PBTR has been going since 2001 and provides information, resources, tools, and free online training to increase the capacity and capability of administrators, coaches, officials, players, parents, and spectators to assist them in preventing and dealing with discrimination, harassment, child safety, inclusion and integrity issues in sport.
The WA Equal Opportunity Commission is a sponsor of PBTR as the Commission understands how important it is for all Western Australians to be able to enjoy their sport free from discrimination and harassment.
Sport is so integral in this country’s identity, that inclusion in sport has the power to influence inclusion in all other areas of life including work, education, in goods and services and in accommodation.
Elite sporting leagues such as the AFL have set good examples in dealing with race inclusion by coming out publicly against racial harassment from players and spectators and the inclusion of an Indigenous round. However there has been less support for the LGBTIQA+ community despite a strong representation of players from the LGBTIQA+ community in the AFLW.
Disability is also something that needs to be explored more in sport. Beyond physical injuries there is the real impact of mental health when it comes to competition and someone feeling they don’t belong in a team.
When elite sporting leagues set good examples, it filters down to community sporting clubs as well. PBTR assists community sporting clubs to deal with discrimination and harassment and to be more accessible to everyone.
Young sportspeople should grow up with inclusive attitudes on and off the field and if they are lucky enough to become elite sportspeople, they can go into that level with the right attitude.
This year, for its annual Isabelle Lake Memorial Lecture, the Equal Opportunity Commission has invited Danielle Laidley to deliver the lecture.
After a successful AFL playing and coaching career, Danielle is now passionate about educating all about the importance of diversity and acceptance in sport and other areas of public life.
Danielle’s story demonstrates how the sporting field or court should be a place where everyone feels they belong and is able to participate in the joy of the game.
In this 2023 sporting season I hope everyone experiences the satisfaction of belonging to their club or team, whether they win or lose.
