Football Queensland launches Protect Our Game initiative

Avatar
Protect Our Game Initiative
Image credit: Football Queensland

Football Queensland have introduced the Protect Our Game initiative, taking the lead in the fight against abuse.

With the launch of the Protect Our Game project, Football Queensland has reaffirmed its commitment to eradicating bad behaviour from the game. The organisation is also taking the lead in combating abuse by implementing a bold and effective Three Strike Policy and new reporting system.

The Three Strike Policy applies to clubs where instances of abuse or misbehaviour directed at referees or other members of the football community – from spectators, club officials, team officials, players and clubs – are reported.

Strikes do not replace sanctions or penalties that may be applied or issued to individuals, as a consequence of breaches of the FQ Disciplinary Regulations, or any other conduct that may have occurred in circumstances associated with the determination of a strike. The enforcement outcome of a strike will always be ‘in addition to’ any individual’s disciplinary determination.

“It has been alarming to see a considerable increase in reports of abuse, particularly against referees, and other forms of unacceptable behaviour both on and off the field this season,” FQ President Paula Robinson said via press release.

“More than 1,200 red cards have already been issued in 2023, while off the field we’ve received many reports of concerning incidents involving players, parents and referees.

FQ CEO Robert Cavallucci added in a statement:

“As the state’s governing body, Football Queensland recognises the importance of leading the way in developing and investing in the necessary policies to support and protect our participants across the state”.

“Our referees in particular play a crucial role in the delivery of our game, and we must do everything we can to ensure football remains a safe place for match officials and for all who love our game.

“As we roll out a strengthened Three Strike Policy and new reporting mechanism after the initial launch of Protect Our Game last year, we’re calling on all participants, spectators and club members to help us eliminate poor behaviour from our game by reporting any instances of abuse, violence and other incidents through the new QR code process.”

The Three Strike Policy came into effect from Monday, July 10 2023 and applies to all new incidents from this date.

Key concerns for FIFPRO’s Player Workload Monitoring report

Avatar
Image credit: Jude Bellingham Instagram

FIFPRO has recently released their annual Player Performance and Recovery report for 2024, this report is developed by FIFPRO IQ in conjunction with Football Benchmark, a leading data and analysis group on football business.

The report explains in detail the problems facing professional footballers by leaders within the industry and the players themselves. This report not only factors in the physical impact of the sport but also the psychological impact.

FIFPRO’s Player Workload Monitoring tool (PWM) the primary system behind this report monitors 1500 players spread across 100 leagues and 150 nationalities.

They have pointed out the obvious lack of appreciation by tournament organisers for the physical and mental well-being of football players and an evident lack of organised calendar planning.

Acting FIFPRO General Secretary Stephane Burchkalter stressed the importance of this report via press release:

“We release these reports for a good reason. Because, today, we face one of the most serious and urgent problems in our sport. A problem that results from the abuse of governance and a failure of the duty of care. The holistic workload that confronts our players is unprecedented. It has produced a physical and mental fatigue that is now dangerous.”

With increased match loads, travel loads and shortening of preparation the risks have never been higher with 54% of PMW players experiencing excessive or high-demand workloads.

88% of players’ time is recorded to be spent in the workplace environment and 17% in national team environments.

The world-renowned Uruguayan coach Marco Bielsa stated via press release:

“To ignore the consequences of the number of games and amount of travelling will end in injuries for any player.”

This report identifies that some players have seen their free time fall to nearly 12% of the calendar year, which adds up to less than a single day off per week. This fails to comply with international Occupational Safety and Health standards.

There have been calls for a guaranteed rest period which 72% of players and 78% of coaches support.

As the demand for games grows and the push for more revenue skyrockets, the players see their health and voices continue to deteriorate.

This report and FIFAPRO highlight the firm action that needs to happen to protect the stars of the sport.

For more information about the report, read more here.

AFCAS recruitment and scouting workshops coming to Australia

Avatar
Image credit: AFCAS website

The Association of Football Coaching and Scouting (AFCAS) have confirmed that their recruitment and player scouting workshops are coming to Australia.

These interactive workshops are all online and led by AFCAS managing director Ged Searson – a professional football scout with over 15 years of experience and who has also been a football coach for almost 30 years, learning from the likes of Sir Bobby Robson.

Searson has previously worked as a scout for clubs such as West Ham United, Grimsby Town FC and Leyton Orient FC in England.

Most recently, he served as the chief scout and analyst of the Malawi national team during the 2022 African Cup of Nations in Cameroon going as far as the Round of 16.

The workshops run for three and a half hours over two evenings and are designed for both new and experienced football scouts aiming to enhance their skills and development.

This will also be helpful for football coaches and agents to help them improve their scouting abilities and also to gain an understanding of the recruitment process at professional football clubs.

Throughout these workshops, video footage will be used to complete scouting tasks giving participants the chance to practice scouting techniques.

Attendees will also develop a better understanding of how professional clubs scout players and how recruitment systems operate at the highest levels of football.

Some of the content in these workshops will include:

  • Learning various professional football scouting techniques and skills.
  • Learn how to write and create your own scouting reports.
  • Understanding different types of scout reporting and assignments.
  • Assessing player performance in different playing positions.

These workshops are limited to nine attendees, creating opportunities to interact with not only the presenter but also fellow attendees and it will provide potential networking opportunities with different people in the football industry.

Participants will also receive a scouting pack, including software, to complete their own scouting reports following the workshop.

The sessions will run on Wednesday, September 11 from 7 pm – 10:30 pm and on Friday, September 13 from 6:30 pm – 10 pm.

If you are interested in having a career in the football industry, click the link to claim your spot in these online workshops.

For more information about AFCAS, visit the website.

Most Popular Topics

Editor Picks

Send this to a friend