At least 21 major sporting organisations including the AFL, NRL and Cricket Australia have endorsed a new set of guidelines aimed at tackling spectator racism in sport.
The developed by the Australian Human Rights Commission identifies nine actions that can be taken across sporting codes in responding to incidents, including measures to prevent racism from occurring in the first place.
Torres Strait Islander woman and AFL Executive General Manager of Inclusion and Social Policy Tanya Hosch said she fully supports the AHRC’s new framework.
“The AFL is proud to partner with other sports in becoming a signatory,” Ms Hosch said.
“There is no place for racism in sport, or anywhere.”
Race Discrimination Commissioner Chin Tan said the guidelines were developed in response to numerous incidents that occurred over the past year.
“Too often, spectator racism has involved far too many Indigenous Australians,” Mr Tan said.
“When racist incidents happen, they can have a long-lasting impact on those affected, and damaging social consequences.”
A focus on supporting victims
Mr Tan said the new framework focuses on supporting the victims of racism in ways that haven’t been looked at by the sporting codes.
When responding to racist incidents, the guidelines recommend that organisations provide opportunities for victims to speak about their experiences.
They also suggest offering free or affordable access to culturally safe support services and ensuring that all investigations into incidents guarantee fairness and avenues for redress.
“It’s my hope that the sporting fraternities will see this as an opportunity, as a model of how we can do things better and provide real, tangible, effective support for people who are in fact hurt by racism.”
Ms Hosch said the AFL sees the model as an extension of anti-racism work the league has already undertaken.
“The AFL’s work continues with our clubs, our venues and our fans on providing an inclusive, welcoming, and safe environment for everyone at our games,” she said.
The Commission hopes the guidelines mark the beginning of an ongoing partnership to strengthen the anti-racism work of Australia’s major sporting codes.
“Sport holds a unique place in Australian society. It encapsulates our values of equality and fairness, and helps us connect with each other,” Mr Tan said.
“We need consistent and strong responses to spectator racism across the sporting codes to send a united message that racism will not be tolerated and that there will be serious consequences when it occurs.”
