A MESSAGE FROM OUR AFL CAPTAINS
The AFL has zero tolerance for racism and other forms of vilification - it’s not hard, it’s out of bounds.
Australian Rules Football is for everyone, no matter who you are, where you’re from, or how you identify. Inclusion isn’t optional. It’s who we are, both on and off the field.
Learn more about how to create a more diverse and inclusive club.
A MESSAGE FROM OUR AFLW CAPTAINS
When clubs actively embrace diversity and commit to creating safe, welcoming, and respectful environments, the benefits are a stronger culture, more players and volunteers, and a greater community support.
Different backgrounds, same game. Different stories, same dream. Vilification doesn’t belong on any team. We’re stronger together.
How to report vilification
Everyone has the right to feel safe and welcome playing or watching footy, whether that's at local footy or AFL and AFLW matches. This means any type of vilifying words or actions towards another person are not allowed and match bans apply to those found to be responsible for vilifying others.
If you experience or witness vilification or discrimination, report it as quickly as possible to your Club and ensure that one of the following occurs:
- A Notice of Complaint form is completed and lodged with the League / Competition Manager; or
- A complaint is made online via the AFL Integrity Portal.
Peek Rule
Section 10. Vilification and Discrimination (Peek Rule) of the National Community Football Policy Handbook outlines that “No Person shall act towards or speak to any other person in a manner, or engage in any other conduct which threatens, disparages, vilifies or insults another person or group of persons on any basis, including but not limited to, a person's race, religion, colour, descent or national or ethnic origin, disability, sexual orientation or gender identity”.
Wellbeing Support Services
Any person impacted by a Prohibited Conduct incident should seek wellbeing assistance through their football club, their Doctor or wellbeing support provider such as one of those detailed below.
Where any person feels that a crime has been committed or they fear for their safety as a result of an incident, they should contact the Police on 131 444 or call 000 for emergencies.
Focus Area: Emotional distress / crisis support.
Coverage: 24 hours Australia wide.
Phone: 13 11 14
Website: www.lifeline.org.au
Focus Area: Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander emotional distress / crisis support.
Coverage: 24 hours Australia wide.
Phone: 13 92 76
Website: www.13yarn.org.au
Focus Area: Depression, anxiety, mental health & crisis support.
Coverage: 24 hours Australia wide.
Phone: 1300 224 636
Website: www.beyondblue.org.au
Focus Area: Kids, young adults, parents – stress / anxiety, mental health, abuse, identity, relationships.
Coverage: 24 hours Australia wide.
Phone: 1800 55 1800
Website: www.kidshelpline.com.au
Focus Area: Young person mental health support.
Coverage: 9am – 1am AEST everyday.
Phone: 1800 650 890
Website: www.headspace.org.au
Focus Area: LGBTI peer support - sexuality, identity, gender, bodies, feelings or relationships.
Coverage: 3pm to midnight everyday.
Phone: 1800 184 527
Website: www.qlife.org.au