Most clubs are good sports
The results of the EOC’s Equal Opportunity in Sporting Clubs poll are in and most participants agree that their club does not have a culture of discrimination or harassment.
Most people feel sex discrimination is not a problem in their club with only 33 per cent of people disagreeing that women are respected in their club and 66 per cent agreeing.
Racism is also not a problem for most participants with 60.6 per cent agreeing that racial and cultural difference is accepted in their club and only 39 per cent disagreeing.
Fifty four per cent of participants agreed that religious and cultural clothing were accepted at their club and 45 per cent disagreed, while 54 per cent agreed a gay person would feel safe to come out in their club and 45 per cent disagreed.
Ms Henderson said the only area of concern was the lack of knowledge about sporting clubs’ complaint processes.
“Sixty three per cent of participants said they did not know or were unsure about their club’s complaint process,” she said.
“Sport brings many people from different communities together, so a clear complaints process is vital for any sporting club.”
She said clubs could find out more about equal opportunity in sport and the importance of a club complaint process on the Play by the Rules website at www.playbytherules.net.au.