Equality Policy

Equality Policy

Policy Objectives

  1. The pickleballEngland Association is fully committed to the principles of equality of opportunity and is responsible for ensuring that no job applicants, employees, consultants, Directors, volunteers or participants (referred to in this document as “Stakeholders”) are unlawfully discriminated against because of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation (referred to in this document as “Protected Characteristics”).
  2. In addition pickleballEngland recognises that we live in a diverse society and will endeavour to ensure that all Stakeholders are given the same opportunities regardless of their socio-economic backgrounds.
  3. pickleballEngland will encourage members, partner organisations, suppliers, sponsors and customers, to adopt and demonstrate their commitment to the principles and practice of equality as set out in this Equality Policy.
  4. pickleballEngland recognises that, in some cases, to further the principle of equality, an unequal distribution of resources may be required. If appropriate and proportionate, pickleballEngland will consider positive action or may introduce special measures to assist any group with a Protected Characteristic which is currently underrepresented within any group of Stakeholders.

Purpose of the Policy

  1. pickleballEngland recognises that individuals (and/or certain groups in our society who share one or more Protected Characteristics) may not have been able to participate equally and fully in sports related activities or the management and organisation of sport.
  2. This Policy has been produced to try to prevent and address any unlawful discrimination or other unfair treatment, whether intentional or unintentional, direct or indirect, against Stakeholders that may preclude them from participating fully in sports related activities or the management and organisation of sport.

Legal Requirements

  1. pickleballEngland is required by law not to unlawfully discriminate against its Stakeholders and recognises its legal obligations under, and will abide by the requirements of, the Equality Act 2010, and any equivalent legislation (as amended) in any UK jurisdiction, Jersey, Guernsey or the Isle of Man and any later amendments to such legislation or subsequent equality related legislation that may be relevant to pickleballEngland.
  2. pickleballEngland will seek advice each time this Policy is reviewed to ensure it continues to reflect the current legal framework and good practice.

Discrimination, harassment, bullying and victimisation

pickleballEngland recognises the following as being unacceptable:

  1. Direct Discrimination: treating someone less favourably than you would treat others because of a Protected Characteristic.
  2. Indirect Discrimination: applying a provision, criterion or practice which, on the face of it, applies equally to all but which, in practice can disadvantage individuals with a particular Protected Characteristic. Such requirements or conditions are lawful only if they can be objectively justified.
  3. Harassment: engaging in unwanted conduct relating to a relevant Protected Characteristic or unwanted conduct of a sexual nature where the conduct has the purpose or effect of violating the recipient’s dignity or creating an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment for the recipient, or any other individual affected by such conduct. pickleballEngland is committed to ensuring that its Stakeholders are able to conduct their activities free from harassment.
  4. Bullying: the misuse of power or position to criticise persistently or to humiliate and undermine an individual’s confidence.
  5. Victimisation: subjecting someone to a detriment because he or she has in good faith taken action under the Equality Act 2010 (or equivalent legislation) by bringing proceedings, giving evidence or information in relation to proceedings, making an allegation that a person has contravened the Equality Act 2010 (or equivalent legislation) or doing any other thing for the purpose of or in connection with the Equality Act 2010 (or any equivalent legislation).

pickleballEngland regards discrimination, harassment, bullying or victimisation, as described above, as serious misconduct. All complaints will be taken seriously and appropriate measures including disciplinary action may be brought against any Stakeholder who unlawfully discriminates against, harasses, bullies or victimises any other person.

Reasonable Adjustments

  1. When any decision is made about an individual, the only personal characteristics that may be taken into account are those that are consistent with any relevant legislation and are relevant to the substance of the decision being made.
  2. pickleballEngland recognises that it has a duty to make reasonable adjustments for disabled persons. pickleballEngland will consider all requests for adjustments and where possible will accommodate reasonable requests and will work with disabled Stakeholders to implement any adjustments that will enable them to participate more fully in sports related activities or in the management and organisation of sport.

Transgender Athletes

pickleballEngland considers that pickleball is a gender affected sport under the Equality Act 2010. It’s policy and rules are in accordance with the policy on transsexual competitors issued by the International Olympic Committee and also conform with the recommendations set out in the UK Sport guidance booklet ‘Transsexual People and Sport’ published by the Department of Culture, Media and Sport.

Responsibility, implementation and communication

The following responsibilities will apply:

  1. The Board of pickleballEngland is responsible for ensuring that this Equality Policy is implemented, followed, and reviewed when appropriate. pickleballEngland Board is also responsible for ensuring that this Equality Policy is enforced and any breaches are dealt with appropriately.
  2. pickleballEngland will ensure that equality is included as an agenda item at Board meetings when appropriate and that the Board takes equality issues into consideration when making decisions.
  3. The Chairperson has the overall responsibility for the implementation of this Equality Policy.
  4. A member of the Board will be designated as the Equality Officer by the Chairperson and will have the overall day-to-day responsibility for the implementation of this Equality Policy and for achieving any equality related actions resulting from it. The Equality Officer’s work programme will be amended to reflect this. If required, an internal and/or external equality group will be created to provide additional support.
  5. All Stakeholders have the responsibility to respect, follow and promote the spirit and intentions of this Equality Policy. Individual work programmes for pickleballEngland staff will be amended to include equality related tasks where appropriate.

Monitoring and Evaluation

  1. This Equality Policy will remain in force until it is amended, replaced or withdrawn. A review of this Equality Policy will take place as and when required, but not less than once every three years.

Complaints Procedures

  1. To safeguard individual rights under this Equality Policy, any Stakeholder who believes they have suffered inequitable treatment within the scope of this Equality Policy may raise the matter through the appropriate procedure.
  2. Appropriate disciplinary action may be taken against any pickleballEngland Stakeholder who violates this Equality Policy under the relevant pickleballEngland disciplinary procedures.
  3. An individual raising a grievance or complaint will not be penalised for doing so unless it is untrue and not made in good faith.
  4. As with all grievances, complaints and disciplinary procedures, there will be the right of appeal as set out in the relevant procedure.