AFL General Manager of Inclusion and Social Policy Tanya Hosch said today that the policy governing the elite level of the game had been subject to consultation with the sporting and gender diverse communities, and said that the important work to follow was a policy and resource manual for the community level of the game.

It is anticipated that the community policy and associated resource manual will be published prior to the commencement of the 2019 community football season.

“I want to thank the community members who have been engaged with us during this process, in particular the gender diverse community who were extremely generous in sharing with us their experience and views," said Hosch.

"Our game still has a lot to learn about the issues impacting gender diverse people, and I am committed to ensuring that the community’s voice continues to guide us.

T"he policy today outlines a process for the elite level, but the much greater piece of work to come will give our community clubs the resources and education required to support gender diverse people in our game.

"We know that inclusion and belonging delivers real social benefits for individuals and communities, and we do want to send a message that all are welcome in our game.”

The policy will be reviewed at least every two years, and the AFL also acknowledges that the Australian Sports Commission and the Australian Human Rights Commission continue to develop a sporting industry wide approach.