POLICE are investigating an assault after a junior netball game in Bendigo.
The sickening altercation, which involved three spectators, has prompted club officials and other spectators to reiterate a zero tolerance approach to violence.
Paramedics took a woman and a teenage girl to hospital after a game at Flora Hill on Friday night.
The Bendigo Advertiser understands a verbal disagreement involving parents from both sides playing in the match escalated into physical violence.
The altercation occurred within view of players and other spectators.
Onlookers attempted to diffuse the situation. Children were crying during the events.
Police said it was believed all parties were known to each other.
A spectator, who did not wish to be named, said what they saw made them feel sick.
They said they heard a girl, about 15 years old, saying she had been hit in the head.
They also attempted to render assistance to an adult, who they initially believed had fallen down a staircase.
The spectator said people were screaming.
"It's not Bendigo and it's not normal for us to see... it's awful for kids to see something like that," they said.
"There is no place for violence at children's sporting events.
"Yes, it'll be competitive, but it should never erupt into violence. It's about kids being active and learning to play in a team environment.
"Parents are spectators and they should be respectful spectators... they're there to support the children."
The head coach of one of the involved clubs said they were "absolutely appalled" when they learned what had happened.
"I couldn't believe it. It was just unbelievable," they said.
They said the club had never experienced anything like it, in almost 30 years.
"We don't condone that at all," they said.
They said violence contravened the club's code of conduct and the club made every effort to promote good sportsmanship, both on and off the court.
Codes of conduct indicate violence is not tolerated by the other club, or by Bendigo Strathdale Netball Association or Netball Victoria.
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A club administrator, who did not wish to be named, said the other team's coach also seemed shaken by what had occurred.
"It happened just above the court," they said.
"The next lot of games had started to be played. A lot of people saw it."
Ambulance Victoria said both patients were taken to Bendigo Health in a stable condition.
Any injuries sustained are believed to have been minor.
Both the other involved club and the Bendigo Strathdale Netball Association has been contacted for comment.
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Emma D'Agostino
Covering general news and Bendigo council.
Covering general news and Bendigo council.
