By DAVID NAGEL
THE West Gippsland Cricket Association (WGCA) has taken a tough stance in regards to its social media policy, suspending Pakenham batsman Bradey Welsh for three matches at a tribunal hearing last week.
Welsh, along with Pakenham team-mate Russell Lehman and Tooradin pair Aaron Avery and Tom Hussey were brought before the tribunal to front charges of social media harassment against Cardinia’s Neil Barfuss.
Lehman, Avery and Hussey were deemed to have no case to answer, leaving Welsh as the first player to be suspended under the WGCA’s new discipline procedures regarding social media.
Any member or club found to have sent inappropriate electronic communication, uploaded inappropriate website content or engaged in blogs or discussions that harass, offend, intimidate or humiliate another member or club, may face disciplinary action as outlined in the WGCA’s constitution, rules and by-laws.
WGCA general manager Rob Hansen said the association was bound to act after Barfuss raised the issue to the league board.
“We have an obligation, under the VCCL Member Protection By-Law, which was updated in 2011, to act, and the charge here was of bringing the WGCA into disrepute,” Hansen said.
Hansen also noted that the ongoing tensions between the Cardinia and Pakenham Cricket Clubs were an issue that needed resolving.”
Pakenham Cricket Club president Phil Anning said the club was disappointed with the result, but respected the decision handed down by the tribunal.
“We respect the decision, and we just hope this sends a clear message to all clubs and players about the behavioural standards that are required throughout the WGCA,” Anning said.
“We’ll work closely with Bradey, and all members of the Pakenham Cricket Club, to make sure we adhere to those standards in the future.”
