Leopards Leap by Graeme

[Nigel Gordon]

Well, the third story in the Leopards' series has started to be posted. We have the main characters from the previous two stories back in the action but also some new arrivals. It will be interesting to see where Graeme is going to take us in this telling. One thing one can be sure of is that the world around Jim and Tony is never boring!

You can find the story here:

http://awesomedude.com/graeme/leopards-leap/index.htm

[Pedro]

Each fortnightly fixture of this footie fable will be eagerly awaited.

Betweentimes I shall have to fire up the telly to watch the AFL.

[colinian]

We're lucky that where we live Wave Cable has a channel that shows Australian Rules Football matches. It's an exciting sport. I'm glad we have another series from Graeme to spark our interest and read about what goes on in the background and off the field.

Colin

[Lugnutz]

I just finished reading the second book again. Of course, I'll start the third and await further chapters, then read it yet again once it's complete. 6 months may do it.

[Nigel Gordon]

I just finished reading the second book again. Of course, I'll start the third and await further chapters, then read it yet again once it's complete. 6 months may do it.

I'm tempted to print them all off, bind them in a nice leather binding and have them sitting in my best reads pile at the side of the bed for when I wake up at three in the morning.

[Graeme]

Thanks for the kind words, everyone!

It's been pointed out to me that the link to the Western Bulldog's code of conduct in the Author's Notes for chapter 1 is broken. It will hopefully get fixed shortly, but in the meantime I just thought I'd go looking at some of the AFL club websites to see what other clubs said. Only a few have an explicit code of conduct on their website, but others have it as part of the membership terms and conditions. Here's a few (including the corrected one for the Western Bulldogs):

Western Bullogs Football Club

As Western Bulldogs Members we will abide by the values and the fundamental principles of our Club. While barracking and cheering are a part of our great game, Western Bulldogs members are accountable to the code of conduct that is represented through the Be Loud, Be Fair campaign.

Western Bulldogs Membership Code of Conduct:

1.) As a member of the Western Bulldogs Football Club, I will conduct myself in way which contributes to Western Bulldogs events being family-friendly enjoyable experiences for all who attend - this means refraining from engaging in disruptive and/or violent behaviour, foul or abusive language or obscene gestures.

2.) I will not engage in nor endorse any form of vilification on the basis of race, gender, religion, ethnicity, age or sexuality.

3.) While at Western Bulldogs games and events, I will not engage in conduct that could bring the Club or the game of Australian rules football into disrepute.

4.) In any forum, including in the media, where I am acting as a Western Bulldogs Member or am identifiable as a Bulldogs Member, I will not engage in conduct that could bring the Club or Australian rules football into disrepute.

5.) As a Western Bulldogs member, I have the right to hold and express robust views about our Club, our Board, Club Management and employees; and our players and team, but I will not display behaviour and language that is abusive or malicious.

6.) Should I breach any of the above conditions of membership, I understand the Club has the right to act in the following ways:

- Provide compulsory education sessions to correct any behaviours that are in conflict of the Code of Conduct
- Temporarily suspend membership until conflicting behaviours are resolved
- Revoke membership rights and privileges permanently should the Club deem the offence necessary of such action

“As a Club, we are against all forms of abuse, or any other action that degrades or disparages people and negatively impacts their match-day experience, our Club is for everyone and we want our fans to be expressive and in full voice when supporting our team, but we also expect that they are mindful of their surroundings.”

Peter Gordon
President
Western Bulldogs Football Club

St.Kilda Football Club

2015 ST KILDA FOOTBALL CLUB MEMBERSHIP TERMS AND CONDITIONS

The below terms and conditions govern the purchase of an St Kilda Football Club (St Kilda) Membership for season 2016. These terms and conditions are correct at the time of publishing but can change at any time at St Kilda’s discretion, in which case you will be notified of the relevant changes.

MEMBERS CODE OF CONDUCT

Whilst barracking and supporting your club is a vital part of the game, offensive language and gestures are not in the spirit of the game. Likewise, aggressive behaviour, including yelling and swearing when dealing with St Kilda staff, representatives or event staff will not be tolerated.

Furthermore, St Kilda Members who consume alcohol on a game day are to do so responsibly so that their behaviour does not adversely impact the event for other patrons within the reserve. Drunkenness at any level will not be tolerated.

Bullying and vilification towards players or other supporters is also unacceptable. By being a St Kilda Member, you are agreeing to be tolerant of diversity and to be inclusive of other members and supporters.

St Kilda Members who breach this code of conduct may face membership penalties including cancellation without refund. If a St Kilda Member is to encounter a problem on the day/night of a game, we ask that they contact an attendant or security guard to assist in dealing with the problem.

Adelaide Crows Football Club

11. Club Member Code of Conduct

While barracking and supporting your club is a vital part of the game, offensive or aggressive behaviour (including yelling and swearing when dealing with Club staff, agents or AFL or other event staff) will not be tolerated. Club Members who consume alcohol on a match day are to do so responsibly. Drunkenness will not be tolerated. Club Members who breach the behaviour code of conduct may face penalties including cancellation of Membership without refund. The Club endorses the AFL’s stance on vilification and has a zero-tolerance for members or supporters that abuse the opposition, opposition supporters, or umpires on grounds of race, religion, gender and sexuality.

And, for completeness, the AFL Vilification and Discrimination Policy

The AFL industry does not tolerate vilification in any form and is committed to ensuring safe, welcoming and inclusive environments for all people involved in Australian Football.

The AFL aims to address the issue of vilification and discrimination at all levels of Australian Football through the AFL Vilification and Discrimination Policy, which states:

“No League Participant or Club Official shall engage in conduct which may reasonably be considered to incite hatred towards, contempt for, ridicule of or discrimination against a person or group of persons on the ground of their:

• Race;
• Religion;
• Gender;
• Colour;
• Sexual preference, orientation or identity; or
• Special ability or disability.”

THE ISSUE

The issue of vilification and discrimination affects many sectors of the community and can significantly impact the health and well-being of both individuals and community groups. The following statistics show the importance of creating safe and welcoming environments for all people, regardless of their background.

• Research has established clear links between ethnic and race-based discrimination with issues such as depression, psychological distress, stress and anxiety.
• Almost a quarter (24.6 per cent) of Australia's population was born overseas and 43.1 per cent of people have at least one overseas-born parent.
• Indigenous players make up 6.5% of community football players. The percentage of Indigenous people in Australia is around 2.5%.
• Nearly 45% of the Australian population will experience a mental illness at some point in their lives.
• There are currently around 95,000 women playing football.
• 8.6% of men and 15.1% of women reported feelings of attraction to the same gender.

[Nigel Gordon]

Graeme is a fine writer and the extent of his ability is well illustrated in chapter 23. Not only has he managed to incorporate a reference to the injury to Phil Hughes, the cricketer, in a story about Australian Rules Football, he has done so in a way that makes it relevant to the story and provides information to the reader. He uses the incident to challenge the reader about some perceptions around professional sport and the fees paid to athletes. In his afterword Graeme says he struggled with putting in the reference to Phil Hughes. I am glad he did. It fits well with the story, illustrates an important issue and gives an insight into the thinking and motivation of the characters.

A fine bit of writing that is very well done.

[Graeme]

Thank you It took me a long time to decide what to do about that incident.

[Lugnutz]

I've seen a few that died off the field to an on field injury.

[Pedro]

The final chapter of book three about the Leopards has now posted. Only thing to do -put some tinnies in the eskie by the side of the chair, sit down and watch the footie this arvo then start book one again.

Thank you Graeme for this excellent well crafted story, seasoned with just enough background information to to enlighten pommies (and others) about Aussie Rules football and the professional set up. I will miss the guys. Unless or until you can be persuaded to send reports from Lilydale again next season.

[Graeme]

Thanks, Pedro!

I'm working on something, but I can't make any promises. I've got an idea for a spin-off novel, but it'll take time to gel, especially as I have another novel I'm currently working that starts posting next weekend.

[Nigel Gordon]

Thank you Graeme for a delightfully well crafted and well told story.