The Australian Sports Commission (ASC) rans a range of programs. Some of these include the following.
Harassment-free Sport Guidelines
The Harassment-free Sport Strategy (HFS) is a risk management tool designed to assist sporting organisations to protect themselves and their members against unfair and inappropriate behaviour. The Strategy aims to create a safer and more tolerant Australian sport environment through education and by developing a system that prevents and deals effectively and appropriately with harassment. Clubs and other organisations can access the HFS Strategy materials and support services to start building a more welcoming environment for their members. Products and resources available to sporting organisations, and to other community organisations involved in the delivery of sport and physical activity, include educational resources, model member protection (anti-harassment and child protection) policies, model complaint procedures, skills training courses and education seminars for member protection officers and mediators, online training, research and advice from qualified consultants. For further information on how the HFS Strategy can assist in the delivery of quality sports experiences in your council area, visit www.activeaustralia.org/hfs
Indigenous Sport: Cross Cultural Awareness Training
The Indigenous Sport Program, a joint initiative of the Australian Sports Commission (ASC) and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission (ATSIC), has developed a sport specific Cross Cultural Awareness Training Package. It aims to provide a basic understanding and appreciation of issues, culture, protocols and history of Indigenous Australians and to promote awareness of their experiences and culture in a sport specific environment.
Special features of the Package include the following;
- It will be promoted as an instrument of reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians within the sport and recreation industry
- It is a proactive step towards reconciliation, giving non- Indigenous Australians a better appreciation and understanding of Indigenous culture and people
- It will encourage sport and recreation organisations to develop strategies that will provide an environment that is free from harassment and inclusive of all Australians, especially Indigenous people.
The Package includes a one day training course that provides information about Indigenous people and offers a practical guide for working with Indigenous communities. For further information visit the website www.activeaustralia.org/isp/awareness.htm and look up your State Coordinator of the Indigenous Sport Program for further assistance.
Women and Sport
The Women and Sport Program of the Australian Sports Commission (ASC) involves the development of innovative policies, programs and practices that address gender and equity issues in sport. The Program’s mission is to foster a culture that advocates the enduring values of fair play and inclusive practices in sport; and promotes equality and respect for women and girls in all aspects of sport, with the aim of creating in-sport settings that are more inclusive and supportive of the participation of women and girls. For more information on Women and Sport, visit the website at www.activeaustralia.org/women
Who’s looking after the bush?
The Australian Sports Commission (ASC) and Central Queensland University recently presented a valuable conference in Yeppoon, Queensland, titled, Who’s Looking After the Bush? Developing Sport Education Opportunities for Rural and Regional Australia. The ASC actively sought the participation in the conference of representatives from Local Government organisations in regional and remote areas because of the important role they play in the provision of sport and recreation services and programs throughout the country. The network of Local Government authorities across Australia is critical in finding solutions to the unique challenges posed by accessing sport education opportunities in rural and regional Australia. For more information on the conference and its outcomes, go to www.sported-conf2002.cqu.edu.au/
Play by the Rules
Play by the Rules is a web site that deals with fair and safe play to assist in preventing and dealing with abuse, discrimination and harassment in sport and recreation clubs and associations. The website was the initiative of the South Australian Office for Recreation and Sport and the South Australian Equal Opportunity Commission and is targeted at coaches, umpires, administrators and participants.
The site, endorsed by the Australian Sports Commission (ASC), is based upon a Member Protection Policy that was developed in conjunction with 11 sporting and recreation associations. The website is divided into two sections: online training courses for coaches; administrators; umpires; and players and general information on abuse, discrimination and harassment. The free online training programs are interactive and provide information on abuse, discrimination and harassment through case studies and other practical examples.
The general information section contains readings on legislation, as applicable in each state/territory; court and tribunal decisions; details defining discrimination; comments from sports stars; frequently asked questions; links; and an online forum. This innovative website also provides a risk management framework for clubs and associations to meet their legal responsibilities and to ensure good governance.
Play by the Rules provides a great starting point for Local Government Authorities that want to promote discrimination-free and harassment-free sporting environments. The site caters for members and participants in all levels of clubs and associations. For further information on Play by the Rules and Harassment-free Sport, visit www.playbytherules.net.au and www.activeaustralia.org/hfs
Thanks Coach, Thanks Official
Where would sport in Australia be without volunteer coaches and officials? Often giving hundreds of hours a year for free to their local competition or club, these quiet achievers go for weeks and months at a time without a word of thanks from the players or other participants. A thanks and recognition campaign, Thanks Coach, Thanks Official, is currently being extended after making a successful start in 2001 to thank all those who contribute to sport – those who run the canteens, mark the fields or tidy up after games at local facilities. The initiative provides opportunities for local sporting participants and organisations to honour good coaches and officials who contribute their time, effort and expertise to sport.
Why not work with local clubs to take up the challenge of hosting a ‘Thanks Coach, Thanks Official weekend’ or a simple barbecue with the Mayor, as well as taking advantage of the features of the campaign? It doesn’t take much effort and will ensure volunteers in your council area know their efforts are really valued. For more information on the Thanks Coach, Thanks Official campaign, visit the website at www.coachingaus.org/thanks.htm
