Guidance Specifics 2

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Disability & Neurodiversity – Led by Access Sport

For individuals with disabilities, the right sports kit isn't just about comfort—it's about access and belonging.

Task 1: Click True or False to check your understanding of these statements.

1 in 5 people in the UK are disabled, and less than 1 in 10 people at a sports club are disabled.

TRUEFALSE

Over ¾ of disabled children feel lonely.

TRUEFALSE

Gender Diversity & Expression – Led by Gendered Intelligence

Properly designed sportswear eliminates physical discomfort and practical obstacles that prevent disabled people from fully engaging in sports activities.
Accessible clothing features like easy fastenings and adaptable designs allow participants to dress themselves without assistance, preserving autonomy and self-confidence.

Task 2: Check your understanding by clicking each principle of sports kit that helps to ensure the inclusion of all.

Empowerment through Kit Choice

Have kit and clothing that comes in a range of child and adult sizes so it is accessible to different body types and people have a choice over how it fits them.
People have different preferences for types of fit, some prefer tighter-fitting clothing whilst others want loose or oversized clothing.
Where possible, have a choice of colours, this is particularly useful for children and young people.

Respecting Choice

Empower disabled people to choose their own clothing, providing it is suitable for the activity.
For example, some individuals prefer long-sleeved tops, whilst others prefer short-sleeved tops, which is an easy adjustment.

Clothing Textures

Allow for kit to come in a range of different materials so participants can choose comfort whilst seemingly in the same kit.
Provide a plain t-shirt version of the club kit with the club logo so participants can still feel connected to the club if they choose this material.
Provide kit options which are label and seam-free or print the label information on the inside of the clothing instead of adding a label.

Adaptable Clothing

Many disabled people require clothing that is adaptable to their impairment. Where possible, provide choices and listen to individuals' needs.
Wheelchair users often prefer T-shirts/ tops to be longer at the back and shorter at the front, with breathable ventilation features.
Easy fastening clothing such as elasticated trousers/shorts and t-shirts without buttons, or thumb loops to aid easy slip-ons.

Religion & Belief

Religious and belief-based needs must be accommodated to ensure all athletes can participate fully in sports while honouring their faith practices. Research consistently shows that religious affiliation affects sport participation rates in the UK.

Task 3: Click True or False to check your understanding of these statements.

People who state they have no religion are more likely to be physically active compared to those who belong to a faith group.

TRUEFALSE

In 2022, 50% of Muslim women in England wanted to increase their current sport participation.

TRUEFALSE

In 2022, 1 in 3 Muslim women said past experiences have negatively impacted their participation in sports.

TRUEFALSE

Support & Awareness

To support participation of people with a diverse range of religions and beliefs, there are key elements to be aware of.

Task 4: Check your understanding by clicking through the key sports kit advice to support inclusion.

Modesty Requirements

Offer a range of options that respect varying modesty requirements, including long-sleeved tops, full-length bottoms, and looser-fitting garments.
Provide layering options that allow athletes to adapt their kit to their comfort level.
Ensure modesty-accommodating sportswear uses the same high-performance fabrics as standard options.
Develop uniform policies that explicitly allow for religious accommodations, the Inclusive Sportswear Charter supports this Consider darker-coloured options for bottoms to address concerns about transparency when wet or stretched.

Head Coverings

Offer sports-specific head coverings that meet both religious requirements and safety standards.
Ensure head coverings are made from breathable, moisture-wicking fabrics appropriate for physical activity.
Allow for head coverings in uniform policies, with clear guidelines on approved designs Work with relevant communities to develop head coverings that support performance needs.
Train staff on the importance of head coverings to various religious traditions.

Religious Symbols and Jewellery

Create clear guidance on how religious symbols can be safely worn during sports.
Provide options for securing religious jewellery or symbols during high-impact activities.
Develop protocols for religious items that cannot be removed (e.g., Sikh Kara).
Consider allowing religious symbols to be taped or covered rather than removed.
Consult with religious leaders about acceptable compromises when safety is a concern.
Provide a plain t-shirt version of the club kit with the club logo so participants can still feel connected to the club if they choose this material.
Provide kit options which are label and seam-free or print the label information on the inside of the clothing instead of adding a label.

Race & Ethnicity

Acknowledging and addressing the unique needs and cultural considerations of athletes from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds is essential for true inclusion in sports.

Analysis from Sport England’s latest Active Lives Adult Survey shows that Mixed and White Other adults continue to have the highest activity levels, while South Asian, Black and those with other ethnic origins are the least likely to be active.

Task 5: Click True or False to check your understanding of these statements.

In England, physical activity levels among South Asians are approximately 20% lower than among White British, and lowest in South Asian women.

TRUEFALSE

1 in 3 people from ethnic minority backgrounds say past experiences of racism prevent them from supporting or taking part in particular sports.

TRUEFALSE

Girls from Asian and Black backgrounds are more likely to be less active.

TRUEFALSE

Physical Awarness

To support participation of people with a diverse range of religions and beliefs, there are key elements to be aware of.

Task 6: Check your understanding by clicking through the key sports kit advice to support inclusion.

Diverse Sizing and Fit

Develop sizing systems based on diverse body measurements across ethnic groups.
Offer a wide range of sizes that accommodate different body types.
Design with awareness of body composition variations across different ethnicities.
Test products on diverse models representing various ethnic backgrounds.
Provide detailed sizing guides that reference measurements rather than subjective terms.

Hair Considerations

Design helmets that accommodate diverse hair textures and styles.
Create swimming caps that fit various hair volumes and textures.
Offer headbands and hair accessories that work with different hair types.
Ensure uniform policies do not discriminate against natural hairstyles.
Provide options for securing hair during sports that work for all hair types.

Skin Tone Considerations

Offer ‘nude’ or skin-coloured items in a comprehensive range of skin tones.
Ensure uniform undergarments are available in diverse skin tones.
Consider how different fabric colours appear against different skin tones.
Test visibility of sportswear in different lighting against various skin tones.
Design print patterns that work well across all skin tones.

Intersectionality

Intersectionality means understanding that people's experiences are shaped by multiple aspects of their identity (like race, religion, gender, and ability) working together at the same time, creating unique needs that can't be addressed by looking at each part separately.
See other Guidance to support your understanding.

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