How does Racism affect Sports teams?
Racism within a sports club will have profound effects on athletes, other teams, and the overall sporting community in which the club operates. Let’s uncover the affect that racism can have on a sports community.
Is Racism Prevalent in sports?
Short answer, yes. Racism encompasses prejudice, discrimination, and unequal treatment based on race or ethnicity. In sports, racism can manifest in various ways, including racial slurs, offensive gestures, and discriminatory behaviour. This can come from anywhere, the culprits could be fans, players, coaches, or even management. So how does racism affect those that are subjected to it?
The Toll on Athlete Well-being
Racist incidents and attitudes can take a toll on an athlete’s mental and emotional well-being. Experiencing racism can make athletes feel isolated and unwelcome within the club.
Racism also contributes to anxiety, and depression, which interferes with an athlete’s focus, concentration, and motivation, ultimately affecting their performance on the field.
The Effect on Team Morale
The best sports teams thrive on unity, and teamwork. Although, when a team is subjected to racism, it destroys the trust and unity that are crucial for a good team culture.
When nothing is done about it, those teammates who experience or witness racism might begin to question the team’s commitment to their well-being.
How does Racism Impact Performance?
The impact of racism on team performance is tangible. Athletes can find themselves pre-occupied with the emotional distress of being subjected to racism and find it challenging to perform at their best. Their focus shifts from the game to their personal struggles, affecting their ability to make quick decisions, execute strategies, and maintain consistent performance levels.
The eye-opening statistics
According to a report by the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) in 2021:
- 31% of Premier League players and 43% of English Football League players have experienced racism in the form of online abuse.
- 43% of Black, Asian, and minority ethnic (BAME) players considered leaving football due to racial abuse.
- Racial abuse increased by 53% during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Steps Towards Change
Addressing racism in sports requires a multifaceted approach:
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Education and Awareness:
- Raising awareness about the impact of racism and providing diversity and inclusion training can foster understanding and empathy among athletes, coaches, and fans.
Accelerate Sport have just launched a new eLearning course. The ‘Playing Fair: Challenging Racism in Sport’ online training course is designed for everyone who wants to make their sport a fairer and more inclusive space; aiming to give players and coaches the tools and confidence to challenge racist behaviour when they encounter it.
The course is created and developed by eCoach, leading providers of sports-focused eLearning in the UK. eCoach offer a range of services to the sport industry and beyond, from bespoke module creation, course catalogue, and Learning Experience Platforms.
The course is available for £15 per license; further discounts are available when you bulk-purchase for your organisation.
Click HERE for more information about the course.
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Strict Regulations:
Implementing strict regulations and penalties for racist behaviour will send a strong message that racism has no place in sports.
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Support Systems:
Establishing support systems, such as counselling services, can help athletes cope with the emotional toll of racism and its effects on their mental well-being.
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Inclusive Leadership:
Diverse leadership within sports organisations can help create an environment where all athletes feel valued and represented.
The post The Impact of Racism on Sports Teams first appeared on Accelerate Sport.