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PitchUp Fair Access Policy

At PitchUp, we are committed to creating equitable access to community sports facilities, with a particular focus on empowering women and girls in sport. This Fair Access Policy outlines our guiding principles for venue selection, usage, and prioritisation, ensuring that all users feel welcomed, safe, and valued while participating in sports and active recreation.

 

Our Commitment

PitchUp's platform is designed to facilitate equitable access to sports facilities for all, prioritising opportunities for women and girls while adhering to the following core principles:

1. Creating Welcoming, Safe, and Inclusive Environments

   • Respectful Use: Display only inclusive and non-offensive photos, words, and materials on our platform and within facilities.

   • Safety Measures: Encourage facility owners to ensure adequate lighting in car parks and surrounding areas, particularly after dark, and promote policies that enhance participant safety.

   • Positive Behaviour: Foster respectful language and behaviour both on and off the field, encouraging education and intervention against offensive conduct.

2. Ensuring Full Participation for Women and Girls

   • Support Pathways: Offer training and mentorship opportunities for women and girls interested in coaching, officiating, or administrative roles.

   • Access for All: Promote access to amenities, including bathrooms, change rooms, and baby-changing facilities, for all users and spectators.

3. Equitable Access to Community Sports Infrastructure

   • Priority Scheduling: Women’s and girls’ teams will be prioritised for prime training and competition times. Shared schedules will ensure fairness while reflecting user needs.

   • Participation Programs: Partner with facility owners to introduce low-cost, low-commitment sports programs to attract new participants.

4. Representation in Leadership

   • Leadership Goals: Support efforts to increase female representation in decision-making roles, including coaches, officials, and committee members.

   • Mentorship Initiatives: Partner with venues to establish mentorship programs for women and girls to develop skills and confidence in leadership roles.

5. Supporting Gender Equity Across All User Groups

   • Education and Advocacy: Provide resources and training for user groups on the importance of gender equity, including active bystander and allyship training.

   • Commitment to Fair Practices: Encourage professional competitions hosted in venues to demonstrate gender equity, such as equal prize money for male and female participants.

6. Prioritising Commitment to Gender Equity

   • Incentivised Access: Support venues that prioritise women and girls' teams by offering discounted rates and flexible access.

   • First Allocation: Encourage facilities to allocate resources, such as courts and fields, to clubs and groups actively promoting female participation.

 

Implementation and Usage Guidelines

• Venue Selection: Facilities listed on PitchUp must adhere to our safety and accessibility criteria, including proper lighting, changing facilities, and a welcoming atmosphere.

• Booking and Scheduling: While prioritising women and girls' teams, occasional bookings for male teams may occur to maximise facility utilisation. These will align with our principles and uphold fairness for all users.

• Feedback Mechanisms: Regularly collect user feedback to ensure the facilities and policies meet community needs and expectations.

• Monitoring and Reporting: Track participation rates and demographic data to measure the impact of our initiatives and inform continuous improvement.

 

Transparency and Accountability

PitchUp is committed to upholding these principles through transparent policies and open communication with our users. We welcome suggestions and feedback from the community to further enhance the accessibility and inclusiveness of sports facilities.

Together, we aim to break down barriers and create lasting opportunities for all, particularly for women and girls, in the world of sport.

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