• The RFL have been asked to speak at a number of key events about its work challenging homophobia, such as: • A TUC fringe event – Homophobia in Sport in 2009 • A seminar in Sheffield • Yorkshire Forward event • ESTC steward training and events management company • Leeds Metropolitan University sports and leisure course

• All UK based Super League clubs signed up to the RFL Stonewall charter to ensure clubs provide an inclusive environment and challenge homophobia.

• A number of Rugby League clubs, with support from the RFL, have taken part in various pride events and marches.

Rugby League Clubs Stonewall Charter • The RFL has a strong relationship with Pride Sports, UK’s leading organisation for • The RFL joined the Stonewall Diversity Champions in December 2008 and took LGBT sports development and equity part in the 2010 Workplace Equality Index (WEI) where we ranked 169 out of 352 and LGBT History Month which is focusing organisations. The RFL have now submitted our evidence for the second year running on sport as its theme in the lead up to 2012. and hope to see an improvement in our performance in the 2011 ranking. The RFL remains the only National Governing Body (NGB) • Rugby League has been represented over of sport to join the Stonewall Diversity Champions the last 3 years at Games programme. We are committed to continual improvement and Youth pride Games providing information showing that sport can be inclusive of LGBT people and and an inflatable for the main event and challenge homophobia. running an LGBT friendly Rugby League taster session. During the opening ceremony • In December 2009 Gareth Thomas, a former Wales Rugby Union captain `came out’ of the Youth Pride Games, a dance based before joining Rugby League and the Crusaders team in Wales. In March 2010 Gareth on Rugby League moves was performed by local young people. was subject to homophobic abuse by a small section of the Castleford Tigers fans. At a subsequent tribunal the Castleford club was fined heavily for failing to respond • Sheffield Eagles club will be playing one appropriately at the time and failing to undertake any meaningful investigations of their first games of the 2011 season in following the incident. At the time the RFL was widely commended for its response February (LGBT History Month) in a kit with and the fine imposed on Castleford as it sent a very clear message that Rugby the logo Homophobia – Tackle IT! and the League will not tolerate homophobia. The fine was subsequently reduced on Pride Sports and LGBT History month logos. appeal in recognition of subsequent positive action taken by Castleford Tigers. Sheffield Eagles are also working with Schools Out to develop resources that • RFL Equality and Diversity Manager chaired the NGB working group for the can be used to tackle homophobia through LGBT history month prelaunch and took the lead in coordinating a workshop at the sport in the classroom environment. prelaunch at Twickenham Stadium. The RFL presented on the LGBT initiatives it has This is the first time a UK professional sports undertaken and introduced the Sheffield Eagles who showcased their groundbreaking team has chosen to make such a public plans for LGBT history month in February 2011. statement against homophobia. Sheffield Eagles in LGBT history month shirt • In January 2009, the RFL launched the Rainbow Forum, an LGBT network which is open to LGBT (and their straight allies) RFL staff as well as Rugby League players, coaches, match officials, club staff and volunteers throughout the game.

• The RFL developed the paper “Guidance for Rugby League Clubs – Challenging Anti (homophobic) Abuse and Behaviour” with support from Stonewall, Pride Games, the Rugby League Ground Safety Officers Association and Rugby League clubs. The guidance provides recommendations and information to assist clubs in tackling homophobia at their club as well as on match days. The paper will be launched at Parliament on Tuesday 16 November 2010 and then disseminated widely throughout the game and to other sports and universities that have already expressed an interest.

• The RFL’s Tackle IT! campaign is being relaunched to cover six strands which include homophobia and racism as well as the other equality strands.

Rugby League at Manchester Pride Games 2010

Sarah Williams, RFL Equality & Diversity Manager T. 0113 237 5037 E. [email protected] W. www.therfl.co.uk