Research Paper for the Australian Human Rights Commission: Adaptation to the 2021 Guidelines for Addressing Spectator Racism in Community

Abstract

Sport plays a pivotal role in Australian culture; however, it can also serve as a site of discrimination, particularly for non-white and Indigenous athletes who face racism and harassment. This paper examines the anti-racism frameworks implemented by the Australian Football League (AFL) and Football Australia (FA), highlighting their foundational role in addressing discrimination but noting their inadequacy in combating spectator racism at the community level. In 2023, the Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) initiated efforts to adapt its 2021 Guide on spectator racism to better address these issues within community sports. This research identifies critical gaps in the current anti-racism infrastructure, providing recommendations aimed at enhancing the understanding and prevention of spectator racism. By focusing on these gaps, the paper seeks to contribute to the development of more effective strategies for managing and mitigating racism in community sporting environments.