DISCRIMINATION WILL NOT BE TOLERATED

The Association is responsible for setting the standards and values to apply throughout football at every level within the County and further afield. Football is for everyone, it belongs to and should be enjoyed by anyone who wants to participate in it, whether on or off the field of play.

The aim of this Policy is to ensure that everyone who wants to participate is treated fairly, with respect and that the NFA is equally accessible to all. All participants should abide and adhere to this Policy and to the requirements of the Equality Act 2010.

The NFA’s commitment is to promote inclusion and to confront and eliminate discrimination whether by reason of age, gender, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, marital status or civil partnership, race, nationality, ethnic origin, religion or belief, ability or disability, pregnancy and maternity and to encourage equal opportunities.

This Policy is fully supported by the FA and the Board of the NFA and the NFA’s Business Manager is responsible for the implementation of this policy.

The NFA WILL ensure that it treats people fairly and with respect and that it WILL provide access and opportunities for all members of the community to participate and enjoy its activities.

The NFA will NOT tolerate harassment, bullying, abuse or victimisation of a participant, which for the purposes of this Policy and the actions and sanction applicable is regarded as discrimination, whether physical or verbal. The NFA will work to ensure that such behaviour is met with appropriate action in whatever context it occurs.

The NFA commits itself to the investigation of any allegation, when it is bought to their attention, of discrimination and where such is found to be the case. The NFA will require that the practice stops and will impose sanctions as appropriate.

The NFA is committed to inclusion and anti-discrimination and raising awareness and educating, investigating concerns and applying relevant and proportionate sanctions,  campaigning, achieving independently verified Equality Standards, widening diversity and representation and promoting diverse role models, are all key actions to promote inclusion and eradicate discrimination within football.

To formally   assist in the areas of equality and diversity, the NFA have established a Inclusion Advisory Group to help guide and advice on specific issues, devise and implement business policy, suggest pro-active strategic interventions and activities and monitor objectives and targets. The NFA has achieved the Foundation Level of the Equality Standards in Sport and as part of its football disciplinary processes has formed a Local Football Anti-Discrimination Panel specifically to deal with on and off field discrimination cases.