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Disability Action has drawn this to our attention… and the South Australian Democrats join them in asking you to respond…

Play By the Rules is new web site that asks a question no-one should ever ask.

Go to www.playbytherules.net.au. You’ll see the question and a place to give your answer.

“Should kids with a disability be allowed to participate in junior sport?”

Imagine asking “Should girls be allowed to participate in junior sport?” or “Should Muslims be allowed to participate in junior sport?”

The answer is a foregone conclusion for girls, Muslims, Aboriginal people and everyone else. So why is it OK to ask it in relation to people with disabilities?

Perhaps because, even though we’ve had anti discrimination laws since the early 80′s, the answer is NOT a foregone conclusion.

Poll respondents by Monday afternoon had said:
190 Yes, if reasonable
110 As long as the kids are not at risk
7 Definitely not
5 As long as the outcome of the game is not affected.

That’s encouraging, as far as it goes. But where is the option that says “Yes, and organisers should make all reasonable adjustments to ensure participation?”

That option should be there because that’s what the Disability Discrimination Act says on the matter.

If you share this view perhaps you might like to go further than simply clicking on the best option the site provides and give them some constructive feedback about the missing option they SHOULD have provided.

If you do so, please treat the organisers respectfully. Their intentions are good – the site is part of a campaign to overcome discrimination.

Play by the Rules provides information and online learning about how to prevent and deal with discrimination, harassment and child abuse for the sport and recreation industry.

Play by the Rules is a partnership between the Australian Sports Commission and all State/Territory sport and recreation and anti-discrimination agencies.

Play by the Rules is supported by the Australian and State and Territory Governments.