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February 10, 2023
Scottish Rugby has launched an email support resource to encourage members of the game to share concerns or negative experiences relating to incidents of sexism, misogyny, homophobia and racism. “Tell Us” was created by the Scottish governing body in response to current concerns on discrimination within the game.
This new initiative intends to make it easier for players, officials or volunteers to voice concerns through a dedicated and confidential reporting inbox. Reports will be monitored daily, with submissions made to the Scottish Rugby’s disciplinary and safeguarding teams.
“Recent reports have highlighted that we still have some distance to go both as a society and a sport to ensure equality is respected when men’s and women’s teams co-exist,” said Gavin Scott, Scottish Rugby’s director of rugby development. “The more we can understand the issues being raised and address them, or support clubs to affect change, then hopefully the faster we can achieve that objective.”
Incidents include allegations of misogyny against officials at Liberton RFC. The entire women’s section of the Edinburgh club is understood to have left due to instances of sexism and homophobia. Additionally, wider allegations such as the investigation into the Welsh Rugby Union following discriminatory reports by employees, resulted in its chief executive, Steve Phillips resigning last week.
Research conducted last year by the International Olympic Committee found homophobia and sexism are linked with stereotypes of women who play what are traditionally referenced as “male sports” like rugby. The report showed that 55% of women and girls agreed that “many women feel unwelcome to play rugby because of the jokes and negative language some people use about women.” Additionally, 37% heard homophobic slurs at their club and 59% heard sexist slurs and negative jokes about women.
In recognition of these concerns, the initiative is designed to allow clubs and people within the game to feel supported beyond the management structures and existing disciplinary processes. Tell Us will also support the growth of opportunities for women and girls in clubs, which has risen from eight playing centers to 90.
“If we want women and girls to come to our sport, be inspired and have ambitions to progress to their highest level we need to ensure they are in supportive, positive environments from the beginning,” said Gemma Fay, Head of Women and Girls’ Strategy at Scottish Rugby. She also shared that Tell Us represents the union taking real steps towards addressing negative behaviors and attitudes and providing an accessible and practical way for concerns to be raised.
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