THERE is nothing quite like a media storm to overshadow the crux of a very serious situation.
Young Henry Nau is recovering in hospital after copping a blow to the head while playing the game he loves on Saturday in the Adelaide Plains Football League Under 17s grand final.
He no doubt faces a long road to recovery, both mentally and physically, from what must have been a traumatic experience for himself, his family and his teammates.
What has transpired since has left it near-on impossible to get to the truth of the matter and, more importantly, learn what needs to change so this does not happen again.
News crews from major networks flocked to the oval when word travelled of the disruption and reports of an aggressive and violent act were recounted.
Interviews were conducted and played on statewide television news and social media, showing people in attendance, including junior players, answering questions with awkward looks on their faces, giving their version of events.
Why they were considered to be a valid source of information in the immediate wake of such an incident is a question that needs to be answered by whoever green-lit the report.
The thirst to be first has now left muddied waters as to what actually happened, with rumours of a king hit swirling for days before being dismissed as inaccurate.
Many took to the ever-unreliable Facebook comments section to throw darts at a board to see what would stick, as personal vendettas against clubs came to the fore.
Both clubs have released statements saying the incident is under investigation and the league has provided a timeline of events which they understand to be correct (page 3).
The murky middle ground has been created from the ability to now present opinion as fact in a matter of seconds in the online space, while irresponsible reporting has only helped further inflame the matter.
While the league’s investigation will no doubt be thorough and, hopefully, involve Henry’s family, the main thing to remember is compassion.
Do not use a young man’s terrifying injury as a stick to beat your rivals with.
The responsibility now rests with the league to be accountable.
While Henry’s injury may not have been suffered from a deliberate violent act, there were still copious cards shown and hands thrown throughout the match.
Anecdotal reports of parents have indicated that violence in junior football is rife, so it is up to the governing bodies to listen and learn.
