Over 20 major sporting organisations have united to sign the Online Safety Statement of Commitment to combat online abuse in Australian sport for staff and athletes.

Within the statement, the eSafety Commissioner provides a guideline for organisations to tackle and prevent online abuse within their sport and the wider community.

The AFL, NRL, Netball Australia, Cricket Australia, Tennis Australia, NBL, Football Australia, Gymnastics Australia, Paralympics Australia, and Sport Integrity Australia are some of the major organisations to sign the statement of commitment.

The statement commits the organisations to support and train staff and athletes who are subject to online abuse, while also providing an accessible and reliable process for people within the industry to report online abuse. ​

AFL chief executive officer, Gillon McLachlan, said: “We remain committed to working with the eSafety Commissioner in addressing online abuse, including racism, sexism and homophobia, targeting athletes and those in the community.”

“Online abuse is harmful and can seriously impact the wellbeing and mental health of the individuals, families and communities.

“We stand united with other sporting organisations, and we will support our staff and athletes to protect their online safety and report online abuse,” McLachlan said.

Netball Australia CEO, Kelly Ryan, said the work to provide support and tools in this field will continue into 2022.

“Online abuse of athletes, umpires and staff has no place in our game and we are committed to working with eSafety to address this important issue,” Ryan said