A) "Girls just shouldn't be playing in mixed teams at this age. Jane needs to find a sport she can play with the other girls."

Although most girls and boys at this age prefer to play in same sex teams, most is not all. Occasionally individuals will want to join teams of the opposite sex - either because there isn't an appropriate team available to them or because they need a higher level of competition to improve their skills.

In this type of situation it's important to keep an open mind and assess the player's skills within the context of the team and the particular sport.

The other issue to consider is the reaction of Jane's father to this remark. Rejecting his request without talking the matter through is dismissive and doesn't leave him anywhere to go. It's possible that he'll become angry and argumentative because he hasn't been taken seriously.

Resources:

Interview with ANZSLA Sports Lawyer: Isn't it discrimination to stop a girl playing in a boys' team?

Interview with ANZSLA Sports Lawyer: When should a girl be able to play in a boys' team?

Try a different response

B) "I think it would be too rough for her. The boys are stronger and I just don't want her to get hurt."

This type of reaction used to be very common. Today a growing number of people realise that it's based on stereotypes. Knowing a person's age and gender doesn't tell us about their skills and abilities e.g. there are strong, agile girls and weak, poorly coordinated boys and vice versa.

Resources:

Interview with ANZSLA Sports Lawyer: Isn't it discrimination to stop a girl playing in a boys' team?

Try a different response

C) "I don't know if the rules allow it. Let me think about it."

Considering Paul's request is a good first step provided it leads to finding out about the sport's policy.

The reality is that there is often confusion around this issue - and that's understandable. Although the law allows sports to have separate teams, preventing a girl playing in boys' team (and vice versa) may be unlawful discrimination. Legally the matter can sometimes fall into a grey zone and judges may have very different interpretations of the law.

If you are faced with this situation raise the issue with your club's administrator.

Resources:

Interview with ANZSLA Sports Lawyer

Continue to Scene 2

D) "Sure. Why not? Girls should be able to play in boys' teams if they want to."

Although this appears to be a very supportive reacion, the coach hasn't thought the matter through.

If you're approached with a similar request, remember that each situation is different and that there are no easy answers. Any decision you make needs to be based on the individual, the team and the specific circumstances surrounding the request. A girl doesn't need to be a champion athlete if she wants to play on a social team.

Resources:

Interview with ANZSLA Sports Lawyer: When a girl is over 12 can she play on a boys' team?

Interview with ANZSLA Sports Lawyer: Are there different considerations if a boy wants to play in a girls' team?

Interview with ANZSLA Sports Lawyer: What should clubs focus on when making a decision about a girl playing on a boys' team?

Try a different response

A) "Yes, so do I. The risk of injury is just too great."

Being concerned about physical risks is a good thing but the concern should be for all players. If the club used this rationale as an excuse to exclude Jane without considering such issues as her strength, stamina and physique, Jane and her father may be justified in lodging a complaint of discrimination.

Resources:

Interview with ANZSLA Sports Lawyer: When is duty of care an issue for girls playing in boys' teams?

Interview with ANZSLA Sports Lawyer: How can clubs meet their duty of care requirements and still include girls?

Try a different response

B) "Well we can lawfully have separate boys and girls teams when kids are 12 and over, so not letting her join the team isn't disciminatory."

It's true that the law does allow for separate teams but that law is based on the assumption that boys have greater strength and stamina. In some cases this won't be true... and that's when the legal position becomes less clear cut.

If Jane or her father lodged a complaint, a court or tribunal would assess whether Jane's request was reasonable. In doing so it would consider the nature of the sport, Jane's background, experience, physiology and skill level, support from within the team and other opportunities available for Jane to play football at a level appropriate to her abilities.

If you ever find yourself in this situation, think about the individual involved and make a decision on the merits of the case.

Resources:

Tribunal decisions

Interview with ANZSLA Sports Lawyer: Is it discrimination to stop a girl playing in a boys' team?

Interview with ANZSLA Sports Lawyer: Can a girl over 12 play on a boys' team?

Interview with ANZSLA Sports Lawyer: What should clubs consider when deciding whether to allow a girl to play on a boys' team?

Try a different response

C) "What type of player is Jane? Could she hold her own against the boys?"

This is a great place to begin the discussion, but it is only the beginning.

If you're faced with this type of scenario, ask yourself:

• How important is strength, stamina and physique in playing this particular sport?
• Is there another suitable competition the girl could reasonably play in?

Resources:

Interview with ANZSLA Sports Lawyer: What should clubs consider when deciding whether to allow a girl to play on a boys' team?

Interview with ANZSLA Sports Lawyer: How can clubs meet their duty of care requirements and still include girls?

Interview with ANZSLA Sports Lawyer: Are there different considerations if a boy wants to play in a girls' team?

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