Play by the Rules is running a free, online Community of Practice for MPIOs in Australian sport.
Three highly interactive, practical sessions are offered in 2026. Open to MPIOs from clubs, associations and peak bodies in all states and territories, the sessions are about building the confidence, knowledge and capability of MPIOs to contribute to safer and more inclusive grassroots sport environments.
All sessions will be held on Microsoft Teams and run from 7:30pm - 8.30pm Australian Eastern Daylight/Standard time.
Session 2 – Responding to questions and complaints
Wednesday 16 June
It takes courage to be an MPIO. Your role involves dealing with people who may be upset, hurt or angry. Behind what people say and express lies their own experiences inside and outside of sport, which may include trauma. This session will detail the practical aspects of what we call ‘trauma-informed practice’.
This means you will have an increased understanding of:
- The psychology behind disclosures of harm
- How people’s own life experience shapes their behaviours in your club
- How you can respond in helpful ways that support and assure people
Guest speaker: Associate Professor Mary Woessner, Victoria University Safe and Inclusive Sport Group.
Registration
Please register your attendance via SIA EDGE. You will need to:
- Login or create an account (you will already have an account if you are an MPIO)
- Head to the course catalogue
- Search for ‘MPIO’ or scroll down to find the tile ‘MPIO Community of Practice’ with the Play by the Rules logo
- Register via the links (you need to register for each event separately)
