The AIS is seeking candidates from within the high performance (HP) sport system to train as workshop co-presenters for the AIS Respectful Behaviours education program. This could include alumni athletes, coaches, parents, officials and staff who have an interest in professional conduct and respectful behaviours.

Respectful Behaviours Program

Developed in conjunction with experts from Deakin University, the Respectful Behaviours education program aims to address coach/athlete and athlete/athlete communication issues, power imbalances, cultural issues, abuse, bullying and violence in HP relationships and the daily training environment.

A sport may request the AIS to deliver a workshop to HP athletes, coaches, staff and administrators as a result of specific incidents, or simply to maintain high standards.

Submissions are now CLOSED.

Custom built workshops

Respectful Behaviours workshops can be tailored to the needs of each NSO and NIN.

Workshops are flexible and can be designed to suit the needs of sport including:

• Time – workshops can be delivered as full or half day workshops to support an induction process or alternatively as multiple modular based programs over a 3 month period.
• Format – workshops are available either in person or via video conferencing to meet the needs of both centralised and de-centralised programs.
• Content – workshops can be tailored to provide education and support around specific issues and incidents that may be presenting within the DTE or generally to increase participant knowledge around respectful behaviours for a proactive and protective approach to ensuring positive cultures in sport.

Key workshop themes

Understanding respectful behaviours in elite sport workshop

This workshop provides athletes and staff with an understanding of the context of respectful behaviours within elite sport and provides an introduction to concepts and themes in respectful behaviours. It allows participants to develop their own views, as well as listen to other peoples’ views, in relation to issues of gender, respect and relationships.

• 2 hours

Communication and dealing with conflict workshop

In a competitive environment, conflict can be inevitable. To ensure a positive, safe and inclusive high performance environment, developing participants who are open and willing to communicate issues early helps manage conflict.

This workshop assists participants to develop communication skills (digital and non digital) and to establish important connections between communication, conflict and consent in elite sport. It develops participants knowledge and understanding of respectful forms of communication in an elite sporting environment and explores personal comfort with conflict and provides strategies to help navigate conflict effectively.

• 3 hours
• Prerequisite learning required.

Bystander awareness and response training workshop

This workshop provides participants with strategies to identify, intervene and engage others in responding to problematic attitudes, practices and behaviours. It also provides practical examples of intervening as a bystander. It allows participants important opportunities to consider issues of safety associated with intervening, and for participants to form their own micro-level action plan so everyone is aware of their role in keeping respectful behaviours a core part of elite sporting cultures.

• 3 hours
• Prerequisite learning required.

Responding to serious incidents training workshop

This workshop is designed to enable participants to identify incidents in the DTE and how to respond in the moment. Participants explore their own reactions and feelings about potential issues that can be extremely challenging and confronting. This workshop may include issues such as how to respond to sexual assault or power imbalances between members (e.g. athletes, coaches and/or support staff). It provides strategies and practice for participants to respond to a serious incident.

• 3 hours
• Prerequisite learning required.

NOTE: For specific information on reporting integrity concerns in sport, please visit the Sport Integrity Australia website https://www.sportintegrity.gov.au/contact-us/anonymously-report-integrity-issues, opens in a new tab

Developing an ethical framework and practicing ethics of care with sport

This workshop is designed to provide staff with a framework they can refer to when difficult situations arise. This framework will allow them to look out for themselves and others by exploring personal ethics and putting these into practice.

• 3 hours
• Prerequisite learning required: Participants will be required to have a sound understanding of the research, nature, extent and challenges of respectful behaviours in the elite sporting environment before completing this workshop.

Eligibility and suitability

National Sporting Organisation/National Institute Network

To be eligible for the Respectful Behaviours Program, you must be a funded NSO or NIN.

The Respectful Behaviours Program workshops are at no cost to the NSO or NIN.

Elite Athlete Education Network/State Sporting Organisations

Elite Athlete Education Network and State Sporting organisations are also eligible to access workshops under a cost recovery agreement. Access is also dependent on presenter availability.

In person workshops

NSO/NIN/EAN/SSO’s are responsible for the following when hosting face-to-face workshops:

• travel costs for their own staff and athletes to attend
• an appropriate training room
• catering.

Age suitability

As participants will be dealing with potentially sensitive issues focusing on respect, relationships and intersectional forms of violence in the elite sporting context, workshops are designed for participants 18 and over.

If you require a modified program suitable for participants aged 16-18 years or younger, please contact us directly for more information.

Whole of sport approach to respectful behaviours

The following diagram represents core aspects associated with whole of sport approaches to respectful behaviours.

A whole of sport approach is where a sporting organisation aims to address the drivers of violence and harassment by enacting multiple strategies to change structures, norms, practices, attitudes and behaviours both within the organisation and in the broader sporting community.

A whole of sport approach can operate at different levels across a sport, from a peak national body to state associations and regional and local organisations. This approach is more likely to produce sustainable improvements.

Whole of sport approach

Diagram descriptionDownload Image

Whole of sport approach to respectful behaviours

Supporting Cultures and Environments Outcome: Structures, policies and procedures, enable RB, inclusion and equity.

Leadership and Commitment Outcome: Leadership and management drive sport sector-wide commitment to RB. Athletes and staff take ownership and action to promote RB.

Profession Learning Strategy Outcome: All athletes, leadership, staff and management and engaged in a whole sport approach to RB. Selected staff are equipped to deliver RBE and respond to violence and disclosures effectively.

Managing RB Program Outcome: Athletes and staff have the skills and knowledge to promote change and respond to RB issues of relevance to them and others.

Community Partnerships Outcome: Sports are supported to implement long-term, holistic strategies to build and promote RB. Necessary partnerships are built and sustained with local state and national RB stakeholders.

Support Structures for Athletes and Staff Outcome: Sports are equipped to provide victims and perpetrators of violence with appropriate responses, supports and referrals.

Contact

For further information on any aspect of the program please contact:

• Sharyn Arnold, Adviser – AIS Conduct and Professionalism