The Sit Down Rule Returns to Country Footy and SANFL Wants it to Become the Norm
If you spent any time at footy earlier this season, you probably noticed something a little different.
The coaches were sitting down.
For many country clubs, it felt like a one-off round that came and went.
It wasn’t.
The Sit Down Rule is returning across SANFL Community Football competitions throughout South Australia over the next three weekends, finishing with the AFL’s National Sit Down Round on August 1 and 2.
But what plenty of people might not realise is that the Sit Down Rule has been years in the making. What began as a trial in SANFL Juniors has since become a mandated policy that’s now spreading across community footy.
Why Coaches Are Being Asked To Sit Down
Earlier this season, coaches across South Australia were asked to remain seated inside the coaching zone during play as part of the Sit Down Rule.
Mandatory rounds return on July 18 and July 25 across South Australia, before all AFL community football clubs across Australia take part in a nationally mandated Sit Down Rule round on August 1.
Several country leagues are also taking it a step further.
The Yorke Peninsula Football League will use the Sit Down Rule for the remainder of the season from July 18, while the Northern Areas Football Association has already held an additional round. The Adelaide Plains Football League is also planning more Sit Down Rule rounds later this season.
What’s Changed Since The Trial Began
The Sit Down Rule began as a trial in SANFL Juniors several years ago following concerns about sideline behaviour and abuse towards junior umpires. It’s since become a permanent part of the competition.
Rather than pacing the boundary and calling instructions every few seconds, coaches stay seated during play.
The thinking behind it is pretty simple – create a calmer environment around the game while reducing poor sideline behaviour.
SANFL says the approach also reduces “joystick coaching” encouraging coaches to let players solve more of the game themselves.
According to SANFL, the results have been hard to ignore.
Poor coach behaviour ratings dropped by 60 per cent during designated rounds, coaches receiving the highest behaviour rating increased by 80 per cent, and player red cards were reduced by 50 per cent.
Some SANFL clubs have even adopted the philosophy at every home game, not just during designated rounds.
Why One Coach Became A Believer
SANFL Community Football Operations Coordinator Simon Purdue hopes the Sit Down Rule eventually becomes “the norm rather than the exception” across community footy.
He admits he wasn’t always convinced himself.
“It changed my perspective on coaching when I started sitting down,” he said.
“Once you start sitting down you’re far less visible whether you are yelling or arm waving. You also take your time to watch the game better.”
Purdue said the rule had another benefits too.
“It also stops parents, team managers and kids on the bench standing on the sideline with you.
“Suddenly there are eight to 10 people standing there. One yells at the umpire and then they all are.”
The change has also had a significant impact on umpiring.
Purdue said the SANFL had seen umpire numbers more than double, with retention rates also improving as officials felt more comfortable without visible sideline abuse.
Not Everyone Is Sold
Like any change in footy, the Sit Down Rule has drawn plenty of debate.
Purdue said the biggest resistance often came before coaches had even tried it.
“Some coaches say, ‘I could never sit down, I can’t stand still.’
“But once they try it they realise it is a positive move and a great change to your emotional state.
“Coaches can still get up, they are not superglued to their chairs, but it calms the entire environment around the game for everyone, players, spectators, coaches and umpires.”
What Do You Reckon About The Sit Down Rule?
You’ve probably seen the Sit Down Rule in action by now.
Did you notice a difference?
Should it become the norm across community footy?
Or should coaches be free to coach however they like?
Read more about the Sit Down Rule and SANFL’s findings on the official SANFL website.
From grassroots sport to regional events, local business and everything in between, subscribe to the Greater SA newsletter and stay connected with what’s happening across South Australia.
