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?
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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-economic
Potential 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 Girls
POTENTIAL 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 Girls
WHAT 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 Girls
WHAT 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 People
POTENTIAL 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 People
WHAT 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 People
WHAT 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 abuse
POSSIBLE 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 abuse
WHAT 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 abuse
WHAT 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?