Media Statement Wednesday, May 24, 2017 - 4:49 PM

The West Australian Football Commission (WAFC), WA Country Football League (WACFL) and Central Midlands Coastal Football League (CMCFL) have applied the maximum penalty under the competition’s by-laws to Cervantes Football Club (CFC) President Dale Simmons.

Mr Simmons has been fined $1000 for the disrespectful comments he made on his public social media account towards women involved with football, the proceeds of which the CMCFL will allocate towards female football development in the region.

Mr Simmons has also agreed to stand down as Cervantes Football Club President and will be replaced immediately by committee member Rayelene Wright.

The WAFC will also work closely with the WACFL, CMCFL and CFC to deliver the AFL Respect and Responsibility education program to club members and participants to ensure safe and inclusive environments are provided for women.

WAFC Chief Executive Officer Gavin Taylor said that any form of disrespect towards women was completely unacceptable and that it was important everyone involved with football is united in challenging and addressing unacceptable behavior and being accountable for each other’s actions.

“Female football is an important, popular and growing part of our game. Some of the most passionate, hard-working and committed people involved with football are women. They deserve respect and admiration for what they do both on and off the field and should never be subjected to any form of sexist or disrespectful behavior,” he said.

“A key objective of implementing the AFL Respect and Responsibility program is to create welcoming and inclusive environments for women at all levels of football.

“In addition to this, we are also committed to creating more opportunities for women to take on key leadership roles within football and I congratulate Rayelene Wright on taking up the position of club President at Cervantes.”

Mr Simmons has accepted the sanction and said he was remorseful and apologetic for the comments he had made.

“I am genuinely sorry for what I said and understand it has been really upsetting for a lot of people. I apologise for my actions and have agreed to step down as President in the best interests of the Cervantes Football Club,” he said.