Clubs come together to commit to a Culture of Respect

Clubs across the Central Highlands will look a little different this weekend as orange uniforms, game balls and arm bands mark Respect Round across the league.

Delivered by Respect Ballarat, as part of the Culture of Respect, the special round will focus on gaining a commitment from sporting communities to take positive grassroots actions, to stamp out gendered violence. 

Following the startling statistic, that Ballarat experiences family violence at a rate that is 51% higher than the state’s average, community sporting clubs were identified as an important pathway to model healthy relationships and respect via leaders, all the way through to junior level.

Ballarat Centre Against Sexual Assault (CASA)
Quotes attributable to Katrina Bevelander, Manager, CASA

“Sporting clubs have an extremely positive influence on the lives of participants, their families and their communities. Coaches and leaders have the potential to lead by example to not only develop good sportspeople but also good humans.”

“Drivers of gendered violence include rigid gender norms, power imbalances, toxic masculinity and normalised disrespect. There is a risk that these can be amplified in sporting environments where culture, hierarchy and team norms shape behaviour.

“This is why it is so important that our local clubs are flipping the script and recognising that sport is also the perfect setting for community attitude change and positive learnings.”

“We recognise that the behaviour you walk by, is the behaviour you accept; throughout Respect Round we’re looking to remind communities of simple commitments they can make to continue to build a culture of respect. This might be calling out sexist jokes and language, supporting others to speak up against gendered violence and promoting a culture where everyone feels safe.”

Quote attributable to Sean Duggan, President, Springbank Football Netball Club

“Respect Round, gives our club Springbank FNC a chance to reflect on the values that make our club stronger both on and off the field.”

“This year we place a focus on respect for women. Our club is very fortunate to have incredible women who play, coach, umpire officiate, volunteer to support all teams both football and netball and help make our club what is today. Their contribution is invaluable and they deserved to be treated with respect, dignity equality always.”

“Respect isn’t just about what we do this weekend, its everyday, this includes the language we use, the way we treat each other and above all having the courage to call out behaviours that doesn’t reflect the values of our club.”

“As a president I have a role in creating an environment where everyone feels safe welcomed and valued.”

Quotes attributable to Kellie Leonard, Secretary, Dunnstown Football Netball Club

“The Dunnstown Football Netball Club is proud to support the Respect Round on 8 August.”

“Our senior teams will be wearing custom-made netball dresses and football jumpers which feature the orange piping, symbolic of the Respect Round. Orange armbands will also be worn by our playing group.”

“Our club is committed to creating a safe and inclusive space for all players, volunteers and supporters.”

Respect Round games will be hosted at:

• Springbank
• Skipton
• Rokewood Corindhap
• Newlyn
• Dunnstown
• Daylesford
• Waubra
• Hepburn

Respect Ballarat is delivered by:

• Ballarat CASA
• Grampians Health
• WRISC Family Violence Support
• Sexual Assault Services Victoria
• Respect Victoria
• Ballarat Foundation