NZ sport ‘needs zero tolerance’

A University of Otago researcher recommends that New Zealand national sporting bodies should adopt a zero tolerance for homophobia and other discriminatory behaviour.

An ’’Anti-homophobia and inclusion policies in New Zealand Sport Organisations’’ report, prepared by sport management researcher, Dr Sally Shaw, reviewed how six national sporting bodies are addressing change policies in these areas.

The organisations reviewed were New Zealand Rugby, Netball New Zealand, Hockey New Zealand, New Zealand Rugby League, New Zealand Football, and New Zealand Cricket. The report comes just two months after Chiefs forward Michael Allardice admitted to a homophobic slur at the Super Rugby team’s post-season party. Allardice publicly apologised and no subsequent action was taken.

Shaw believes the Chiefs dealt with the incident appropriately, before the stripper scandal emerged.

‘‘That particular part of it was handled quite quickly. The player who was involved apologised and did a proper apology,’’ she said.

‘‘With regards to that specific incident, I think they did got on to it pretty smartly.’’

The report says homophobia was identified as an issue by most of the participating bodies and they’re trying to develop policies in this area.

‘‘Some have done more thinking in this space,’’ added Shaw.

‘‘Rugby has had anti-homophobia and inclusion on its agenda for a while and is really at a stage where it can make changes.

‘‘Other sports, perhaps because of their size, with limited funding and multiple priorities just haven’t had the time yet to engage with some of these issues. But they are certainly trying to do so.’’

The recommendations are that organisations adopt clear antidiscrimination, inclusion policies and education programmes.

Homophobia zero tolerance poli- cies should cover players, coaches, administrators and fans, the report says.

Shaw believes it’s vital to start education early on the issue at schools, clubs and in youth sport.

The report also urges organisations to reach out to lesbian, gay and bisexual and other marginalised groups within their sport, especially at youth level.

‘‘Young lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) athletes are far more likely to stay in the closet because of fear of bullying and discrimination than older athletes,’’ Shaw said.

Her report cites 2015 research and shows that 81 per cent of New Zealand’s gay sportsmen and 74 per cent of lesbian sportswomen under the age of 22 report being partially or totally in the closet with their teammates.

There have been 1154 All Blacks and none have come out as gay.

Shaw insists the issue of homophobia in sport wouldn’t be solved by a leading sports star coming out of the closet.

‘‘In some levels it would be a good thing because then it’s done. Someone who is in a high-profile position would obviously have to be confident enough to come out.

‘‘At another level, I’m really not sure what difference it would make in the everyday life of people who participate in sport at grassroots level.’’