EQUITY POLICY

Statement of Intent

Dunnings Squash & Racketball Club (“DSRC”) has a desire and a duty to provide services fairly and without discrimination and is fully committed to the principles of equality of access and opportunity and equity in sport.

DSRC has a duty to ensure that no member, visitor or volunteer receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of age, gender, ethnic origin, disability, race, colour, parental or marital status, nationality, religious belief or sexual preference or to be disadvantaged by conditions or requirements that cannot be shown to be relevant to the requirements of the activity.

Purpose

DSRC wishes to ensure that all parts of the community have the opportunity to participate in the sport of squash and racketball and it will endeavour to eliminate all forms of discrimination, harassment or other unfair treatment to its members, visitors or volunteers.

Legal Responsibilities

The law requires DSRC not to discriminate against its members, visitors or volunteers and it recognises its legal obligations under the following legislation:

The Equal Pay Act 1970
The Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974
The Sex Discrimination Act 1975, 1986 and 1999
The Race Relations Act 1976 and Race Relations Amendment Act 2000
Disability Discrimination Act 1995
The Children Act 1998
Disability Rights Commissions Act 1999
Human Rights Act 2000
Employment Equality (Sexual Orientation) Regulations 2003
Employment Equality (Religion and Belief) Regulations 2003
The Equality Act 2010

DSRC also recognises that it may have future obligations arising from later amendments to the above acts/regulations.

Commitment to Equality

DSRC will:

Devise and implement an equity plan that will both eliminate and safeguard against discrimination and harassment within the sport of squash and racketball.
Educate and guide its members, visitors and volunteers on the adoption and implementation of its equality plan.
On a regular basis, promote, monitor, review and evaluate its progress in the achievement of the aims and objectives contained with the Equity Policy.
Monitor, evaluate and review its policy, practices, procedures and operational systems and keep all relevant parties informed.

DSRC regards discrimination as a crime and any member, visitor or volunteer who discriminates against any other person will have the appropriate action taken against them.

Discrimination, harassment and victimisation

Discrimination can take the following forms:

Direct Discrimination. This means treating someone less favourably than you would treat others in the same circumstances.

Indirect Discrimination. This occurs when a requirement or condition is applied equally to all, which has a disproportionate and detrimental effect on one sector of society, because fewer from that sector can comply with it and the requirements cannot be justified.

Harassment. Is described as inappropriate actions, behaviour, comments or physical contact that is objectionable or causes offence to the recipient. It may be directed towards people because of their gender, appearance, race, colour, ethnic origin, nationality, age, sexual preference, religious belief, a disability or some other characteristic. DSRC is committed to ensuring that its employees, members, participants and volunteers are able to conduct their activities free from harassment or intimidation.

Victimisation. Is defined as when someone is treated less favourably than others because he or she has taken action against DSRC under one of the relevant Acts/Regulations (as previously outlined) or provided information about discrimination, harassment or inappropriate behaviour.

DSRC regards discrimination, harassment or victimisation, as described above, as serious issues and any member, visitor or volunteer who discriminates against, harasses or victimises any other person will be dealt with appropriately.

Sports Equity

DSRC acknowledges and accepts as practice Sport England’s definition of Sports Equity as follows:

Sports equity is about fairness in sport, equality of access, recognising inequalities and taking steps to address them.
Sports equity is about changing the culture and structure of sport to ensure that it becomes equally accessible to all members of society whatever their age, ability, gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religious beliefs or socio/economic status.
Sports equity is about making sure that all people can realise their talent and fulfil their potential.
Sports equity is about using the power of sport to engage, unite and motivate people, promote social inclusion and improve health.
Sports equity is about individuals’ responsibility to challenge discriminatory practice and promote inclusion.

DSRC will ensure that everyone who wishes to will have equal opportunity to participate in squash and racketball at all levels and in all roles. DSRC will display its commitment to Sports Equity through the implementation of this Equity Policy.

Responsibility and implementation

The following responsibilities will apply:

The Club Committee is responsible for ensuring that this Equity Policy is followed and to deal with any actual or potential breaches.
The Club Committee has the overall responsibility for the implementation of the Equity Policy.
All members, visitors and volunteers have responsibilities to respect, act in accordance with and thereby support and promote the policy and, where appropriate.