AFL’s Respect and Responsibility Policy
The Australian Football League (AFL) Respect and Responsibility policy sets out the expectation that all people engaging with the AFL treat others with respect, and establishes a complaint process for those who experience disrespectful conduct in the form of sexual harassment, sexual assault or discrimination. The Respect and Responsibility is part of a suite of initiatives on gender equality and inclusion within the AFL.
In 2017, AFL published a new Respect and Responsibility Policy following an independent review of the operation of the 2005 policy. Significantly, the new policy shifted the focus of the complaint management from legal fact finding to victim welfare. The AFL implemented a number of changes that have significantly improved the outcomes of complaints for all concerned, including:
- Locating responsibility for complaints within the Integrity team, and appointing a specific Integrity Operations Coordinator with relevant expertise in dealing with sex offences, victim management and child abuse to handle respect and responsibility complaints.
- Establishing and publicising a new reporting platform under AFL.com for victims to make a complaint directly to the AFL Integrity Team (victims can also remain anonymous if they wish).
- Greater focus on victim welfare, including implementing a new more effective system to provide independent welfare support at three levels, covering referral to a counsellor, psychologist or psychiatrist, depending on need.
- Providing more open access to the Integrity team, including establishing a 24/7 response (mobile phone capability) from the Integrity team to take calls and respond to victims at any time of the day or night.
Tony Keane, AFL Head of Integrity, has observed that the change to a more victim-centric approach has produced better outcomes for the victims and is more cognisant of the welfare around all parties allegedly involved.
The number of complaints is higher than under the 2005 policy, reflecting the fact that victims now have more confidence to come forward when they believe the AFL will listen, support and guide them through this difficult journey in their lives. The AFL is now better equipped, experienced and qualified to manage sexual assault victims which has a direct influence on the number of people willing to make a report. Complaints are now being resolved more quickly, with higher satisfaction rates and less distressing media reporting causing harm to individuals.
Tony Keane has observed firsthand that many people just want to tell their story and do not wish to take it further. It is common for people who come forward to elect to receive welfare support only, and not to pursue their complaint through the Police or the AFL complaint process. Others have needed the welfare support over time, and then pursue their complaint when they feel well enough to do so. The Integrity team is happy to then pick the complaint up and take it forward when the victim is ready. Tony Keane has also seen that people are also really happy to receive an apology as the full resolution of their complaint.
To ensure the policy remains current and effective, the AFL Commission get an annual report on the number and nature of cases and the Integrity team work closely with the Inclusion and Social Policy team, who are responsible for coordinating industry-wide training and maintenance of the policy.