What should I do if I see another spectator abusing an official or harassing someone?

• Intervene if it is appropriate and safe. The Play by the Rules Spectator Code of Conduct asks spectators to intervene if they witness harassing behaviour by other spectators, where appropriate and safe.
• Call 000 if there is immediate danger or a threat to safety.
• Report it. Play by the Rules says verbal and physical abuse may breach the law or your sport's integrity policies, and that critical or harmful incidents should be reported. Clubs are encouraged to use ground marshals or other people on hand to address sideline behaviour, rather than leaving it to coaches and officials alone.
• Complaints can be made outside the club. Play by the Rules says clubs should promote the option of lodging complaints through Sport Integrity Australia or the national sporting organisation. For sports signed up to the National Integrity Framework, Sport Integrity Australia's Safe Sport Hotline is 1800 161 361 (7am to 7pm, 7 days a week).

Sources: Play by the Rules, Spectator Code of Conduct template (May 2025); Sideline Behaviour (May 2025); Community Child Safe Sport (April 2025); MPIO Complaint Referral Guide (2025).