Competitions

A word about competition and aggressive behaviour

G'day, my name is Jim Longbottom, and I am the Executive Minister here at Warwick.

We all love our competition, in fact it is obvious to me that no matter how old we get, the competitive spirit is still strong, particularly with us blokes. There is nothing wrong with a competitive spirit if we hold it in check. What I observe too often from people who come before the tribunal is that the competitive in us gets mixed up with the other frustrations of life and translates into aggressive and bullying behaviour.

We need to find ways of managing our anger on the court and let the exercise and mateship be the important issues. At the end of the day, as Alex Clarke is often heard to say "It's all over a pair of socks" (or whatever else the trophy is)

You have it on good authority.... there are no sheep stations!

So all you competitors, young and old, get things into perspective, a hit in anger in a split second has all the ability to have consequences for a lifetime. INCIDENTALLY - that goes for "ugly parent" syndrome as well - think about what values you are teaching your child.... for their sake.

A final point: Your ability to play at Warwick as a team or an individual is by our invitation. Teams or individuals who will not comply with our standards of behaviour will have their invitation to play withdrawn.

Tribunal

We operate a sport tribunal to apply discipline and consequences to unacceptable behaviour on court.

Hopefully, you will never have to appear before the tribunal, but if you do, here are some things that will be helpful to know (though you will be told at the time):

• The tribunal is not a court of law, and as such you may not bring representation (legal or otherwise).

• Anyone under the age of 18 must have a parent present at the hearing.

• You will be notified in writing of the charge or charges ahead of time, and an appropriate hearing time will be negotiated with you.

• The purpose of the tribunal is discipline, not punishment. Our main aim is to get you back on court in the minimum possible time.

• You will be asked to plead guilty or not guilty. Mitigating circumstances are just that, they do not change the plea. It is always best to plead guilty if you are, then raise mitigating circumstances for consideration. Our role is to create a picture of what has happened. On some occasions we have charged the other player with the same offence to properly handle the situation and, more importantly, avoid any further occurrences.

• We operate with a set of standard penalties for charges, but we often suspend part of a penalty, dependant on good behaviour. Another appearance for which you are found guilty will have the suspended penalty added to it.

• People who refuse to appear always receive the maximum penalty, and are mostly invited not to return to play.

• You may bring witnesses to corroborate your story, though a reasonable number will apply.

• Procedurally:

  • You are read the charge/s and asked to plead.

  • Witnesses leave and we listen to the referees.

  • You may ask referees relevant questions through the chair of the tribunal.

  • The referees leave.

  • We listen to your account of the incident and ask questions of clarification.

  • We invite witnesses one by one to give their account, and we ask questions of clarification.

  • We ask you to leave the room whilst we deliberate

  • We invite you back in, announce penalties if appropriate and have you sign the tribunal findings form acknowledging the results.

  • You are given a copy of the findings form.