Munster Blades Fencing Club believes that in a civil society discrimination and harassment are unacceptable and, furthermore, that staff and patrons can be adversely affected by incidents of discrimination and harassment in facilities. Members have a responsibility to provide an environment that is free from harassment and discrimination in all forms, including those
based on race, ethnicity, gender, ability, disability, sexuality and religion.
Discrimination
- Refers to any behaviour or practice which reflects an assumption of superiority of one group over another.
- Is behaviour which disadvantages people on the basis of their real or perceived membership of a particular group; and
- Includes such behaviour as less favourable treatment, unfair exclusion, and asking discriminatory questions.
Direct discrimination takes place when a person treats another person, on the basis of an attribute or characteristic, less favourably than a person without that attribute or characteristic. These attributes or characteristics could include gender, marital status, pregnancy, parental status, family responsibilities, sexuality, ethnicity, age or disability.
Indirect discrimination takes place when a person imposes a condition, requirement or practice which is unreasonable or disadvantages a member of a group who shares or is believed to share an attribute on the basis of gender, marital status, pregnancy, parental status, family responsibilities, sexuality, ethnicity, age or disability. Indirect discrimination can also occur when groups or individuals are treated as being the same, although they are different. By not taking differences into account, one group or individual benefits at the expense of the others.
Harassment
- Is the exercise of power by one person over another, which often presents as bullying behaviour
- Involves physical, verbal or psychological behaviour which makes another person feel embarrassed, offended, upset, devalued, degraded, afraid, frustrated or angry.
- Includes insulting, demeaning, humiliating, offensive, vilifying or intimidatory behaviour or behaviour which incites hatred.
- Includes a wide range of conduct that causes another person to feel offended, humiliated, insulted, or ridiculed.
- Is behaviour which is unwelcome, unreciprocated, uninvited and usually repeated
- May cause damaging stereotypes to be maintained
- Is a breach of proper standards of conduct and professional behaviour
- May be based on misunderstanding or be a deliberate act based on a subjective perspective
It is intended that our club will provide a supportive environment which is free from discriminatory practices and harassment and which promotes personal respect and physical and emotional safety.
If you feel the club is not providing a supportive environment to all members please talk to a Coach or a member of the Committee.