Professional Footballers Australia (the PFA) has announced a new partnership with RespectX, a leading Australian reporting and case management platform, to enhance workplace safety and wellbeing for A-Leagues players.
RespectX provides organisations with tools to prevent and respond to harassment, bullying, and discrimination. Its platform enables both formal and informal reporting, integrates wellbeing support, and delivers real-time analytics to help identify and address psychosocial risks.
This partnership builds on the PFA’s Safe Football Project, launched in August 2024, which aims to safeguard the rights and wellbeing of professional footballers across Australia.
One of the Project’s key recommendations was the creation of an independently operated, anonymous reporting space managed by trusted peers and representatives.
Following a comprehensive review of available solutions, the PFA selected RespectX for its capabilities, including:
- A secure platform for reporting incidents of harassment, bullying, and discrimination.
- Anonymous reporting options to encourage early intervention.
- Configurable workflows for consistent and effective case management.
- Real-time data and analytics to monitor trends and guide prevention efforts.
- Integration of wellbeing support for individuals who report incidents.
- Full compliance with the seven minimum standards under the positive duty framework.
PFA Chief Executive Beau Busch said the partnership reflects the organisation’s commitment to creating safer environments for all players.
“Every player deserves to feel safe, respected, and supported in their workplace. This partnership with RespectX is a critical step in ensuring that players have access to trusted, independent mechanisms to raise concerns and seek support,” Busch said.
“The data from our end-of-season survey indicates we still have work to do as a sport to deliver safe workplaces for our members.
“When one in six ALW players report feeling unsafe in their club environment, it’s clear that systemic issues are at play. We must act decisively to address these matters.
“Players who have spoken up, or shared their experiences anonymously, have shown great courage, and it’s our responsibility to ensure their voices and experience lead to meaningful change. RespectX gives us the tools to do that.”
Sally Calder, CEO and Co-Founder RespectX, welcomed the partnership with the PFA.
“Professional footballers capture the hearts and minds of all Australians, particularly young Australians. We are thrilled to support the PFA to continue their important work in ensuring that every professional footballer in Australia is free from harassment, bullying, and discrimination, and can focus their efforts on doing their best and being their best, on and off the field.
“Role modelling the right behaviour at all times starts with being safe and protected at all times.”
The PFA’s 2024–25 end-of-season survey revealed that 16% of A-League Women (ALW) players felt their club environment posed a safety risk, compared to 9% of A-League Men (ALM) players.
The PFA will continue working with clubs, leagues, and stakeholders to ensure RespectX is effectively implemented and that players are supported throughout the process.
