Each year on 1 March, Zero Discrimination Day is an important reminder that equality and respect are not just ideals; they’re essential foundations of safe, positive experiences in sport.
For Sport Integrity Australia (SIA), the day and the 2026 theme – People first – reinforces our commitment to ensuring every person, at every level of Australian sport, can participate in an environment free from discrimination, harassment and abuse.
Why Zero Discrimination Day matters to SIA
Sport is at its best when everyone feels welcome, valued and protected. Discrimination – whether based on race, gender, disability, sexuality, cultural background or any other attribute – undermines fairness and exposes athletes and sporting communities to harm.
The principles and mission of Zero Discrimination Day align directly with SIA’s work across:
- Child safeguarding – promoting safe, inclusive environments where children and young people are protected from discrimination, bullying and exclusion.
- Member Protection – supporting sports to prevent and manage discrimination, harassment and abuse through clear policies, processes and education.
- Inclusive sport culture – ensuring integrity education, guidance and sport-specific support acknowledges the diversity of athletes, coaches, volunteers and officials.
- Reporting and complaints mechanisms – providing a trusted place for people to raise concerns when discrimination or mistreatment occurs.
By recognising this day, we reaffirm our belief that integrity in sport is inseparable from inclusion. You cannot have one without the other.
How we are recognising the day
On this Zero Discrimination Day and in the week that follows, SIA staff will be engaging in a range of activities internally to champion inclusion and celebrate diversity.
Our work in this space is focused on highlighting the importance of inclusive sporting environments by:
- Continuing to promote helpful resources that champion respect, equality and the rights of all participants to feel safe in their sport.
- Supporting national sporting organisations with education and guidance.
- Continuing to work closely with sports and deliver inclusion-focused programs, including modules on respectful behaviours, member protection, child safeguarding and building positive team cultures.
Across all levels, we are encouraging sports, their participants and staff to take a moment on Zero Discrimination Day to reflect on how they can help break down barriers, challenge bias and contribute to safer, more respectful spaces.
What Zero Discrimination Day means for the sporting community
Celebrating Zero Discrimination Day is a reminder that inclusion is not a one‑off project but a continuous commitment.
Everyone involved in sport has a role to play, whether through calling out discriminatory behaviour, supporting teammates, educating themselves on respectful conduct, or creating environments where all participants feel they belong.
When we eliminate discrimination, sport becomes stronger, safer and more enjoyable for all.
A shared commitment to fairness
As the national agency responsible for protecting the integrity of Australian sport, SIA is proud to support Zero Discrimination Day 2026. SIA’s Culture and Safety Advisor, Patrick Johnson OLY affirmed that we will continue working alongside sports, athletes and communities to ensure everyone has the opportunity to participate in sport with respect, fairness and dignity.
“Racism and discrimination survive in silence. Integrity lives in action. Each of us has a duty to call discrimination out in our workplaces, in sport, and in every space we influence. Zero tolerance is not a slogan; it’s a standard we set for the next generation,” said Patrick Johnson OLY.
“Silence protects prejudice and courage protects people. Our legacy will not just be measured by what we achieve, but also by what we protect. When we call out racism and discrimination, we safeguard dignity, strengthen integrity, and put people first.”
If you experience or witness discrimination or unacceptable behaviour in sport, you can report it to your sport, or you can make a safe and confidential report via the ‘Make a report’ button at the top of Sport Integrity Australia website.