Protecting the health and safety of all sports participants is paramount to the future of Australian sport.

The sports industry is taking action to address inappropriate behaviour such as abuse and harassment, and to promote the positive values of honesty, integrity and respect.

The Australian Sports Commission is working with national sporting organisations through the Essence of Australian sport to create a fun and safe environment in which all participants may enjoy a positive sporting experience.

The Essence of Australian Sport has been drafted by the Australian Sports Commission, in consultation with the sports industry as a statement on what sport in Australia ‘stands for’ through its core principles and values.

Sporting organisations have a responsibility to ensure the playing environment is fun, safe and fair for all participants.

The Essence of Australian Sport recognises the safety and welfare of every members of sporting clubs is vital to the future growth and viability of national sporting organisations.

The Essence of Sport will encourage participants at all levels of Australian sport to uphold the following principles and values:

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 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.