England Rugby Bans "Man of the Match" Award for Insensitivity
The Rugby Football Union (RFU) has announced efforts to make rugby more inclusive by discouraging the use of phrases like "man of the match." The organization considers such terms offensive and exclusionary.
Guidance on Inclusive Language
According to an official language guide published in 2023, words containing "man" or "men" can feel exclusive. The RFU encourages gender-neutral alternatives, such as "player of the match."
- Terms like "chairman," "guys and girls," and "ladies and gentlemen" are discouraged.
- Preferred alternatives include "chair," "everyone," "team," and "folks."
Consequences of Using Non-Inclusive Language
“You should be aware that repeated mistakes indicate a lack of respect and can be distressing for an individual or group. If it continues or is deliberate, it could constitute bullying or discrimination.”
The document emphasizes that continual failure to use inclusive language may amount to bullying or discrimination.
Additional Guidance
The guide advises using pronouns such as "they/their" and "ze/zir" and warns against assuming a binary view of gender.
Summary
England Rugby is actively promoting inclusive language to respect all participants and avoid discriminatory practices in the sport.
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