Basketball NSW has released its guidelines for the inclusion of Transgender and Gender Diverse people in Community Basketball.
Basketball NSW Chief Executive Officer Maria Nordstrom welcomed the introduction of these guidelines and said that basketball is everyone’s game.
“We know the health benefits of playing sport, but we can’t underestimate the benefits of social inclusion. We want all participants in our game to be able to play in a safe and inclusive environment that is free from harassment and discrimination.”
“Whilst we are not the first sport to introduce these guidelines, it is a significant inclusive milestone for our game at the community level. Everyone is welcome to play the great game of basketball.”
Basketball NSW worked with representatives from Pride in Sport, the Queer Sporting Alliance and the Sydney Spectres as we formed the Pride in Basketball Working Group. This group met and reviewed Basketball Australia’s guidelines (approved December 2021) and proposed amendments. The amendments made, whilst minor, were done so to reflect the views of the Pride in Basketball Working Group but didn’t alter the overarching emphasis of inclusion at the community level.
Basketball NSW Pride in Basketball Chair, Jesse Brown added;
“The Pride in Basketball Working Group is excited to see NSW and its associations adopt these guidelines. We look forward to working with Basketball Australia, Basketball NSW and Associations as they take a great step forward in providing safe and inclusive spaces for all members to participate in community basketball.
The guidelines for community basketball will assist our affiliated member associations to deliver a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment that is free of harassment and discrimination.
Each affiliated member association is its own legal entity, and as with any policy, guideline, or by-law that has been developed by either Basketball Australia or Basketball NSW, they can choose to adopt them as their own.
The guidelines cover respectful and inclusive language, considerations for making existing facilities more inclusive; and the collection and use of a participant’s personal information.
Basketball NSW held an awareness training session for our affiliated member associations and will continue to deliver awareness training sessions and provide support.
Click HERE to view the guidelines.
The Basketball NSW and Basketball Australia guidelines for the Inclusion of Transgender and Gender Diverse People in Community Basketball apply to the community level only, it does not include the following competitions:
- 3×3
- Waratah Junior Leagues
- Waratah Senior Leagues
- Waratah Wheelchair Leagues
- NBL 1
Basketball NSW will continue to work with Basketball Australia in establishing eligibility criteria for elite and sub-elite basketball competitions.