News

Parkville Netball would like to remind all clubs, coaches, players, parents, and spectators of our expectations regarding respectful behaviour towards Competition staff.

Recently, we have seen a rise in confrontational and aggressive situations involving our Competition staff, including Supervisors and Mentors. This behaviour is concerning and unacceptable.

Competition Supervisors and Mentors are present at the competition to support and assist umpires, ensure the integrity of the competition, and assess hazards and risk to health and safety of players, officials (coaches, umpires etc.) and spectators.

Their role may require them to approach coaches, scorers, players, or spectators for a range of reasons, including but not limited to:

Assessing or supporting an umpire
Addressing match or scoring issues
Ensuring the safety and wellbeing of participants and spectators
Addressing negative spectator behaviour

When a Supervisor or Mentor approaches a court, it is not optional engagement, nor is it an invitation for confrontation. Under no circumstances should Competition staff be spoken to in an aggressive, dismissive, or disrespectful manner.

Parkville Netball has a zero-tolerance policy for aggressive, abusive, or untoward behaviour directed at umpires, Competition staff, Supervisors, Mentors, or Venue staff. Any individual displaying such behaviour may be asked to leave the stadium and/or courts immediately, without warning.

Please note that this information will also be communicated via a Netball Connect notification to all parents, players, and spectators to reinforce these expectations across our community.

We ask clubs to ensure this message is shared clearly with all members. Creating a safe, respectful, and supportive environment is a shared responsibility and is essential to the continued success of our competition.

Thank you for your cooperation and support.

Kind regards,
Lori Ahern
Competitions Coordinator - Parkville