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What does Fair Access mean for clubs?
Clubs are encouraged to create a welcoming space for women and girls, and Fair Access can help you build on your progress.
While men and boys can sometimes represent a larger part of your club, the policy doesn’t ask you to take away from their time; it simply encourages you to balance things out by considering the needs of women and girls too.
This could include:
- using respectful language on and off the field
- working towards making facilities and training times available to all genders, not just the men and boys
- developing a flexible uniform policy
- consulting with players, coaches and parents to understand the needs of participants before allocating training and game times
- having women in leadership roles (for example, as a coach or committee member) and part of your decision-making processes.
You can find your local council Fair Access (or equivalent) policy on its website or you can get in touch with them directly to answer your local queries.
To understand what actions are being taken from a whole of sport perspective, reach out to your relevant Victorian state sporting association.
What does Fair Access mean for leagues and associations?
Leagues and associations can work with state sporting associations and councils to support delivery of Fair Access action plans.
This is likely to look different in different council areas, so we recommend getting in touch with your relevant local councils.
This could include scheduling competition times that are suitable for players, coaches and volunteers, including people who may have caregiving responsibilities.
What does Fair Access mean for Committees of Management?
Community sporting facilities that are located on Crown land are managed by Committees of Management.
Individual Committees of Management are not required to create your own policy, however it’s recommended that you adopt your local council’s policy.
If councils wish to remain eligible to apply for Victorian Government program funding supporting community sports infrastructure, you’ll need to comply.
This could look like ensuring outdoor lighting is turned on in carparks after dark and considering how you can increase the safety of participants travelling to and from your venue.
Do you have more questions?
Contact the Fair Access team at fairaccess@sport.vic.gov.au.