Reflection and planning for the future 

State and national sporting organisations should have clear policies on girls playing in boys' teams. If this is an emerging issue for your sport, your club should:

• provide in principle support for girls playing in boys' teams if they're under 12 and a single sex competition isn't available
• explore what can be reasonably done to support participation if girls are over 12
• consider a girl's strength, stamina and physique on an individual basis and within the context of your sport
• get information and advice from experts such as Sports Medicine Australia, the Australian Human Rights Commission or your state or territory anti-discrimination agency
• make an informed decision rather than relying on myths and stereotypes - recent court and tribunal decisions (e.g. Australian Rules football) have found in favour of some girls older than 12 playing in boys' football teams
• create a safe environment (e.g. having a female on overnight or away trips, and planning to share toilet and change rooms appropriately).

You have now completed the scenario, we hope it helped you develop a better understanding of how to deal with these issues if they arise in your club.

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