From pride rounds to rainbow guernseys, sports can be smarter when it comes to diversity and inclusion

By Rory Mulcahy, David Fleischman, Dr Peter English, Margarietha de Villiers Scheepers, University of the Sunshine

Professional sports organisations regularly promote and develop initiatives to support diversity, equity and inclusion.

While sport has the power to change attitudes by sparking conversations about political issues and social initiatives, sports organisations and teams face risks, as initiatives can backfire and spark unwanted controversies.

The NRL’s Respect Round and Manly Warringah Sea Eagles’ Pride Week jersey are just two recent examples of an inclusion attempt being disrupted by religious concerns from players and segments of wider society.

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Despite intending to bring people together, the initiatives created pockets of disharmony. This was amplified in the media and ultimately diverted from the original purpose of the campaign.

So, what can organisations and clubs do to bring more fans along for the ride when it comes to diversity and inclusion campaigns?

Why do leagues and clubs push diversity and inclusion?

In Australia, many sports, including cricket, rugby league and AFL, actively promote inclusivity.

Initiatives such as Cricket Australia’s “Pride in Sport” and the NRL League Stars Inspire inclusion and diversity program spotlight diverse players and fans, emphasising the significance of developing an inclusive environment within sport at all levels.

Similar efforts occur in AFLW, Super Netball and the NBL.

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However, some of these marketing strategies have sparked controversy.

One of the highest profile missteps was Manly’s decision to wear a rainbow jersey to support marginalised groups for a single match against the Sydney Roosters in July 2022.

Seven players withdrew from the game for religious reasons, not wanting to appear in colours associated with the LGBTQI+ community, and due to a lack of prior consultation with the players.

Manly coach Des Hasler apologised for the poor handling of the initiative.

Yet, at the same time as this backlash, their pride jersey sold out.

Read Full Story https://theconversation.com/from-pride-rounds-to-rainbow-guernseys-sports-can-be-smarter-when-it-comes-to-diversity-and-inclusion-229189