Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

Stokesley Hockey Club – Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy

1. Introduction

1.1 Stokesley Hockey Club is committed to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion across all aspects of the club and its activities.
1.2 The club believes that hockey should be accessible, welcoming and enjoyable for everyone, regardless of:

• Age

• Disability

• Gender reassignment

• Marriage or civil partnership

• Pregnancy or maternity

• Race or ethnicity

• Religion or belief

• Sexual orientation

• Sex (gender)

• Socio-economic background

• Any other protected characteristic

1.3 Stokesley Hockey Club is committed to ensuring that no player, coach, volunteer, official, member, parent, visitor or participant is treated unfairly, excluded or discriminated against.
1.4 The club actively supports the principles and values promoted by England Hockey and is committed to creating an inclusive and respectful hockey environment for all.

 

2. Purpose

2.1 The purpose of this policy is to:

• Promote equality of opportunity

• Foster a safe, respectful and inclusive culture

• Encourage participation in hockey from all backgrounds

• Remove barriers to participation wherever possible

• Promote psychological safety and wellbeing

• Ensure all members feel welcomed, valued and respected

2.2 The club is committed to creating an environment where:

• Individuals feel safe to be themselves

• Diversity is recognised and celebrated

• Everyone has the opportunity to contribute and participate

• Discrimination, harassment and bullying are not tolerated

2.3 This policy applies to:

• Players

• Coaches

• Volunteers

• Officials and umpires

• Committee members

• Parents and guardians

• Contractors

• Spectators

• Visitors

• Anyone participating in club activities

2.4 All individuals involved with the club are expected to:

• Support equality, diversity and inclusion

• Behave respectfully towards others

• Comply with the Equality Act 2010

• Follow club policies and codes of conduct

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3. Equality, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Definitions

3.1 Equality - Equality means ensuring everyone has fair access to opportunities to participate in hockey and is treated with dignity, respect and fairness.
3.2 Equity - Equity means recognising that people may face different barriers or disadvantages and taking appropriate action to help create fair opportunities for participation.
3.3 Diversity - Diversity means recognising, valuing and including people from a wide range of backgrounds, experiences, identities and perspectives.
3.4 Inclusion - Inclusion means creating an environment where everyone feels welcomed, respected, heard and able to participate fully.

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4. Legal Responsibilities

4.1 Stokesley Hockey Club recognises its responsibilities under relevant legislation, including:

• Equality Act 2010

• Human Rights Act 1998

• Data Protection Act 2018

• Safeguarding legislation and guidance

• Relevant employment and discrimination legislation

4.2 The club will not tolerate:

• Discrimination

• Harassment

• Bullying

• Victimisation

• Exclusionary behaviour

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5. Discrimination, Harassment, Bullying and Victimisation

5.1 The club recognises the following behaviours as unacceptable:
5.1.1 Direct Discrimination - Treating someone less favourably because of a protected characteristic.
5.1.2 Indirect Discrimination - Applying rules or practices that disadvantage certain groups unfairly.
5.1.3 Harassment - Unwanted behaviour that violates a person’s dignity or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive environment.
5.1.4 Bullying - Persistent behaviour that undermines, humiliates or intimidates another person.
5.1.5 Victimisation - Treating someone unfairly because they have raised or supported a complaint.
5.2 Such behaviour may result in disciplinary action under club policies and England Hockey regulations.

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6. Responsibilities

6.1 Club Committee
The Club Committee is responsible for:

• Promoting equality, diversity and inclusion

• Ensuring policies are implemented effectively

• Leading by example

• Addressing inappropriate behaviour

• Supporting inclusive participation

6.2 Coaches, Captains and Team Managers
Coaches, captains and team managers are responsible for:

• Creating inclusive team environments

• Challenging discriminatory behaviour

• Supporting fair opportunities for participation

• Promoting respectful behaviour

6.3 Members and Volunteers
All members and volunteers are responsible for:

• Treating others respectfully

• Demonstrating inclusive behaviour

• Challenging inappropriate behaviour safely

• Reporting concerns where appropriate

6.4 Parents and Guardians
Parents and guardians are expected to:

• Promote respectful behaviour

• Support inclusive participation

• Encourage positive attitudes and sportsmanship

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7. Commitment to Inclusion and Accessibility

7.1 Stokesley Hockey Club is committed to being an accessible and inclusive club.
7.2 The club will, where reasonably practicable:

• Consider reasonable adjustments

• Remove barriers to participation

• Listen to individual needs and requirements

• Support accessibility within club activities and facilities

7.3 The club aims to create an environment where individuals feel psychologically safe to:

• Request support

• Discuss accessibility requirements

• Raise concerns

• Contribute openly

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8. Positive Action

8.1 The club may take positive action to encourage participation from underrepresented groups where appropriate.
8.2 This may include:

• Outreach initiatives

• Inclusive recruitment practices

• Development opportunities

• Removing barriers to participation

8.3 Positive action will always comply with the Equality Act 2010.

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9. Reporting Concerns

9.1 Any concerns relating to discrimination, bullying, harassment or exclusion should be reported to:

• The Club Welfare Officer

• A member of the Club Committee

• Team management where appropriate

9.2 All concerns will be treated seriously, sensitively and confidentially wherever possible.
9.3 The club will investigate concerns appropriately and fairly in accordance with club procedures.

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10. Monitoring and Review

10.1 The club is committed to continually improving equality, diversity and inclusion within hockey activities and club culture.
10.2 The club may:

• Review participation trends

• Seek member feedback

• Review policies and procedures

• Promote education and awareness opportunities

10.3 Information collected will be handled in accordance with data protection legislation.

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11. Disciplinary Action

11.1 Breaches of this policy may result in:

• Informal action

• Formal warnings

• Disciplinary procedures

• Suspension from club activities

• Removal from club roles or membership

• Referral to England Hockey where appropriate

11.2 Serious cases involving discrimination, harassment or victimisation may be treated as gross misconduct.
11.3 No individual will be penalised for raising a genuine concern in good faith.

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12. Policy Review

12.1 This policy will be reviewed every three years or sooner if:

• Legislation changes

• England Hockey guidance changes

• Club requirements change

12.2 Policy Owner: Stokesley Hockey Club Committee
12.3 Next Review Date: 2028