Adelaide Footy League clubs have indicated they would be prepared to forfeit games against Westminster Old Scholars after transgender player Freya Golding was cleared to continue playing by the AFL following three duty of care complaints.
Three separate clubs lodged complaints to the AdFL and AFL out of concerns for player safety following a round five incident involving Golding delivering an off-ball hit to an opponent, but the AFL’s Gender Diversity Policy Committee this week ruled it was not satisfied that Golding’s participation gave rise to unacceptable safety risks.
Adelaide Footy League chief John Kernahan said some clubs had indicated they would forfeit games as a result of the AFL’s ruling.
“The problem with the lack of leadership being offered (by the AFL) here is it creates a windstorm of reactions from those who want to understand,” Kernahan said.
“At our level, we are seeking counsel on what our rights are as an organisation to make a ruling as per the wishes of Adelaide Footy League Members.
“And then underneath that, we have come to learn of a protest from clubs that if neither the Adelaide Footy League or the AFL can make a tough call, they will by way of forfeiting.
“We’d hope we can work through this before clubs start forfeiting in protest which regardless of any individual or institutional ideologies, is not good for the game of footy much less the community in general.”
The AFL Gender Diversity Policy Committee’s findings sparked a worldwide reaction, with British actor and comedian John Cleese and retired Czech-American tennis player Martina Navratilova voicing disapproval on social media.
“What has been obvious is the silent majority have suddenly found voice on a subject they didn’t think they could offer,” Kernahan said.
“As unfortunate as the current debate is, the support from our clubs has been humbling.
“But those same people are also empathetic to the position Freya finds herself too.”
Stephanie Bastiaan, Head of Advocacy at Women’s Forum Australia, said the decision showed “disregard for the safety and fairness of female players” and believed the AFL should review its Gender Diversity Policy at the community level “urgently.”
“What message does this send to the women and girls expected to take the field?,” Ms Bastiaan questioned.
“The female category exists for a reason: to provide women and girls with a safe and fair competition.
“My concern is that this decision sets a dangerous precedent for female competitions more broadly.”
An AFL spokesman told this masthead the league was “committed to providing a safe and inclusive environment for all members of the football community.”
“The AFL considers all referrals to the AFL Community Gender Diversity Policy Committee in accordance with the AFL Gender Diversity Policy for Community Football and if a player does not pose an unacceptable safety risk they are generally permitted to continue participating in the competition,” they said.
Golding will not play again this year after Westminster OS was knocked out of finals by Mitcham over the weekend.
“I’m not the biggest and tallest player going around and by no means am I a dominant player. I’ve had some good moments but it’s rare I get in the best players,” Golding told 9NEWS.
“I just want to play the sport I love with a great group of people.”
The Westminster Old Scholars Football Club has been contacted by this masthead.