GAME PLAN A resource to help increase cultural inclusion in sports clubs Centre for Multicultural Youth / Game Plan Resource 1/51
Game Plan is a resource to support sports clubs to increase their cultural diversity to attract and retain young people from migrant and refugee backgrounds in sport and sports clubs as members, players, coaches, trainers and leaders. Increasing cultural diversity in an organisation such as a sports club or body is possible when the organisation is more culturally inclusive. This resource provides an introduction to how to do this for sports clubs, sporting bodies, State Sporting Associations and other organisations working with sports clubs and associations. The Game Plan Online Resource was supported by the Victorian Government. Centre for Multicultural Youth / Game Plan Resource 2/51
Game Plan provides information on: the benefits for both young people and the clubs for increasing cultural diversity in sports clubs the challenges that young people from migrant and refugee backgrounds face in getting involved in organised sports and clubs strategies for club officials to engage with, attract and support young people from migrant and refugee backgrounds in their sport and club. Centre for Multicultural Youth / Game Plan Resource 3/51
At the end of this learning resource you will find a link to the Game Plan Questionnaire. Answers to the questionnaire can help form your Game Plan the action plan for your club to being more culturally inclusive and attracting and keeping a club membership that more widely reflects Australia s multicultural community. Use Game Plan to foster ongoing conversations in your club and with other officials and members about improving cultural diversity. By keeping the conversation going amongst more people in your club, you will increase your chance of success and help keep you maintain this work over the long term. Centre for Multicultural Youth / Game Plan Resource 4/51
GROWING YOUR CLUB Centre for Multicultural Youth / Game Plan Resource 5/51
The benefits for your club and members will make the effort of becoming more culturally inclusive worthwhile. Your club will grow as new members and their families and friends participate in the club. This will in turn help to: provide more sustainability for the club widen your talent pool of skilled players in your club ensure everyone feels respected and valued regardless of ability, cultural background, religion, gender or sexuality ensure your club more accurately reflects today s wider multicultural community increase potential to recruit volunteers and administrators as more young people s families get involved create opportunities for all members to learn about different cultures Centre for Multicultural Youth / Game Plan Resource 6/51
WHAT S YOUR GAME PLAN? Centre for Multicultural Youth / Game Plan Resource 7/51
The process of becoming more cultural inclusive in your club does not need to be a difficult one, but it does require a commitment from club administrators and members. It is more than just simply producing promotional material in different languages. It is about promoting a culture of inclusiveness within the club. This includes being aware of and respectful to different cultures and religions in the community, and making your club a safe, welcoming place that caters to diversity, and whose membership reflects the diversity of the wider community. Centre for Multicultural Youth / Game Plan Resource 8/51
BENEFITS OF PARTICIPATION IN SPORT FOR YOUNG PEOPLE Centre for Multicultural Youth / Game Plan Resource 9/51
Young people from migrant and refugee backgrounds participate in sport for the same reasons that other young people do they have fun, get active, make friends and learn skills. Sport provides physical, social and emotional benefits that help in the growth and development of all young people. Many young people from refugee backgrounds have spent long periods in conflict zones, refugee camps and transit countries and may not have ever had opportunities to play as other young people have. Having the opportunity to play offers something that is so important in the formative years of a person s life. Centre for Multicultural Youth / Game Plan Resource 10/51
CLICK BELOW to watch CMY s BoySpace video and hear what participation in sport means to these young men. Centre for Multicultural Youth / Game Plan Resource 11/51
Involvement in sport can help young people from migrant and refugee backgrounds to settle well in Australia. It can assist them to: establish new networks and make new friendships practice their English, if English is an additional language for them take time out from the difficult issues they face during settlement feel connected and a part of the community feel like they can contribute to the community. The families of young people involved in sports clubs also benefit, as it: opens up new community networks introduces opportunities for other children in the family to participate. Centre for Multicultural Youth / Game Plan Resource 12/51
? SO, WHO ARE PEOPLE FROM REFUGEE OR MIGRANT BACKGROUNDS? Centre for Multicultural Youth / Game Plan Resource 13/51
Victoria s young people are diverse Nearly 47% of Victorians were either born overseas or have at least one parent born overseas, and over 23% spoke a language other than English at home. YOUNG MULTICULTURAL VICTORIANS Total number of young people in Victoria: 917,120 32% 17% Young people from a CALD background 1 Young people born overseas 1 18% Young people with a refugee background 1 Centre for Multicultural Youth / Game Plan Resource 14/51
Top 10 birthplaces for culturally and linguistically diverse young people (aged 12-24) in Australia are: SINGAPORE HONG KONG MALAYSIA CHINA SOUTH KOREA INDIA PHILLIPINES IRAQ VIETNAM INDONESIA Centre for Multicultural Youth / Game Plan Resource 15/51
Top 10 languages spoken at home for culturally and linguistically diverse young people (aged 12-24) in Australia are: Vietnamese Hindi (language of India) Tagalog (language of the Phillipines) Cantonese/ Chinese Korean Arabic English Indonesian Punjabi (language of India) Mandarin/ Chinese Centre for Multicultural Youth / Game Plan Resource 16/51
Meanwhile trends in humantarian or refugee settlement in Victoria reflect newly emerging communities. The 5 most common languages settle in Victoria as refugees are: 1. Arabic (with speakers mainly from Iraq & Syria) 2. Dari (language of Afghanistan) 4. Karen languages (Burma) 5. Chin (from Burma) 3. Farsi (language of Iran and Afghanistan) How does this compare to your community? Centre for Multicultural Youth / Game Plan Resource 17/51
Victoria s community is increasingly diverse in its religious beliefs and cultural practices. While Christianity is still the most common religion in Australia, the 2011 census found significant growth in other religions, particularly Buddhism, Islam, Hinduism, and Sikhism. Hinduism is the fastest growing religion in Australia. Many cultural communities also observe a number of significant cultural celebrations. For example Chinese New Year is celebrated widely by the Chinese community, and Tet or Lunar New Year by the Vietnamese community. Speak to your local council to find out which communities live in your area and the best way to get in contact with them Centre for Multicultural Youth / Game Plan Resource 18/51
Besides the general challenges of settlement and adolescence, young people from refugee backgrounds often undergo a variety of traumatic experiences prior to settling in Australia. These experiences and related grief, loss and trauma can result in anxiety, sadness, a sense of having no control over ones life, fear and lack of trust (among other responses). These can have a profound impact on a young person s settlement. Nonetheless, young people from refugee backgrounds bring with them a wealth of strengths, including resourcefulness, resilience, multilingual skills and broad cross-cultural knowledge. Sources: CMY, 2011, Information Sheet Youth work with young people from refugee and migrant backgrounds ; MYAN Australia, 2015, Humanitarian Arrivals to Australia July 2013 June 2014 Information Sheet Centre for Multicultural Youth / Game Plan Resource 19/51
Challenges for young people to participate in sports and sports clubs Centre for Multicultural Youth / Game Plan Resource 20/51
Young people from migrant and refugee backgrounds are just as passionate about their sports as other young people. Many have played sport in their own countries prior to arriving in Australia but they can face additional challenges in participating in sports clubs and other recreation activities. By being aware of these barriers, you can help overcome them and involve newly arrived migrant and refugee background young people in your club and sport. Centre for Multicultural Youth / Game Plan Resource 21/51
All young people today face many challenges and have responsibilities that can be barriers to participating in sport and recreation. These barriers may include: Lack of time due to school commitments Body image cocerns Financial difficulties Family commitments Peer pressure Centre for Multicultural Youth / Game Plan Resource 22/51
Migrant and refugee young people, in particular young women, face additional barriers that can make access to sport and recreation more difficult. These include: lack of familiarity with the structure of sporting clubs and associations and structured community-based sport (compared to informal or school-based sports) language barriers lack of support from parents to be involved in sports clubs, and sport not being a priority for parents lack of transport, including public transport, to get to training and games cost of activities fear of racism or discrimination alcohol being perceived as a main activity of sports clubs lack of culturally appropriate venues and facilities family and cultural or religious commitments possibly taking priority over sport. Centre for Multicultural Youth / Game Plan Resource 23/51
Some newly arrived parents may not see their children s involvement in sport and recreation as a high priority when they are dealing with significant daily challenges. Migrant and refugee families are required to adjust to a different culture, including for some learning a new language, and to negotiate new health, education, employment and accommodation systems. Refugees are faced with additional burdens such as the physical and mental impact of torture and trauma and the loss of family members. This can be compounded by: A lack of funds in some families to pay fees or afford uniforms and equipment A lack of transport options for some families to get to training or attend games Centre for Multicultural Youth / Game Plan Resource 24/51
Some young people, including some young refugees, are in the country without their parents. Unless they are supported by their carers, a community organisation, youth service or their school to do so, these young people can find it difficult to participate in sport clubs. Centre for Multicultural Youth / Game Plan Resource 25/51
GETTING THEM IN THE GAME Engaging young people from migrant and refugee backgrounds Centre for Multicultural Youth / Game Plan Resource 26/51
The usual methods to attract young people to your club may not work for newly arrived communities. Many newly arrived migrant and refugee communities are not familiar with organised sport in Australia and the role of sports clubs and their activities. You can engage more young people from migrant and refugee backgrounds, make your sport and club familiar to them. Get them in the game. Centre for Multicultural Youth / Game Plan Resource 27/51
Don t wait for young people to come to you. Go to where the young people are. Promote your club and sport in person, and offer to run information sessions or other activities. Try recruiting at: English language centres, schools or youth centres. Community cultural organisations and other community services. Community and cultural festivals and other events. Hold open days, guided tours, Come and Try days or Bring a Friend days to attract young people and make these the focus of your promotion. Centre for Multicultural Youth / Game Plan Resource 28/51
Word of mouth is effective in attracting young people from migrant and refugee backgrounds to activities. Encourage and support existing club members, officials and volunteers from migrant and refugee backgrounds to attract young people from their communities and networks to the club. Support them to implement the strategies they think will work. Encourage all young members to bring a friend or family member along to training and other activities especially those from different cultural backgrounds. Centre for Multicultural Youth / Game Plan Resource 29/51
The sporting club environment can look intimidating to someone who is unfamiliar with the sports structure in Australia and the role of clubs in sports. Centre for Multicultural Youth / Game Plan Resource 30/51
Clubs and their members can become more welcoming and inclusive by: Be culturally aware and open to diversity 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 Share sports equipment Help a new person learn the rules Smile and say hello Create a welcome sign in various languages to display at your club or training sessions. Be aware of how you re communicating Be considerate of what food you serve at club events Be conscious of the alcohol use at events and in club culture. Centre for Multicultural Youth / Game Plan Resource 31/51
Take the pressure off families in getting young people to training or games. Try to provide transport to young people to get to games or training. Offer to pick them up from somewhere familiar such as their school or a railway station, or set up a system for car pooling or lifts. Plan training sessions and games around public transport availability and accessibility. Finish activities before dark so that young people can get home safely. This is important for young women for whom it may be culturally inappropriate for them to be unaccompanied after dark. Transport is a greater obstacle in regional areas where travel distances to games may be greater, and to locations that newly arrived families are not familiar with. Offering lifts and car pooling may be more important strategies in regional areas. Centre for Multicultural Youth / Game Plan Resource 32/51
With the challenges of settlement and the refugee experience, it may be unrealistic to expect parents or guardians to be involved as volunteers in sports organisations, to watch their children at every game, or to be available to transport them regularly. Do not assume how much families can do or offer. Centre for Multicultural Youth / Game Plan Resource 33/51
Organisations representing cultural groups and local community organisations in your area can assist you to engage with various cultural communities. They can: promote your sports activities and club build trust with and the support of community elders and families help you engage with young people. Local government can provide advice and introductions to organisations representing cultural groups, community leaders and local community organisations. Centre for Multicultural Youth / Game Plan Resource 34/51
Joint initiatives or collaborations between sports clubs and community organisations can successfully introduce migrant and refugee young people to a sport or get them involved in sports clubs. Community organisations can: provide staff, advice and expertise to assist in working with migrant and refugee communities assist connecting with local community groups, community elders. You can also try participating in community events and local festivals. Ask about promoting your sports club at events, hold information stalls at festivals, and promote Come and try or open days. Centre for Multicultural Youth / Game Plan Resource 35/51
Case Study: The All Stars a culturally inclusive basketball club Watch CMY s video on The All Stars, a culturally inclusive basketball club in Collingwood. Centre for Multicultural Youth / Game Plan Resource 36/51
KEEPING THEM IN THE GAME Being a culturally inclusive sports club Centre for Multicultural Youth / Game Plan Resource 37/51
Being a culturally inclusive sports club includes: Being aware of and respectful to different cultures and religions in the community Making your club a safe, welcoming place that caters to diversity Ensuring your membership reflects the diversity of the wider community. Centre for Multicultural Youth / Game Plan Resource 38/51
Cultural insensitivity (even if unintended) can make some young people feel excluded: Remember: Negative attitudes of officials and other members can make clubs and sports activities unwelcoming and intimidating for newly arrived young people. Some sports and club environments may involve a culture of drinking alcohol after or during games this can be inappropriate for those from cultures or religions where alcohol is prohibited, or make some feel uncomfortable. Swearing, sledging or aggressive competitiveness may also be culturally inappropriate, and may be perceived as insulting and/or threatening. Centre for Multicultural Youth / Game Plan Resource 39/51
You don t have to be an expert on all aspects of culture and religion to cater for diversity. The important thing to remember is that people may behave differently from the way you might expect in some situations. It isn t right or wrong just different. Centre for Multicultural Youth / Game Plan Resource 40/51
Be aware of the importance of religious events and observances or community activities such as church services, Friday afternoon prayers, Saturday morning language classes, or fasting in Ramadan to many young people and their families. Plan and schedule activities and events, training or games around these commitments. Find ways to integrate your program into the community. For example hold a family fun day for Chinese New Year. You can find out more about various religious and cultural celebrations and observances online or from your local council. Centre for Multicultural Youth / Game Plan Resource 41/51
Have a flexible uniform policy. Some cultures and religions have a dress code for both women and men. A flexible uniform policy allows for different cultural and religious beliefs, including requirements for both men and women to dress modestly. Ensure your uniform policy caters to women who wear head-scarves and who have to dress modestly. Centre for Multicultural Youth / Game Plan Resource 42/51
Ensure food provided at events caters to religious dietary requirements. Consider who you are providing food for, and ask if necessary. Provide halal food, and offer non-beef and vegetarian alternatives. Hold alcohol-free events or enforce an alcohol-free policy at training and games. This can also be incorporated into other health and anti-violence messages for your sport. If you are unsure about something, just ask the participant or their families. You may make mistakes, and that s okay it s all part of the learning process, as long as you demonstrate that you re acting in the best interests of your club members. Centre for Multicultural Youth / Game Plan Resource 43/51
An essential part of making your sports club culturally inclusive and welcoming is to create a safe environment for everyone: players, spectators, families and officials. This includes not tolerating discrimination in all forms especially on the grounds of gender, race, religion, sexuality or ability. Nearly 20% of people have experienced discrimination on the basis of their skin colour, ethnic origin or religion. Three out of 10 of them experienced racism at least once a month. One in five people experience racism in sports-related events. Centre for Multicultural Youth / Game Plan Resource 44/51
People from migrant and refugee families report feeling hesitant or reluctant to participate in organised sport for fear of experiencing racial or religious discrimination. Making your club and sport a safe place from racial or religious vilification is crucial to supporting cultural inclusion. Have a racial and religious vilification code or guidelines. Educate all club members, officials and coaches about the code. Ensure all club members and their families know that they can seek help and get support if they experience racial or religious vilification or discrimination while participating in club activities. Promote a sporting culture that does not tolerate racial or religious vilification or discrimination. Be aware of your State Sporting Association s code or guidelines on racial vilification, and the consequences for breaching it. Centre for Multicultural Youth / Game Plan Resource 45/51
Do not tolerate racial vilification and discrimination whether on the field, from spectators or off the field. It is not harmless fun or just a joke. Not only is it harmful, it is unlawful. Some sporting bodies may impose penalties for players, officials and clubs, including financial penalties. Contact your league or State Sporting Association for more information about their Racial and Religious Vilification Code or guidelines, or to get assistance in creating one for your club. Centre for Multicultural Youth / Game Plan Resource 46/51
Women from migrant and refugee backgrounds may experience barriers to participation from within sporting environments or from within their own communities. These barriers are sometimes based on cultural, religious and gender expectations placed on young women or because of their own cultural beliefs. Some barriers could include: lack of appropriate facilities no access to female coaches or coaching assistants lack of programs only for women culturally inappropriate uniform requirements family misgivings or concerns about young women participating in sport or sporting clubs, including the timing of games and training family responsibilities to help care for younger siblings or older family members. Centre for Multicultural Youth / Game Plan Resource 47/51
Some solutions include: Have flexible uniform requirements, e.g. cater to women who wear head-scarves. Be considerate and flexible in training times after dark is not an option for some. Check with the young women if mixed gendered activities are OK. Offer options to participate in women-only or mixed activities. Work towards increasing numbers of female coaches or assistants. Seek support from other female club or family members to help out at games and training. Male coaches or trainers should avoid physical contact with female participants. Liaise closely with parents and other family members to earn their trust and understanding. Try to meet religious or cultural requirements where possible. Centre for Multicultural Youth / Game Plan Resource 48/51
There are many ways of communicating well, so even if someone has limited English or is unfamiliar with Australian English they can still join in. Speak clearly and use simple words and shorter sentences. Avoid jargon or slang. Don t replicate someone s accent. Use visuals and demonstrations to help communicate instructions. Encourage questions and requests for help. Ask for ideas from participants about the meaning of key terms and concepts (in a non-testing or competitive way). Avoid asking a person where they are from. Instead, ask them about their cultural background. Centre for Multicultural Youth / Game Plan Resource 49/51
WHAT S YOUR GAME PLAN? Centre for Multicultural Youth / Game Plan Resource 50/51
It is important to encourage a positive conversation in your club about how you can all improve cultural inclusion in your club and the concrete actions that you all can take. Seek assistance from your State Sporting Association and local council to develop and important the actions for your Game Plan. Download the Game Plan Kit and Game Plan template for more information and strategies to assist you to identify some actions for your Game Plan. Centre for Multicultural Youth / Game Plan Resource 51/51
Congratulations! You have now completed the Game Plan learning resource. The next step is to complete the Game Plan Questionnaire. The questionnaire will help you to determine how your club can improve its inclusion of multicultural participants. CLICK HERE TO START THE QUESTIONNAIRE CLICK HERE FOR MORE RESOURCES Centre for Multicultural Youth / Game Plan Resource 52/51