John Eales AM

John Eales AM

“As parent’s our behaviour has a huge impact on how our children see the world. It is as relevant in our homes as it is on the sidelines of sporting fields on a weekend.

I always support my kids, no matter what sport they play or how well they play it.  I want them to enjoy themselves and make sport and teamwork an ongoing part of their lives just as it has been in mine.   In sport, as in life, everyone should be supportive and treat teammates and competitors with dignity and respect. Everyone has the right to give it a go. 

These principles aren’t just about fair play. Many of them are enshrined in legislation and sports policies which everyone should know about if they’re involved in sport.  

That’s where Play By the Rules comes in. It offers free online training, information and resources for individuals and clubs to help keep sport safe and fair – for everyone.

The last words my father would say to me before a game, be it the under 10 grand final or a world cup final, were always the same. He’d simply say, ‘John, just remember, it’s only a game, enjoy it.’ Though at times I thought it was bigger than that, I understood and never forgot.”