Types of Discrimination
🧠Understanding Types of DiscriminationÂ
Understanding the different types of discrimination, and how they might present themselves in sports clubs, is the first step in being able to challenge these incidents appropriately. If we call out discrimination and hate when we see it taking place, our sports clubs can be a safer place for everyone.
Direct Discrimination
Direct discrimination is treating someone unfairly because of a protected characteristic (like disability, race, gender).Â
Activity
Example: A rugby club refuses to let a disabled parent volunteer as a coach. đź’¬ Question: What assumptions are being made here? How could the club handle this differently?
Reveal answer
The club has assumed the disabled parent might be unable to coach because of their disability. The club should meet with the parent to better understand their disability and how the club can support them to volunteer in a way that suits them.
Discrimination by Perception
Discrimination by perception is treating someone unfairly because you think they have a protected characteristic- even if they don't.Â
Activity
Example: A football manager excludes a player from selection because they believe the player has ADHD and "won't cope under pressure." đź’¬ Reflection point: Why is it harmful, even if the assumption is incorrect?
Reveal answer
This is harmful, as it will prevent this player from participating, whether assumption is correct or not. The club should meet with the player, or the player's parents if under 18, to understand how they can support them to better cope with the pressure.
Discrimination by Association
Discrimination by Association is being treated unfairly because of your connection or association with someone who has a protected characteristic, such as a disability, even if you don’t have that characteristic yourself.
Example:
A volunteer is excluded from a community sporting event because their partner has a disability, and the organiser assumes this will affect the volunteer’s ability to contribute fully.
💬 Reflection point: Why is it still harmful, even if the person themselves doesn’t have the protected characteristic?
Indirect discrimination
Indirect discrimination is where rule or policy that seems fair, puts people with a protected characteristics at a disadvantage.Â
Activity
Example: A rugby union club says it's mandatory for all players to attend post-game socials at a local pub. This indirectly discriminates against players of the Muslim faith who don't drink alcohol, leaving them feeling unable to engage socially at the club. đź’¬ Challenge: How could the club adjust this approach to be more inclusive?
Reveal answer
Speaking with your club members to understand their religion, what it means for them, and how it might affect them taking part can foster greater inclusion. As a club, they could stop saying that post-game socials at pubs are mandatory, and offer more "sober socials" after games at places like cafes, bowling alleys, or cinemas.
Harassment
Harassment is unwanted behaviour that makes someone feel humiliated, offended, or unsafe linked to a protected characteristic.Â
- Example: During a swimming training session, teammates repeatedly make jokes about a swimmer's visual impairment.Â
💬 Quick Check: Is this just “banter” or harassment?
👉 If it makes someone feel unsafe or degraded - it’s harassment.
Victimisation
Victimisation is treating someone badly because they complained about discrimination or helped someone else do so.Â
Activity
Example: A tennis coach is excluded from team meetings after supporting a player's complaint about sexist comments. đź’¬ Think about it: Why is it important to protect people who speak up?
Reveal answer
It takes a lot of courage to speak up against hate and discrimination. We want sport to be a safe place for everyone, and those who decide to speak out should still be able to participate and feel supported. If a club excludes individuals from team meetings after they’ve reported an issue, it can deter others from reporting too.