Inclusive Competition & Progression Checklist

1. Map the pathway

• Can a new player see what happens after the first session?
• Are league, tournament, representative and development routes written down?
• Are coaching, refereeing, volunteering and leadership routes visible?
• Does information reach people outside existing friendship/club networks?

2. Entry information

• Eligibility, deadlines, fees and entry systems are clear.
• A first-time competitor knows where to go and what to expect.
• Equipment and dress requirements are explained early.
• Cancellation/refund rules are clear.

3. Whole-event barriers

• Travel and realistic finish times are considered.
• Long waits and schedule uncertainty are reduced where practical.
• Match calls and changes use a reliable source of truth.
• Food, water, toilets, seating and welfare are workable.
• Adjustment requests have a clear route.

4. Sporting opportunity

• Table/board allocations are reviewed for unexplained disparity.
• Practice opportunities are meaningful.
• Playing conditions are appropriate and consistently applied.
• Women-only and mixed formats have a clear sporting purpose.
• Classification or disability adjustments use the relevant governing rules rather than ad-hoc assumptions.

5. Presentation, streaming and commentary

• Women’s matches are not routinely treated as filler content.
• Commentary focuses on sport rather than appearance, relationships or stereotypes.
• Streaming/image consent is appropriately managed.
• Prize and presentation language treats women as competitors.

6. Selection & representative opportunity

• Criteria and decision-making responsibility are clear.
• Conflicts of interest are declared and managed.
• Opportunity does not rely only on being socially connected to selectors.
• Where appropriate, useful development feedback follows non-selection.

Opportunity should not depend on knowing the right person.

7. Development after competition

• Coaching and practice opportunities exist beyond beginner provision.
• Mentoring supports access to systems as well as confidence.
• Officials/referees can see qualification routes.
• Women can progress from participant to coach/official/leader.

8. Safety & culture

• Safeguarding and complaints routes are visible at events.
• Harassment or discriminatory behaviour is addressed.
• Alcohol is not the only route to networking or information.
• Girls’ transition into adult competition is purposefully safeguarded.

9. Different life stages

Returning parents, older entrants and women joining later in life should be able to understand where they fit. Do not assume a player who cannot follow one traditional pathway lacks competitive ambition.

10. Measure the pathway

Useful measures can include entry, repeat entry, progression between levels, access to coaching, selection, officiating/coaching uptake, leadership representation and where people leave the pathway. Interpret small numbers carefully and protect identities.

This checklist is an improvement tool, not an equality score or accreditation.