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Women from culturally and linguistically diverse (CaLD) backgrounds will now be able to participate in sport more easily, with the release today of an Australian-first multicultural uniform guide.

Seven Western Australian sports with high numbers of CaLD participants have endorsed a series of pictorial posters and information sheets showing and describing uniform options for women and girls playing AFL, football (soccer), basketball, gymnastics, volleyball, cricket and netball.

The options feature guidelines around leggings, long-sleeved tops and head coverings.

The Female Multicultural Uniform Guide is an opportunity to provide young CaLD women with the confidence to move from school-based sport to club or competition level.

It also giveslocal sporting clubs a guide to help women play sport safely and in an inclusive and culturally appropriate way.

Each State Sporting Association has endorsed their guide as appropriate and fitting with their codes and regulations.

Inspired by 2016’s Royal Life Saving Society’s Female Multicultural Swimwear Guide, the document will be a leading resource for WA sport.

It is hoped the Australian-first project will provide inspiration for other States and Territories to develop similar guides to encourage greater participation in sport.

The McGowan Government partnered with Communicare Inc. to create the guides in consultation with CaLD participants, community leaders, and State Sporting Associations including the West Australian Football Commission, Basketball WA, WACA, Gymnastics WA, Netball WA, Football West, and Volleyball Western Australia.

Comments attributed to Sport and Recreation Minister Mick Murray:

“These uniform guides mean women and girls who would otherwise be unable to play sport because of cultural or religious clothing requirements can now join a team and be involved the same as anyone else.

“These options will allow more women to participate safely and join local clubs, which are not only great for being active but also for growing cohesive, integrated communities.

“We want to give new Australians every confidence that they can join in and take part in sport – that most quintessential Aussie pastime.

“Western Australia is leading the country with this innovative, inclusive concept – which will ultimately provide more opportunities for sport to bring people together.”

Comments attributed to Citizenship and Multicultural Interests Minister Paul Papalia:

“Diversity is one of our State’s greatest strengths. These uniforms will help ‘level the playing field’ for Western Australians of all cultural backgrounds to get involved with their sports clubs and communities.

“Sport promotes interaction, inclusiveness and respect in a way that few other activities can, and everyone should have the opportunity to participate at all levels.”