Sport and Recreation Queensland

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Play By the Rules campaign

Play by the Rules is a program designed to help Australian club sport deal with issues of unlawful and inappropriate behaviours. These issues include child protection, inappropriate touching of athletes, abuse of referees, abusive coaches and parents, racism and dealing with complaints.

Play by the Rules is supported nationally by each state department of sport and recreation and anti-discrimination and equal opportunity agencies, the federal Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission and the Australian Sports Commission.

In October 2007, Sport Minister Judy Spence launched a series of television advertisements, aimed at stamping out side-line abuse and bad sportsmanship in junior sport.

The 'Play by the Rules' advertisements send a clear message to parents: relax, sport should be fun.

The Queensland Government supports the 'Play by the Rules' initiative, including the Play by the Rules website, which provides valuable information and advice for local sporting clubs.

'Play by the Rules' is complemented by the Queensland Government's 'True Sport Lives Here' program, which helps local sporting clubs promote sportsmanship and good behaviour.

The 'Play by the Rules' website can be found at www.playbytherules.net.au.

Further information

Spence Launches Ad Campaign to Get Parents to 'Play by the Rules' media release.
Agency Referral Guide for Queensland ( PDF 903 kB)
This Guide explains where to refer enquiries and complaints and where to find information on resources and services that could assist sport and recreation organisations to deal with harassment issues. It provides a comprehensive list of agencies and organisations that can help with harassment-free recreation and sport, and child safe environments.

Last Updated: 14 April 2008