Football NSW’s ‘Don’t Cross the Line’ handbook addresses sport rage

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After seeing a rise in sport rage related incidents across some associations in the state, Football NSW has published the ‘Don’t Cross the Line’ handbook, in order to take action against this increase.

In response to undesired media condemnation and the efforts taken by some associations in admonishing clubs with the potential of a competition shutdown, Football NSW views the document as a guide towards future prevention of harm from abusive actions.

The guide seeks to provide associations with the tools to develop an optimal, safe and enjoyable football environment for all, whilst addressing the causes of sport rage and the measures that can decrease the number of incidents. Clubs can become equipped to adequately deal with and sanction inappropriate behaviour.

Feedback was retrieved from a variety of football associations and participants across the state regarding their experiences with sport rage, all of whom were instrumental in the creation of the new document.

In a statement co-written by Football NSW’s Chairman Anter Isaac and Chief Executive Officer Stuart Hodge, the pair acknowledged the need to proactively address sport rage in an effective manner.

“Sport rage is violence, bad language, abuse and general unacceptable behaviour that does not meet community expectations,” they said in a joint statement.

“Sport rage is a growing concern as we live in a faster, competitive, technology driven (social media) and more stressful society today.

“It is simply not acceptable that children and young people are exposed to any form of abuse whilst participating in football and there is a pressing need to address poor behaviour to ensure we foster the physical, mental and emotional growth and development of our participants.”

Football NSW, in tandem with Football Australia and all of the other Member Federations, has worked to produce a ‘Safeguarding Children’ toolkit, which will set the principles and benchmarks that need adhering to by associations in order to protect children and young people.

Additionally, Football NSW is seeking to initiate sessions to be run by communities and associations dedicated to dealing with sport rage, including methods of conflict resolution to be put in place on the side line.

You can view the ‘Don’t Cross the Line’ handbook here.

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Canada Soccer to begin new National Training Centre project

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Image credit: ACHPF / Shutterstock.com

Backed by the Government of Canada with an investment worth nearly AUD 10 million ($9,826,000), the project aims to establish a world-class facility for athletes, coaches and communities.

Building the sport and community

The investment comes as part of the Build Communities Strong Fund (BCSF), an ambitious program of the Government of Canada which will provide AUD 51 billion ($51 billion) to infrastructure projects over 10 years.

However, the Canada Soccer Training Centre is one key project which will benefit from such substantial investment. But the project isn’t just for future players – it will help boost economic activity and create a facility built for excellence and growth.

“It is about creating a world-class sport facility where athletes can train and represent Canada at their best,” explained Secretary of State (Sport), Honourable Adam van Koeverden, via press release.

“From the playground to the podium, it is projects like this that provide athletes, coaches, local families and communities with vibrant, accessible spaces to fuel participation, connection, and a growing passion for sport.”

President of Canada Soccer, Peter Auguros, further expressed his gratitude for the investment and what it could bring future generations.

“This support reflects a shared belief in the power of sport to strengthen communities and develop the next generation of Canadian talent. We are proud to partner in building infrastructure that will benefit our athletes and help shape the future of the sport in Canada.”

 

Growth gains momentum

With the FIFA World Cup 2026 set to kick off in a few short weeks, Canada Soccer’s plan for a National Training Centre Project is symbolic of long-term vision.

The tournament is not a final flourish, but a stepping stone to accelerated growth.

And this is not a short-term setup.

As President of Concacaf and Vice-Preisdent of FIFA, Victori Montagliani explained, this is a project designed to survive for generations.

“The development of a National Training Centre in Canada represents an important legacy project for the country and it is always a positive sign when our members invest in infrastructure across the region.”

 

Final thoughts

The project, therefore, perfectly aligns a growing buzz for football across the region with intentional investment and ambition.

And although the action must eventually stop on the pitch, Canada Soccer are ensuring that growth continues long after the tournament’s final whistle.

Female Football Week kicks off across Northern NSW

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Female Football Week has officially begun across Northern NSW, with a program of gala days, networking events and awards ceremonies running until Sunday May 17, marking a ten-day celebration that organisers say reflects both the growth of women’s football in the region and the work still required to sustain it.

The national initiative, now a fixture on the football calendar, provides a dedicated period of visibility for female participants across all levels of the game from players, coaches, referees to volunteers, whose contributions have historically received less recognition than their male counterparts.

NNSWF Participation and Women’s Football Officer Serena Carter said the week offered something for everyone connected to women’s football in the region.

“Female Football Week provides a fantastic chance to highlight the dedication and skill of female players, coaches, referees and volunteers across the northern NSW community,” Carter said. “There’s something for everyone to enjoy, from grassroots participants to elite competitors.”

Women’s football in northern NSW spans remote and regional communities where clubs operate on limited resources, alongside more established metropolitan programs with clearer development pathways. Female Football Week creates a moment of shared recognition across that spectrum and acknowledges the role volunteers play, from running the canteen to progressing through the pathway.

Northern NSW Football has recorded some of its strongest participation numbers in women’s and girls’ football in recent seasons, a trend that has placed increasing pressure on clubs and facilities to keep pace. The week’s events offer clubs an opportunity to showcase their commitment to diversity and inclusion at a time when that commitment is being tested by growth.

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