By
Cpl Alisha Carr
The ADF Sports Council (ADFSC) has responded to concerns about
the Inappropriate Sports Listing, which restricts CO’s in
their discretion to authorise the on duty participation of members
in listed sports and activities in off duty hours.
Chairman of the ADF Sports Council, COL Andrew Nikolic, said the
Inappropriate Sports Listing was devised after a period of review
and consultation highlighted an increasing trend of sports-related
injuries, rising compensation costs and negative capability impacts.
“There was a clear need to have a fresh look at ADF sport
and, in particular, issues like workplace risk assessment, duty
of care and Commonwealth liability,” he said.
“The outcomes of this study were endorsed by senior Defence
leaders and reflected a desire to ensure that participation by
ADF members in sport and recreation activities was founded on
an appropriate balance of risk, cost and benefit.”
He said the outcome of the review was a recommendation to publish
a list on the ADFSC website (http://defweb.
cbr.defence.gov.au/adfsc), detailing sports and activities
considered ‘inappropriate’ for ADFSC, single-service
or CO authorisation.
After having their memberships revoked by the ADFSC, the Army
Alpine Association, ADF Parachute Association, Services Sailing
Association (regarding offshore and ocean yachting), Services
Water Skiing Association and the Services Gliding Association,
will no longer be recognised by Defence.
“The listing does not impact on the conduct of military
training, or on a member’s freedom to participate in any
sport or activity when not on duty, or on adventurous training
activities covered by a separate policy.
“As has always been the case, members may engage in any
sport or activity during off duty hours, but must recognise that
if they choose to do so without ADF authorisation, they personally
accept the risks involved.
“The rationale that underpins this outcome is that while
the ADF may gain some benefit from a member’s participation
in certain sports or activities, in some cases the benefit is
outweighed by potential risks.”
He said given that these risks often occur in an environment where
the ADF has no ability to influence conduct or safety, it was
appropriate to consider which risks the ADF was prepared to underwrite.
“The policy does not mean ADF members who are injured while
participating in the listed sports are not entitled to free medical
cover. It does, however, mean the ADF will not compensate for
injuries received while participating in the listed activities.
“It is considered that the current range of sports and recreational
activities available to ADF members strikes a reasonable balance
between risk, cost and benefit.
“It is noteworthy that the ADF appears to be the only employer
in Australia that continues to deem members on duty and provide
worker’s compensation cover to employees who are participating
in non-representative sporting activities after hours and outside
of work premises.
“This is still the case for a large number of sports that
CO’s may grant duty status for. The policy changes described
merely seek to restrict this approval to sports that the ADF feels
it gains most benefit from.
“While noting a small number of complaints, I believe current
sports policy is consistent with the needs of the majority of
members across all age groups.”
