We know that there are many people from ethnic minorities taking part in football on a regular basis. However, there are many more who want to take part but believe there is a barrier to their participation.
There are actions that can be taken to ensure that all people can be fully involved in your club. Meetings should take place as it is easy to make assumptions that people are all the same, however, we all live in difference cultural environments that can have an impact on the way we participate in football.
Each club must have an environment free from racist abuse and should have policies and procedures in place to deal with any discrimination situations that may arise.
The Football Association makes every effort to ensure that religious references and needs are met and any dietary guidelines and dress codes are observed. Players may wear whatever leg or head coverings are necessary as long as the referee determines it is safe, this also applied to coaches and match officials.
Religious education classes can take place in schools, this should be given consideration when planning fixtures. The Football Association has supported footballs anti racism campaign, 'Lets kick racism out of football' run by ‘Kick it out’ for over 10 years. It has achieved success, however, there is more to be done.
As part of the Football Association's commitment to provide equal opportunities for all to participate in football Rule b5 has been amended:
Football and Religious Observance:
5 (a) A participant cannot be compelled to play football on both side occasions where religious observance precludes such activity, save where the participant:
(i) Has consented to do so on such occasions
(ii) Is registered as a player under written contract, which shall be taken as consent to play on such occasions unless otherwise provided for in the control.
5 (b) Annually to assist Leagues etc with fixture planning the Football Association has provided guidance by way of a calendar of religious festivals for observance together with some information on each. It is not intended that all these dates be avoided and the list is not exhaustive, however, you are advised to consult with your clubs as to the most relevant dates.
The calendar will be provided each year and it should be noted that some religions work to a lunar calendar rather than Gregorian which means dates can vary from year to year. In addition some dates can only by confirmed by the sighting of the moon, as a result some dates are confirmed a later date.
There is still a need to run information evening, provide race awareness training include the different need for Monty groups discussion is always paramount to solutions.
Gary Norman and Linda Ennis
September 2008
Reviewed July 2009