New research from Monash University raises questions about the effectiveness of current approaches to stopping abuse and discrimination in children's sport, and highlights how local councils could play a pivotal role in protecting children from harm.
A recent International Olympic Committee consensus statement found that between 44 per cent and 86 per cent of children experience interpersonal violence in sport environments, including sexism, racism, homophobia, bullying, and sexual abuse.
Lead researcher Dr Erik Denison, who has spent over a decade studying ways to stop discrimination and abuse in sport in Australia and New Zealand, said the latest research concludes that local governments are uniquely positioned to drive change.
"Our current approaches are not protecting children from discrimination and abuse in sport settings. Policy documents are often ignored by the coaches who deliver sport in the community," said Dr Denison.
Both New Zealand and Australia's national sport bodies have repeatedly committed to stopping sexism, racism, homophobia and abusive behaviours at their community clubs. In New Zealand, this includes a joint commitment by Rugby, Football and other codes back in 2016, and separate commitments by New Zealand Rugby in 2017 and 2020.
However, Dr Denison said very little meaningful action has followed these commitments.
"The national sport bodies have no involvement in the day‑to‑day delivery of children's sport. They do not fund local clubs or control the fields, courts or gymnasiums where abuse and discrimination actually occur," Dr Denison said.
"In contrast, local councils own the facilities where children are being harmed. Councils have a responsibility and the power to stop abuse and discrimination in these environments."
Today's research presentation will focus on an approach being pioneered by the City of Vancouver, which is drawing interest from cities in Australia and New Zealand. Vancouver is the first city in the world to take action on changing harmful behaviour in children's sport. This is also the first scientific research into the role of local councils in addressing this issue.
"Vancouver has taken a very first stance by saying that sports clubs must ensure children are safe in order to continue to use public facilities," said Dr Denison.
"We thought there would be a strong backlash to these new requirements, but we were surprised to find that many sport leaders thought this policy would help them drive out bad apples who were creating toxic and harmful sport environments."
While in Auckland, the researchers are also meeting with councillors and sport groups who are interested in adopting this approach in New Zealand.
