AFL PLAYERS’ Reconciliation Action Plan 2014 - 15 Our Vision for Reconciliation We understand the role Australian Rules football players have in promoting reconciliation within society and take great pride in the work our members, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders and the broader Australian community do to help achieve this. This RAP symbolises the commitment of our staff to the development and support of our members to assist them in shaping an inclusive industry and promoting change within broader society. We wish to foster personal growth and celebrate diversity of our members; past, present and future, our staff and anyone who engages with the AFL Players’ Association. “This painting reflects what AFL means to me as an Indigenous player. The yellow, brown and black dots around the border are the different colours of individuals playing, working for and supporting the AFL system. These dots go into the 18 different clubs scattered around Australia, which lead into the middle circle that represents the AFL. For me AFL is such a diverse and multicultural game. Anyone can play, support and not be judged on who they are or what they believe but for their love of the game.“ – Cameron Ellis-Yolmen (Adelaide Crows) 2 AFL PLAYERS’ Introduction I am extremely proud to present the very first AFL Players’ Association Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP). The AFL Players’ Association represents 809 AFL players, with 67 of those who identify as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander. Developing an inclusive culture within our workplace, the game and greater society is a fundamental pillar of our organisational strategy and reconciliation is a big part of this. We endeavor to provide all of our members, Indigenous and Non-Indigenous, with opportunities for personal growth and development and strive to create an environment where leadership skills are developed to generate a broader impact. AFL football has long been considered a great vehicle for change and we have seen AFL footballers such as Nicky Winmar, Michael Long and Adam Goodes, have a significant impact on society through their courage and leadership. Through our education and development programs, the AFL Players’ Indigenous Camp and the support of our Indigenous Advisory Board, our staff strives to promote reconciliation on a daily basis. We respect the opportunity AFL footballers have to ignite change and our role as the AFL Players’ Association to lead the way in reconciliation. We see the development of this RAP as unifying and enhancing the behaviors we already value and instill within our Association. Matt Finnis Chief Executive Officer Contents 5 8 10 12 14 Our Business RELATIONSHIPS RESPECT OPPORTUNITIES PROGRESS/ REPORTING AFL PLAYERS’ Our Business The AFL Players’ Association was established in 1973. The Association strives to represent the interests and welfare of all players, not just within the course of each game, but all aspects of a footballer’s life. With 100 per cent membership of the AFL player body, including two club delegates representing each AFL club, the Association employs 29 full-time staff dedicated to ensure the continued growth and development of the people who make this game so special. Today the AFL Players’ Association provides a range of services directly to players – from welfare support, to education, to career advice – and offers spirited representation of our views and interests to a wide range of stakeholders within the AFL industry and also in the broader community. Our vision is to be a respected champion of AFL players and the game. We intend to pursue this vision with the tenacity and commitment that success demands of AFL players – both on and off the field - through living our values; United, Courageous, Supportive and Respectful. The organisation currently employs one person who identifies as being Aboriginal and or Torres Strait Islander and in the 2014 AFL season there are 67 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander players in the AFL - all of whom are members that the AFL Players’ Association represents. We currently have one office which is based in Melbourne. AFL PLAYERS’ Our RAP The AFL Players’ Association has a long standing relationship with Aboriginal and Torres Islander peoples and communities. Since the AFL began we’ve seen many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander players take the field, players that are legends of the game, such as Polly Farmer, Nicky Winmar, Michael Long and Adam Goodes. During the 2011 Indigenous camp, the playing group agreed to create an Indigenous Players’ Advisory Board to become the voice of all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander players within the Australian Football League (AFL). The Board consists of a minimum of one Aboriginal and or Torres Strait Islander player representative from Western Australia, South Australia, Queensland and New South Wales and four representatives from Victoria. The current board members are: • Adam Goodes – Chairman • Shaun Burgoyne • Aaron Davey • Lance Franklin • Jarrod Harbrow • Michael Johnson • Nathan Lovett-Murray • Patrick Ryder In 2013 during NAIDOC week, the Indigenous Advisory Board in conjunction with the AFL Players’ Association launched a document titled Many Stories, One Goal, built from the stories and experiences of every Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander player in the game, along with key stakeholders within the industry. The policy is built around four key pillars; 1. Induction 2. Professional Development 3. Personal Support and; 4. Our Culture These areas are identified as vital to developing an environment that best supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander footballers throughout every stage of their playing career and beyond. The inspiration for the guidelines came from the AFL Players’ Indigenous Camp held in Alice Springs earlier this year and a want to achieve consistency in conditions across the competition for Indigenous players. 6 AFL PLAYERS’ Through the work with the Indigenous Advisory Board and all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander players, we felt the development of a Reconciliation Action Plan was required to form part of our core business. As a result we developed a RAP working group, consisting of the following staff members who were involved in developing this RAP; • Chief Executive Officer • General Manager Players Relations • General Manager Player Development • Indigenous and Multicultural Manager • Player Development Regional Manager • Media and PR Manager • Legal Counsel • Content Producer • Accountant The working group is compromised of a range of staff members, including senior management and members of each of the four departments within the AFL Players’ Association is represented. We currently have one person who identifies as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and is part of the RAP working group. There is a commitment from our Board, players and staff to ensure Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander players, past, present and future continue to be supported through the actions of our RAP in order to achieve our vision. Relationships The AFL Players’ Association understands the importance of ensuring we develop and foster strong and meaningful relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities. We support our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander players, their families and their communities as this is a core part of our business. It is critical that we assist Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander players to maximise their football careers and build brighter futures. The AFL Players’ Association is passionate about bringing together Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and the broader Australian community through football in order to promote reconciliation. 8 Relationships Focus Area: Create, Strengthen and Engage Action Responsibility Timeline Target Establish a RAP working group with Chief Executive Officer March 2014 · RAP Working Group meetings held representation from all departments to quarterly. actively monitor RAP development, including implementation of actions and the tracking of General Manager, Player · Progress reports provided to the AFL progress and reporting. Relations Players’ Association Board every six months. Celebrate National Reconciliation Week (NRW) Indigenous and 27th May- 3rd June, · Organise at least one internal event by providing opportunities for Aboriginal and Multicultural Manager 2014 each year. Torres Strait Islander employees and other employees to build relationships and awareness. National · Develop AFL Players’ Association Content Producer Reconciliation Week website stories to promote NRW and our players – both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and other players. Improve engagement with AFL clubs to increase Indigenous and September 2014 · Develop an engagement strategy to the support provided to Aboriginal and Torres Multicultural Manager assist with implementation of programs Strait Islander players and the understanding of and support for Aboriginal and Torres Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. Strait players in conjunction with General Manager, Player AFL clubs. Development · Encourage all AFL clubs to conduct cultural awareness training to all employees. · Provide all clubs with the Best Practice Guidelines – Supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander footballers; Many Stories, One Goal document. · Measure the implementation of the Best Practice Guidelines. AFL Players’ Association will work to influence Chief Executive Officer December 2014 · Engage the AFL industry in the AFL other football