Sideline Abuse is Abuse.

While many might not recognise it, bad behaviour at children’s sporting games is a form of abuse. So, let’s call it what it is.

The South Australian Government is calling on sport and recreation clubs and associations to support the campaign by downloading and sharing the assets below, helping create safe and positive sporting environments for everyone.

Get your free Sideline Behaviour Club Promo Pack

Help promote positive sideline behaviour at your club with a free promotional pack.

Packs will be available for collection in the coming weeks. Register your interest and we'll let you know when your pack is ready to collect.

Register for your free promo pack

Downloadable Assets

Square

1080x1080 social tile - option 1
1080x1080  social tile - option 2
1080x1080  social tile - option 3

4:5

1080x1350 social tile - option 1
1080x1350  social tile - option 2
1080x1350  social tile - option 3

Story

1080x1920 social story - option 1
1080x1920 social story - option 2
1080x1920 social story - option 3

Carousel

1080x1350 social tile - slide 1
1080x1350 social tile - slide 2
1080x1350  social tile - slide 3
1080x1350  social tile - slide 4 

Suggested copy:

Bad behaviour at children’s sport isn’t just part of the game. It’s a form of abuse.

Whether you’re a parent, spectator, coach or supporter, the way you behave on the sidelines matters.

Let’s call bad behaviour what it is and help make sport a safe and positive experience for every child.

Web/email banner - 1920x800

1920x800 - option 1
1920x800 - option 2
1920x800 - option 3

Web/email banner - 1200x300

1200x300 - option 1
1200x300 - option 2
1200x300 - option 3

Web/email banner - 1200x600

1200x600 - option 1
1200x600 - option 2
1200x600 - option 3



Suggested copy:

SUBJECT: Let’s call bad behaviour what it is

Bad behaviour at children’s sporting games can have a lasting impact.

While many might not recognise it, yelling, intimidation, threats and other poor sideline behaviour can be a form of abuse.

We all have a role to play in creating safe, positive and supportive sporting environments for children.

Help spread the message and remind your members, families and supporters that bad behaviour has no place in junior sport.

Let’s call it what it is.

Sideline abuse is abuse. Aggressive or offensive language towards players, coaches, officials or volunteers is not acceptable. Please show respect, encourage positive behaviour and help make today a great experience for everyone.

Education

Play it Right: Respect and Safety in Sport is a national campaign from Play By The Rules, designed for anyone who wants to help keep community sport a place where everyone can thrive.

Informed by people with lived experience of disrespect and abuse in sport, Play it Right: Respect and Safety in Sport takes a human rights and behaviours approach to creating healthy sport environments, and is packed with practical strategies to build skills and confidence.

Visit the Play by the Rules eLearning Platform and complete the Play it Right: Respect and Safety in Sport online course.

Further resources and educational offerings are available below:

Game Changers helps sporting clubs create environments where respect, fun, and personal growth come first. By bringing everyone together, the program transforms sideline behaviour, boosts enjoyment for young players, empowers supportive adults, and builds a positive club culture that keeps young players and their families coming back.

Visit the Sammy D Foundation website (external site) (external site) (external site) (external site) to find out  more about the program and enquire about booking a session.

Football Australia’s MiniRoos program has partnered with Dr Sam Elliott from Flinders University to provide parents with expert advice, practical tips and research-backed insights on supporting their child’s football journey, fostering positive sporting experiences, and creating enjoyable matchday environments both on and off the sidelines. These resources can be accessed through the Play Football website (external site) (external site) (external site).

Support

If you witness or experience an incident of unacceptable sideline behaviour, support is available.

The contacts below can help you report an incident, seek immediate assistance or access confidential support when you need it.

Contact SA Police

For criminal behaviour, threats, violence or immediate safety concerns.

Emergency 000
Non-emergency police assistance 131 444