SMJFL White Card System

At Port Melbourne Colts, we are committed to creating a safe, respectful and positive environment for all players, officials and families.

The SMJFL has strengthened its expectations around behaviour towards umpires, supported by the White Card System, which applies to all clubs and participants.

These rules are governed by the official SMJFL By-Laws.

Code of Conduct – Zero Tolerance

All participants are bound by SMJFL By-Laws, including:

  • Players
  • Coaches
  • Team Officials
  • Parents & spectators

There is zero tolerance for:

  • Arguing or disputing umpire decisions
  • Verbal abuse or intimidation
  • Demonstrative or aggressive behaviour
  • Any conduct that undermines respect for umpires

Coaches are specifically responsible for setting behaviour standards and ensuring their team and supporters act appropriately.

Team Managers are responsible for addressing behaviour from their own spectators.

What is the White Card?

The White Card system (Appendix 1 of the By-Laws) is used by umpires to manage poor behaviour from:

  • The team bench
  • Coaches or officials
  • Spectators

It is designed to immediately stop unacceptable behaviour and protect umpires.

What Happens if a White Card is Issued?

While the exact application is detailed in the By-Laws (Appendix 1), key impacts include:

  • The offending team is penalised immediately
  • Behaviour must stop instantly
  • Further misconduct can lead to:
    • Reports to the league
    • Additional penalties or sanctions
    • Possible escalation to tribunal processes

The White Card system forms part of the SMJFL’s broader enforcement and penalty framework.

Club Responsibilities

Coaches

  • Lead by example at all times
  • Do not engage with umpires during play
  • Ensure players and supporters behave appropriately

Team Managers

  • Monitor and manage sideline behaviour
  • Step in early to prevent escalation
  • Support umpires and officials

Parents & Spectators

  • Encourage and support - don't criticise
  • Respect all decisions
  • Remember this is junior football

Why This Matters

  • Umpires are essential - without them, games cannot be played
  • Many umpires are young and developing
  • Poor behaviour is the leading cause of umpire drop-off

As a club, we are committed to being known for:

  • Respect
  • Strong culture
  • Supporting development at all levels

Our Club Standard

If it's not respectful, it's not acceptable.

Further Information

For full details, including the White Card system and penalties, refer to the official SMJFL By-Laws.