Certificate in Diversity through Sport

Course details

To foster an understanding of culture, diversity and equality within and through sports using a human rights framework. Students will be challenged to examine the historical perspectives of equality concepts and how they can be adapted and integrated into the sporting context.

Entry Requirement

• Minimum requirements will normally be a pass in six Leaving Certificate subjects including Mathematics or an equivalent qualification. Equivalence may be demonstrated by an appropriate qualification and significant relevant experience.
• Applicants who do not meet these requirements but who are aged 23 and over will be considered for entry on the basis of a written assessment and if appropriate an interview process.
• The programme may also be run on outreach directed to sporting organisations and their communities.

Examinations

• 100% Continuous assessment including 25% Reflective journal, 25% Individual assignment (essay), 50% Practical experience project (working with sporting communities to encourage diversity initiatives).

Course Content

The globalisation of sports and the mobility of athletes playing throughout the world has seen increased diversity within the total sports environment including participants, organisation, supporters and the media and commentators. This has placed huge pressure on the system in dealing with prejudicial and discriminatory behaviour towards certain sections of players, teams and supporters. This module aims to foster an understanding of culture, diversity and equality within and through sports. Students will be challenged to examine the historical perspectives of equality concepts and how they can be adapted and integrated into the sporting context.

The module will cover;

• Concepts of culture, equality and diversity
• Historical context of equality and human rights
• Sporting context of equality
• Barriers to diversity and equality
• Managing diversity in sports
• Promoting diversity and preventing discrimination in sports
• Prosecution procedures, rehabilitation and intervention strategies in sport
• Communicating for multi-cultural awareness, sensitivity and understanding

Equality is looked at from the democratic perspective of rights between superiority and inferiority groups, personal responsibility and in establishing relationships through respect. Furthermore, we examine the implications of equality platforms that consider equal opportunity, equal resources and equal outcomes. diversity is considered through the protected classification groupings from both societal and sports perspectives including sexism, racism, sectarianism, ageism, disability discrimination, Islamophobia and homophobia.

The course is not designed to influence peoples’ beliefs but will debate the moral and ethical dilemmas posed using a theory of cultural competency to justify a position and how this understanding may impact on local sports participation and representation.