What are the rules on spectator behaviour, and is the club responsible for its supporters?

Football Australia's Spectator Code of Behaviour applies to spectators at a Match or other activity staged or sanctioned by Football Australia (FA), a Member Federation, a District Association or a Club. Spectators must:

1. respect the decisions of Match Officials and teach children to do the same;
2. never ridicule or scold a child for making a mistake;
3. respect the rights, dignity and worth of every person regardless of age, gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, ability, race, colour, religion, language, politics, national or ethnic origin;
4. never use violence towards anyone, including spectators, Players or Match/Team Officials (including Coaches);
5. not discriminate, harass or abuse anyone, including by obscene or offensive language or gestures, or incitement of hatred or violence;
6. comply with the Terms of Admission;
7. not display offensive or vilifying banners, signs or flags;
8. never throw missiles or objects at Players, Match Officials or spectators;
9. not obscure other spectators' view;
10. not enter the field of play without lawful authority; and
11. refrain from disorderly conduct that may injure the reputation of FA and football.

Anyone who does not comply, or causes a disturbance, may be evicted and banned from future Matches.

Club responsibility: under the National Code of Conduct and Ethics, a Club is responsible and liable for the conduct of its Supporters (which includes Club members and active supporter groups). A Club is deemed to have breached the Code where its Supporters engage in Misconduct at or in connection with a Match. The Code also says the Match host body is responsible for implementing and enforcing the Spectator Code of Behaviour for all attendees.

Sources: Spectator Code of Behaviour, National Code of Conduct and Ethics (August 2026), clause 3.