Rolling out across community sporting clubs and digital platforms, the Sideline abuse is abuse campaign features clear, direct messaging that calls sideline abuse for what it is - abuse.

The initiative reinforces the message that everyone has a role to play in creating safe, inclusive and positive sporting environments.

The campaign comes in response to growing concerns about inappropriate spectator behaviour directed towards players, volunteers, coaches and officials, and seeks to encourage respect both on and off the field.

Research shows negative sideline behaviour is contributing to volunteer burnout, with many volunteers choosing to leave sport as a result.

Sport Integrity Australia's 2025 'Hear Me Play' survey found that the more frequently young people are exposed to negative experiences in sport, the more likely they are to view those behaviours as normal.

Poor sideline behaviour can contribute to children dropping out of sport, with young people often influenced by the actions of parents and spectators, highlighting the importance of positive role modelling from adults.

Sporting organisations across South Australia have also been implementing initiatives to improve sideline behaviour.

Basketball SA introduced its updated Behaviour Management Framework and Warning Card System at the beginning of this year, empowering authorised staff to address inappropriate spectator conduct before it escalates.

The framework was developed in response to feedback from referees and the need for stronger, more consistent tools to manage sideline behaviour across competitions, with more than 70 per cent of referees reporting they had experienced verbal abuse.

Through the Sideline abuse is abuse campaign, sporting organisations will be better equipped to consistently promote respectful behaviour and foster positive environments for participants, volunteers, officials and spectators.

Downloadable campaign resources are available at: www.orsr.sa.gov.au/sector-success/sideline-behaviour

Quotes attributable to Basketball SA Chair, James Kitching

Our spectator Warning Card pilot is about setting clear expectations and making it known that inappropriate spectator behaviour is not acceptable in basketball.

The early results are encouraging, and our review will help us refine the process and determine how it can be strengthened.

We know that changing sideline behaviour takes more than one initiative, which is why collaboration across the sporting sector is so important.

Every player, official, coach and volunteer deserves to be part of a sport where respect comes first.