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Creating an inclusive environment
The AFL and the Yanchep Red Hawks Football Club has zero tolerance for racism and other forms of vilification - it’s not hard, it’s out of bounds.
Australian Rules Football is for everyone, no matter who you are, where you’re from, or how you identify. Inclusion isn’t optional. It’s who we are, both on and off the field.
When clubs actively embrace diversity and commit to creating safe, welcoming, and respectful environments, the benefits are a stronger culture, more players and volunteers, and a greater community support.
Different backgrounds, same game. Different stories, same dream. Vilification doesn’t belong on any team. We’re stronger together!
01
What Should You Do
- Seek support if you’ve been vilified or support those impacted - reporting takes courage.
- Gather information, collect details and statements about what occurred.
- Report it and lodge a complaint.
02
How to Report Vilification
Everyone has the right to feel safe and welcome playing or watching footy, whether that's at local footy or AFL and AFLW matches. This means any type of vilifying words or actions towards another person are not allowed and match bans apply to those found to be responsible for vilifying others.
If you experience or witness vilification or discrimination, report it as quickly as possible to your Club (yrhpresident@gmail.com, your Team Manager, or President Emma on 0405 823 793) and ensure that one of the following occurs:
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A Notice of Complaint form is completed and lodged with the League / Competition Manager; or
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A complaint is made online via the AFL Integrity Portal.
03
Peek Rule
Section 10. Vilification and Discrimination (Peek Rule) of the National Community Football Policy Handbook outlines that “No Person shall act towards or speak to any other person in a manner, or engage in any other conduct which threatens, disparages, vilifies or insults another person or group of persons on any basis, including but not limited to, a person's race, religion, colour, descent or national or ethnic origin, disability, sexual orientation or gender identity”.
04
AFL Vilification Module
Any member/club person who is reported to have vilified another person will be required to complete a vilification and discrimination online module. Additional action may be taken by the club including possible membership revoking.
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QLife (opens in a new tab)- 1800 184 527
QLife provides Australia-wide anonymous, LGBTIQ+ peer support and referral for people wanting to talk about a range of issues including sexuality, identity, gender, bodies, feelings or relationships. -
1800 RESPECT(opens in a new tab) - 1800 737 732
1800 RESPECT is available for free, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to support people impacted by domestic, family or sexual violence. -
MensLine Australia(opens in a new tab) - 1300 789 978
MensLine Australia is a free telephone and online counselling service offering support for Australian men anywhere, anytime. -
Beyond Blue(opens in a new tab) - 1300 224 636
Beyond Blue offers free and confidential 24/7 counselling for anyone looking for a little help with their mental health. -
13 YARN(opens in a new tab) - 13 92 76
13YARN is an Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islanders crisis support line. -
Lifeline(opens in a new tab) - 13 11 14
Provides free, 24-hour telephone crisis support service in Australia. Volunteer crisis supporters provide suicide prevention services, mental health support and emotional assistance, not only via telephone but face-to-face and online. -
HERE(opens in a new tab) - online
ACON’s digital suicide prevention hub, connecting the LGBTQ+ community, their loved ones, and service providers to care, support, and resources. On here you'll find phone numbers to a number of different support services. -
Pride Counselling -(opens in a new tab) (02) 9206 2000
Pride Counselling is ACON’s LGBTQ+ inclusive and affirming counselling service.