Inclusion in Sport
Inclusion in sport and physical activity means everyone should have the opportunity to access the same facilities, take part in the same activities, and enjoy the same experiences, relative and reasonable to a person’s needs.
Inclusion can also be defined as a person’s universal human right to the same access and choices as everyone else, with everyone being made to feel that they belong and are valued, so they can all develop equally.
These rights are reflected in The Discrimination (Jersey) Law 2013, which was updated in 2014 and 2018 to protect islanders based on race, sex, pregnancy and maternity, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, age and disability. This law prohibits discrimination in relation to workplace and non-workplace settings, including education and members’ clubs, of which local sport and physical activity offers often fall under.
Inclusion is more than just the participant; it also provides multiple benefits for sport organisations and the people within it, such as:
- Developing communication and people skills
- Attracting more people to organisation, such as the family and friends of new members who feel included
- Increased retention rates, as when people feel welcome, they are more likely to engage, return and stay involved
- Promoting an inclusive island community by establishing environments where everyone has the potential to be their best
- Appealing and catering for new stakeholders and supporters into sport and physical activity, such as corporate sponsors, community groups and political leaders
The apprehension some sports organisations feel can be exacerbated by a long-standing misconception around the meaning of the word ‘inclusion’, and the language and terminology that accompanies this idea. A lack of confidence in providing safe spaces that are inclusive to more islanders is often related by uncertainty around how to adapt and modify sport environments appropriately.
Disability, long-term health conditions and life-limiting illnesses
In Jersey, 59% with a disability are inactive compared to 42% without a disability.
Islanders aged 65+
Local data tells us that islanders are significantly less likely to play sport or be active if they are aged 65+.
Nationality and ethnicity
Data shows that physical activity levels differ hugely between ethnic backgrounds in Jersey.
Religion or belief
Data shows some faith groups are more physically active than others; such as Buddhist, Christian, Jewish and Sikh.
Teenagers
There is a significant drop-out rate in sport and physical activity as children transition through puberty as teenagers.
Evidence through data
Data tells us there are significant inequalities that exist in Jersey for islanders to access sport and physical activity, particularly regarding gender, income, disability, nationality and ethnicity. Local and international data detailing trends and stats can be found online:
Implementing culture and change
A great way for sport organisation’s to evidence their support and commitment to inclusive sport and physical activity environments is through policy and action. Information, templates and guidance for your sport organisation can be found on our Resource Bank:
Useful information
If you’re unsure where to start with inclusion for your sport, get in touch with the Jersey Sport Team for support via sport@jerseysport.je, and take a look at these other local organisations and useful websites to find out more:
- Enable Jersey – Jersey’s all-embracing disability charity.
- Liberate – a local charity championing equality, diversity and inclusion across the Channel Islands.
- Jersey Community Relations Trust – Aims promote good relations between all members of society and seek to achieve equality of treatment and opportunity within our community.
- Citizens Advice Jersey – the appointed agency to advise on discrimination relating to non-employment matters, like inclusion with local sports organisations.
- Creating an inclusive culture – Sport England’s resource, learning and training hub.
- Moving to Inclusion – UK Sport Council’s hub for equality, diversity and inclusion in sport and physical activity.
- UK Coaching – a guide to becoming a more inclusive coach.
- Energise Me – championing and changing lives through physical activity and sport.
- Activity Alliance – practical examples of how to ensure spaces and places are inclusive for disabled people.
Jersey Sport Inclusion Advisory Group
Our Inclusion Advisory Group will advise the organisation in relation to equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) matters to assist the development, operations and activity relating to sport across the island. The group will provide guidance and advice so sporting opportunities, provided by Jersey Sport and by community sport organisations, are accessible and enjoyable for all islanders.
