Play by the Rules has announced changes to its online learning courses, including the retirement of its Harassment and Discrimination course and the introduction of new education resources to help make community sport safer, fairer and more inclusive.
The changes are relevant to Pony Club coaches, officials, committee members, volunteers and families, particularly those involved in creating safe and welcoming environments for participants.
Harassment and Discrimination course to be retired
The existing Play by the Rules Harassment and Discrimination eLearning course will be retired on 30 June 2027.
The course has been widely used across community sport to help people recognise and respond to harassment and discrimination.
Following a review of its education resources, Play by the Rules identified the need for updated learning that reflects the current sport integrity environment and addresses a broader range of unsafe, prohibited and disrespectful behaviours.
New course: Play it Right – Respect and Safety in Sport
A new course, Play it Right: Respect and Safety in Sport, is available to help people involved in community sport better understand their role in creating safe and respectful environments.
Developed with Associate Professor Mary Woessner from Victoria University’s Safe & Inclusive Sport Research Group, alongside people with lived experience of abuse in sport, the course takes an evidence-based approach to understanding human behaviour, safety and respect.
Through practical scenarios, self-reflection and critical thinking, participants will learn how to:
Recognise unsafe and disrespectful behaviours and understand their impact on others.
Understand why issues relating to safety and respect can arise in sporting environments.
Respond appropriately and confidently when concerns arise.
Demonstrate respectful behaviour and help create a positive sporting culture.
Understand how safe and welcoming environments encourage people to remain involved in sport.
The course is suitable for coaches, riders, parents, officials, committee members and volunteers.
The course is available through Sport Integrity Australia’s SIA EDGE learning platform.
Additional free learning opportunities
Play by the Rules has also introduced two additional courses in 2026:
Creating an LGBTQIA+ Inclusive Club
Provides practical education to help sporting clubs create more inclusive and welcoming environments for LGBTQIA+ participants.
Handling Complaints in Community Sport
Explores practical strategies for responding to complaints and incidents, including how concerns can be addressed before they escalate.
Both courses are available free of charge through SIA EDGE.
Supporting safe and inclusive Pony Club environments
Pony Club Australia encourages clubs, coaches, officials and volunteers to explore these free learning opportunities.
Whether you’re supporting riders, serving on a club committee or volunteering at an event, understanding how to recognise and respond to inappropriate behaviour is an important part of helping everyone enjoy a positive Pony Club experience.
These courses offer practical ways to build confidence, strengthen club culture and support safe, fair and inclusive participation.
Find out more
Visit the following resources to explore the courses and access further information:
Play by the Rules – Information, education and resources for community sport.
SIA EDGE – Access free online learning courses through Sport Integrity Australia.
Play by the Rules will also host a webinar introducing Play it Right: Respect and Safety in Sport on Tuesday 24 November 2026, from 1pm to 2pm AEDT.
