The role of sports governing bodies in promoting diversity and inclusivity
Sports play such an integral role in our society, promoting physical and mental health, bringing people together, and serving as a platform to accelerate positive behaviour change through equality and diversity.
In recent years, sports governing bodies have come under increasing pressure to promote diversity and inclusivity within their organisations and the wider sporting community.
Diversity and inclusivity are crucial in sports, as they can lead to a more inclusive and accepting culture, break down barriers, and challenging negative stereotypes and biases.
Additionally, a more diverse and inclusive sports community can result in increased participation, improved performance, and a more engaging experience for fans.
What are the roles of sports governing bodies
Sports governing bodies play a key role in promoting diversity and inclusivity. Clubs can implement policies and initiatives that create an inclusive environment, increase representation, and promote positive change. Let’s explore some of the ways in which sports governing bodies can achieve these goals…
Diversity and inclusion policies
Governing bodies should have policies that promote diversity and inclusivity in all aspects of that sport, from recruitment and hiring at the top, to coaching and training, and even competition and events.
Encouraging diversity in leadership
Governing bodies can do a lot more work to increase the representation of diverse groups in leadership positions, including on boards, committees, and staff.
If we look at football as an example, just 4.2% of sports governance roles are held by those from ethnically diverse backgrounds.
In July 2020, 64% of publicly funded national governing bodies did not have representation from black or ethnically diverse backgrounds.
Supporting diversity and inclusivity initiatives
Governing bodies can provide funding and support to organisations and initiatives that promote diversity and inclusivity in sports, including scholarships, mentorship programs, and community events.
Providing education and training
Governing bodies can provide education and training to their staff, volunteers, and members to help them understand the importance of diversity and inclusivity, and to develop the skills to promote these values.
The principles of Good Governance in your sport
Do you want to learn how to ensure good governance within your sports club? Look no further than the ‘Accelerating Good Governance’ eLearning course on Accelerate Sport.
The course, developed in partnership with The Sport and Recreation Alliance will help you to understand the steps you can take to improve the governance structure within your club or sport.
The course will cover the following learning outcomes:
- Understand what governance is.
- Consider why governance is relevant to sport.
- Identify ways to include good governance in your club.
Click HERE for further information about the course. You can also take a sneak preview of the course below:
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If you would like to learn more about Accelerate Sport and our aim of accelerating positive behaviour change, check out our ranges of courses HERE, or visit our Learning Experience Platform (LXP) information page HERE.