Parents and spectators across South Australia are being urged to reconsider their behaviour at community sporting events, with a new State Government campaign calling out sideline abuse and its impact on children, referees and volunteers.
The Sideline abuse is abuse campaign is rolling out across community sporting clubs and digital platforms, delivering a clear message that aggressive behaviour, intimidation and verbal abuse have no place in sport.
The initiative comes amid growing concerns about inappropriate spectator behaviour, with research indicating that negative experiences are driving volunteers away from community sport and affecting children’s enjoyment and participation.
According to Sport Integrity Australia’s 2025 Hear Me Play survey, young people who regularly witness negative behaviour in sporting environments are more likely to consider that behaviour normal.
The issue is particularly concerning for junior sport, where the actions of parents and spectators can shape how children feel about participating, potentially contributing to young people giving up sport altogether.
Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing Rhiannon Pearce said the campaign was designed to reinforce the importance of respect and positive role modelling.
“The vast majority of parents, supporters and spectators do the right thing. This campaign is about reminding everyone that their behaviour matters and abusive behaviour is not acceptable and ruins the experience for everyone.”
The campaign follows efforts by sporting organisations across the state to address the issue, including Basketball SA, which introduced an updated Behaviour Management Framework and Warning Card System earlier this year.
The initiative allows authorised staff to issue warnings and address inappropriate spectator conduct before situations escalate.
The framework was developed following feedback from referees, with more than 70 per cent reporting they had experienced verbal abuse.
Basketball SA Chair James Kitching said the organisation’s warning card pilot was already showing encouraging early results, with a review planned to help strengthen the process.
“We know that changing sideline behaviour takes more than one initiative, which is why collaboration across the sporting sector is so important.”
The State Government hopes the broader campaign will encourage sporting clubs, associations and families to take a more consistent approach to addressing unacceptable behaviour, while ensuring children, coaches, officials and volunteers feel safe and supported.
Clubs can access downloadable posters, social media graphics, educational material and other resources to help communicate the message.
A free promotional pack is also available for clubs to register their interest in, with collection expected to become available in the coming weeks.
For more information or to access free campaign resources, visit the Office for Recreation, Sport and Racing website.
Related
Previous articleWhyalla’s beachfront set for $8.5 million transformation with new surf club and caféNext article$1 million campaign targets growing online gambling harm in South Australia
