Inclusion

At Southern Peninsula Basketball Association (SPBA), we believe basketball is a sport for everyone. We are committed to creating a welcoming, respectful, and inclusive environment where people from all backgrounds, abilities, and identities have the opportunity to participate, thrive, and belong.

Inclusion at SPBA means actively ensuring that our programs, competitions, and community spaces are accessible and supportive for all individuals, regardless of:

  • Gender identity
  • Age
  • Race and ethnicity
  • Cultural and linguistic background
  • Religion
  • Sexual orientation
  • Disability
  • Social or economic background

We recognise that some groups face additional barriers to participation in sport. These barriers may be related to accessibility, financial constraints, discrimination, or lack of opportunities. At SPBA, we are committed to breaking down these barriers and providing a range of inclusive opportunities so that basketball remains a sport for all.

What Inclusion Looks Like at SPBA

Respecting and Acknowledging Our Community

We acknowledge and celebrate the diverse backgrounds, cultures, and identities that make up our basketball community. We believe that by recognising and valuing every individual, we create a stronger, more united association.

Our Commitment to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples

SPBA acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land on which we play and pays respect to their Elders past, present, and emerging. We recognise the rich heritage, contributions, and ongoing cultural connection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and are committed to ensuring their voices, history, and participation are valued and supported in our community.

Providing Equitable Opportunities

SPBA actively works to increase participation and engagement among:

  • People with disabilities, ensuring accessible pathways into basketball
  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, respecting their cultural heritage and connection to the land
  • People from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds, creating programs that reflect and embrace diversity
  • The LGBTQIA+ community, fostering a safe and supportive environment for all gender identities and sexual orientations
  • Older adults and people of all ages, offering programs that encourage lifelong participation in sport
  • Individuals experiencing social or economic disadvantage, providing opportunities regardless of financial circumstances

Removing Barriers to Participation

We recognise that everyone should have the right to participate in basketball, but not everyone has equal access. SPBA is dedicated to:

  • Offering programs that accommodate different needs
  • Providing safe, inclusive, and welcoming spaces
  • Educating our coaches, officials, and staff on best practices for inclusivity
  • Encouraging diverse leadership at all levels of our association

Creating a Voice for the Community

Inclusion means listening, learning, and taking action. We encourage feedback from our community to ensure that SPBA remains a place where everyone feels heard, valued, and supported.

Together, we can create a basketball community that embraces diversity, promotes respect, and offers opportunities for all.

For more information or to get involved, contact our Pathways Administrator, Jade Brasser, at jade.odom@sthpen.com.au.