Diversity & Inclusion
A team on and off the pitch means a team for everyone.
Our Commitment
Rugby is for everyone
The Kats have always been a club-first club, and that starts with making sure everyone who wants to play can. No matter your background, identity, or circumstance, there should be a place for you here.
BC Rugby's Code of Conduct states that BC Rugby "supports equal opportunity, prohibits discriminatory practices, and is committed to providing an environment in which all Individuals can safely participate in sport and are treated with respect and fairness." We hold ourselves to that same standard, and we try to keep it part of the everyday running of the club: how we run practices, pick teams, and handle concerns.
Safe Sport & Code of Conduct
The Kats follow BC Rugby's Safe Sport program and the BCRU Code of Conduct in full. The Code's stated aim is to "provide a safe, fun, positive, and inclusive environment" within BC Rugby and everything it runs, and we hold every player, coach, and volunteer at the club to that same standard, on the pitch and off it.
If you ever have a concern about conduct, safety, or how you've been treated at the club, reach out to team management directly, or use our contact form. Anything you raise in confidence stays that way.
Financial Barriers
Cost should never be the reason someone can't play. If yearly dues or registration fees are a barrier for you or your family, talk to team management. We're glad to work out assistance or other arrangements, and we'll handle it confidentially and case by case.
Talk to Team ManagementAccommodation & Access
Building a club everyone can belong to
We look for practical ways to make sure members of the following communities can take full part in the club:
Members with Disabilities
BC Rugby's Code of Conduct calls for "modifications to make... competitions, programs, and events accessible to Players and Participants of all abilities." We do that at the club level too, working with players to find what lets them train, travel, and take part on matchday.
Indigenous Members
BC Rugby acknowledges that its offices "reside on the traditional and unceded territory of the Coast Salish Peoples, including the territories of the xʷməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish) and Səl̓ílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations." The Kats train and play on this same territory, and we welcome and support Indigenous players and families as part of the club.
2SLGBTQIA+ Members
Rugby Canada's Trans Inclusion Policy — the national framework BC Rugby and its clubs operate under — states that "all individuals deserve respectful and inclusive environments for participation that value the individual's gender identity and gender expression." That's the standard we hold ourselves to: every player deserves a changing room and a clubhouse where they can be themselves.
Newcomers to Canada
Whether you're new to the country, new to rugby, or both, we'll help you find your footing on and off the pitch.
Racialized Communities
The BCRU Code of Conduct asks every participant to "demonstrate respect for the diversity of Participants, and act to correct or prevent practices that are unjustly discriminatory." The Kats is a club for players of every background, and we take that responsibility seriously.
Have a question, or need an accommodation?
If there's something that would help you join or stay involved with the Kats, let us know. Team management is happy to talk through what might work for you.
Get In TouchLearn to Play
New to rugby entirely? No experience needed. Drop by a training session and we'll take it from there.
How to Join