Download Team Lace Up Campaign

WorkSafe AFL Victoria Country Record Article (NO.13)
TEAM LACE UP WEEK
AFL Victoria is lacing up this week for STEP. BACK. THINK’s Team Lace Up campaign.
Held during June 20-26, the Team Lace Up campaign raises awareness of the causes and
consequences of social violence by encouraging Australian sporting clubs of all codes, levels and ages
to show their commitment to ending social violence by wearing orange laces.
In support of the campaign, more than 70 community football clubs as well as and a number of Peter
Jackson VFL and TAC Cup clubs have signed up to be part of the 40,000-strong movement to end
social violence and wear orange laces this weekend.
AFL Victoria CEO Steven Reaper said that the commitment to ending social violence was one all
community sporting clubs should embrace.
“Sports clubs go a long way in helping individuals form positive relationships with others, so I
encourage all football and netball clubs to spread the message and ensure their community is not a
victim of senseless acts of violence,” Reaper said.
“It is important that we do our part to help stop this violent culture and we hope by wearing orange
laces it will stimulate conversation between coaches, friends, parents and kids about the life
changing consequences a violent physical act can cause.”
Social violence consists of one-punch assaults, pub brawls, street fights as well as interpersonal
physical violence that occur in a community setting.
Since January 2016, there have already been eight lives lost to social violence, including 19-year-old
Victorian footballer, Patrick Cronin.
The effects of social violence are devastating and ripple through society, far beyond the immediate
consequences for victims or perpetrators.
AFL Victoria hopes the wearing of the orange laces across all corners of the State will bring the issue
of street violence to the attention of all Victorians, and help educate people about how to behave
when confronted with a potentially explosive situation.
Share your involvement in the 2016 Team Lace Up campaign on social media this weekend and
contribute to the STEP. BACK. THINK pledge using the hashtag #TeamLaceUp
Together we can build a safer and more respectful community.
For more information on the Team Lace Up campaign, visit www.teamlaceup.com.au