Equal Opportunities Officer Training

"Sports Equity is about fairness in sport, equality of access, recognising inequalities and taking steps to address them. It's about changing the culture and structure of sport to ensure that it becomes equally accessible to everyone in society" Sport England 2000

Session Outline Slide Title Who is disadvantaged in sport? Barriers to participation Challenging inequitable behaviour Dealing with inequitable behaviour Action plan for your role Section Title Sub-text explaining section, lorem ipsum dolor est lordem rondus lindum

Sheffield Hallam University Union of Students Slide Title Sheffield Hallam University Union of Students Sports Union Clubs Model Constitution 8.6.1 To ensure that the Club is committed to equality of opportunity for all.   8.6.2 To ensure that the club has a clear and transparent selection policy for team selection or entry to a club activities. 8.6.3 To liaise with the Sports and Physical Activity Officer for equal opportunities on any issues.

Who is Disadvantaged in Sport? Slide Title Although many different groups of people are disadvantaged in sport. There are particular groups of people who generally experience discrimination on a more regular basis Disabled people People from minority ethnic communities Women and girls Economically disadvantaged people People of different ages Gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people. Section Title Sub-text explaining section, lorem ipsum dolor est lordem rondus lindum Remember: some people may fall into more than 1 category. These aren't the only ones. It's important to identify who these people are and seek advice

Barriers to Participation Slide Title What do you think could be barriers to participation in your sport? Lack of awareness of activities on offer Inconvenient times Lack of spare time Domestic/ work commitments taking priority Inconvenient venues Poor facilities Lack of transport Fear for personal safety travelling to/from venue Expense of participation Previous negative experiences (PE at school) Lack of motivation Parental attitudes and influences Section Title Sub-text explaining section, lorem ipsum dolor est lordem rondus lindum

Equality Strand Barriers Disabled people Assumptions Lack of informed coaches Poor communication Poor facilities Minority Ethnic Groups Cultural/ Religious Influences Fear of discrimination Unwelcoming environment Women and Girls Practical - personal safety, lack of female coaches Personal - body image, lack of confidence, peer-group pressure social and cultural - People of Different Ages Attitudes of others Other commitments Low self esteem Economically Disadvantaged People Cost of activity Inconvenient venue - travel cost Low self-esteem LGBT Fear of bullying Session Outline Slide Title Section Title Sub-text explaining section, lorem ipsum dolor est lordem rondus lindum

Task Slide Title Discuss in your groups the scenario on your table What would you propose to do if the situation arose at your club? How would you approach the situation? Section Title Sub-text explaining section, lorem ipsum dolor est lordem rondus lindum

1 more disadvantaged group Slide Title Does your club have a trial process? Does your club solely focus on training for competing in BUCS? You are not being equitable to: 'Low ability' participants or beginners Can you be more equitable? Is there capacity in your club to have development squads? Can you have more teams (if not entered into BUCS, a local league? Can you signpost them to other activity at the University? Simple questioning at the sports fair can help filter out those who should trial, and those who should be signposted to 'recreation activity'. The way your club handles this should be done in an equitable way Section Title Sub-text explaining section, lorem ipsum dolor est lordem rondus lindum

Task Slide Title In your groups.. 1. List equitable ways a club could handle 'low ability'/ beginners 2. List inequitable ways a club would handle 'low ability'/beginners Section Title Sub-text explaining section, lorem ipsum dolor est lordem rondus lindum

Challenging Inequitable Behaviour Slide Title As Equal Opportunities Officer you have a responsibility to behave equitably yourself and promote equitable behaviour among your club members. Type of Inequitable Behaviour Examples Verbal Racist, sexist or homophobic language. Ridicule or bullying because of a personal characteristic (e.g being disabled) Written All of the above written in some way (eg mobile phone text, social media) Physical Action taken against somebody because of their race, gender, personal characteristics, sexuality. Examples include: Pushing Punching biting Tripping up and pretending it was an accident touching somebody inappropriately stealing or destroying other people's property excluding somebody from taking part Section Title Sub-text explaining section, lorem ipsum dolor est lordem rondus lindum

Dealing with Inequitable Behaviour Slide Title Having a code of practice Avoid confrontation select the most appropriate time and place to challenge inequitable behaviour Be a good role model Use language that is relevant, sensitive and appropriate devise a way to punish persistent offenders devise a way to reward fair play and equitable behaviour Just because one person doesn't take offence, others might - point this out. If you feel you can't deal with a situation. Note down the problem and speak to Students' Union staff. Section Title Sub-text explaining section, lorem ipsum dolor est lordem rondus lindum

Your Role Slide Title Action Plan: If someone feels discriminated. How can they make themselves heard? Will you introduce yourself as Equal Opps? Be approachable? Promote how someone can contact you if they have a problem? If you can't deal with the situation, do you know who to go to for help? How will you make sure your club understands equal opportunities? How are you going to share the information your learnt today? What procedures are you going to put in place? already in place? Does your club have a selection policy? Is it fair? Who makes sure the policy is followed? (you? everyone?) Section Title Sub-text explaining section, lorem ipsum dolor est lordem rondus lindum