Australian Rules-AFL study reveals abuse, harassment of women umpires

MELBOURNE : A survey of female Australian Rules football umpires has revealed a culture of harassment, misogyny and spectator abuse which its authors said was driving women away from the sport.

The University of Sydney study interviewed women umpires at community and state levels, with one participant reporting she quit after being sexually harassed by fellow umpires.

"Umpires during games would inappropriately touch me, like when we're umpiring together and things like that. So, that's what made me quit," she said.

Revelations of abuse and misconduct rocked the world of sport in 2021 as athletes from all levels of competition across the globe demanded greater accountability of trainers, coaches and governing bodies.

Other participants in the Australian Rules survey detailed racial abuse from spectators and having to use change-rooms with men.

One complained of over-hearing a male umpire talk about her breasts to other umpires.

"Almost all participants indicated that they had experiences of having their umpiring questioned without any basis except for their appearance," the study said in its key findings.

"This came from spectators, player coaches, fellow umpires, and umpire coaches, and for many participants in this study, caused them to question whether to continue umpiring."

The study was funded by the sport's governing body, the Australian Football League (AFL), and completed in August.

The AFL did not make the study's findings public but referred to it in a November 2021 strategy document obtained by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation in March.

News Corp media reported the study was leaked on Monday.

Former AFL footballer and TV pundit Garry Lyon accused the AFL of burying it.

"You have to make it public so then you