New research finds 70% skip sport because of their period

Free period products should be made mandatory at all community sporting facilities to support people who menstruate and play sport, according to new Victoria University (VU) research.

A collaboration between VU’s Women in Sport team and Share the Dignity, an Australian charity working to end period poverty, surveyed 330 people across the country finding 68 per cent skipped sport due to their period, 90 per cent worry about leaking, and 72 per cent are anxious about their period when playing sport. To encourage participation in sport, the report recommends free access to period products at all sports facilities.

Launched today, the Bloody good idea: Free period products at sports and leisure facilities guide is aimed at policy makers and community clubs to improve their support for members who have their period when playing sport. 

“Providing free period products at sport facilities could remove a barrier to play sport and help drive membership. This is not a big ask but the impact is huge. A range of options exist on how products could be provided. We must make sport safe and accessible, so everyone is given a fair go to be active and engaged,” Project Lead and Susan Alberti Women in Sport Chair, Professor Clare Hanlon said.

The majority (87 per cent) of respondents agreed that sport facility policies need to recognise menstrual health as a fundamental right, where free period products are provided. Respondents felt less confident managing their period in a sports facility than they did at school, their workplace or at home.

Of those who had access to products, 50 per cent had used free products when they got caught out playing sport, and no one took products to stock up on personal supplies.

"Our 2024 Bloody Big Survey found that 68 per cent of respondents had missed sport due to their period, reinforcing just how important this new research is. This study uncovers the real barriers and solutions, showing why free period products should be available in all sport and leisure facilities,” Share the Dignity Founder and Managing Director Rochelle Courtenay said.

“It’s a small cost with a big return, not only keeping girls in sport but reducing the need to replace those who drop out. Sport is about more than just physical health; it builds confidence, community, and lifelong opportunities. No one should miss out because of their period.”

Some feedback from participants about the issues included:

"It doesn't feel like there's any support or acceptance in this sport, and while I still participate, I am afraid of an expected period in case of another leakage."

"The bathroom facilities were horrible, a lot of the time there is no soap or period product disposal facilities so you can’t manage your period."

"There was no support when I started menstruating, to understand how to use period products when playing sport."

Recommendations include:

• Mandate period product packs in First Aid kits at sport facilities
• Provide period product packs to coaches for their kit bags
• Collaborate with local government, a dispenser supplier, and clubs to provide free period products in sport facility bathrooms, including unisex bathrooms
• Open discussion between players, clubs and coaches about playing with your period to provide support and normalise the situation.

Professor Hanlon said support at all levels of government is needed to mandate free period products.

“An opportunity exists for state and federal government, commercial providers, and the local, state, and national sport and leisure sectors to join forces, to break down this barrier and help build inclusive environments,” she said.

For media enquiries or interview requests: Gemma Williams – Media and Communications Manager (Research and Impact) 0401 664 047 [email protected]