Your Rights and Responsibilities

Besides being a player or participant you may undertake a number of roles in your club, including the role of coach or team manager, or a member of the management committee. It is important you understand that:

• you have the right to be treated in a non-discriminatory way and to receive a fair go
• you have a responsibility to treat others fairly and with respect, in how you play the game or in decisions you make
• you have a responsibility to report concerns
• that clubs can be held liable for the behaviour of their employees, volunteers and members. This is called vicarious liability.

You should treat all participants as you would like to be treated yourself

• co-operate with your team mates, coach and opponents
• control your temper: verbal abuse and sledging are not acceptable behaviours
• respect the rights, dignity and worth of all participants regardless of their ability, gender or cultural background.

You must feel safe

• playing, at training and practice
• traveling to and from games and training
• with other players, your coach or team personnel.

No-one should

• make bullying, derogatory or demeaning remarks about you or other people
• make racist or sexist jokes or comments, or jokes or comments about sexual preference
• use anti-gay, anti-women or racist slurs to taunt someone or to motivate better performance
• allow offensive pictures or graffiti to be visible
• look at or touch anyone in ways that make then feel uncomfortable
• make uninvited sexual comments that offend, intimidate or humiliate
• discriminate against or harass anyone.

(Adapted from Play by the Rules website)

Governing bodies, clubs, coaches, officials, parents, players and participants all have a responsibility for creating a fair and safe environment for sport and recreational activities to be undertaken.