Inclusion Policy
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1. Policy Statement
Hull City Ladies Football Club is committed to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion and to creating an environment where everyone is treated with dignity and respect.
The club believes that football should be enjoyed by all and is committed to ensuring that no individual is treated less favourably or discriminated against, either directly or indirectly, on the basis of protected characteristics.
This policy is aligned with The FA Equality Policy, The FA Code of Conduct, and relevant legislation, including the Equality Act 2010.
2. Scope of the Policy
This policy applies to all individuals involved with Hull City Ladies Football Club, including:
- Players
- Coaches and team officials
- Volunteers and committee members
- Parents and carers
- Match officials
- Spectators and visitors
It applies to all club activities, including matches, training sessions, meetings, travel, events, and online activity.
3. Commitment to Equality
Hull City Ladies Football Club is committed to:
- Promoting equality of opportunity for all
- Valuing diversity and creating an inclusive environment
- Eliminating discrimination, harassment, victimisation, and bullying
- Making reasonable adjustments to support individuals where possible
- Challenging discriminatory behaviour and language
- Ensuring decisions are made fairly, transparently, and based on merit
4. Protected Characteristics
In line with the Equality Act 2010, discrimination will not be tolerated on the basis of:
- Age
- Disability
- Gender reassignment
- Marriage or civil partnership
- Pregnancy or maternity
- Race (including colour, nationality, and ethnic or national origin)
- Religion or belief
- Sex
- Sexual orientation
The club also recognises and challenges discrimination based on social background, caring responsibilities, or any other unfair or unreasonable grounds.
5. Discrimination, Harassment and Victimisation
Hull City Ladies Football Club will not tolerate:
- Direct discrimination – treating someone less favourably
- Indirect discrimination – applying rules or practices that disadvantage certain groups
- Harassment – unwanted behaviour that violates dignity or creates an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating, or offensive environment
- Victimisation – treating someone unfairly because they have made or supported a complaint
This includes behaviour that occurs in person or online, including social media and messaging platforms.
6. Responsibilities
- Club Committee
- Ensure this policy is implemented and reviewed
- Promote equality and inclusion throughout the club
- Coaches, Officials and Volunteers
- Act as positive role models
- Challenge discriminatory behaviour
- Ensure fair and inclusive practice
- Players, Parents/Carers and Spectators
- Treat others with respect
- Follow club and FA Codes of Conduct
7. Reporting Concerns
Any concerns relating to discrimination, harassment, or exclusion should be reported to:
- A coach or team official
- The Club Welfare Officer
- A member of the club committee
All concerns will be taken seriously, handled sensitively, and investigated promptly.
Where appropriate, matters may be referred to the County FA or The FA in line with FA regulations and safeguarding procedures.
8. Sanctions and Disciplinary Action
Where a breach of this policy is found, appropriate action will be taken. This may include:
- Education or formal warnings
- Suspension from activities
- Removal from the club
- Referral to the County FA or The FA
Disciplinary action will be applied fairly and consistently.
9. Education and Awareness
Hull City Ladies Football Club will:
- Promote awareness of equality and inclusion
- Encourage education and training for coaches, officials, and volunteers
- Support initiatives that promote diversity and inclusion in football
10. Monitoring and Review
This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if required due to changes in legislation or FA guidance.
The club is committed to continuous improvement and will monitor its practices to ensure equality and inclusion remain central to all activities.