Sports teams must have sanitary bins in MALE change rooms under new guidelines

Sports teams may soon have sanitary bins in male changing rooms and 'gender neutral' areas under a series of new guidelines that protect transgender children. 

The guidelines, which were released in a document by the Australian Human Rights Commission and Sports Australia earlier this month, aim to boost gender inclusivity. 

Australian sports administrator David Gallop, who co-signed the document, told The Daily Telegraph the changes provide an opportunity for all of those involved in Australian sport to reflect on how they can facilitate diversity and inclusion.  

'COMPPS encourages all of its members to take active steps to welcome and encourage transgender and gender diverse people to participate in their sports,' Mr Gallop said. 

If given the green light, clubs would be asked to make bathrooms and change areas more 'inclusive' by 'changing signage to unisex/gender neutral for non-binary people' and 'ensuring that all changerooms have sanitary bins'. 

The guidelines also state transgender children should be able to compete as the sex they identify as and girl's teams stock skirts in sizes to fit gender-diverse players. 

Clubs have also been asked to create 'gender-neutral spaces' and use 'correct pronouns' in 'conversations, databases, documents and correspondence'. 

Sex Discrimination Commissioner Kate Jenkins, who also signed off the document, said the changes address 'unlawful discrimination' against transgender people.

'The guidelines provide information on the operation of the (Sex Discrimination) Act, and practical guidance on how sporting organisations, their staff and volunteers can promote the inclusion of transgender and gender diverse people in line with human rights-based principles,' Ms Jenkins said.

The commissioner said she is looking forward to sporting organisations using the guidelines to ensure their policies and practices comply with the Act.  

In addition to paid coaches and staff, unpaid volunteers would also be required to adhere to the guidelines, if the changes are implemented. 

An Australian Human Rights Commission spokesperson said the cost to implement the changes would also be minimal.  

But not everyone is convinced the changes are the right move.    

Australian Catholic University senior research fellow Dr Kevin Donnelly said identifying as a different gender in sport could create an unfair disadvantage.

He said the changes create a 'totally unfair' disadvantage for women.  

However, coach of the South Sydney Mt Carmel Junior Cricket Club James Cullen said there is a risk the new guidelines could make it more challenging for trans kids. 

He said anything that makes it easier for children to play sport is a great thing - but he worries clubs will treat them differently, which will make it worse.

'It's putting them on a pedestal when they need to be made to feel as normal as possible and like their peers,' Mr Cullen said.  

Source: Daily Mail

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