Essence of sport
Australian Sports Commission
Sport at all levels in Australia upholds the principles of:
Fairness - Operating within the spirit of the rules, never taking an unfair advantage and making informed and honourable decisions at all times.
Respect - Recognising the contribution which people make to sport, treating them with dignity and consideration, as well as caring for the property and equipment they use.
Responsibility - Taking responsibility for one’s actions and being a positive role model at all times.
Safety - Encouraging healthy and safe procedures, preventing and reporting dangerous behaviour, while demonstrating concern for others.
In Australia we are proud of our sporting ability and our reputation as a nation of good sports. Our society expects high standards of behaviour from all people involved in sport and it is vital the integrity of sport is maintained. The main responsibility for this lies with the decision makers at every level of sport who should ensure that all policies, programs and services are based on the principles of fairness, respect, responsibility and safety.
The Essence of Australian Sport has been drafted by the Australian Sports Commission, in consultation with the sport industry to provide a statement on what sport in Australia ‘stands for’ – its core principles and values.
The Essence of Australian Sport also aims to provide a consistent and positive foundation (cornerstone) for the development of codes of conduct and policy, strategic planning and program development; to remind and focus people on the positive aspects, value and benefits of sport; and to reinforce that everyone has a role to play in promoting and displaying good sportsmanship and fair-play values.
As the Essence of Australian Sport has been developed by and for the sport industry, it is not intended to be a regulatory or prescriptive document. The Australian Sports Commission will assist sporting organisations, through its numerous programs and resources to adopt and implement this positive initiative into their daily activities, processes and policies.
If you would like to order copies of The Essence of Australian Sport poster and/or brochure, please contact ASC Publishing (see related link). Other resources can be accessed under the resources tab.
