FIONA Parker has been barred from playing soccer with her beloved club, Ballarat North United, because of her gender.
The Ballarat and District Soccer Association has refused to allow the 37-year-old to take to the field alongside her supportive teammates, despite a current shortage of players at her club.
The BDSA has so far failed to respond to her application for registration, which was lodged in April.
Ms Parker wants to become the first female to play in the league. There are currently no rules to stop women from competing in the BDSA.
"I have been advised that my registration has been rejected by the league because I'm female," Ms Parker said.
"I keep asking the league for an answer to why my application is being refused, but I haven't got a response yet.
"It's really frustrating because the season is already half way over, we are struggling to field a reserves team, and all I want to do is hit the field this year."
The situation reached boiling point on Sunday when Ms Parker staged a protest at the start of the Ballarat North United match against Daylesford at Pleasant Reserve.
She lined up for the team, but the referee told her the match would not begin with her on the field.
"I warmed up with the boys and took my position," Ms Parker said.
"The referee was very sympathetic toward me, but he refused to let me play because I didn't have the right paperwork."
Ballarat North United club president Martin McGettigan said the league has treated Ms Parker unfairly.
"We've checked the rule book and we understand that there shouldn't be a problem," he said.
"The club fully supports her and understands her frustration.
"She's raised the matter in a way that the league cannot continue to ignore her."
BDSA president Stephen Briggs yesterday said Ms Parker should consider joining a women's team.
"It has always been the understanding that our league is a competition for men," he said.
"There is an opportunity for her to play soccer with a female team in Ballarat.
"We have a duty of care ... and she can't play at the moment because she's not a registered player."
Mr Briggs said the matter had been referred to an independent tribunal, set to consider whether Ms Parker can play.
"It's under investigation at the moment," he said.
"I don't want it to become a trial by media."
Ms Parker, who has been at Ballarat North United in a non-playing capacity for three years, said she had no intention to move to a women's league.
"I'm one of the boys and I have a strong loyalty toward my club," she said.
"I'm not going anywhere."
Spokesman for Football Federation Victoria Michael Zappone said Ms Parker should be allowed to play.
"If she wants to play with men, then so be it," he said.
"As the governing body for soccer in Victoria, we would certainly be prepared to look at the case."
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