Discrimination in Sport
Play by the Rules - Making sport safe, inclusive and fair
Sport is about having fun.
Play by the Rules provides information and online learning for community sport and recreation on how to:
- prevent and deal with discrimination, harassment and child abuse, and
- develop inclusive and welcoming environments for participation.
Play by the Rules is a unique partnership between the Australian Sports Commission, Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission, all state and territory sport and recreation and anti-discrimination agencies and the Queensland Commission for Children, Young People and Child Guardian.
Play by the Rules website
The Play by the Rules website offers free online training, information and resources for clubs and sporting organisations.
The on-line training courses are specifically designed for athletes, administrators, coaches and umpires. These courses are free and can be completed in your own time. Those who complete the courses receive an official certificate.
Play by the Rules also includes useful information on legislation, resources, sample policies, model codes of conduct, frequently asked questions and links to other useful resources and organisations
The information on Play by the Rules is not intended to be, nor should it be relied upon as, a substitute for legal or other professional advice.
Play by the Rules information and training
The Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission runs a half-day workshop to help sporting oraganisations, clubs and schools recognise, prevent and deal with issues of discrimination and harassment in sport.
We also provide Play by the Rules training and information for clubs and schools on request.
For more information about the Commission's Play by the Rules training, call (03) 9281 7122.
Play by the Rules - know your rights and responsibilities
Bad sporting behaviour is unacceptable and can be against the law.
Everyone - players, coaches, match and club officials, and spectators - should behave appropriately, and act fairly and respectfully towards each other.
No one should:
- verbally abuse you or anyone else
- make racist or sexist jokes or comment or jokes about sexual preference
- allow offensive pictures or graffiti to be displayed
- look at or touch anyone in ways that make them feel uncomfortable
- make uninvited sexual comments that offend, intimidate or humiliate
- discriminate against or harass anyone else
You have a right to:
- be safe and protected from any harm or abuse
- participate equally with everyone else
- be respected, cared for and listened to
- be supported by others in your sport or recreation club
- be safe from put-downs, ridicule, swearing, harassment and vilification.
You are responsible for:
- acting within the rules and spirit of the game
- giving positive comments to others involved
- respecting coaches' and officials' decisions
- respecting other players and participants
- keeping your emotions in check
- not using put-downs, harassment, ridicule or swearing.
Related information
- Play by the Rules website
- Play by the Rules training workshop - Register on-line
- Discrimination in sport
Media releases
Play by the Rules commuity service annoucements
- Announcement 1 - This audio clip is the voice of former Opals coach Jan Stirling, encouraging people to find out about how they can keep sport safe and fair by visiting the Play by the Rules website.
- Announcement 2 - This audio clip is the voice of ex Australian Rules player Gavin Wanganeen, speaking about the benefits of safe fair and inclusive sport.
