The values which led to Somerset being named Football Tasmania’s Club Changer Club of the Month for October date back to its establishment in 1979.
This is the firm belief of Sharks president and newly-recognised Tasmanian Football Hall of Fame inaugural member David Pease.
“Principally, Somerset Soccer Club was formed to provide an inclusive environment where every member is valued equally irrespective of playing ability, ethnicity, educational attainment or family background,” Pease explained.
“This foundation principle of equality remains through an overriding and non-negotiable value of showing respect to all.”
Pease said the values and behaviour expectations are communicated by coaches and club leaders, beginning at junior level and reinforced consistently at every age group above so that by the time players and supporters reach the senior ranks there is a clear understanding.
“By instilling these standards at an early age anyone that joins the Sharks at a later stage quickly adapts to the ethics expected,” he added.
Inevitably in a club of 200 players plus parents and supporters, occasions occur where values and behaviours are challenged and questioned. Pease said the committee will discuss such occurrences and determine if changes to expected behaviours and values should be made. And on the rare occasion a member is not content with the judgement, the matter can be escalated to a Member Protection Information Officer.
“Fortunately, the overarching ethic of respect for all has remained as a key driver and provides a framework for all the practices that we have developed over the decades.
“Examples include players greeting coaches at every training and game, acknowledging officials and the opposition after every game, welcoming and thanking senior teams for travelling and playing at Shark Park, providing after-game food where appropriate, emphasising no bullying and that every club member’s opinion will be listened to and valued.”
The result of this approach has helped Somerset grow and thrive, becoming Northern champions nine times (including five on the trot from 2013-17) and adding the state championship in 2006.
“In creating and enforcing these principles we have been able to create a friendly and welcoming environment while still maintaining a competitive playing setting,” Pease said.
“This is naturally a fine balancing act as the nature of football requires, particularly at senior level, a strong desire to win. The ability for an individual to recognise when they have overstepped the club and team-imposed ‘line’ is critical in maintaining a club that people want to be a part of.
“When working at its best, and when involved at the club for an extended period of time, people will actually apologise for unbecoming behaviours before their peers raise an issue.
“Values and behaviours become self-policing. Moving on from incidents, be they a referee’s decision or a difference of opinion with another club member, is continually reinforced so that the past does not negatively influence the future.”
Pease, who played over 250 senior games for Somerset and has served as captain, coach, treasurer, secretary and president, was inducted into the state hall of fame in September in recognition of his “exceptional contribution” to the Sharks and North-West football in general.
He said the club is proud of the culture it has created at Shark Park.
“In having strong and constantly reinforced principles on both values and behaviours we hope that an environment exists for all members that will allow them to flourish, grow and be involved whether as a player, official or supporter.”