News article
Australian Sports Commission aims to tackle racism in partnership with Reflect Forward
The Australian Sports Commission (ASC), along with Reflect Forward, has launched a free online course to help deal with incidents of racism the moment they occur, in a bid to create a safe space for all to practice sport in the country.
The Australian Sports Commission (ASC), along with Reflect Forward, has launched a free online course to help deal with incidents of racism the moment they occur, in a bid to create a safe space for all to practice sport in the country.
Aimed at community coaches, umpires, participants and volunteers, ‘Dealing with the moment: Anti-racism in community sport course’ will guide users through scenarios and techniques in how to play the role of a first responder and intervene in the first 60 seconds that an incident occurs.
The course will also provide tips for clubs on how to create a safe environment for participants, and to continue to support victims of racism on an ongoing basis.
“Whilst clubs and associations might have policies in place, too often they lack clear practical steps and options to support the victims and appropriately deal with the perpetrators in the seconds and minutes after an incident of racism occurs,” explained ASC Chief Executive Kieren Perkins OAM.
“Whilst clubs and associations might have policies in place, too often they lack clear practical steps and options to support the victims and appropriately deal with the perpetrators in the seconds and minutes after an incident of racism occurs."
“Sadly, incidents of racism are an all-too-common reality across many sports in Australia. There are junior competitions that have reported dozens of incidents of racism this season alone.
“While we absolutely must stamp out racism and ensure that everyone feels welcome in sport, we also need to support our community clubs to help address these incidents and help create a teachable moment so those involved can be educated and learn from it.”
Reflect Forward is an organisation that utilises sport to help combat racism across Australia, and was founded by Jamal Elsheikh.
“Whether it’s calling it [racism] out, asking for support or just going to the victim and saying, ‘I’m sorry that has happened, that shouldn’t happen’. Any acknowledgment is a good start,” commented Elsheikh.
“Part of the problem is that people don’t understand racism and what to do if an incident of racism occurs. This course helps clubs and associations to educate themselves on what racism is, the impacts racism can have and steps they can take to support everyone involved in sport.”