"... I must make it clear that the primary purpose of this Act is
to discourage behaviour that causes injuries to sportspersons. This can only be done by imposing a clear criminal liability in addition to whatever penalties may be imposed by the sporting authority concerned.
This is necessary because it is quite clear that sporting authorities have not been effective in discouraging and limiting the sort of conduct that is now under consideration.
If we are to make our playing fields safe for the next generation of players, whether amateur or professional, we must make sure that when an assault take place, it is no excuse that it occurred during a game. Once this Act is passed, criminal liability will attach to physical violence even when it happens during a sporting contest..."