BARKING & DAGENHAM SCHOOLS’ Football Association (Primary) is responsible for setting standards and values to apply throughout the game within its organisation. Football belongs to, and should be enjoyed by, everyone equally.

Our commitment is to eliminate discrimination whether by reason of gender, sexual orientation, race, nationality, ethnic origin, colour, religion or disability and to encourage equal opportunities.

Equality of opportunity at BDSFA means that in all our activities we will not discriminate or in any way treat anyone less favourably, on grounds of gender, sexual orientation, race, nationality, ethnic origin, colour, religion or disability.

BDSFA will not tolerate harassment or other discriminatory behaviour, whether physical or verbal, and will work to ensure that such behaviour is met with appropriate action in whatever context it occurs.

BDSFA is committed to the development of the programme of ongoing training and awareness raising events and activities in order to promote the eradication of discrimination within its own organisation and in the wider context, within football as a whole.

There may be occasion when participation for a pupil in certain activities will be deemed inappropriate in the professional judgement of a member teacher. Schools may seek extra guidance from the Association Committee or LA advisory staff if necessary.

BDSFA is committed to a policy of equal treatment of all member schools and requires all member teachers/AOTTs of whatever level or authority, to abide and adhere to this general principle and the requirements of the Codes of Practice issued by the Equal Opportunities Commission and Commission for Racial Equality.

All members are expected to abide by the requirements of the Race Relations Act 1976, Sex Discrimination Act 1986, Disability Discrimination Act 1995 and Equality Act 2010.  Schools should also refer to their own and LA policies.

Specifically discrimination is prohibited in:

• Treating any individual on grounds of gender, colour, marital status, race, nationality or ethnic or national origin, religion, sexual orientation or disability less favourably than others.
• Expecting an individual solely on the grounds stated above to comply with requirement(s) for any reason whatsoever which are different to the requirements for others.  
• Imposing unfair requirements upon an individual.
• Victimisation, harassment or bullying of an individual.
• Any other act or omission of an act, which has as its effect the disadvantaging of a member against another, or others, purely on the above grounds.
• Teachers, when selecting teams, should use their discretion to find an appropriate opportunity for all.

BDSFA commits itself to the immediate investigation of any claims of discrimination on the above grounds and where such is found to be the case, a requirement that the practice cease forthwith, restitution damage or loss (if necessary) and to the investigation of any member accused of discrimination.

Any member found guilty of discrimination will be instructed to desist forthwith. Since discrimination in its many forms is against the Association’s policy, any members offending will be dealt with under the complaints procedure.

The Association commits itself to the disabled person whenever possible and will treat such members, in aspects of their recruitment and membership, in exactly the same manner as other members, the difficulties of their disablement permitting, assistance will be given, wherever possible to ensure that disabled members are helped in gaining access. Appropriate training will be made to such members who request it.

Last reviewed: August 2023