Impact of Anti-Racism Training at Hoci Cymru
Hoci Cymru, the governing body for hockey in Wales, recently completed an impactful anti-racism training initiative, facilitated by Show Racism the Red Card (SRtRC). This initiative funded by Welsh Government through the Culture, Heritage and Sport fund as part of the Anti-Racist Wales Action Plan consisted of six comprehensive sessions, designed to build a strong understanding of racism and its effects in sports, while offering practical strategies to combat it. The first two sessions provided a historical overview of racism, discussing acceptable and unacceptable behaviours, as well as different forms of racism. The goal was to establish a solid foundation before moving into more specific discussions around racism in sports, reporting systems, and disciplinary measures.
The later sessions focused on policy review. Between the 3rd/4th and 5th/6th sessions, participants were asked to assess Hoci Cymru’s policies using a checklist provided by SRtRC. This review, combined with the learnings from the sessions, shaped a more robust understanding of how to address racism within the sport. In the final two sessions, both staff and board members evaluated feedback and collaborated on creating an Anti-Racism Action Plan to be implemented across the organization.
Thoughts on the Training
Paul Whapham CEO of Hoci Cymru reflected on the delivery.
“The training was well-structured, with both the staff and board completing six sessions spread over three intensive days. While the topics were weighty, they were necessary for building an inclusive culture within Hoci Cymru.
“The curriculum covered a wide array of topics, some specific to the sport and organization, while others provided essential historical context. This blend ensured that participants understood the background of racial issues, as well as the practical steps needed to tackle them within sports.
“The delivery method was varied, ensuring all learning styles were accommodated. From statistics to storytelling, lived experiences to videos, the sessions engaged participants in a way that was informative and immersive. Group discussions were a vital component, allowing everyone to connect the topics to their experiences within Hoci Cymru.
“The tutors were knowledgeable, creating a safe and non-judgmental space where questions were encouraged. This facilitated a deeper understanding of the issues discussed and provided a supportive environment for growth.”
Personal Impact on the CEO
“For me, as CEO, the training was not only insightful but transformative. It reinforced the direction of Hoci Cymru’s equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) journey and highlighted areas where we needed to take decisive action. This training gave me and the organization the tools to deepen our commitment to creating an anti-racist environment in hockey and the broader sporting world. It provided valuable insight that strengthened our resolve to safeguard against racism”.
Impact on Hoci Cymru as a Whole
The impact of the training on Hoci Cymru has been significant. The organization has seen a noticeable shift in its culture and behaviors. We have implemented a series of operational changes aimed at promoting inclusivity and raising awareness about anti-racism. These changes include increased promotion of our inclusive ethos on social media, refining the way we deliver our programs, and enhancing engagement with key stakeholders.
These tangible shifts have helped reinforce hockey’s standing as an inclusive sport for all, and we’ve noticed a greater sense of community within our organization.
Tangible Implementations and Future Plans
As a direct outcome of the training, Hoci Cymru’s staff and board have created an Anti-Racism Action Plan. This includes a thorough review of all organizational policies using the SRtRC checklist to ensure anti-racism and equality are integrated throughout our governance. These policies have been updated accordingly, reflecting our commitment to combating racism.
In addition, our Young Ambassador Programme, which includes 92 young leaders across Wales for the 2024/25 season, will now feature anti-racism training from SRtRC. This empowers future leaders in our sport with the knowledge and tools to stand against racism.
Moving forward, Hoci Cymru will continue to review policies, guidelines, and internal processes using the SRtRC framework to ensure long-term inclusivity.
Conclusion
Overall, the anti-racism training facilitated by SRtRC has brought the Hoci Cymru staff and board together in addressing a vital issue within both our organization and the wider sporting community. It has enabled us to reflect on our governance and safeguard against racism in all forms. SRtRC has provided us with invaluable tools and knowledge to support Wales’ Anti-Racist Action Plan, reinforcing our dedication to safeguarding not only from racism but from any form of discrimination against protected characteristics in our sport.
Testimonial from the CEO
“The training developed the knowledge of our staff and board, providing us with thought-provoking topics. Hockey prides itself on striving to be as inclusive as possible, and this training has encouraged us to take the next step and make further adaptations.”