Creggs Rugby Club considers the benefits of being inclusive as:– Increased membership of our club
-Increase in the number of players, volunteers and administrators, who can help contribute to the success and running of the club
– Increase in the skills and abilities within the club
– Increased understanding and experience of diversity
– A richer club environment in which members appreciate and learn from each other’s backgrounds and experiences, which will particularly benefit junior teams
– Increased chance of sponsorship from companies with diverse management or consumer base
– Strengthening of the community as a whole by encouraging everyone to contribute to building a stronger society.
Common barriers faced by:Ethnic minorities:
– Being a minority and feeling different to the rest
– Not feeling welcome
– Not feeling comfortable to ask questions
– Difficulties with committing to ongoing structured sporting activities, due to family and community commitments
– Negative experiences during life that affects their ability to trust, engage and participate fully in society
– Difficulties with the payment of fees, purchase of sports equipment and access to transport.Immigrants:
– English as a second language
– Difficulties with the payment of fees, purchase of sports equipment and access to transport.
– Difficulties understanding the concept of structured sporting activities after a lifetime of living in countries without structured, community-based sporting opportunities.
– Memories of torture, trauma and extreme violence that affects the ability to trust, engage and participate fully in society.
– Difficulties engaging with mainstream residents, some of whom react negatively to perceived cultural differences.
– Lack of family or parental support due to ongoing challenges and pressures of resettlement.Persons with disabilities:
– Assumptions about a person’s abilities, with people afraid to ask if help required
– Unsafe, and inaccessible environments (steps, space, etc.)
– Too many physical activities, that don’t allow open participation
– Limited supporting facilities (such as toilets or changing rooms)
– Limited signage or inclusive publication material
– Lack of interpreter services.
Our plan to make our Club accessible:
– Making it easier to join our club
– Making it easier to find out about our club
– Making our signage easier to read
– Members will be available and willing to help people fill out the membership forms if they have difficulties reading English
– Existing members and staff are and will be friendly and open to new members
– Existing members and staff do and will offer advice and support
– Our Equality and Diversity officer will hold an induction for new members
– Our Equality and Diversity Officer will organise a buddy system for new members
– The Club will encourage membership from marginalised groups via local media and on our websiteCreggs Rugby Club:
– Is open to everyone- Provides participation opportunities for males and females alike
– Provides appropriate facilities, such as private change rooms for women
– Treats everyone fairly and equally, regardless of age, gender, religion or ethnic background
– Has an anti-discrimination policy so that any forms of discrimination and/or racism can be addressed quickly.How can club members make a difference?
– Provide a welcoming environment
– Befriend new members
– Offer support and advice
– Be sensitive to diversity
– Make a stand against discrimination or racial harassment
– Offer help with transport
– Share sports equipment
– Help new members learn the rules
– Be aware that people who speak English as their first language tend to speak quickly, which may be difficult for a person learning English to comprehend. Try to speak clearly and avoid slang, but don’t speak with a false accent, shout, or talk slowly.
– Take time to develop relationships
– Be open and honest. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. It is okay to ask a person questions about where they have come from; what sports they like playing etc.