Association of Running Clubs Equality Policy

The Matlock Athletic Club and the Association of Running Clubs (ARC) Equality Policy

Running belongs to, and should be enjoyed by, anyone who wants to participate in it.

Matlock Athletic Club's commitment is to eliminate discrimination whether by reason of gender, sexual orientation, marital status, race, nationality, ethnic origin, colour, religion or belief, ability (*see footnote) or disability.

Matlock Athletic Club is also committed to promoting equality by treating people fairly and with respect, by recognising that inequalities may exist, by taking steps to address them and by providing access and opportunities for all members of the community.

The following policy is at the heart of our club’s activities, and is consistent with best practice set out by the Association of Running Clubs.

Matlock Athletic Club Equality Policy

The aim of our policy is to ensure that everyone is treated fairly and with respect and that Matlock Athletic Club is equally accessible to them all (*see footnote).

Matlock Athletic Club is responsible for setting the standards and values that apply throughout the club at every level. Running belongs to, and should be enjoyed by anyone who wants to participate in it.

Matlock Athletic Club's commitment is to confront and eliminate discrimination whether by reason of gender, sexual orientation, marital status, race, nationality, ethnic origin, colour, religion or belief, ability or disability and to encourage equal opportunities.

Matlock Athletic Club, in all its activities, will not discriminate, or treat anyone less favourably, on grounds of gender, sexual orientation, marital status, race, nationality, ethnic origin, colour, religion or belief, ability or disability. It means that Matlock Athletic Club 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 take part in, and enjoy, its activities.

Matlock Athletic Club will not tolerate harassment, bullying, abuse or victimisation of an individual, which for the purposes of this policy and the actions and sanction applicable is regarded as discrimination. This includes sexual or racially based harassment or other discriminatory behaviour, whether physical or verbal.

Matlock Athletic Club will work to ensure that such behaviour is met with appropriate action in whatever context it occurs.

We are committed to ongoing training and awareness raising events and activities to ensure the eradication of discrimination within the club and within running.

Matlock Athletic Club is committed to a policy of equal treatment of all members and requires all members to abide to these policies and the requirements of the relevant equalities legislation – Race Relations Act 1976, Sex Discrimination Act 1975 and Disability Discrimination Act 1995 as well as any amendment to these acts.

Matlock Athletic Club commits itself to the immediate investigation of any claims, when it is brought to their attention, of discrimination on the above grounds and where such is found to be the case, a requirement that the practice stops and sanctions imposed as appropriate.

Complaints Procedure

In the event that any member feels that he or she has suffered discrimination in any way or that the Club Policies, Rules or Code of Conduct has been broken they should follow the procedures below

1. They should report the matter to the Club Secretary by email to [email protected] or another member of the committee. The report should include:

• Details of what, when and where the occurrence took place;
• Any witness statement and names;
• Details of any previous complaints made about the incident, date, when and to whom made;
• Names of any others who have been treated in a similar way;
• A preference for a solution to the incident;

2. The Club’s Management Committee will sit for any hearings that are requested

3. The Club’s Management Committee will have the power to:

• Warn as to future conduct;
• Suspend from membership;
• Remove from membership;

... any person found to have broken the Club’s Policies or Codes of Conduct.

If the complaint is with regard to the Club’s Management Committee the member has the right to report the discrimination direct to the Association of Running Clubs.

Footnote: Matlock Athletic Club welcomes a wide range of abilities, but there may be instances where a prospective member is unlikely to benefit from, or enjoy their membership, if their level of fitness would prevent them from attending and joining in with club runs. In such circumstances, Matlock Athletic Club will work constructively with any prospective member to identify alternative groups that might be more suitable, for example Sole Mates

Reviewed November 2023