Improving Environments

Increasing participation and improving participant satisfaction

Improving Environments

For players and clubs to be in an environment that makes playing Rugby

League available to the maximum number of people possible with the minimum

number of barriers and the best quality conditions

Why is improving environments important?

• Create a welcoming environment for all• Raise the reputation of the club• Increase long term loyalty to the club• Make it a safer club• Work towards or retain Club Mark

“ Become a community club not just a club within the community”

What are the barriers?• Barriers can be REAL or PERCEIVED• As a club we can work with both Real and

Perceived barriers – we just need to know what they are.

• There are groups more likely to experience barriers; socio-economic women and girls, Black and Minority Ethnic (BME), disabled, people of faith, lesbian. gay and bisexual

• Humans are creatures of habit. If you have never been to a rugby club, you probably aren’t likely to go unless someone/something takes you there!

Socio-economicPotential Barriers• In todays economic climate

and the credit crunch more people may be finding it difficult to afford leisure activities

• Larger families may be particularly hard hit to meet cost of kit, subs etc

Socio-economic• WHAT CAN YOU DO?

• Second and subsequent child cheaper for subs

• Pay subs by installments

• Hardship fund with fair criteria

• Set up a boot and kit exchange

• Can your club provide water bottles and sunscreen

Women and GirlsPOTENTIAL BARRIERS• Rugby League can be

seen as a male environment

• Lack of female role models

• Women and girls perceived to have less interest in rugby league as a sport

Women and GirlsWHAT CAN WE DO?• Promote our female teams – make sure they are

on the website.• Make sure women volunteers are not

automatically directed to traditional roles such as catering and kit washing

• Work with schools to encourage female participation in the club

• Make the environment welcoming – basic things like toilet facilities, changing room etiquette.

Women and GirlsWHAT CAN WE DO?

• If you are thinking of starting up a Women or Girls team – speak to women and girls and find out what they want and need!

• Girls may be body conscious - Allow girls to train in trackie bottoms if they choose

• Do not allow others to make comments about body shape (girls and boys!)

Working with BME/Faith communities

POTENTIAL BARRIERS• Perception that RL is a

white working class northern sport (in traditional areas)

• No-one like me at the club

• Lack of BME role models• Fear of racism/bullying

Working with BME/Faith communities

WHAT CAN WE DO?• Even if your club has no BME participants at the moment

it is important to create a welcoming environment for away teams and any potential new members

• Respond to all incidents of racism appropriately and report incidents to RFL

• If someone from a BME background wants to get involved with the club – ask what their needs are nobody minds being asked!

• Seek information about different faiths so you are aware of possible issues i.e. fasting, religious calendars, dress etc

Working with BME/Faith communities

WHAT CAN WE DO?• Promote your club facilities as community meeting space

for BME/ faith communities• Look at possibility of having an alcohol free areas in club

house for families, recovering alcoholics and people of faith

• RFL has a range of resources and information that may be useful and can be ordered. Contact RFL if you have any questions about BME or faith groups

• If you want help reaching BME communities or to find out about festivals and melas you might want to attend contact the RFL for help

Working with Disabled PeoplePOTENTIAL BARRIERS• Assume ground or club is not

accessible• No opportunities to get involved • New area of development and

may not be aware of opportunities that exist.

• Complex area due to the range of disabilities and legislation

Working with Disabled PeopleWHAT CAN WE DO?• Children, parents and grandparents may be disabled and

want to watch other family members playing• Range of disabilities not just wheelchair users• Work on one to one basis with that individual and their

family, carers to overcome barriers. Focus on what a person can do rather than what they can’t they may have unexpected talents that will benefit the club

• Disabled people may be able to play in mainstream teams• Provide opportunities to train and be part of the team

even if not able to play in competitive games

Working with Disabled PeopleWHAT CAN WE DO?• Reasonable adjustments does not necessarily lead to

prohibitive costs- signs for accessible route, space around table for wheelchair, learn simple BSL. Bring chairs to sidelines for people with restricted mobility and pregnant women. Be creative

• Not all children who display behavioural problems are just naughty they may have conditions such as ADHD, Aspergers, Tourettes, contact the RFL if you need any advice or information

• If a child/adult develops an illness or has an accident discuss with their parents /carers and see how they can still be involved

• If you have any questions or want some help, advice or information relating to disability contact the RFL

Bullying and abusePOSSIBLE BARRIERS

• Assumption that bullying is something that just happens to children

• Some groups may be more vulnerable than others, i.e. racism and homophobia

Bullying and abuseWHAT CAN WE DO?• Promote the RESPECT campaign• The RFL have very clear policies on bullying,

abuse and Whistle blowing • Display Anti bullying policy at club• If you spot anyone in the club; adult or child

bullying another respond immediately• The Club Welfare Officer has a vital role in

ensuring the environment is seen as open and supportive to all players, volunteers and visitors.

Bullying and abuseWHAT CAN WE DO?• The Touch Line Manager has a role in

monitoring and preventing any abusive behaviour on the sidelines

• Parents have a role to play in being role models to children and young people

• Coaches play a vital role in being a positive role model and preventing bullying and abuse within their team

• Contact RFL for information or resources

Where can I get more help

• In League Together and Safeguarding website and newsletters will have articles on all aspects of the work

• Contact Sarah Williams for any information on working with diverse communities and where possible we will provide information and contacts to help your club

• Contact Colette Eden for any questions relating to Safeguarding and to report any issues of concern

Summary• There is help, information and

advice if you need it – RFL points of contact are Sarah and Colette

• Treat people as you would like to be treated

• RESPECT for other peoples cultures and backgrounds

• Provide a warm welcome to all new and existing people involved in your club

• It is the people who are key to making your clubs welcoming

Any Questions?