​​Inclusion and safety go together. A team cannot be truly inclusive if some athletes feel unsafe, ignored or unwelcome.

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Set clear expectations

 

At the beginning of the season, agree on how team members are expected to behave. Make it clear that bullying, harassment, discrimination, humiliation and abusive behaviour are not acceptable. A simple team agreement or code of conduct can help everyone understand what respectful behaviour looks like.

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Get to know your athletes

 

Athletes are not all the same. They may have different needs, abilities, backgrounds, responsibilities and concerns. Coaches should make space to understand what may help each athlete participate safely and confidently. Some athletes may also need adjustments to training, communication, equipment or the sporting environment.

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Watch who is being left out

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Exclusion is not always obvious. Look for athletes who are regularly:

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• left out of conversations or activities

• ignored when teams or groups are formed

• made fun of because they are different

• uncomfortable speaking in front of others

• given fewer opportunities to participate

• isolated from the rest of the team

 

Repeated exclusion can affect an athlete's confidence, wellbeing and sense of belonging.

 

Be careful with humour and “banter”

 

What one person considers a joke may be upsetting or humiliating to another. Comments about someone's body, ability, gender, background, accent, appearance or personal life can cause harm even when they are described as “just a joke”. A good rule is simple:

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If it humiliates, isolates or makes someone uncomfortable, it is not good team culture.

 

Make the environment accessible

 

Think about whether the places, equipment, communication and activities used by the team can be accessed by everyone. Accessibility can include physical access, changing facilities, communication, transport, equipment and the way activities are organised. Good inclusive design tries to remove unnecessary barriers and gives people dignity, privacy and choice.

 

Listen to athletes

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Ask athletes how they are experiencing the team. Simple questions can help:

 

Do you feel welcome here?
Do you feel respected by your teammates?
Is there anything making it difficult for you to participate?
Is there anything we could do differently?

 

Listening is not enough on its own. When a concern is raised, take it seriously and consider what can be changed.