The Black and Asian Coaches Association (BACA) has backed moves to introduce a version of the Rooney Rule into English football.
The group, set up in the wake of Keith Alexander’s untimely death in 2010 to lobby for greater ethnic representation amongst black and ethnic minority coaches and managers, is encouraging grass roots support to the PFA and Kick It Out in its efforts to adopt a version of the Rooney Rule, which has helped NFL clubs in the US to interview black candidates when coaching positions become available.
BACA’s founder, Dr Colin King, said: “The Rooney Rule has the potential to inspire a generation of coaches from diverse backgrounds to embrace change. It represents positive action not positive discrimination towards changing a culture that unwittingly has not lead to a multi-racial workforce.
King said that a survey conducted by BACA finds that over 70 per cent of its members feel that the Rooney Rule could have positive benefits if implemented in Britain. According to the BACA head, members also feel that there are too many barriers for qualified coaches from black and minority ethnic backgrounds.
He added: “Whilst the Bosman ruling appeared to have liberated players from the restrictions of their contract, the deeper civil liberty and employment realities in the transition from playing to management have not been addressed in terms of how race is played out.
Related Links
Adopting the Rooney Rule in British football – BBC Sport
