South Australia draws a harder line on sideline abuse in junior sport

A new state campaign is urging parents and spectators to change their behaviour, as sporting bodies introduce stronger measures to tackle abuse at children’s events.

Parents and spectators in South Australia are being urged to rethink the way they behave at junior sporting events, as the state government launches a campaign aimed at drawing a harder line against sideline abuse. The “Sideline abuse is abuse” initiative is being rolled out through community clubs and digital channels, with the message that intimidation, aggression and verbal attacks have no place in children’s sport. According to the Office for Recreation, Sport and Racing, clubs will be able to download posters, social media assets and educational material to help spread the message.

The campaign lands at a time when concern is growing about the damage caused by poor spectator conduct. Sport Integrity Australia has warned that repeated exposure to negative behaviour can make it seem normal to young people, shaping what they think is acceptable in sport and beyond. Its “Hear Me Play” survey found that children and teenagers who regularly witness bad behaviour are more likely to accept it as part of the sporting experience. The agency has also argued that sideline abuse affects the confidence, mental health and enjoyment of players, referees and volunteers, making collective action essential.

South Australia’s Recreation, Sport and Racing Minister Rhiannon Pearce said the effort is meant to remind adults that their conduct carries weight, even when they believe they are simply supporting their team. The government says the aim is to protect the experience of children, coaches, officials and volunteers, and to help sporting organisations respond more consistently when abuse occurs. Clubs can also request a free promotional pack, with collection expected to open in the coming weeks, as part of a broader effort to make the campaign visible at grounds and clubrooms across the state.

Basketball South Australia has already moved in a similar direction. Earlier this year, it introduced an updated Behaviour Management Framework and Warning Card System designed to give authorised staff a clearer way to deal with disruptive spectators before situations escalate. The framework, which applies across the sport, was developed after referees reported high levels of abuse; more than 70 per cent said they had experienced verbal abuse. Chair James Kitching said the pilot had shown early promise, and that lasting change would require coordination across the wider sporting sector rather than a single campaign.