The 2009 audit of the equality and diversity representation of the ASA shows that the current membership broadly reflects the ethnic population profile of England and there has been a slow but steady growth in increasing membership throughout all ethnic groupings.
This fourth annual audit, which was initiated in 2006 as part of the Governing Body’s submission to the National Equality Standard for Sport, addresses the profile of the ASA in terms of its membership, staff, officials and committees.
Within the membership of the ASA White British is the largest sector with just under 91%, with Asian (Other), Black (Other), Mixed White Caribbean, Mixed White Asian and Mixed (Other) communities also being largely representative of the make up of the population as a whole. The ASA membership reflects all ethnic communities to some level, with any under-representation of a specific group not vastly out of sync with the English population profiles.
Membership data also shows there has been a significant increase on the 2006 figure in those who state they have a disability (0.76% of the total).
ASA director of English Programmes Anne Adams-King is keen to increase the opportunities for a more diverse range of people to be involved in the organisation and swimming as a whole.
“The ASA and British Swimming are committed to the principles of equality and diversity and actively work with our partners to both tackle discrimination and promote equal opportunities,” said Anne Adams-King.
“I am delighted that the results of this Audit show that swimming’s membership is broadly reflective of the diverse ethnic population in England, which is testament to our hard work and commitment to ensuring we work towards building a sport for all.
“We do however have much work to do in further developing our programmes in order to maintain this trend and redress any imbalances in under represented individuals, groups and communities.
“The ASA and British Swimming are holders of the Intermediate Level of the Equality Standard for Sport, a framework which guides sports and community organisations towards achieving equality. We will continue to work with our partners to engage a wider range of communities and affect change on a local level as part of our strategy to achieve the Advanced Level by 2013.”
ENDS-
For more information contact the ASA PR Assistant Claire Freeman on 01509 632262 or email claire.freeman@swimming.org
About the ASA
The ASA is the English National Governing Body for Swimming, Diving, Water Polo, Open Water and Synchronised Swimming. It organises competition throughout England, establishes the Laws of the Sport and operates comprehensive certification and education programmes for Teachers, Coaches and Officials as well as its renowned Learn to Swim Awards scheme. The ASA supports 1,220 affiliated swimming clubs through a National/Regional/County structure. The ASA aims to ensure everybody has an opportunity to learn to swim.
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