Bad boys policy
Damian Barrett | March 07, 2009
THE AFL has formalised its approach to errant footballers with the introduction of a policy forcing clubs to act on all examples of misbehaviour.
Titled Individual Conduct Policy, the document also says clubs must act on inappropriate actions of all other employees, including match-day support staff and even volunteers.
For serious criminal incidents, the AFL, via the establishment of a new tribunal to deal specifically with infringements under the conduct policy, will also impose sanctions.
AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou yesterday said the AFL Commission had signed-off on the policy and that it became effective immediately.
"The Individual Conduct Policy comes after a detailed review by the commission of a number of off-field incidents, and the response by the AFL and the respective AFL clubs," Demetriou said.
"The vast majority of more than 700 players behave impeccably, and make an outstanding contribution to their community and, for this policy to be successful, a whole-of-competition approach is essential covering boards, players, coaches, staff and the AFL."
The AFL's all-encompassing rule - 1.6, which deals with matters that bring the game into disrepute - will remain the rule under which the AFL will be empowered to act should it deem a club has failed to act adequately in sanctioning an errant player or official.
Such examples will be referred to a specially convened tribunal.
The policy, seen by the Herald Sun, reads in part: "In general terms, conduct unbecoming (which triggers rule 1.6) may be constituted by:
CONDUCT which has or may give rise to a charge or offence which in the event of a conviction could involve punishment by a term of imprisonment.
PUBLIC comment or conduct which damages or puts at risk the integrity and reputation of the AFL, its clubs, players and match officials and which is detrimental to the interests of, or public confidence in, the AFL, its member clubs, players and match officials.
AFL Players Association boss Brendon Gale said: "We are encouraged that there is a recognition that clubs and their leadership groups are to deal with matters first, and that the AFL has spelt out the circumstances under which the conduct unbecoming rule would be invoked."
When asked if drug addict Ben Cousins would be treated more or less favourably under the policy, Gale said: "That's a very good question."
Cousins was suspended for 12 months by the commission despite never having a police charge stick, and not infringing the AFL's drugs policies. http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/sport/afl/story/0,26576,25150261-19742,00.html
