The Problem
Research shows that women from culturally and linguistically diverse communities report significantly lower participation rates in sport and physical activity. The Deakin University study, led by Associate Professor Kim Toffoletti and her research team, investigated how women and girls experience racism in community sport settings and the devastating impact it has on their sense of belonging and wellbeing.
The findings are concerning. Racism in community sport isn't just about isolated incidents – it's a systemic issue that affects everything from how welcome players feel in the changerooms to whether they continue participating in sport at all. When racism goes unchallenged, it sends a powerful message that certain people don't belong, driving talented athletes away from the sports they love.
Why This Matters
Sport should be a place where everyone feels valued and included. When racism becomes a barrier to participation, we're not just losing players – we're losing coaches, officials, volunteers, and future leaders. The impact extends beyond the individual, affecting families and entire communities who miss out on the health, social, and wellbeing benefits that sport provides.
Current anti-racism policies and reporting systems often fail to meet the needs of women and girls from culturally and racially marginalised and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander backgrounds. Many experience additional barriers when trying to report racism, including concerns about not being believed, fear of retaliation, and uncertainty about whether anything will actually change.
What Can Clubs Do?
The Deakin research used a collaborative, co-design approach – working directly with women and girls to develop practical solutions that actually work. This process highlighted several key actions clubs can take:[NS1] [NS2] [NS3]
- Implement culturally relevant resources: Generic anti-racism policies aren't enough. Clubs need resources specifically designed to address the experiences of culturally and racially marginalised women and girls, developed in consultation with the communities they're meant to serve.
- For example, clubs can invite members or parents to identify cultural considerations that must be acknowledged (e.g., examples of behaviours that won't be tolerated), then draft policies and present them back to those communities for feedback and approval.
- Improve reporting processes: Make it clear, safe, and straightforward for people to report racism. This includes having trained committee members, Member Protection Information Officers or staff who can respond sensitively and effectively.
- In practice, this could mean appointing a designated person for complaints, providing simple reporting options (online form, phone, in-person), and clearly outlining what will happen after a report is made and the expected timeframe for follow-up.
- Take an intersectional approach: Recognise that women and girls from marginalised backgrounds may face multiple, overlapping forms of discrimination. Policies need to acknowledge and address these complex realities.
- For example, a club might consult with women who experience both racism and gendered expectations to identify barriers in participation (e.g., uniform requirements, training times) and adjust policies so they support not overlook their specific needs.
- Foster genuine belonging: Creating an inclusive environment goes beyond having policies on paper. It requires actively building a culture where diversity is celebrated and racist behaviour is never tolerated.
- In practice, this could look like coaches and leaders modelling inclusive language, celebrating cultural events important to members, and intervening immediately and consistently when racist comments or behaviours occur.
Moving Forward
Every club member – from committee members to coaches, officials to spectators – has a role to play in creating a sport environment free from racism. This research provides the evidence base and practical tools clubs need to make meaningful change.
Community sport has the power to bring people together, but only when everyone truly feels they belong. By implementing effective anti-racism approaches, clubs can ensure that women and girls from all backgrounds have equal opportunities to participate, thrive, and enjoy the benefits sport offers.
To learn more about creating inclusive sport environments, explore Play by the Rules for resources, training, and support.
