What can I say publicly or online about referees, opponents and football administrators?
Rule- Australia
- Football Australia
- Community football
- All ages
- 2026
- Team managers
- NRSTR
- Code of Conduct
Under the National Code of Conduct and Ethics (clause 2.6), a Constituent (which includes Clubs, Players and Officials) must not make any comment, statement or representation to the public, including through any form of Media, that:
- is disparaging or derogatory of an Official (including a Match Official), an opposition team or any Player;
- is disparaging or critical of a Football Administrator, including any of its decisions or regulations, without reasonable basis or justification; or
- comments on any matter that is the subject of an ongoing hearing or proceeding before a judicial body, tribunal or committee of Football Australia (FA) or a Football Administrator.
A Constituent also must not disclose private, confidential or privileged information of a Football Administrator to an unauthorised person or organisation.
If an Official or Player makes a statement that, in the Football Administrator's absolute opinion, breaches clause 2.6, the Club they are registered with may also be sanctioned, separately from any sanction on the person who made the statement.
The Code also prohibits bullying (including cyber-bullying) and harassment (clause 2.5).
Added 24 Oct 2026