EKRR FC

Equality & Diversity Policy

1. Statement

EKRR Football Club (EKRR FC) is committed to football being inclusive and welcoming for everyone, across all three of its Sections — EKRR AFC, EKRR Youth and EKRR Over 35. We will treat all members, prospective members, opponents, officials, parents, guardians and visitors fairly and with respect, and we oppose discrimination in all its forms.

2. Purpose

This policy sets out the Club’s commitment to equality and diversity and how it applies in practice across the Sections. It supports the equality clause in the Club Constitution and aligns with the Equality Act 2010 and the requirements of the relevant governing bodies and leagues.

3. Scope

This policy applies to all players, officials, coaches, committee members, volunteers, parents and guardians (in the Youth Section), supporters and visitors, in all Club activities — on and off the pitch, and online.

4. Our Commitment

EKRR FC will not discriminate against, harass or victimise any person on the grounds of a protected characteristic, namely:

•       Age

•       Disability

•       Gender reassignment

•       Marriage and civil partnership

•       Pregnancy and maternity

•       Race

•       Religion or belief

•       Sex

•       Sexual orientation

The Club will also not tolerate discrimination on grounds of political or other opinion, or social or economic background.

5. In Practice

The Club will:

•       Make membership open to all on a fair basis, refusing applications only on reasonable grounds.

•       Ensure all members are treated with dignity and respect.

•       Challenge discriminatory, abusive or harassing behaviour whenever it occurs.

•       Take any complaint of discrimination seriously and deal with it under the Club’s Complaints & Grievance Procedure — and, where the complaint involves a child, alongside the safeguarding procedures set out in the Constitution and Wellbeing Policy.

•       Promote a positive, inclusive culture through its Codes of Conduct — including the Players’, Officials’, Parents’ and Spectators’ codes.

•       Support the anti-discrimination campaigns of the relevant governing body and organisations such as Show Racism the Red Card, Rainbow Laces and Kick It Out where reasonably practicable.

6. Youth Section – Additional Commitments

In the Youth Section, EKRR FC places additional emphasis on inclusion for children and young people. The Club will:

•       Make reasonable adjustments to enable children with disabilities or additional support needs to take part.

•       Take firm and prompt action on bullying, treating it as both an equality and a safeguarding matter.

•       Support young people of all backgrounds and identities to feel safe and welcome in the Club.

•       Educate coaches and volunteers about inclusion, unconscious bias and appropriate language.

•       Ensure parents and guardians are aware of the Club’s inclusive values through the Parents’ Code of Conduct and this policy.

7. Breaches

Any member who breaches this policy may be subject to disciplinary action under the Club Constitution, up to and including removal from the Club. Serious incidents involving the safeguarding of a child or protected adult will also be referred to the Club Child Wellbeing & Protection Officer and, where appropriate, to the relevant statutory services. Serious incidents may also be reported to the relevant governing body, the league or the police.

8. Responsibility & Review

The Executive Committee is responsible for this policy and for promoting equality across EKRR FC. Section Sub-Committees are responsible for embedding it within their Sections. The policy will be reviewed at least once per season and updated as required.

Adopted by the EKRR FC Executive Committee on: ____________________