A coach reported for an incident in a junior match last weekend has been handed a four-match suspension.
Travis Walder, who leads the Grovedale Schulze under-14 team, was cited for behaving in an abusive, insulting, threatening or obscene manner towards or in relation to an umpire during a game against Barwon Heads.
Appearing before the AFL Barwon tribunal last (Wednesday) night, Walder pleaded guilty to the charge, with the tribunal panel of Werner Weigl (chair), Robert Carter, and Amanda Evans deciding on the ban.
“We would like to make it clear that we do not tolerate or condone abusive, threatening or inappropriate behaviour of any kind toward any player, coach, umpire, volunteer or spectator,” Grovedale said in a statement on Facebook
“Such conduct is inconsistent with the values of respect, inclusion, sportsmanship and community that underpin our club. These are values we expect all officials, players, parents, supporters and volunteers to uphold at all times.
“We are committed to providing a safe, respectful, inclusive and welcoming environment for everyone involved at our club and the wider sporting community.
“We will be undertaking further education and training around respectful behaviour, communication, and conduct to ensure all members understand the standards expected moving forward.
“The welfare and support of everyone involved remains our priority, and we will continue to provide appropriate support throughout this process.
Meanwhile, Grovedale senior player Leigh Ellis will miss matches against St Mary’s and North Shore after being found guilty of rough conduct following a tackle on Leopold’s Jay Dahlhaus that left the Werribee premiership player with a lacerated liver and facing a six-week stint on the sidelines.
The Match Review Panel sent the incident from the second quarter of the Tigers’ win over the Lions straight to the tribunal for determination.
Ellis pleaded not guilty, but in a hearing lasting more than an hour, the tribunal found he had a case to answer.
However, an impeccable record over a lengthy career at Grovedale and GDFNL Winchelsea was factored into the ban.
X: @krockfootball
