Victoria Police, Blue Ribbon Foundation
What is the Spirit of Football & Netball Award?
Named in Honour of Detective Senior Constable Bob Lane who was senselessly murdered in the line of duty on Friday 13 July 1979, at the time the coach of Lalbert FC.* The Bob Lane-Spirit of Football & Netball Awards Program works to reduce youth violence and aggressive attitudes by rewarding fair play on our footy fields and netballcourts.
We aim to impress upon young people that winning at all costs is not as important as how we play the game and how we treat and respect others who are also trying to achieve enjoyment from the sport. The Best Player may not only be the most talented footballer or netballer, he/she should also be an ambassador for our sport and a role model for other competitors. At each match the umpires will choose the two most prominent players from each competing team and award them 1 to 10 points for:
Skill Level/Playing Performance
Behaviour/Team Spirit/Sportsmanship
Courtesy Respect for Officials
Pictured:1 Jacob Bull receiving his (Round 9) award from Senior Constable Dean Closter
Pictured:2 Stephanie Hartshorn receiving her (Round 2) Spirit of Netball Award
Pictured 3: Nelson Mensforth receiving his (Round 16) Spirit of Football Award
Pictured 4: Maddison White receiving her (Round 16) Spirit of Netball Award