Greyhound Racing NSW (GRNSW) has recently been notified by participants of numerous attacks and bullying on social media from those who oppose our sport.
We are appalled by this and are committed to the safety and wellbeing of our participants.
GRNSW will not stand for bullying and harassment in any form on social media, and has standards set out for our participants which we expect of others to follow when interacting with those in the industry.
GRNSW understands that the industry is in a public arena, and lawful commentary, debate and criticism will occur, however we cannot and will not tolerate it when it comes to personally attacking participants.
When online conduct becomes personal in nature, it crosses a line that cannot and should not be permitted in any operating environment, including digital spaces connected with industry participation.
When the commentary or criticism targets individuals personally, rather than issues or policy, when it includes false, malicious or misleading statements about a person’s character, conduct or integrity, when participants are repeatedly harassed, intimidated or vilified, and when the commentary is intended to cause distress, reputational damage or fear, action needs to be taken.
Participants should not feel compelled to endure sustained online abuse as a result of industry participation, and we encourage participants to engage with us early in obtaining support if online behaviour is affecting their mental health.
Please reach out to our Participant Welfare Officer, George Zaiter, who will provide support and advice. Email participantwelfare@grnsw.com.au
Where online conduct escalates to defamatory statements or unlawful behaviour, participants should consider their legal remedies.
Whilst GRNSW cannot provide individual legal advice, we recognise the seriousness of reputational harm suffered by participants targeted through coordinated or malicious online attacks and can offer assistance where applicable.
The welfare and mental health of our participants remains central to the sustainable operation of the industry, and a reminder that participants should seek support when online conduct impacts their wellbeing or safety.
