Written by Amelia Barnes
Netball Victoria’s Transgender & Gender Diverse Policy states players are allowed to participate in any Netball Victoria-affiliated community netball competition or activity in accordance with their gender identity, irrespective of their legal sex classification.
The development of this policy, made effective on 1 July 2022, was driven by Netball Victoria’s purpose to improve people’s lives through sport, and view that participation in netball has the power to unite communities, empower individuals, and break down barriers.
The organisation recognises and respects all gender identities and believes everyone has the right to participate in a safe, respectful, and welcoming environment.
Sarah* is a teenage transfemme girl who plays netball in Victoria. Her story is an example of the role community netball clubs and associations play in enforcing Netball Victoria’s Transgender & Gender Diverse Policy to create a truly inclusive community sport.
While Netball Victoria’s policy allows people of all ages to play community netball in accordance with their gender identity, Sarah’s mother, Lisa*, did not feel comfortable disclosing her daughter’s gender when registering her to play netball.
“I didn't have trust in the club that it wouldn't be gossiped about and spread, and how they would take it,” Lisa said.
Lisa explained, the local netball club didn’t appear to be welcoming of LGBTQI+ people. They did not publicly partake in any initiatives such as a Pride round, and their committee members weren’t familiar with Netball Victoria’s Transgender & Gender Diverse Policy.
“I asked the club outright … ‘What are your policies on LGBTQI+ youth playing netball at the club?’ All they kept referring me back to was their Child Safety Policy,” Lisa said.
“I said, ‘I understand that, I appreciate that and it’s fantastic, but what do you do as a club to promote being inclusive for these kids who want to play netball?’ They couldn't answer me.”
Not wanting her daughter to miss out on playing the same sport as her siblings, Lisa hoped for the best and allowed Sarah to register.
Sarah has loved playing netball and the opportunity to make new friends at the club.
As a supporter, Lisa is doing her bit to make the club a more welcoming environment for LGBTQI+ people by wearing a ‘you are safe with me’ badge and advocating for inclusive uniform options.
Clubs and associations across the country are encouraged to observe and promote the Netball in Australia Uniform Guidelines, which cater for all participants of the sport, and recognise the various individual preferences and religious beliefs of netballers.
These inclusive guidelines invite players and umpires to choose from a combination of uniform variations including a dress, singlet, bodysuit, short sleeve or long sleeve shirt, skirt, shorts, and long pants.
Lisa said having these inclusive uniform options would benefit all players at her local club who don’t feel comfortable wearing a traditional netball dress, including Sarah.
“She doesn't enjoy wearing shorts and a dress. She always feels like, what if she falls over and the shorts [that she wears underneath her dress] are not enough? There's always that fear.”
Lisa said relaxing uniform guidelines can help ensure players of all backgrounds, sizes, and gender identities are comfortable and able to reach their full potential.
“We've been stopped at every avenue, and the association won't move either, so it's a tough uphill battle. I'll keep championing it. It’s not just for gender diverse children,” said Lisa.
Netball communities can further show their support of LGBTQI+ people by introducing a Pride round, and supporting events such as Wear it Purple Day that strives to foster supportive, safe, empowering, and inclusive environments for rainbow young people.
“Show that you promote inclusivity. Put a banner up at training. Any of those tiny little things that you might think are insignificant make a huge difference to the kids,” said Lisa.
“Netball Victoria is doing all this amazing work championing change and promoting inclusivity … but it's not getting to associations and then to clubs.
“Something needs to change in terms of how that happens. So, whether that’s new rules that are put in place that say every association must have a diversity and inclusion officer… Then it's up to your association to train your clubs.”
“It must be done, and it has to be recorded – just like a Working with Children Check has to be done … Because currently, if we were at our association and something did happen, for example, I have no one to turn to there on the day.”
“I know it's a big job – I appreciate the magnitude – but there are so many more gender diverse children, or even LGBTQI+ children, that would join the sport if they felt safe,” Lisa said.
Increased participation in netball encourages the funding and development of new facilities, and more opportunities for all players to succeed.
Lisa hopes netball continues to support all her children and their development, including Sarah.
“She joined to make friends, and that's the best thing – she's made lots of friends … Because my whole family is at the courts on a Saturday, she's not left out anymore,” said Lisa.
“She still gets a little nervous every time though – just in case anything happens or goes wrong. She always has that feeling, so it is really hard, and you always have your guard up.
“I don't think she enjoys it as much as she would if she thought, ‘If something happens – if I fall over or whatever it might be – I know that I am supported by one, my club first of all, and then through my association.’
“It's about safety at the end of the day. It's all about safety.”
How clubs and associations can better support gender-diverse netball players and participants:
- Familiarise yourself and others with Netball Victoria’s Transgender & Gender Diverse Policy
- Observe the Netball in Australia Uniform Guidelines that provide the option for all netball players and umpires to wear a dress, singlet, bodysuit, short sleeve or long sleeve shirt, skirt, shorts and long pants
- Appoint a diversity and inclusion officer at your association
- Don’t ask for a player’s assigned sex at birth
- Ensure the strict confidentiality of all players’ gender, gender identity, and sex (if this information is required to disclose for data collection or other administrative purposes)
- Display a Pride flag or other rainbow visuals to indicate support of LGBTQI+ people
- Host an annual Pride Round
- Support rainbow and Pride events such as Wear it Purple Day
- Have private change rooms available to all players
*Names have been changed to protect privacy
Netball Victoria is committed to supporting our affiliates to ensure our game is inclusive and accessible for everyone. We encourage all affiliates to engage with the available educational resources and work together with us to drive meaningful change.
If your club or association would like further information, support or advice, visit the Netball Victoria website to access our resources or contact our Diversity & Inclusion team via community@netballvic.com.au
