Netball Victoria is constantly working to create inclusive and safe environments for all. On Transgender Day of Visibility, we chatted to Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) member Xara Anderson who is passionate about this space and the importance of inclusion in netball to ensure the sport continues to develop and grow.
“I'm really interested in uniform and how umpires and coaches address players, especially with younger players who may just be sorting out their identity, or not really sure what they're comfortable with yet,” she said.
One of the main reasons Anderson joined the Committee was to provide a voice for those who needed it, and to have a say on the policies that could be implemented in netball.
“For me being a part of YAC gives me an opportunity to speak up about what I'm passionate in, and to feel like I'm making a difference. I think it's really important to have a perspective of youth in policies and changes that are made at Netball Victoria,” she said.
By encouraging affiliates to provide inclusive uniform options, Netball Victoria is striving to provide those who play netball with a choice to wear what they feel comfortable and confident in, something that Anderson is excited about.
“I think it's really important with uniform to have the option to either wear a dress, or a t-shirt and shorts. If you're more masculine presenting, having options will help people to really feel included and accepted, and obviously t-shirt and shorts I know can be a lot more comfortable for different body types and also with different gender expressions.
“It's really important for every club to have that option open for their players, just to make sure everyone feels like netball is accessible to them,” she said.
Inclusive clothing is not the only area that Anderson is passionate about, also highlighting the importance of using gender neutral language to build a culture of acceptance and ensure that everyone feels comfortable in netball.
“With umpires and coaches, I think it's really important that we start encouraging people to use gender neutral terms. I've done it a couple of times and I know other people that have as well, where they refer to a team as girls instead of players and stuff like that.
“I think using gender neutral terms will just help people who may not be comfortable with feminine identity or want to explore different gender expressions - it just helps them feel comfortable and like they're accepted for who they are.”
Anderson is hoping that through her advocacy and the continued work of the Youth Advisory Committee, more people will feel confident and comfortable to play netball.
“I'm just hoping that more awareness is spread because I know it can be hard to understand at the beginning - like why people may want the option to wear shorts and a t-shirt, or be referred to as ‘they’ or ‘players’ and things like that.”
“The most important thing is making sure everyone feels comfortable in their own skin wherever they are.”
Netball Victoria’s Youth Advisory Committee is responsible for representing young members’ the views, values and ideas and is a means for engaging young members to share the issues impacting the sport.
