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Research has identified that while many people from multicultural backgrounds have participated in sport in their own countries, it has often been in an unstructured setting.

The structure of an organised session may be unfamiliar to them and often they will be eager to begin before you have had a chance to introduce yourself or explain the session. As with all sessions try to be flexible and interact with the group in a less structured way.

You will encounter different levels of confidence and knowledge so ensure you talk to the group before the session in order to access the competency level of the group.

Engage them in conversation about what sports they have played before or how much they know about the specific activity, this will give you an indication about their skills and level of English.

Young refugees have often experienced traumatic and difficult circumstances before arriving in Australia. As with any group, patience and understanding are essential so that the young people can have a positive experience.

Before the session

• Identify the group leaders or youth worker. Find out about the level of English of the group. Use lots of visual aids and demonstrations.
• If you have time before the session it’s a good idea to write down key words and concepts that you will be using during your session. If you think that it may not be understood, think of an alternative word or description, which you can use instead.
• Migrant or refugee young people, especially boys, have spent a lot of time playing sports like soccer and basketball. However while they have the skills they may be unfamiliar with all the rules of the game.
• They may also not understand the role of the umpire or the officials, as this might be the first time they have played in a structured setting.
• While it’s ok to be flexible try not to modify the rules too much. People from culturally diverse backgrounds often don’t want special treatment and want to participate like everyone else.
• Think about the group sizes you work with and be mindful that you may need to reduce the size when working with people from culturally diverse backgrounds or get someone to help you.
• Speak clearly and use words and language that is simple and easy for people to understand. Try not to “dumb down” your language too much. Just be yourself and people will respond.
• Ask questions to see if they have understood what you are explaining, but be aware that culturally diverse people may not feel comfortable about being tested or quizzed.
• In some cultures, women and girls are required to dress conservatively. Try and remember to schedule in extra drink breaks to combat heat and dehydration from heavy clothing and attire.
• Try and make your sessions gender specific. This will allow greater participation of girls in sports activities.

During the session

• If people are talking when you are demonstrating or explaining, it might be because they are translating for someone else. This is a good time to try some visual demonstrations
• Sometimes even the best-planned session doesn’t work. Use your knowledge and experience to constantly assess and change something that is not working.

Post session

• Ask the group leaders, workers or teachers how they felt the session went or if they have any suggestions.
• Gauge feedback from the participants both during and after the session.

Terms

Here are some examples of terms that may be confusing for people from culturally diverse backgrounds.

Can you think of others that are specific to your sport? 

Things to remember

• Make it visual
• Be patient
• Use simple language
• Be flexible
• Make if fun
• Enjoy yourself
• Ask them questions
• Understand their needs
• Remember they are young people

Frequently asked questions

Do we need an interpreter?

There are many other ways to communicate other than language. As well as this some participants may have English skills as they may have spent time in other English speaking countries.

Do we need to translate material?

Translated material would be helpful for parents but translations can be expensive. Just be prepared give verbal instructions and explanations if necessary. There may be someone in the community that may be able to help translate or another person in the group.

Is it dangerous for women to wear the hijab (head scarf) when playing?

Before the program begins just let the women and girls know that they need to adjust their headscarf and tie them without pins, as these can be dangerous while participating. If it’s an all female environment the young women and girls may choose to remove them but enforcing a no head scarf rule will stop them from participating.