South West women’s advocates condemn harmful sexist language in grassroots sporting clubs after coach sacked

Domestic violence and women’s rights advocates have condemned harmful sexist language in grassroots sporting clubs after a South West football coach was sacked for making online comments about influencer Tammy Hembrow. John Baggetta — who was the coach of South West Football League powerhouse Harvey-Brunswick-Leschenault’s league side — left the now-deleted comment on a story about influencer Tammy Hembrow and Geelong player Bailey Smith being seen together on a “date”. Baggetta described Hembrow as a “c.m bucket” on a post sharing an article about her new romance with the football star and model. It sparked outraged in the South West and across the country, with advocates speaking out about how sexism in sporting codes had the ability to influence the minds of young men. DVassist CEO Ella Ailenei said derogatory online comments targeting women were a form of technology-facilitated abuse and could have a range of impacts on a women’s life, shaping how many perceive themselves. “It can have very long-term impacts on a women’s health, wellbeing as well as participation in employment and career opportunities and so on,” she said. “Research shows that attitudes which normalise or excuse disrespect and sexist behaviour can contribute to a climate where violence against women is more likely to occur.” Ms Ailenei said it was important a strong stance was taken against disrespect and violence in any form towards women, as attitudes normalising or excusing violence and disrespect were one of many drivers towards domestic violence. “Whether it’s a sexist comment, whether it’s posting something offensive on social media, or just commenting on a women’s appearance, or online sexual harassment, they all contribute and can lead to domestic violence,” she said. Ms Ailenei said she commended the quick action taken by the South West Football League’s club and WA Football in response to the incident, with Baggetta stood down from the top job. “They show accountability and it sends such a clear message that misogyny and disrespect have no place in sports and in community leadership,” she said. CEO and founder of HerHelp app Lexy McDonald said she heard regularly from women about how derogatory comments had a deeper impact than many may realise. “Disrespectful remarks don’t just sting in the moment, they reinforce a culture that tells women they’re not safe, respected, or valued” she said. “This isn’t just ‘locker room chat’, it’s language that normalises sexism and signals to young people that this kind of behaviour is acceptable.” Ms McDonald said she felt encouraged by the backlash seen in the community and the conversations happening across Bunbury following the incident. “It shows people are drawing a line and saying this isn’t OK, and that we won’t stand for a community where women are spoken about this way anymore,” she said. “Real change happens when leaders model the values we want young people to grow up with, and that’s the culture we should all be working towards.” South West Aboriginal Women’s Collective chair Michelle Woosnam said while the club did take quick action, the incident showed more work was needed. “Respect is not optional; it’s the baseline,” she said. “Inappropriate remarks by people in positions of influence don’t happen in a vacuum. They normalise disrespect, silence women and girls, and can drive them out of community sport. “Looking ahead, we support the club’s steps and encourage three practical measures across local sport: mandatory education on respectful behaviours and bystander action for coaches, players and volunteers; independent checks of complaint pathways so people feel safe to speak up; and transparent timelines for follow-through, including support for anyone affected. “Leaders set the tone. When they call it out and back it with action, culture shifts.” HBL confirmed the well-known country football figure was sacked on Friday in a statement in which its board of directors said they “do not condone these comments and they do not reflect the values or standards of the Harvey Brunswick Leschenault Football Club at any level”. When contacted by The West Australian on Friday, Baggetta said he was “regretful” for what he called a “mistake” and “error in judgement”, but he would “live and learn and move on”. The matter has been referred to WA Football, who said in a joint statement with Country Football WA they “strongly condemn the sexist, vile nature of the comments made”. “We want to promote an inclusive environment for everyone and these comments do not reflect the values of WA Football or Country Football WA,” the statement read. On Saturday, Forrest MHR Ben Small said Baggetta’s comment fell well short of community expectations for a “role model for young men”. “That sort of offensive misogyny has no place in modern Australia,” he told the South Western Times. “I heard first-hand from attendees at the Domestic Violence Roundtable that role models can have a real impact for change — we need to make sure that those role models are setting an example for good.”