All people participate in sport for the same reasons – to have fun, get active, make friends and learn new skills. Giving everyone in your community the opportunity to be involved in your club is crucial in the formative years of a person’s life.

The families of people involved in your club can also benefit from their involvement. Participation, for the player and their families, opens up new community networks and introduces opportunities for other members of the family to participate. A rugby club environment also teaches young adults’ values and respect for others.

Rugby clubs benefit from being culturally inclusive though increased membership and diversity. These new members, not only participants, but families and friends lead to growth within your club and benefit the club in the following ways:

• assists in the sustainability of your club
• increases the number of skilled players within the club
• increases the potential to recruit volunteers and administrators
• ensures everyone feels part of the club regardless of ability, cultural background, religion, gender or sexuality
• ensures your club accurately reflects today’s multi-cultural community
• enhances the clubs reputation of being inclusive and diverse
• creates opportunities for all members to learn about different cultures

Things that your club can do to make the club more accessible to all groups include the following. Depending on the cultural background of your club, the below points may also need to be translated into foreign languages, representing your members and supporters:

• Ensure your club signage is clear and welcoming.
• Consider whether new people can easily find club rooms or where training is held.
• Ensure your club’s promotional material is easy to read and understand.
• Make your training schedule clear and accessible.
• How easy is it to join your club? Review your membership procedures and processes.
• Provide an induction for new members. This could include introducing them to the club, club officials, training schedule and expectations, as well as information about club rules, uniforms and codes of conduct.
• Have club Welcome Officers or a buddy system, where existing or more experienced members welcome and guide new or potential members through the club and the early part of the season. Encourage existing members to befriend new members.
• Offer support and advice about the sport to new members.
• Be sensitive to cultural differences.
• Do not tolerate racial or religious harassment.
• Offer help with transport to games and training.
• Smile and say hello when you meet new or potential members.
• Have photos, posters and other positive images featuring sports people from diverse cultural backgrounds at your club buildings.

There are many government grants and funding to assist sporting clubs adapt in providing a more inclusive environment. Please refer to the article Government Sporting Grants Available for Clubs for more info.