Research
Safe, Welcoming and Inclusive Sport
“Sport is a universal language that can bring people together, no matter what their origin, background, and religious beliefs or economic status.” Kofi Annan, Former UN Secretary General
There is little doubt that sport has the ability to make a real difference in the quality of people’s lives. Similarly there is little doubt that sport benefits from being inclusive.
Sport is already doing great things in the inclusive space. Sometimes though sports lack the confidence and a little of the specific knowledge around the disability sector.
Vicsport offers national, state and local sporting organisations advice and support in this regard. Vicsport staff have a wealth of experience in this area and have guided and supported many sports such as Netball, Australian Football, Softball, Baseball, Surfing, Soccer, TenPin Bowling and Swimming to be more inclusive.
Welcoming and Inclusive Clubs
Welcoming and inclusive sporting environments are those that ensure everyone-participants, coaches, officials, administrators, spectators or any other person involved in, or visiting the club, is made to feel welcome, included, and valued.
Being seen as a welcoming and inclusive organisation promotes your club in a positive light and makes it more appealing to potential participants, volunteers, sponsors and other supporters.
Here we include information to assist clubs to develop appropriate policies and procedures to promote a welcoming and inclusive culture.
Click here to view the Victorian Code of Conduct for Community Sport.
Transgender People and Sport – Complying with the Equal Opportunity Act 2010
The Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights has released a guideline aimed at helping sporting organisations, clubs and staff to understand and comply with the Equal Opportunity Act 2010. Developed in consultation with major sporting organisations and community members, it spells out obligations under the Equal Opportunity Act regarding discrimination against transgender people in sport, while giving practical advice for sports clubs.
The guideline dispels some of the confusion and myths surrounding transgender people in sport, such as transgender people will gain or seek to gain a competitive advantage by participating as their affirmed gender.
