How do I handle abuse from spectators or coaches?
Guideline- Australia
- Football Australia
- Coles MiniRoos
- MiniRoos Club Football
- Ages 5-11
- Under 6 to Under 11
- 2026
- Referees
Football Australia's XI Standards of Respect apply to players, coaches, match officials, club officials, parents and spectators alike. Two directly cover abuse of officials:
- Standard II: "We respect the referee's decision." Officials may make mistakes, but people do not question their integrity, abuse or belittle them.
- Standard V: people do not engage in or tolerate offensive, insulting or abusive behaviour or language, and do not intimidate or abuse opponents or officials.
For MiniRoos, the Game Leader's job includes making sure team officials and parents create a safe, enjoyable and positive environment for the children, and Standard IV asks adults to give only positive encouragement from the sideline. Standard XI asks everyone to call out poor behaviour. Abuse that breaches these standards can be pursued through the National Complaints Procedure (see the question on reporting).
Sources: https://www.footballaustralia.com.au/member-protection/xi-standards-respect and the Coles MiniRoos National Playing Formats and Rules.
Updated 24 Oct 2026