Research shows that women in sport are subjected to significant levels of online abuse, however, many sporting organisations at every level are ill-equipped to adopt appropriate mechanisms to protect athletes. A Deakin University study in 2024 found:

9 out of 10 elite sportswomen have experienced some form of gendered online harm.
85% of the survey respondents said their wellbeing had been affected by online abuse, while 2 out of 3 felt unsafe.

Increasing the professionalism, product and sustainability of women's sport in ways that prioritises athlete health and wellbeing is a collective effort of industry, community, and research to fill the knowledge and participation gaps. The University of Canberra is actively contributing to these efforts through our Sport Strategy 2021-2026 with our Women in Sport Higher Degree by Research scholarships, partnerships with local elite women's sporting programs including the UC Capitals and Canberra United, and developing tomorrow's sport professionals across a range of disciplines.

Guardians of the Game is an online event focusing on UC's research into how sporting governing bodies manage gendered cyber hate. Together with Sports Integrity Australia, we are:

Examining current approaches by sport organisations to address online harms.
Exploring the experiences and perceptions of key stakeholders at sport organisations where online harm strategies have been implemented.
Developing best practice recommendations for Australian National Sporting Organisations (NSOs).

Attendees will hear from world-leading experts in sport integrity around UC's research on how we can create tools and better practice for you and your sport around online harm - whether you're a professional or amateur athlete, coach, administrator, parent, professional working within or alongside the realm of sport or simply someone in the public eye - there will be something practical or of interest to take away from this event.

Please note this is an online event for accessibility, and attendees can choose to be anonymous. The Microsoft Teams access link will be provided following registration and you can use your browser to join. UC will also provide links and resources for support due to the nature and sensitivity of this topic.

Order of events:

5:30pm - attendees join the online event.
5:35pm - opening address from Sport Integrity Australia.
5:50pm - presentation on UC/SIA research project.
6:15pm - audience Q&A.
6:30pm - closing remarks.

Meet the speakers:

Dr Catherine Ordway - Associate Professor (Sports Management) & Sport Integrity Lead, UC-RISE
Catherine is internationally recognised as an integrity in sport expert and has promoted gender equality in sport from multiple perspectives. Catherine also helped lead the evacuation of the Afghan women’s cricket team and families after the return of the Taliban in 2021. Catherine is currently leading the jointly funded project between the University of Canberra and Sport Integrity Australia, titled: Online Harm: Women working in the sports industry (this research).
Dr Joanna Tweedie - Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Sport Integrity, UC-RISE
Joanna represented Australia as a middle-distance runner and was a Physiotherapist before commencing her academic career. She received her PhD from Florida State University, and her research publications intersect sport marketing and sport ethics. Joanna conducted the research for the jointly funded project between the University of Canberra and Sport Integrity Australia, titled: Online Harm: Women working in the sports industry (this research).
Professor Aaron CT Smith - Director, UC-RISE
Aaron CT Smith is the Director of the University of Canberra Research Institute for Sport and Exercise (UC-RISE), and Professor of Sport Business and Innovation in the Institute for Sport Business at Loughborough University London. His work focuses on the cognitive mechanisms of sport performance, decisions and belief change, encompassing fan-to-brand engagement, digital marketing, and enterprise innovation. Aaron has authored 27 books and over 100 academic articles, and has consulted extensively in the Asia-Pacific, Europe, North America and the Middle East to more than 100 clients.
Linda Muir MBA GAICD - Director Sector Capability, Sport Integrity Australia

Linda Muir is an experienced business and governance professional having worked in roles across both government and corporate organisations, and has over 25 years’ experience at all levels of the Australian Sport Sector. In that time she has led a range of programs across sport business, strategy development, capability building, workforce development, diversity and inclusion. She is a former elite athlete having been an Australian Institute of Sport Scholarship Holder, competed at FIBA U21 World Basketball Championships and 10 seasons in the Women’s National Basketball League.

Should you require support during or after the event, please call one of the following organisations:

Lifeline - 13 11 14
Beyond Blue - 1300 22 46 36
Headspace - 1800 650 850
Suicide Call Back Service - 1300 659 467
13YARN (Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Crisis Support) - 13 92 76

About the host

Guardians of the Game is hosted by the University of Canberra's Sport Strategy Working Group. Sport lies at the University of Canberra - it's part of our history, present and future. Our Sport Strategy Working Group leads the strategic direction for the University's sport-related education offerings, research, infrastructure, partnerships and community engagement. Learn more about UC's Sport Strategy on our website.

This is a free event held by the University of Canberra as part of Research Festival 2024. Get involved and explore the full program on our website.

Contact the host of Guardians of the Game: Protecting women in sport from online harm