Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Policy
Llandudno Karate is committed to providing a welcoming, inclusive and respectful environment in which everyone has the opportunity to participate in karate and club activities.
We value the diversity of our members and believe that everyone should be treated fairly, with dignity and respect.
Discrimination, harassment, bullying or victimisation will not be accepted within Llandudno Karate.
1. Our Commitment
Llandudno Karate aims to ensure that participants, parents/carers, coaches, volunteers and visitors are treated fairly and respectfully.
We will seek to provide opportunities to participate regardless of age, disability, sex, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, or other status protected by applicable equality legislation.
We will take reasonable steps to remove unnecessary barriers to participation wherever practicable.
2. Respect and Inclusion
Everyone involved with Llandudno Karate is expected to:
Treat others with dignity and respect.
Respect differences between individuals.
Avoid discriminatory, degrading or offensive language or behaviour.
Challenge inappropriate behaviour where it is safe and appropriate to do so.
Support an environment where people feel welcome and able to participate.
Follow the club's Codes of Conduct.
Jokes, "banter" or traditions are not an excuse for discriminatory or degrading behaviour.
3. Equal Opportunity Does Not Always Mean Identical Treatment
Fair treatment does not necessarily mean treating every participant in exactly the same way.
Different participants may require different coaching approaches, reasonable adjustments, equipment, communication methods or levels of support.
Training may also differ according to factors such as:
Age.
Experience.
Ability and technical level.
Physical development.
Individual needs.
Disability.
Competition category.
Athlete development requirements.
Safety considerations.
Making appropriate adjustments or providing additional support to an individual is not unfair treatment of other participants.
4. Disability and Para Karate
Llandudno Karate is committed to supporting disabled participants and the development of Para Karate.
We will seek to make reasonable adjustments where necessary and practicable to enable disabled participants to access coaching, training and club activities.
This may include reasonable adjustments to:
Coaching methods.
Communication.
Training activities.
Equipment.
Session organisation.
Competition preparation.
Access to facilities.
We recognise that individual needs vary and will, where appropriate, work with the participant and their parent/carer to understand what support may be helpful.
Not every activity can necessarily be adapted in every circumstance, particularly where safety, competition rules or the fundamental nature of an activity prevents this. Decisions will be made reasonably and with consideration for the individual concerned.
5. Coaching and Athlete Development
Coaching decisions will be based on legitimate factors relevant to athlete development, safety and participation.
Participants may receive different programmes, coaching attention, training requirements or opportunities according to their individual stage of development and sporting goals.
Performance programmes and squad environments may require higher levels of attendance, preparation, commitment and performance than recreational participation.
These differences are not, by themselves, discriminatory.
6. Squad and Competition Selection
Selection for squads, competitions, representative opportunities or performance programmes may be based on relevant sporting criteria including:
Performance.
Technical ability.
Competition results.
Training attendance.
Preparation.
Commitment.
Coachability.
Behaviour and conduct.
Eligibility requirements.
Age, weight or competition classification.
Individual development needs.
Compliance with squad or programme requirements.
Selection decisions will not be based upon unlawful discrimination.
Being eligible for a particular squad, category or competition does not automatically guarantee selection.
7. Age and Appropriate Training
Llandudno Karate provides programmes for different ages and stages of development.
Age-related classes, competition categories and training requirements may be used where appropriate for development, safety, safeguarding or sporting purposes.
Children and young people should receive coaching appropriate to their age, development and experience.
8. Religious, Cultural and Individual Needs
We will seek to accommodate reasonable religious, cultural and individual requirements where practicable and consistent with safety and the requirements of karate.
Participants or parents/carers are encouraged to discuss relevant requirements with the club so that reasonable solutions can be considered.
9. Bullying, Harassment and Discrimination
Discriminatory behaviour, harassment, bullying or victimisation is unacceptable.
This includes behaviour occurring:
During training.
At competitions or events.
During club-related travel.
Through messaging or group chats.
On social media.
In other circumstances directly connected with club participation.
Concerns may be dealt with under the club's Anti-Bullying Policy, Codes of Conduct, Complaints & Disciplinary Procedure or Safeguarding & Child Protection Policy as appropriate.
10. Reporting a Concern
Anyone who believes that they or another person has experienced discrimination, harassment or unfair treatment connected with Llandudno Karate is encouraged to raise the concern.
Concerns may be raised with:
A coach.
The Head Coach.
The Club Welfare Officer.
Where a concern involves the welfare or safety of a child or young person, it will be dealt with under the club's Safeguarding & Child Protection Policy.
No person should be disadvantaged for raising a genuine concern in good faith.
11. Breaches of This Policy
Concerns will be considered fairly and proportionately.
Depending upon the circumstances, action may include:
Advice or education.
An informal reminder of expected standards.
A formal warning.
Additional conditions or supervision.
Removal from a particular activity.
Suspension.
Termination of membership.
Removal from a coaching or volunteering role.
Referral to the appropriate governing body or other organisation.
Serious or repeated breaches may be dealt with under the club's Complaints & Disciplinary Procedure.
12. Responsibility
Everyone involved with Llandudno Karate has a role in creating an inclusive club environment.
The club will periodically review its practices and policies and consider reasonable changes where unnecessary barriers to participation are identified.
13. Related Policies
This policy should be read alongside:
Safeguarding & Child Protection Policy.
Rules, Dojo Kun & Codes of Conduct.
Anti-Bullying Policy.
Complaints & Disciplinary Procedure.
Digital Communication & Social Media Policy.
Membership Terms & Conditions.
Policy last reviewed: October 2026
Next scheduled review: October 2027