Every sports club should have an Inclusion Representative. This is someone people can go to if they have questions about finding ways to join in and making the club welcoming, safe and accessible for everyone. They don’t need to have all the answers—they just make sure the club provides a consistent, friendly, and supportive experience.
By engaging with the community, they can better understand the needs of players and families, and source or share resources and training to support coaches, volunteers, leaders and members as needed—without being expected to have all the answers upfront.
The benefits are clear: more people get involved, and players stay longer. Clubs that welcome everyone attract more volunteers, support, and create a stronger, friendlier community.
Some clubs rely on parents with lived experience to do this, but that’s a lot to ask. Having a dedicated representative—either as a separate role or part of the membership officer’s job—makes sure inclusion is part of the club’s culture, not just something done by goodwill.
Key tasks of an Inclusion Representative may include:
- Be a friendly and knowledgeable first point of contact for enquiries about the club and participation.
- Engaging with the community to understand the needs of players, families, and volunteers.
- Providing support to club officials on inclusive practices.
- Sourcing and sharing resources, training, or programs to enhance participation.
- Liaising with club leadership to embed inclusion into policies, events, and culture.
Some ideas for the Inclusion Representative to implement;
- Have spare uniforms or training tops for new participants to borrow and therefore look like the rest of the team for come and try or trial sessions
- Understand how participant information is utilised from the registration process to inform coaches and medical staff of any specific needs or perhaps meet with the family to discuss their needs
- Ensure the quiet room or space is being utilised correctly
- Ask their community what the club can do to make them feel more welcome
- Create learning opportunities for all
- Share details on the club website about the people who make up club management and include the coaching staff and membership officer.
Want to share your ideas?
Contact:
Clair@sasma.com.au