Equality Statement

Equality is fundamental to the participation in and the governance, organisation and delivery of football within the Academy. Equality is the practice of fairness and the upholding of social justice to ensure that all individuals are respected, have equal opportunities and have their rights protected. Equality is critical to the celebration of diversity in the Academy. It is no longer acceptable for individuals to negatively discriminate against or suppress others on the basis of a difference in religion or faith, race or ethnicity, culture, socioeconomic status, gender, sexuality, age, disability or any other social or physical categorization. Nor is it acceptable for individuals to ignore or in any way endorse the behavior of others who discriminate in such a way. It is important for all those involved in the Academy to support and promote the principles of Equality, whether they are playing, refereeing, administrating, managing, governing, supporting players, sponsoring, spectating, reporting or engaged in any other way in football activities.

It is imperative that when incidents of negative discrimination occur they are dealt with swiftly and effectively. Through our Codes of Conduct the Academy have a clear and comprehensive disciplinary process. A process that is embedded within the constitution and linked directly to all policies, procedures and codes of the Academy, in particular the Equality policy. In abiding by the Equality Statement, every member of Gold & Gray Soccer Academy will;

• Respect the rights, dignity and worth of everyone within the game of football.

• Treat everyone equally within the context of football, no matter a person’s ability, gender, race, ethnicity, age, religious belief, sexuality or socio-economic status.

• Is committed to everyone having the right to enjoy the game of football in a safe environment and an environment that is free from the threat of intimidation, harassment and abuse.

• Have a responsibility to oppose discriminatory behavior and promote equality of opportunity.

• Will deal with any occurrence or incidence of discriminatory behavior seriously, and in-line with the Academy’s disciplinary procedures.