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.

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Downloadable Assets

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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.

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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

Let Kids be Kids is a national campaign from Play By The Rules that addresses poor sideline behaviour - largely at junior sport.

The behaviour of people on the sidelines of junior sport can have a profound impact on kids' participation and enjoyment of sport.

Visit the Play by the Rules eLearning Platform (external site) (external site) (external site) (external site) and complete the current 'Let Kids be Kids' 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) 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).

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