The ONSW Board (‘the Board’) has received an “Open Letter” and a number of emails regarding an incident involving unacceptable competitor criticism of a volunteer ('the volunteer') at a Sydney Summer Series event in February 2024.
The Board notes an apology was issued to the volunteer on Facebook on 16 February 2024 for this unacceptable criticism.
The Open Letter requests ONSW issue an additional formal apology for a lack of support for the volunteer from orienteering officials following the incident.
Specifically, this refers to the removal of a Facebook post.
The Board recognises the invaluable contribution made by the volunteer over many years to the Sydney Summer Series, course setting and controlling, video production, map production and data analysis. The volunteer received an award from ONSW for their efforts.
The Board has considered the matters raised in the Open Letter comprehensively and determined that no further action from ONSW is required for the following reasons:
1. The Board believes the wishes of the volunteer involved to move on and not revive the incident should be respected; and
2. In any case, the Board believes no apology is warranted for the act in question - the removal of a Facebook post.
Everyone in orienteering in NSW should be supporting our amazing volunteers, who are the backbone of our sport. Orienteering would not function without them. All individuals involved in the sport as competitors and elsewhere need to adhere to the policies and procedures put in place by ONSW (https://onsw.asn.au/resources/onsw-manual) and Orienteering Australia (https://orienteering.asn.au/resources/operations-guide/) regarding conduct. In particular the ONSW Code of Conduct says “Accept and respect the authority and decisions of Officials and not use offensive language or behaviour, show unnecessary dissension, displeasure or disapproval towards an Official”. Prohibited conduct includes the abuse of volunteers. As set out in the Code of Conduct, breaches by a competitor may result in disqualification or other penalties, at the discretion of event officials.
Any negative feedback delivered to any volunteer, official or anyone else involved in orienteering should be polite and respectful and free of the behaviors prohibited by the above policies.
The ONSW Complaints, Disputes and Discipline policy (https://onsw.asn.au/resources/onsw-manual) outlines the correct process for a complaint to be made.
ONSW Board
March 2025
