Increasing concerns surround violence at junior sports

Extra police patrols are set to be deployed around Broome’s Haynes Oval and Matsumoto Courts amid increasing concerns surrounding violent behaviour at junior sporting events.

A number of assaults have been reported to police in the last two months, including an incident where a group of girls physically attacked teenagers that were on their way to netball training.

The incident prompted the Broome Netball Association to send a written safety warning to parents and members about safe travel to and from training sessions and matches.

“We are taking the safety of our girls very seriously and have implemented a couple of things to help with us,” the notice read.

“We have been in contact with police with our concerns and they have assured us that they will be putting more patrols on around the oval and courts in the afternoons when there are training sessions and on Saturdays when games are being played.

“We have also asked all coaches, officials and committee members if they can stay around until the last girl is picked up after training and games.”

Police are investigating the incidents.