Women’s Health Goulburn North East will launch a “respect and equity” campaign at its annual general meeting.

WHGNE health promotional officer Caitlyn Hoggan said some sporting clubs had already been involved in the previous “courageous conversations” campaign, where they were encouraged to speak up against disrespectful comments.

“In the past, particularly footy clubs have been associated with a not really inclusive culture,” she said.

“Footy and netball clubs are at the heart of the community.”

Some players can get wrapped up in the masculine side of bonding with teammates, but the new campaign will be a reminder that clubs are just as much about their families and volunteers.

“It’s about retaining respect and equity in the community,” Ms Hoggan said.

“Players can have such a big influence … we can’t often excuse and justify their behaviour.”

She said poor attitudes towards women could also lead to domestic violence.

“It reinforces a culture of disrespect,” she said.

“There are some people who don’t see that connection and just see that it’s how it’s always been done.

“Change is really hard.”

Last week’s incident where an Albury Tigers player appeared to urinate in the Ovens and Murray premiership cup, while his friends laughed and filmed him, was defended by some as a case of “boys being boys”.

“I wasn’t surprised, I am aware this sort of behaviour does go on,” Ms Hoggan said.

“If it was a female netballer exposing herself or urinating into a cup, what would the conversation be? Would it be ‘girls being girls’?.”

She said most clubs had a positive attitude towards change and found being family-friendly could actually lead to more members.

Indi MP Cathy McGowan will be the guest speaker around the theme of respect at the AGM at Gateway Quality Hotel Wangaratta from 5pm Monday.