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INCLUSION
IN SPORT

WHY IT’S IMPORTANT FOR SPORT AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY SETTINGS TO BE INCLUSIVE

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.

ISLANDERS AGED 65+

Local data tells us that islanders are significantly less likely to play sport or be active if they are aged 65+.

LGBTQ+ PARTICIPANTS

More needs to be done to encourage more of the LGBTQ+ community to take part and stay involved in sport and physical activity.

LOWER SOCIO-ECONOMIC COMMUNITIES

Adults living in social housing are 50% less likely to play sport and 19% less likely to be active than those who own their own home.

NEW OR EXPECTANT PARENTS

In a 2024 report, 61% of mothers cited motherhood as the primary reason they dropped out of doing regular exercise or sport altogether.

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.

WOMEN AND GIRLS

There is now just a 3% difference between boys’ and girls’ participation in physical activity, and similar trends in adult organised sport.

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. 

 

JERSEY SPORT INSIGHT REPORTS

USEFUL INFORMATION

If you’re unsure where to start with inclusion for your sport, get in touch with the Jersey Sport Team for support at: sport@jerseysport.je, and take a look at these other local organisations and useful websites to find out more:

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