Examples
Sharing knowledge and resources can help sports and organisations to see diversity and inclusion ‘in action.’
These real-world examples support sports and clubs to better understand inclusion in diversity in sport, and how initiatives can be implemented to make sport more inclusive for all.
Play by the Rules
Australia
Play by the Rules has a suite of helpful resources and case studies that reflect the fundamentals of inclusion in sport.
here are video case studies, interactive scenarios, links to training and other resources that are valuable tools to review and engage with.
Check out the Play by the Rules website.
Tell your Story
United Kingdom
The #TellYourStory campaign was created to address racism within sport in the UK.
In a collaborative venture, the initiative provides a platform for those who experienced racism or race related discrimination or harassment in sport, to discuss their experiences, in hopes of spreading the message and shaping the future of UK sport with their lived experiences.
Find out more about the #TellYourStory campaign.
Cricket Australia
Australia
Cricket Australia has created targeted diversity and inclusion initiatives that not only support participation in the sport, but also the development of other engagement pathways such as employment, volunteering, or support.
There are targeted plans that support women, LGBTQI+ communities, and people with disability.
Check out the Cricket Australia website.
Our Watch
Australia
Our Watch is a national leader in the primary prevention of violence against women and their children in Australia. Developing a range of tools and resources to support sporting organisations, they aim to ensure they are creating clubs, teams, workplaces, venues, and communities where all women are safe, equal, and valued. This includes not only challenging sexism, but other forms of discrimination such as racism, homophobia, and transphobia.
To assist sporting organisations to do this work, Our Watch has developed an Equality and Respect in Sport resource for sporting organisations in Australia. Access evidence-based resources to assist with promoting gender equality within organisations and contribute to the prevention of violence against women.
Visit the Our Watch website.
Golf Australia
Australia
Golf Australia have developed an inclusion commitment statement, as well as a suite of targeted action items to support diversity within the sport.
Their website contains a lot of information that might be helpful to view as an example of what inclusion in sport might look like. They give examples of their vision, outline work they currently do in each space, as well as future plans and initiatives to support their goals.
There are specific engagement strategies for diverse groups which provide examples of actions that sports could take.
Check out the Golf Australia website.
Inclusion Solutions
Australia
Inclusion Solutions is a non-profit consultancy service that supports organisations and service providers to build cohesive and inclusive communities.
Through the provision of education, training, and mentoring, the organisation uses specialist expertise and a solid connection to local communities to build strong relationships with people, organisations, and community groups. Inclusion Solutions offer workshops on a range of topics, personal development opportunities, club mentoring opportunities, and the newly created Club Renovation Toolkit.
The toolkit includes a 12 week course that aims to empower clubs to support inclusion with topics like growth, attraction and retention and sustainability.
For more information, visit the Inclusion Solutions website.
Sport Information Resource Centre (SIRC)
Canada
The SIRC is a national organisation committed to sharing evidence, resources, and knowledge to advance sport in Canada.
The organisation creates knowledge, networking opportunities, and a platform for audiences to access information and valuable resources, to inspire positive changes in sport through shared information and innovative tools and service delivery.
The website presents topics relevant to diversity and inclusion (e.g. tips for inclusive programs for persons with disabilities) each of which include videos, learning opportunities, latest research, and evidence, as well as ways to get involved such as blogs and conferences.
Find out more on the SIRC website.
Change Makers
Australia
Change Makers is the first of its kind, and an important collaboration between researchers and educators, sport organisations, local government, community organisations, and local sports clubs.
Together, this community of practice aims to empower sports clubs and organisations to create more inclusive sporting spaces. It offers a community-driven, evidence-based program focused on making change in sports clubs.
Club representatives receive workshops and are mentored to co-create and implement tailored change projects to address barriers and increase diversity and inclusion in their clubs.
Visit the Change Makers website.
City of Ballarat
Australia
The City of Ballarat’s Aquatic and Lifestyle Centre developed 'Sensory Quiet Time' trials to improve access and inclusion at the venue.
The initiative aims to address accessibility to the sport and facility for individuals with sensory anxieties and stressors, by offering quiet sessions and sensory balanced swimming lessons.
The initiative was developed with guidance from Latrobe Community Health Service, Ballarat Autism Network, and Sports Central. This collaboration continues, and the centre has also stopped playing the radio (other than during aqua aerobics via a single portable speaker). This has extended the participation opportunities of children and adults with autism and sensory issues in the centre and its programs rather than limiting it to a set time.
For more information, check out the website, or for advice on implementing a similar initiative, contact Latrobe Community Health Service.
Inclusive Sport SA
Australia
Inclusive Sport SA developed the Humans of Sport in SA initiative to increase the visibility of diversity in sport using digital platforms like Facebook and Twitter, by showcasing people that inspire a sense of unity, strength, inclusion, and respect.
The initiative highlights the various roles and individuals in sporting communities, and addresses barriers to participation that include a lack of visibility and confidence, aiming to build a sense of belonging to sport.
The organisation has also developed a website that includes a range of resources supporting best practice in the sport sector, including videos and reports on inclusion and inclusive practices for sport clubs.
Proud 2 Play
Australia
Proud 2 Play is an organisation focusing on increasing LGBTQI+ engagement in sport and active recreation.
The organisation works with all levels of the sporting community to provide structured opportunities and pathways for participation not just as players, but as volunteers, coaches, and officials.
The website offers several resources that are valuable to the sports community and support LGBTQI+ inclusion in sport.
Rumbalara Football Netball Club
Australia
Rumbalara FNC is dedicated to strengthening the community and bringing families together through strong and vibrant leadership.
The club celebrates the history and passions that represent its community, and focuses beyond the sporting arena to make substantial improvements in the physical and emotional health, education, and employment of its members and their families.
The environment the club has created, inspires First Nations youth, and encourages active participation in sport as well as opportunities to partake in the social and non-competitive aspects of their community.
John Moriarty Football
Australia
John Moriarty Football (JFM) is Australia’s longest running and most successful Indigenous football initiative for 2-18 year olds.
JFM’s transformational skills program uses football for talent and positive change. JFM has a proven track record of improving school attendance and achieving resilient, healthier outcomes for some of Australia’s most remote Indigenous communities.
With equal participation of boys and girls, JFM delivers in-school and after-school sessions, school holiday clinics and tournaments.
JFM also delivers a Scholarships and Pathways initiative that provides life-changing pathways for talented young footballers.
PINK Koalas all abilities team
Australia
Leisl Stimpson and former Matildas player, Kim Shaefer saw there were minimal opportunities for females with disability to play football, so they created what is now the North West Sydney Football PINK Koalas all abilities team.
Leisl and Kim both volunteer their time to coach and create an environment where players from 10 to 65 years of age can have some fun, exercise, grow their sporting and life skills and most importantly, develop strong friendships and connections in their community.
Hear from Leisl, Kim, players and parents in inspiring video on YouTube.