Mandatory ‘cultural training’ for racist sports fans

Sports fans banned for racist behaviour may only be allowed back into stadiums if they complete “anti-racism training” under new guidelines.

Australia’s biggest sporting codes have signed on to new protocols aimed at stamping out racism.

Australia’s biggest codes will ban racist fans, record racist incidents and order racists to undergo cultural training, under new guidelines released on Wednesday

The “zero-tolerance” protocols cover some of the nation’s largest sporting bodies, including the AFL, Tennis Australia and Cricket Australia.

National Rugby League, the Australian Institute of Sport, and Sports Australia have also endorsed the guidelines.

The guidelines, formulated by the Australian Human Rights Commission, are expected to set a standard for community sport as well.

They state clubs should “be prepared for the reality of racism and the possibility of racist incidents”.

They require clubs and venue officials to take decisive action to immediately

respond to racist incidents which might include removing spectators from grounds, banning or pausing memberships and “making re-entry contingent on participation in anti-racism training”.

There is a significant role for bystanders to report racist incidents via SMS hotlines “as long as it is safe and practical to do so”.

Clubs and venues are encouraged to “address racism in a holistic manner by ensuring inclusive practices that positively reflect on the value of diversity to the club and that promote social cohesion events”.

Race Discrimination Commissioner Chin Tan said here was “no place for racism anywhere, and that includes sport”.

“We need consistent and strong responses to spectator racism across the sporting codes to send a united message that racism will not be tolerated, and that there will be serious consequences when it occurs,” he said.

Measures include having clear definitions of racism, taking concrete steps when it does occur and having avenues for incidents to be reported such as SMS hotlines. It notes that “responses to racism should be appropriate to the age and understanding of perpetrator”.

The guidelines state that there have been recent occurrences of racism in the professional arena as well as community events.

Collingwood Football Club’s Do Better report found that racism was experienced by both players and fans.

Indigenous AFL players such as Eddie Betts and Adam Goodes have also detailed the racism they have been subjected to over many years. Other codes such as cricket and soccer have taken steps to address racism issued towards black, Indian and Pakistani players.

Tanya Hosch from the AFL said the league endorsed the guidelines and was proud to be a signatory.

“The AFL’s work continues – with our clubs, our venues and our fans on providing an inclusive, welcoming, and safe environment for everyone at our games – There is no place for racism in sport, or anywhere,” she said.