Submitted by Anonymous on Sat, 2007-05-26 17:38.

The NEJFA have informed all clubs that from Sunday May 28, at all Under 11 - Under 15 games, no spectators are allowed on the oval at all before, during or after all games.

The Association have given the following reasons:
1. The poor behaviour, language of a minority of spectators that are watching our games.
2. Two very serious incidents that occurred during the last round of matches, involving player / spectator interaction.
3. The NEMJFA has a "duty of care" to all 4,500 players that play our great game to be able to play without interference from persons not involved with the game.
4. It is unacceptable for any person to interfere with the enjoyment of sport for our players.
5. Since round 1 of the season, umpires reports have indicated poor crowd interaction with our games.
6. Despite repeated warnings, the poor behaviour has continued and you could argue escalated.