Equality & Inclusion.
Obstacle Sport for Everyone
The Obstacle Course Racing Association of Ireland (OCRA ÉIREANN) wants obstacle sport to be welcoming, respectful and accessible to as many people as possible.
People come to OCR with different backgrounds, experiences, abilities and sporting ambitions.
Some want to compete internationally.
Others want to complete their first obstacle race, join a club, volunteer, coach or simply train with their local community.
All of these people have a place within the sport.
Our Commitment
OCRA is committed to promoting an environment where people are treated with dignity and respect.
We aim to reduce unnecessary barriers to participation and support opportunities across:
- Recreational participation
- Competitive sport
- Clubs
- Coaching
- Technical Officiating
- Volunteering
- Leadership
- Education
- Team Ireland
- Community activities
Different Backgrounds
Participation in obstacle sport should not be unnecessarily restricted because of a person's:
- Background
- Ethnicity
- Nationality
- Gender
- Disability
- Sexual orientation
- Religion or belief
- Socio-economic circumstances
- Previous sporting experience
- Level of athletic ability
Adaptive and Disability Inclusion
Obstacle sport can be adapted to support athletes with different physical, sensory and other requirements.
OCRA wants adaptive athletes to have meaningful opportunities to:
- Participate
- Train
- Compete
- Develop
- Represent Ireland where appropriate competition pathways exist
Coaches, clubs and organisers should consider accessibility when planning activities and competitions.
Competitive Categories
Inclusive participation does not mean that every participant will necessarily be eligible for every competitive category.
Competition may include eligibility rules relating to:
- Age
- Discipline
- Competitive category
- Classification
- International competition requirements
These rules should be communicated clearly and applied consistently.
Clubs and Coaches
Clubs and coaches play an important role in creating welcoming sporting environments.
They should consider:
- Accessibility
- Appropriate coaching adaptations
- Respectful language
- Athlete welfare
- Different levels of ability
- Barriers to participation
- Inclusive club culture
Discrimination and Harassment
Discriminatory, abusive or harassing behaviour is inconsistent with OCRA's values.
Serious incidents may be considered under the OCRA Complaints and Disciplinary process.
Growing Participation
OCRA wants to work with clubs, race organisers, coaches and community organisations to make obstacle sport accessible to people who may not traditionally see themselves represented within OCR.
Developing a genuinely inclusive sport requires more than simply stating that everybody is welcome.
It requires listening to participants, identifying barriers and continually improving how the sport is delivered.