Netball Victoria strives to give everyone the opportunity to play netball in a safe and welcoming environment and would like to acknowledge the ‘International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia’.
As represented by the graphic (featured), 80% of those surveyed believe that members of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex (LBGTI) community are “not at all accepted” or “accepted a little” or “only moderately accepted” in sporting culture.
At Netball Victoria, we want to help minimise those statistics and to make sure our sport is an inclusive environment for all.
“Netball Victoria strives to ensure that our netball community is welcoming and inclusive of all people regardless of cultural background, age, sexuality or ability. Homophobia in all of its forms will not be tolerated in our sport, whether directly or indirectly. We encourage our Associations, Leagues and Clubs to reach out to the LGBTI community and to promote our sport as a safe and welcoming environment for all“, acting CEO Katie Reaper said.
Netball Victoria’s top advice for including Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex people in community sport
- Provide strong, positive leadership. Model fair and respectful behaviour at all times.
- Use inclusive and gender-neutral language in all your communications (written and verbal).
- Review and change any club/association policies and practices that exclude LGBTI people from club/association activities (e.g. invite partners rather than husbands/wives to social events).
- Avoid making judgements based on stereotypes or rumour.
- Raise awareness and display anti-discrimination/anti-homophobia material in club rooms.
- Make it clear that you are open to diversity in all members of your sport/club/team.
- Familiarise yourself with the Member Protection Policy (or something similar) that covers sex discrimination and that members are aware of their rights and responsibilities.
- Challenge homophobic language and take action against homophobic harassment as soon as you’re made aware (words like fag, dyke or even gay when used in a negative way are offensive and harmful)
- Act promptly and without bias on any concerns or complaints about sexuality discrimination, harassment or homophobia.
From Play by the Rules.