What GCGL is
An inclusive mainstream girls’ league
GCGL organises mainstream girls’ football through defined age groups, formats and competitions. Participation remains subject to the Laws of the Game, current FA eligibility rules, League rules and normal club selection.
We welcome disabled players, officials, volunteers and spectators and will consider reasonable adjustments individually, without assumptions.
What GCGL is not
GCGL is not a specialist disability league. We do not operate disability-specific divisions or provide specialist coaching, medical staffing, equipment or support services.
Where mainstream GCGL football cannot reasonably meet somebody’s needs, we will be honest and, where possible, signpost them to Gloucestershire FA or suitable specialist provision.
What inclusion means here
Practical commitments—not empty promises
Fair decisions
Relevant rules, evidence and individual circumstances—not stereotypes.
Reasonable adjustments
Practical changes considered where a barrier sits within our control.
Respect and protection
Discrimination, harassment, bullying and victimisation are not accepted.
Shared responsibility
The League and clubs act on the parts of football each controls.
Disability and reasonable adjustments
Tell us about the barrier
We will consider what practical change could reduce a substantial disadvantage. The person requesting support should explain the barrier and, where possible, the adjustment they believe would help.
Possible examples
- Accessible or simplified correspondence
- Alternative communication methods
- Additional time for an administrative process
- Advance venue or access information
- Reasonable support arrangements at a League-run event
What an adjustment cannot override
- Safety or safeguarding requirements
- The Laws of the Game
- Current FA eligibility and competition rules
- The integrity or fundamental nature of the competition
- Matters outside the League’s authority or control
- Specialist services, staffing or equipment that GCGL does not provide
An adjustment request will not be refused simply because somebody is disabled. It will be considered individually against the actual barrier, available options and relevant responsibilities.
Sporting scope
A girls’ competition governed by FA rules
GCGL exists to organise girls’ football through age-banded competitive and development formats. Participation and eligibility are governed by the current rules and policies of The FA and the competition—not by an independent rule created through this EDI policy.
Respect and protection from discrimination apply to everyone involved, including players, coaches, officials, volunteers, parents and spectators.
Competitive sport and equality law
Read the Equality and Human Rights Commission guidance concerning competitive sport and equality law.
Open guidanceProtected characteristics
Protection from unlawful discrimination
The Equality Act 2010 identifies nine protected characteristics. Applicable sporting and other lawful exceptions remain subject to legislation and current guidance.
Reporting concerns
Use the right reporting route
Discrimination may also be a safeguarding concern or criminal matter. Use the most urgent and appropriate route below.
Matchday discrimination
Tell the referee and an appropriate club official immediately. Ensure the incident is recorded and reported through applicable FA procedures.
Match officials and club officers
League or competition concern
Raise concerns about League administration, decisions or conduct within GCGL’s authority.
gloscgfl@gmail.comSafeguarding concern
If a child may be at risk, use safeguarding procedures and contact the League Welfare Officer.
Brian Burke · 07412 430201Full policy
Standards, responsibilities and process
1. Purpose and scope+
This policy applies to players, parents and carers, coaches, team officials, referees, volunteers, committee members, member clubs, contractors and people attending GCGL competitions or League-organised events.
It explains the standards of behaviour expected across the League, how reasonable-adjustment requests will be considered and how discrimination concerns should be reported.
2. Our equality commitments+
- Treat people fairly, respectfully and without unlawful discrimination.
- Consider barriers within the League’s control and take reasonable steps to reduce them.
- Make decisions using relevant rules, evidence and individual circumstances—not stereotypes or assumptions.
- Challenge discriminatory language, harassment, bullying and victimisation.
- Refer matters to Gloucestershire FA, The FA, safeguarding services or police when appropriate.
3. Responsibilities+
The League is responsible for its competition administration, League communications, League-run events, policies and decisions within its authority.
Member clubs are responsible for their teams, selection, coaching, volunteers, facilities, local communications and reasonable adjustments within their control.
Everyone involved must comply with applicable FA rules and codes of conduct, treat others with respect and report serious discrimination or harassment.
4. Protected characteristics and fair treatment+
The Equality Act 2010 protects people from unlawful discrimination connected with protected characteristics. GCGL will also challenge bullying or unfair treatment connected with social background, appearance or other personal circumstances where this conflicts with League standards.
Fair treatment does not always mean identical treatment. A proportionate difference or reasonable adjustment may sometimes be needed to reduce disadvantage.
5. Expected behaviour+
- Use respectful and appropriate language on the pitch, touchline, online and in private communications.
- Do not discriminate, harass, bully or victimise another person.
- Respect teammates, opponents, match officials, volunteers and spectators.
- Challenge inappropriate conduct when it is safe to do so, or report it promptly.
- Do not retaliate against somebody for raising or supporting a genuine concern.
6. Considering reasonable adjustments+
Requests will be considered individually, with the person and relevant club involved where appropriate. The assessment may consider effectiveness, practicality, cost, available resources, safety, safeguarding, the League’s authority and the effect on the competition or other participants.
No decision should be based solely on a diagnosis or assumption. Relevant information may be requested where it is genuinely needed to understand the barrier and possible adjustment.
7. Reporting, referrals and records+
Concerns will be recorded and considered fairly. The League may obtain relevant information but will not attempt to replace an FA disciplinary process, safeguarding investigation, police investigation or statutory procedure.
Information will be shared only where necessary and lawful. Outcomes and sanctions will be limited to the League’s rules and authority, with referrals made to the appropriate organisation where required.
8. Breaches and consequences+
Discrimination, harassment, bullying or victimisation may result in a warning, conditions of participation, restrictions, suspension, referral to Gloucestershire FA or The FA, or other action permitted by League rules. Serious or repeated conduct may lead to exclusion from GCGL activity where the League has authority to do so.
9. Monitoring and review+
The League will use concerns, complaints, adjustment requests and feedback to improve its practice. It will not promise equality monitoring that it does not lawfully or practically collect. This policy will be reviewed annually and sooner following significant legal, FA or operational change.
Policy version
Version 2.0
Approved and reviewed
19 August 2026
Next scheduled review
August 2027