UNITED under the banner of the Good Sports Program, leaders from the Limestone Coast Football Association (LCFA) are proud of the way players and officials conduct themselves on-and-off the soccer field.
Mount Gambier has seen a spike in drink-driving offences in recent months, which has included members of the community leaving licensed premises and sporting clubs.
The disappointing result has led to an ongoing message from police and The Border Watch to encourage everyone to “look out for their mates”.
It is a message that has been pushed and adhered to in the sporting association for several years.
“I do not remember the last time we had a drink-driving incident in our league, which is an absolute credit to everyone involved,” LCFA president Eric Nieto said.
“It is a strong fact that everybody looks after everybody when it comes to drinking and we are proud of that.”
International coach Tony D’Agostino said the Good Sports Program had been embraced by every club in the league since its inception.
“At Inter, we have a code of conduct that every player has to sign and we go through it at the start of every season,” Mr D’Agostino said.
“Our players are a good bunch of guys and they are truly leading the way – whenever we have a function, cabs and buses are always organised.”
He said evidence of the positive behaviour could be found in the car park on a Monday morning.
“You will find 10 or more cars in the car park, which have been left here from the previous night,” he said.
“I have never seen anyone say ‘I’m just going to risk it tonight’.
“There is a culture where these guys understand that you just cannot do it.”
Gambier Centrals president Shane Dycer said players were still able to have a good time while doing the right thing.
“We do not want to discourage our players from having fun and having a drink, however we just want to ensure they are making good decisions,” Mr Dycer said.
“We talk a lot about the consequences and how they far outweigh having to leave a car somewhere overnight.
“Our club is like family and we all know how tragedies can affect sporting clubs and small communities.”
