Doncaster Rovers have been awarded the EFL Code of Practice in recognition of the club’s success in providing an inclusive environment.
First piloted in the 2014/15 season, the EFL’s Code of Practice represents a commitment by clubs to improve equality and inclusion across all areas of the game. In just two years since its introduction, 30 EFL clubs, including Rovers, passed the nationally recognised assessment.
The EFL works closely with clubs to ensure spectators attending games at the Keepmoat Stadium can enjoy their match day experience in a safe and friendly environment, and clubs across all three EFL divisions have been working hard to set high standards for equality in professional football.
Clubs are evaluated across all areas of a football club, including match day operations, general operations, community trust, youth development, attending match day fans and the first team. Each club successfully passed an independent assessment across 12 different areas of operation, ensuring good practice extends to all employees, spectators and other people engaged with the club.
The EFL Code of Practice was devised as part of the game’s commitment to the English Football Inclusion and Anti-Discrimination Action Plan. It helps clubs to position themselves at the heart of each community by embedding the fundamental principles of inclusion and equality throughout the whole of the business, setting accountability at the highest level.
Rovers chief executive Gavin Baldwin said: “Our target has always been to run a successful football club that is a strong part of the community.
“The Code of Practice supports us as a club by ensuring we are best placed to provide the best possible environment for all our fans, employees and volunteers. I am pleased Rovers have been recognised in this way and I am confident we continue to ensure everyone has the opportunity to attend live football and fully enjoy the match day experiences.”
Shaun Harvey, EFL CEO, added: “It’s important that clubs recognise and understand equality and inclusion and implement the right practices to ensure that the game in this country continues to be a game for all.
“The EFL Code of Practice supports clubs by ensuring their policies and procedures are up to date and fully compliant and I am delighted to see so many of our clubs making real tangible progress in these areas.
“We will continue to raise awareness of the measures that can be taken and I am hopeful more and more football clubs will go through this process.”