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TO: ALL PRINCIPALS

                                        ALL NETBALL CONVENORS

                                        ALL NETBALL COACHES

FROM: REGIONAL SCHOOL SPORT OFFICER (METROPOLITAN NORTH)

SUBJECT: Gender Equity in School Sport

 

PURPOSE

  1. The purpose of the memo is to:
    1. advise all staff of the Gender Equity issues arising from inclusion of boys in Netball teams; and
    2. re-inform staff of their obligations under Education Queensland (EQ) policy regarding the Department of Education Manual CS – 03- Gender Equity in School Sport.

 

ACTIONS REQUIRED

 

  1. Principals/Convenors are asked to:
    1. ensure that all staff are made aware of the Gender Equity issues on inclusion of boys in Netball teams;
    2. ensure that staff comply with the requirements of the EQ DOEM.

     

     

    BACKGROUND
  2. It has been brought to my attention that some schools and districts are including boys in competitive Netball teams.

    3.  

  3. The EQ DoEM CS – 03 states "if parallel single sex competitions are not possible, ensure that merit based selection does not result in discrimination, domination or disadvantage of members of the same team or opposition".

    4.  

  4. Staff should be aware that many factors inhibit girl’s sports participation in mixed sex competitions such as:

    5.  

    1. "Girl’s lower level of confidence and comfort in mixed sex contests due to the relatively limited opportunities for them to develop skills,
    2. The lower level of encouragement given to girls, and
    3. Disparaging remarks made about girls physique and their participation in sport."

     

  5. In accordance with the DoEM on Gender Equity in sport it is stated that the inclusion of boys in Netball teams must follow three guidelines.

    6.  

    1. Displacement – the boys inclusion should not displace any female student.

      2.  

    2. Domination – the male students must not dominate any of the girls in areas such as strength, stamina and physique.
    3. Disruption – the male students are not to disrupt the female student’s self-esteem or ability to compete in a safe environment.
    4. Disadvantage – the male students inclusion is not to disadvantage any female student’s participation level.

     

  6. For these reasons an affirmative action approach has been adopted by Education Queensland. (References are appended to the DoEM).
    1. If teams will be disadvantaged due to lack of players it is reasonable to include male students as long as they do not impinge on Item 6.
    2. If any female student is available they must be selected ahead of a male.
    3. This includes all teams within that age group at a school or district. Eg. If a school has two 11 years teams A & B (selected on merit) the A team must not contain any male students.
    4. Note: Item 6 applies to both teams competing.

     

  7. For further information about Gender Equity Issues please read: Department of Education Manual – Curriculum and Studies. CS – 03: Gender Equity in School Sport.

    8.  

     

    CONTACT

     

  8. Any enquiries regarding sport issues should be directed to:

 

Metropolitan North School Sport Office

Ph: (07) 3350 7815

Email Address: mark.tibbles@qed.qld.gov.au

 

Mark Tibbles

Regional School Sport Officer

(Geebung District Office)

24 May 2002