Equal Opportunity and Inclusion
Discrimination and sexual harassment can cost your club time and money, damage morale, reduce productivity and undermine your reputation.
As a club or sports organisation, your responsibilities are set out in the Equal Opportunity Act 2010 and the Racial and Religious Tolerance Act 2001.
Under this legislation Clubs have a positive duty to take reasonable and proportionate measures to eliminate discrimination, sexual harassment and victimisation within the workplace.
To help Clubs meet their legal responsibilities under the Equal Opportunity Act 2010 and the Racial and Religious Tolerance Act 2001 the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission has created a range of tools, checklists and information that are a great resource. While you may also have equal opportunity obligations in service provision, these tools focus on responsibilities as an employer.
Companion Cards
If a Companion Card is presented at your club, it is because the cardholder is a person who, due to their disability, requires attendant care type support from a companion in order to participate in an event at your Club.
Legislation requires that you do not discriminate against people with a disability because of their need for attendant care support from a companion. By charging two admission fees to the cardholder, you may be accused of discriminatory ticketing prices.
Recognising the Companion Card and providing a second ticket for the cardholder’s companion, at no charge, is one way to comply with part of the existing anti-discrimination legislation.
Inclusion
Vicsport promotes the welcoming and operation of inclusive sporting environments that ensure everyone is considered, including : participants, coaches, officials, administrators, spectators or any other person involved in, or visiting the club. It is important to ensure that all participants are made to feel welcome, included, and valued.
Being seen as a welcoming and inclusive organisation promotes your club in a positive light and makes it more appealing to potential participants, volunteers, sponsors and other supporters.