Treating the opposition as a Guest at our home games

An underlying fundamental of #dontbethatparent (#dbtp) awareness program is what we do at our home ground to support good sideline behaviour.

The origins of this came from an Under 12 Team back in early 2000s.

Treating the opposition as a guest at our club, after all we are hosting and it’s our home ground. But why? you ask, they are the opposition!!

Here is the logic and a little bit of psychology, if an opposition team is made to feel welcome, any issues that may occur during the game can often be resolved with a level of initial trust and respect.
So, what do we do that is so important at our home game:
We welcome the opposition to our club and give the opposition team manager a free coffee voucher. This builds credibility between the team managers and helps them form a bond on running a smooth game.

We give the opposition best player a canteen voucher at the end of the game, re-enforcing our club values of respect and leaves the opposition win/ lose or draw feeling good. There is always a cheer by the opposition team for their player who gets this award. Something about it being voted on/ chosen by your opposition adds credibility to it.
There is an initial rapport, and we have a common objective that we are all here for our kids to play footy!!

A huge callout to our Team Managers, Coaches and Officials who make this happen each week.
Have a great game today, don’t say “ball” or “umpire” and don’t be that parent or supporter.

Encourage our kids and be a positive role model. Supporting Junior Football doesn’t mean yelling at our umpires or screaming from the boundary.

#dontbethatparent Member Clubs
Moonee Valley (originating Club)
Ascot vale
Burnside Heights
Coburg Juniors
East Sunbury
Gisborne Rookies
Hadfield
Hillside
Keilor Park
Maribyrnong Park
St Albans
Sunbury Lions Junior
Taylors Lakes
West Meadows
West Coburg


Brad Young
MVFC Juniors
#Dontbethatparent Ambassador

Location

Ormond Park