One Two Magazine May Edition | Page 4

GRASSROOTS CONSULTATION SHOWS THERE ’ S WORK TO BE DONE TO COMBAT DISCRIMINATION

At the end of 2015 , Kick It Out closed its grassroots consultation after offering key people involved in the sport the chance to give their opinions on the state of the game across the country .
Players , coaches , referees and parents who participate , officiate and watch the game were invited to tell us what they think about grassroots football and Kick It Out ’ s influence at this level .
As football ’ s equality and inclusion organisation , and having been involved in the game for over 20 years , Kick It Out wants to have greater impact at grassroots level , having achieved so much at professional level .
THE CONSULTATION FOUND THAT :
- 63 % of players , parents and coaches who completed the consultation believe that leagues do not do enough when it comes to eradicating discrimination from their games . - 39 % of referees felt they did not receive enough support when submitting a report of discrimination to their local grassroots football league . - 84 % of respondents said they would be comfortable in challenging discriminatory behaviour in the grassroots game
- 50 % had witnessed discrimination at grassroots level , while 22 % have themselves been a victim
– 47 % did not feel Kick It Out had a noticeable impact on grassroots football , with 86 % of respondents suggesting this could be improved by getting more players , coaches and clubs involved in the organisation ’ s initiatives . Kick It Out has been analysing these results to improve its visibility and impact at grassroots level .
Keep an eye out for the results at kickitout . org – including a range of comments from those who took part in the consultation .
HOW DO I REPORT ? As a third-party reporting bureau you can report any type of discrimination in football to Kick It Out . The organisation will then raise the complaint with the appropriate club or body concerned .
APP : You can report via the Kick It Out app which can be used on iPhone and Android devices . Download the product from App Store or Google Play . FREEPHONE : You can report an incident of discrimination by calling 0800 169 9414 and speaking directly to a Kick it Out staff member . ONLINE : You can report an incident by filling out the online reporting form on the Kick It Out website . Alternatively you can get in touch with us via email with our Reporting Officer at anna @ kickitout . org or read more about reporting an incident at : http :// www . kickitout . org / get-involved / report-it /
GRASSROOTS FOOTBALL www . grf-football . co . uk
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