How to be an active bystander

The Yorkshire and Humber Anti-Racism in Sport Group are proud to have collaborated with Buddle to produce a new Active Bystander video

Colleagues from Buddle, Sport England's club support programme, attended the Time for Action on Racism in Sport event which was held at Headingley back in November. They were inspired by a number of the speakers including black referee, Wayne Niles. The team wanted to highlight the effects of racism and wider discrimination within sport and physical activity, and to encourage people to become allies and active bystanders.

Those who participated in the video filmed at John Charles Centre for Sport in Leeds generously shared their own experiences of discrimination and gave guidance for clubs and organisations on how to make their environments safer and more welcoming for all.

This included a recommendation to ensure policies make it clear that abuse and discrimination will not be tolerated, and for staff, volunteers and participants to undertake active bystander training. The Sport Welfare Officer team across Yorkshire and Humber are able to support with both of those things. Their free support offer includes helping clubs to review policies and procedures. They also deliver free 90-minute in person active bystander training sessions.

Nicola Holmes, Senior Sport Welfare Officer, said: “We’ve had a great response from those who have received the bystander training so far. Some organisations are rebooking us for repeat sessions to ensure all of their staff are trained. Feedback has shown that participants have more awareness of what it means to be an active bystander, and how to safely intervene if they witness an incident taking place.”

To find out how the Sport Welfare Officers can work with your organisation, or to book an active bystander training session, please contact nicola.holmes@yorkshiresport.org

Find out more about the Yorkshire and Humber Anti-Racism in Sport Group, and pledge your commitment to tackling racism.