Equality Policy

1. Purpose of This Policy

Bishops Castle Town Football Club is committed to ensuring that everyone is treated fairly, with dignity and respect, and that the Club is open, welcoming and accessible to all.

Football belongs to everyone and should be enjoyed by anyone who wishes to participate. This policy sets out the standards and values that apply across the Club at every level, ensuring equality of opportunity and inclusion in all our activities.

2. Our Commitment to Equality

Bishops Castle Town Football Club will not discriminate against, or treat less favourably, any individual or group on the grounds of:

• Age
• Gender
• Gender reassignment
• Sexual orientation
• Marital or civil partnership status
• Race
• Nationality
• Ethnic origin
• Colour
• Religion or belief
• Ability or disability

The Club is committed to creating an environment where difference is valued, diversity is celebrated, and everyone feels able to participate fully in football.

3. Zero Tolerance of Discrimination and Harassment

The Club will not tolerate:

• Discrimination
• Harassment
• Bullying
• Abuse
• Victimisation

Any such behaviour – whether physical, verbal or online – is regarded as a serious breach of this policy and will be dealt with appropriately.

This includes, but is not limited to:

• Racist or sexist language
• Homophobic, biphobic or transphobic behaviour
• Discrimination related to disability or mental health
• Harassment based on religion, belief or cultural identity

Discriminatory behaviour is unacceptable in any context, including training, matches, social activities, online platforms or informal settings connected with the Club.

4. Equal Access and Opportunity

The Club is committed to ensuring:

• Equal access to footballing opportunities
• Fair and transparent decision‑making
• Inclusive practices across all teams and activities
• Reasonable adjustments where required to support participation

Where inequalities are identified, Bishops Castle Town FC will take positive action to address them and promote fair access to football for all members of the community.

5. Education, Awareness and Positive Action

Bishops Castle Town Football Club recognises that promoting equality requires ongoing effort. The Club is therefore committed to:

• Raising awareness of equality and inclusion
• Supporting education and training where appropriate
• Challenging discriminatory attitudes and behaviour
• Embedding equality into club culture, policies and decision‑making

6. Legal Framework

This policy operates in accordance with:

• The Equality Act 2010
• FA Rules and Regulations
• FA Charter Standard requirements
• FA safeguarding and inclusion guidance

All members of the Club are required to act in line with this legal framework and Club policies.

7. Responsibilities

• Club Officers and Committee Members are responsible for implementing and monitoring this policy.
• The Club Welfare Officer is the lead contact for concerns involving discrimination, harassment or victimisation.
• All members have a responsibility to uphold the values of equality, fairness and respect.

Failure to comply with this policy may result in disciplinary action under the Club Constitution.

8. Reporting and Responding to Concerns

Any concerns or complaints relating to discrimination or unequal treatment should be reported as soon as possible to:

• The Club Welfare Officer, or
• A Club Officer or Committee Member

All complaints will:

• Be taken seriously
• Be investigated promptly and fairly
• Be handled confidentially where possible
• Result in appropriate action where discrimination is identified

If required, matters may be referred to:

• Shropshire FA
• Football Association of Wales (FAW)
• The FA

9. Sanctions

Where discrimination or harassment is found to have occurred:

• The behaviour will be required to stop immediately
• Appropriate sanctions will be applied
• Repeat or serious breaches may result in suspension or removal from the Club

10. Policy Review

This policy is fully supported by the Club Officers and Committee and will be:

• Communicated to all members
• Reviewed regularly
• Updated in line with FA, County FA or legislative changes

11. Our Equality Statement

Bishops Castle Town Football Club is committed to confronting and eliminating discrimination and promoting equal opportunities for everyone involved in football.

We believe that football is strongest when it is inclusive, welcoming and respectful — and we expect everyone associated with the Club to uphold these values.