FOR INFORMATION AND DISTRIBUTION
“The South East Juniors believes that no person shall act towards or speak to any other person in a manner, or engage in any other conduct which threatens, disparages, vilifies or insults another person on the basis of that person's race, religion, colour, descent or national or ethnic origin”
The AFL are close to releasing a new Vilification Policy and resource for all Community Clubs. There has been a delay in its release, however it does not negate the leagues and clubs responsibility in ensuring that all of the Members and players of SEJ Clubs are made aware of their rights and obligations under the current policy.
Any form of vilification is not be tolerated.
Week seek the Clubs support in ensuring that any form of vilification is not tolerated in this competition from anyone, including players, spectators, officials and volunteers. Vilification has a detrimental effect on a person’s ability to enjoy their participation in our sport, your club and your competition. It is simply not on to turn a blind eye to this type of anti-social behaviour nor to think it doesn’t or isn’t happening.
Our competition is very multicultural and not limited to just one or two clubs, nor limited to just players. Through volunteering, playing and umpiring we have a very multicultural competition. Our regions demographics are changing rapidly, new cultures and religions are starting to become part of our community, and we should see this as a great opportunity to expose our great game and clubs to all of our growing community, and not exclude anyone because they have been vilified during their participation.
Vilification is not easy to deal with, and in some cases some people don’t even know what they said or did was vilification or could be offensive. However clubs need to deal with these matters seriously and confidentially. If clubs are aware of an incident we recommend that Clubs work together to sort any issues out on the day and that if the club chooses to internally suspend a player or official for misconduct, it will send a clear message that any type of slanderous remarks are not acceptable.
If the matter cannot be resolved by the clubs the matter can be referred to the league in accordance with Schedule 10 of the leagues Racial and Religious Policy.
Until the release of the new Policy and Resource Clubs should continue to use the Bouncing Racism Out of Sport (BROOS) resource. The link has been provided below and the DVD Resource available from the SEJ Office. PLEASE ENSURE YOU MEMBERS, PLAYERS and VOLUNTEERS understand that the SEJ and your club do not tolerate vilification of any kind.
As a reminder the SEJ Mission is to provide competitions and opportunities for all
• Abilities
• Ages
• Cultures, and
• Genders
to be involved in playing, umpiring, coaching and volunteering in Australian Football in the south east region of Melbourne.
If you have any queries relating to the above information please feel free to give me call. In addition please find below some resources that may be of interest;
http://fulltext.ausport.gov.au/fulltext/2003/vic/bouncing_racism.pdf
http://www.playbytherules.net.au/got-an-issue/inclusive-sport
Shaun Connell
General Manager
South East Juniors
(03) 9701 1672 | 0423 421 021
www.southeastjuniors.com.au
Twitter #SEJHQ
