23/06/2026
Throughout the 2026 season, the Bendigo Junior Football League has unfortunately witnessed a number of incidents involving poor adult behaviour at matches.
While these incidents have involved only a small minority of people, the impact they have on young players, umpires, coaches, volunteers and families can be significant.
Junior football exists for one reason – our kids.
Every child deserves the opportunity to participate in a safe, positive and supportive environment where they can learn, develop friendships, build confidence and enjoy the game.
Children are always watching. They learn from the behaviour they see from the adults around them. The way we act on the sidelines helps shape their experience of sport and the lessons they take away from it.
As a league, we are asking everyone involved in junior football to remember:
✔ Encourage effort.
✔ Respect umpires.
✔ Support coaches and volunteers.
✔ Celebrate participation.
✔ Be the example our young people deserve.
The scoreboard will be forgotten. The experience our children have at junior football will not.
Let's work together to ensure every game day reflects the values of our league and our community.
Because kids don't quit sport because of the game.
Too often, they quit because of adults.
