Youth Voices in Action: Transforming the Orange Round for Junior Athletes

In June 2023, an Orange Round Expression of Interest from Pax Hill Junior Football Netball Club identified an opportunity to bring the principles of respect and fairness to a younger audience through the Orange Round platform. Traditionally aimed at senior clubs, the existing resources needed adaptation for juniors. The Orange Round Working Group, comprised of GippSport, Gippsland Centre Against Sexual Assault, and Gippsland Women’s Health, collaborated to develop the Orange Round Youth Package, an interactive and age-appropriate educational tool. This case study explores the development, codesign, and impact of this initiative. 

the story of orange round youth package

Orange Round is dedicated to promoting inclusive and respectful environments in sports. Recognising a gap in resources tailored for junior athletes, GippSport saw an opportunity to adapt the Orange Round initiative to suit younger participants. The initial implementation at Pax Hill Junior Football Netball Club and Boisdale Briagolong Junior Football Netball Club provided valuable insights, setting the stage for a deeper engagement with youth through a codesign process with the Gen G on the Go program. 

the challenge of engaging juniors in conversations about respect and fairness

The primary challenge was the absence of age-appropriate resources on respect and fairness for junior sports clubs. Existing Orange Round materials, designed for senior clubs, did not address the unique needs of younger participants who often attend with their families. Additionally, there was an immediate need for youth engagement to codesign a package suitable for juniors, yet no pre-existing group of youth collaborators was available. 

why gippsport chose a codesign approach

To create a meaningful and effective junior package, GippSport, GWH, and GCASA opted for a codesign approach, involving youth from the Gen G on the Go program. This method aligned with GCASA’s developmental trauma-responsive framework, emphasising the importance of involving children and young people in the creation of programs intended for them. The goal was to ensure the package was not only age-appropriate but also resonated with the lived experiences of the youth it aimed to serve. 

how gippsport engaged youth in the codesign process

GippSport and GCASA staff integrated with the Gen G on the Go program, an initiative targeting marginalised youth aged 12-17 years at risk of criminal justice system involvement. Through weekly sessions, staff facilitated workshops where youth could share their experiences, provide input on the educational content, and shape the development of the Orange Round Youth Package. This process highlighted unique considerations such as literacy challenges and the emotional impact of colour choices in branding. 

“I was initially hesitant to participate because I’m not confident in reading and writing, but being part of the discussion showed me that my input was valuable.” – Youth Participant

 

“The colour of the branding really stood out to me. Red feels like anger, but maybe a brighter orange could make people feel more like listening and learning.” – Youth Participant 

 

the results

The collaborative process resulted in a more nuanced and meaningful Orange Round Youth Package, specifically tailored to junior participants. Key outcomes included: 

  • Adjustments to content to address literacy levels and ensure inclusivity. 
  • Modifications to the visual branding, including a reconsideration of colour choices to avoid negative emotional connotations. 
  • Enhanced scenarios with additional layers of context to foster deeper understanding and engagement around concepts of respect and fairness 

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GippSport acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we live and work, The Bunurong Peoples, Gunaikurnai Peoples and other traditional owner groups of the Gippsland/East Gippsland Region.  We recognise their ongoing connection to the land, waters and community, and pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging and the ongoing living culture of Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander people.

GippSport is committed to making a positive contribution to the wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and working in solidarity towards reconciliation.

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