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Home , 2012 in rugby league, Sheffield Eagles, Super League (Australia)

IN LEAGUE TOGETHER newsletter ISSUE 15 | DEC 2011

News from abroad… Melbourne Ben Noble becomes Rugby Storm’s Reconciliation Action Plan League’s first blind coach

Australian NRL Club Early in 2008 Eagles welcomed Ben Noble into the is setting Academy training programme and his ambition then was a world class example for to become a coach. Nothing unusual about how Rugby League can that except that Ben is blind. Ben’s incredible journey and bring communities together achievement was celebrated in September when Ben was and improve people’s lives. presented with his coaching certificate on the pitch by Darren Higgins, RFL talent coach and Sarah Williams RFL Equality The club is the first club in to launch a Reconciliation and Diversity Manager and Ben become Rugby League’s first Action Plan, which supports the national effort to close the 17- blind coach! year life expectancy gap between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians; and other Australians. Ben says he feels like he belongs at the and most importantly he gets treated as an equal. Ben has been At the heart of the plan is Rugby League as a means of an inspiration to other Academy players and Sheffield Eagles fostering respect, sharing stories and culture, mentoring staff. All the Eagles Academy lads and especially Kane Feek, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth and supporting have been particularly supportive of Ben and Dean Thomas the personal and professional development of Aboriginal and has always been at hand to arrange facilities and organise Torres Strait Islander players. the players. The CEO of Melbourne Storm, Ron Gauci, has made a formal Ben works with his sighted guide Stacey, who has also commitment on behalf of the club to the Reconciliation Action completed her Level 1 coaching qualification in order to Plan, borne out of his own experiences and observations. be able to support Ben with both the practical skills and “Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander players and staff have coursework. For the first 6 months Darren Higgins, RFL talent assisted enormously in the creation of what is a rich and proud coach, visited Ben on a weekly basis covering coaching history and culture of our Club and have played a significant theory and core skills. Darren soon realised that the time role in this Club’s success both on and off the field.” Ben spent with the Eagles meant it was just a case of “As a student and former teacher of Australian history, it has brushing up on a few coaching points. As time progressed always troubled me that the education we received from the Ben’s confidence and knowledge improved dramatically so text books at the time, failed to provide an accurate account much so he was able to run a wide range of sessions for the of this country’s inhabitation and a deep awareness and Academy players. Ben passed both his practical assessment appreciation for the unique heritage of the world’s oldest and theory with flying colours. living continuous cultures and wisdom which comes from the Darren said “Ben has passed every challenge that was set Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.” for him and has worked extremely hard and stayed focused throughout the journey. Nothing has phased him and we have seen a real change in his confidence and self esteem… Wheelchair RL player makes he is a real star”. Sarah Williams, RFL Equality and Diversity Manager said history with call-up “Having met Ben for the first time in 2008 I was absolutely Gina Smallwood become the first delighted to be at the game to watch Ben being presented female Wheelchair Rugby League with his certificate. He has achieved so much and is an player to represent England when inspiration to both disabled and non disabled people.” they took on, and beat France, in the Rapid Support Services International in October. Having been a member of this year’s Wheelchair winning Bury Jigsaw team Gina’s selection for the national squad is further proof of the inclusive nature of the sport. Gina said: “I started off doing athletics then got involved in Wheelchair Basketball and someone approached me from our team and asked whether I fancied getting involved in Rugby League. That was two seasons ago, now I’m here as the first female to play for England. “I feel proud to be selected as the Left to right: , Darren Higgins, Ben Noble, first ever female player for the England Wheelchair team” Stacey Darby, Sarah Williams P1 newsletter ISSUE 15 | DEC 2011

Government Anti- Homophobia Equality and Diversity and Transphobia logo competition Conference for Club staff

The RFL is delighted to announce that a second free equality and diversity conference for club staff and volunteers will be held in the New Year. While it is aimed primarily at professional clubs, community club staff and volunteers are also most welcome to attend. However given the specific experiences and needs of community clubs workshops on some of these topics are currently being planned for delivery on a regional basis in 2012.

Following consultation with club staff the workshops planned are as follows:

1. Disability - with discussions/ workshops around the following:

• Stadium and club accessibility

• Developing a cross game ticketing policy for disabled supporters and carers

• Developing a cross game accessible parking allocation policy for match days

• Safely accommodating assistance/ guide dogs at matches

• What disability information should be included on club websites On Monday 21st November, Lynne , Minister for • Sharing examples of disability initiatives and how you Equalities launched a national competition to find a logo for involved disabled people at your club sports clubs, fans and players across the country to mark their support for the campaign. The competition is targeted at young people but is open to anyone with creative flair. Entrants have 2. Tackle IT! and RESPECT been asked to come up with a design that is embodies the • Relaunch of Tackle IT to include all equality strands not messages as outlined in their Charter for Action and spread the just racism - posters, DVD and school assembly plan message that hate of any kind in sport is not acceptable. • Increasing awareness and visibility of the text www.homeoffice.gov.uk/equalities/lgbt/sports-charter/ line numbers Email your entry by sending it in a digital format (e.g. PDF, • Relaunch of RESPECT powerpoint, jpeg) or by post on an A5 piece of paper to Nancy Tenenbaum at Home Office, 2 Marsham Street, SW1P 4DF. The conference will be on Thursday 26th January at Salford City Stadium 10.00am - 3.00pm Don’t forget to include your name, date of birth, and contact details, together with a brief description of your idea behind your Please email Sarah Williams to book a place at design - and remember it needs to work across all sizes, even [email protected] when it’s as small as a ten pence piece, so please keep it simple and bold.

P2 newsletter ISSUE 15 | DEC 2011

Sport light on… Deaf Rugby League Kicks Off Sheffield Eagles in the North East

Sheffield Eagles are nearing the end of their year championing LGBT equality and tackling homophobia where they have led the way for sport by developing a range of ground breaking events and activities; Lee Curry, ’s Deaf and Hearing Impairment • Launched their Tackle Homophobia shirt at a celebration event in parliament and a week later at the 2011 LGBT history Month Development officer, has set up the specific session to work pre launch at Twickenham. with players who are deaf or have a hearing impairment. The concept is to engage with the deaf community in order to break • Delivered a Rugby League skills session alongside John Amaechi basketball session for Northern LGBT history month down the perceived barriers of playing Rugby League.

• Became the first mainstream sports team to play a game The first coaching session was held at Gateshead’s very own wearing a shirt emblazoned with the message Homophobia International Stadium, with added support from Gateshead Tackle IT! They received messages of support from Thunders disabled liaison officer, Marie Houston, who helped politicians, celebrities such as Sir Elton John and from LGBT interpret on the day. organisations and individuals Lee is also currently going through his Rugby League coaching • Attended one minute of noise alongside Sheffield Council as qualifications with British Sign Language support and once part of Internatonal Day against Homophobia (IDAHO day) qualified, will be one of the first qualified deaf Rugby League • Were the first sports team to sign up to Government Anti coaches in the country. Homophobia and Transphobia charter and Mark Aston, Sheffield Eagles CEO, alongside CEOs from Super League Lee stated, “I am very pleased to say that the session was and RFL was invited to Prime Ministers LGBT reception at fantastic, some of the players told me they play football most of Downing Street time and it’s the first time they have experienced playing Rugby • Became the first mainstream sports club to enter float at League. It’s a positive start for us and I hope in the future to Pride. The Rugby League float with players from spread the word around the community about this day and at Sheffield Eagles and Oldham RLFC was hugely popular and the next session there will be more people to join in.” Graeme they were enthusiastically applauded by the crowd along the Wright, one of the participants said “It was a fantastic day for march, Sheffield Eagles have already said they plan to be there again next year! us, I hope there are more deaf and hard of hearing people in the North East that come along to future sessions and give Rugby • Received request by a school to deliver an Rugby League League a try!” session alongside an Anti Homophobia education session with pupils. For more details on the programme, please contact Sheffield Eagles have been exemplary ambassadors for LGBT Lee Curry [email protected] or visit the North East inclusion and tackling homophobia and their efforts have Rugby League Website for more details: resulted in significant steps forward across many sports. The http://northeastrl.co.uk/article/deaf-rugby-league-kicks-off.html RFL Equality and Diversity Manager Sarah Williams said “I would like to take this opportunity to publically thank the Sheffield As mentioned in the previous edition there is a BSL supported Eagles management and players for their outstanding efforts level 1 coaching course planned for early 2012 - please let Lee over the past year they have been truly inspirational and a know if you would like to register . pleasure to work with.”

P3 newsletter ISSUE 15 | DEC 2011

Disability Guidance for clubs Order your 2011 Matt King Christmas Cards The RFL is currently working to produce a disability Matt King, who was paralysed from the neck down playing for London guidance with practical Broncos Academy in 2004, has examples of good practice painted a second Christmas card and recommendations for using just a mouth stick to raise clubs on including and money for the RFL Benevolent Fund. welcoming disabled people as players, coaches, spectators, All proceeds from the sale of the 2011 RFL Benevolent Fund club staff and volunteers. Christmas card which he has designed will go to this worthy In order to build on the charity which supports players whose lives are affected by serious good practice already happening throughout the game we injuries sustained whilst playing the game. would like to include more actual examples in the disability Matt King was seriously injured two weeks after his 17th birthday guidance. These examples could be in relation to wheelchair playing for Academy team back in 2004. He has users and individuals with other mobility needs, deaf and a complete paralysis below the neck level, is unable to breathe hearing impairments, blind and visual impairments, learning independently and is totally reliant on a ventilator. difficulties, mental health needs as well as those living with He went back to school, achieving A levels at A grades and went long term chronic illness. on to the University of Hertfordshire where he gained a first class Examples could be large or small and cover a range of honours degree in law and has just started his new employment in possibilities it could be about efforts you made to encourage a specialist legal firm. and support disabled people to get involved with the club, Matt continues to act as an ambassador for Stoke Mandeville policies you have written, adjustments you have made to Hospital and for the Royal Variety Club of Great Britain. He has the facilities, resources produced in alternate formats or moved into his own home and is looking forward to a greater developing alternative ways of coaching or communicating degree of independence. to meet the needs of disabled players. The RFL Benevolent Fund continues to support Matt and helped If you would like your club to be included as case studies pay his University tuition fees. within the disability guidance please send details and, if Possessing the most positive “can do” mentality, Matt is hoping possible, any photos to Sarah at [email protected] to raise £10,000 for the RFL Benevolent Fund.

You can purchase the Christmas cards at £10.00 for a pack of 12, or £1.00 each. Postage and packaging is £2.00 extra per order. Free Equality & Diversity training Please order by logging onto www.rflbenevolentfund.co.uk/ store or by post to Tina Ward, RFL Benevolent Fund, Red Hall, for club staff & volunteers Red Hall Lane, , LS17 8NB.

The RFL would like to offer four free places for club and Cheques made payable to the RFL Benevolent Fund. community staff and volunteers at each of the 2012 RFL staff Equality and Diversity courses. Training covers all equality strands with a Rugby League specific focus. Through interactive group work in a supportive environment participant will have the opportunities to explore stereotypes, assumptions, unconscious bias, barriers to participation and action planning to address barriers. The training has been well evaluated by RFL staff and the session is both enjoyable and thought provoking. Alternative formats RFL Equality and Diversity Training - Hamara Centre, The RFL has a commitment to providing information in alternate Beeston Leeds: formats. To date we have copies of the RFL Laws of the Game - • Thursday 12th January 2012 10.00am - 4.00pm the official rule book - on audio tape. If you would like an further RFL documents or information in an audio format please contact • Monday 12th March 2012 10.00am - 4.00pm Sarah Williams and we will endeavour to meet your needs. • Thursday 10th May 2012 10.00am - 4.00pm

• Tuesday 3rd July 2012 10.00am - 4.00pm For more information on any of the articles in this newsletter please contact Sarah Williams at: • Thursday 6th September 10.00am - 4.00pm RFL, Red Hall, Red Hall Lane, Leeds, LS17 8NB If you would like to book your place on any of these courses tel 0113 2375037 or email [email protected] please contact Kate Walls RFL Workforce Development Officer at [email protected] P4