Football South Coast to crack down on swearing

ADAM PENGILLY
15 Jun, 2012 04:00 AM

Foul-mouthed footballers will remain on notice for the remainder of the season despite Football South Coast’s crackdown on swearing beginning to take effect.

Fifty-seven red cards have been dished out for swearing across the Illawarra Premier League and District League competitions at the half-way point of the 2012 season.

It’s an alarming 54 per cent increase on the amount of dismissals (26) for the same offence at the corresponding point of the last campaign.

FSC’s attempt to create family-oriented venues for supporters resulted in a spate of dismissals to start the season, but the message seems to have been heeded in recent weeks.

Men’s football co-ordinator David Naylor said players were beginning to adhere to the swearing edict, but FSC were still hoping for more co-operation from the public.

‘‘It does appear to be working as the language has toned down quite dramatically,’’ he said.

‘‘We’re trying to create a family-friendly environment at our grounds and we’re also looking for support from the supporters as well because some of the language you hear from them is just as bad.

‘‘Unless the public get behind it, it’s very hard to enforce. You need a combined effort from everybody involved.’’

Naylor admitted the refereeing panel were still aiming to reach a premium level of consistency on a ground-to-ground basis.

But he said the number of red cards for other offences had dropped markedly on previous seasons.

Pacesetters Dapto Dandaloo have felt the wrath of the referees most at the half-way point of the league season, clocking up five red cards in just 11 games.

Coniston and Albion Park (four each) have also become accustomed to playing without their full complement.

The IPL’s most recent round featured a season-high four dismissals, with the Fury and Coniston both reduced to nine men. None were sent off for swearing.

http://www.illawarramercury.com.au/news/local/sport/football-soccer/football-south-coast-to-crack-down-on-swearing/2591309.aspx