As we celebrate our third dedicated match at Hartlepool United, Her Game Too have provided a reminder of the key aims of the campaign.
We are striving to remove sexism out of football at all levels. So what does sexism in football look like?
Sexism online
On social media we see a variety of sexist comments. Ones such as women belong elsewhere and not in football, question our knowledge of the game or sexually aggressive requests.
“Get back in the kitchen, football isn’t for women, do you even know the offside rule?”
These are all attempts to exclude, undermine and degrade women and their presence in the sport, whether as fans, officials, physios, club staff or players.
We have seen men commenting on our dedicated match announcement post from the club saying we are not needed, dismissing our existence or even saying that the campaign is causing the problem.
Unfortunately these comments alone together with the amount of reports we and Kick It Out have received shows anti-discrimination campaigns are very much needed.
On the way to a match
Kick It Outs research shows over half (52%) of female fans have experienced sexist behaviour or language on match days, this can start whilst on a journey to a match. This can be in the form of inappropriate touching, consistent harassment and badgering, wolf whistling, sexual violence or threat of sexual violence.
In the stadium
The previously mentioned sexist language and behaviours can also be experienced within the stadium itself. 4 in 10 women (43%) also stated that stadiums aren’t providing facilities that would enable a fully inclusive experience for fans. Things such as access to sanitary items, female staff within stadiums or no access to female or relevant sized options in the club shop.
Sexist chanting in the stands that includes derogatory or demeaning language directed at women, creates a hostile and unsafe environment.
All the examples of sexist behaviour or language have also been reported at grassroots level. Locally girls are being abused with some frequently being mis-gendered for simply having short hair. Female coaches being spoken to in a degrading manner from male counterparts or parents. Young female referees being abused during matches from adults on the sidelines.
All of this was happening long before HerGameToo was formed nearly four years ago.
Using our partnerships we can work on removing this behaviour and help encourage more women and girls to spectate, work or play in the game we all love.
This starts with reporting.
Anyone, male or female can make a report if they witness or are subjected to the abuse directly.
This can be done in a number of ways.
Direct to the Club
Support Liaison Officer, Sarah Rowntree, is present each matchday (stewards/security personnel can contact her for you) or can be contacted on supportliaison@hartlepoolunited.co.uk.
Online reporting systems
At hergametoo.co.uk/report or kickitout.org.
At grassroots football
A report can be made to a match official or league official if present.
It can also be made to the Club welfare officer.
For grassroots incidents, please also report to the local County FA who have their own disciplinary procedure and can help support the victims.
HerGameToo, Kick It Out, Football Police Units, professional clubs, Grassroots communities and County FA’s are working together to help reduce the abuse faced by females in football.
If there is a HerGameToo Ambassador linked to the professional or grassroots club, reach out to them as soon as you can, they can help with reporting and support you through the process.
Contact Jill, our ambassador via social media platforms or email hartlepoolunitedhgt@outlook.com for all issues throughout all levels of the game in Hartlepool. Most grassroots clubs are now working with us and all are part of the Youth Alliance of which Jill is also a member.
Take action – Report it!
