Over the next two rounds, the Eastern Football League and Eastern Region Girls junior competitions will be launching a new initiative, ‘EFL Silent Sunday’.
Some key objectives are:
• Give players an opportunity to trust their skills and instincts without sideline input and/or correction
• Remind coaches, parents & players that PRACTICE is the time to learn and receive instruction. GAMES are to showcase their learning
• Remind everyone that junior football is solely for the kids and their enjoyment
• To support the umpires who are officiating the game and developing their skills
DO
– Clap and cheer after each score only (for both sides)
– Encourage players and umpires
– Enjoy the game
DON’T
– Verbally abuse umpires
– Verbally attempt to correct or instruct umpire’s decision
– Verbally abuse players
– Verbally attempt to correct or instruct players.
– Verbally abuse any opposition players, officials or supporters
Clubs also have the opportunity to opt-in with the two below extras; these however are not compulsory.
Quarter-time breaks
Clubs can opt to have no spectators on the ground during the quarter-time and three-quarter time breaks. This will help ensure the coaching/instructing messaging is coming from the coaching staff (please communicate with the opposition club’s team managers and announce on PA should your club wish to include this option).
PA announcements
Prior to the commencement of the game, those clubs with a working PA system can choose to deliver a message before each game (this has been communicated to clubs). Clubs may also utilise the PA at half time of games to remind spectators of the guidelines.
Please note: The decision for the above extras will be the preference of the home club.
