THE WA Football Commission has thrown its support behind a Hills junior football club after a directive was sent out to metro central clubs forbidding them from singing their club song after each game or risk being fined.
The Darlington Junior Football Club was told to sing its club song after training sessions rather than at a game to avoid any confusion about winning or losing because scores are not recorded at junior matches.
Club president Brodie Della said it was not the first time they had been told to stop singing their song.
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READ NOW“Every year we have been asked to stop doing it,” he said.
What the District, the Commission and general public miss is that we sing the song each week, win, lose, draw, rain, hail, shine.
“It’s not about winning. It’s about creating relationships and developing spirit.”
Parent Dave Fry said he was “disgusted” at the directive which was sent to all clubs in the metro central district including Swan Districts, East Perth and Perth.
“My son has a form of muscular dystrophy and gets out every week despite his disability and pain,” he said.
“He plays alongside his mates and tries his guts out.
“After each game they sing their song loud and proud every week and without care for the scoreline.
“This builds camaraderie and pride within the club.”
WAFC chief executive Gavin Taylor said the commission encouraged all junior players to sing their team song after a game whether they kept score, won, lost or drew.
“Singing the team song together builds great team spirit and camaraderie and is an important part of the match-day experience for junior players,” he said.
“The WAFC has confirmed that a directive was recently sent at a local competition level to sing the team song at training sessions rather than after a game to avoid any confusion about winning or losing.
“The WAFC does not endorse this position and is emphasising this to all junior clubs and competitions.
“We apologise for any inconvenience this has caused to coaches, parents and players.
“Fun should be the focus for junior footy teams and singing the team song after every game is a great part of making footy an enjoyable experience for our juniors regardless of the result of the game.
“Creating positive experiences for players, building team spirit, ensuring players get lots of touches of the footy in the game and are deeply engaged, is part of the direction we are taking the game.
“Team songs clearly fit into building team spirit and should be a fun way of celebrating every game.”