KEY POINTS:
An interactive DVD which asks players if they would sleep with their mate's girlfriend is the Australian Football League's (AFL) latest effort to improve player attitudes to women.
The AFL confirmed it is producing the DVD which guides players on how to deal with various scenarios and boost
their respect for the opposite sex.
While the answers might appear self explanatory, the AFL is all too aware of its poor public image after a series of alcohol-fuelled incidents, some involving women.
Former AFL superstar Wayne Carey has been the most high-profile in recent months after police were called to his apartment over a domestic dispute with his girlfriend.
AFL communications manager Patrick Keane told the Australian newspaper that the DVD was part of the league's respect and responsibility programme, introduced three years ago.
"The programme deals with a number of things including attitudes to women, racial vilification, illicit drugs and responsible gambling," he said.
High-profile Collingwood club president and TV host Eddie McGuire supported the innovation.
"The point the AFL is trying to make is that young men come into football and they go from the year before not being able to get a date for the social to suddenly half the nightclubs throwing themselves at them."
The New Zealand Women's Refuge said it would support a similar programme for players and fans of Kiwi sports.
Spokeswoman Catherine Delore said it was encouraging to see the AFL take a "pro-active" approach.
"The AFL is acknowledging that there are issues here that need to be addressed, and it should be congratulated for taking steps towards doing that," Ms Delore said.
"Violence is something that doesn't have a place anywhere, on the field or off, and sporting codes, groups and clubs need to accept they have got a role in terms of leadership in making sure that message is heard," she said.
SAMPLE QUESTIONS
* You are called by a mate's girlfriend into her bedroom because she thinks you are her boyfriend. Do you:
a - Go and hop into bed and pretend to be him.
b - Walk away.
* You are with a girl who has had too much to drink. Do you:
a - Get her some water.
b - Call her a taxi.
c - Take her back to your place for sex.
* A mate and his girlfriend are having sex. Do you:
a - Watch.
b - Not watch.
- NZPA
