British horse racing published its first diversity and inclusion action plan as a steering group said that parts of the sport are "out of kilter with modern British society." The body, which contains 16 individuals from the racing industry, was set up last year after a report "highlighted prejudice and barriers limiting the development of women in racing." Among the proposals are: taking action to "reduce the gender pay gap" in horse racing and striving for at least 30% of board members across racing to be women by '21 (BBC, 7/4).
The NBA and French bank AFD announced plans to promote social inclusion by developing basketball infrastructure and youth basketball programs in the Ivory Coast, Morocco, Senegal, Nigeria and other African countries. The NBA and AFD plan to expand their mutual commitment in Africa by investing in infrastructure and providing equipment and training to youth and coaches (NBA).
The French National Rugby League (LNR) announced four new measures to be introduced in the Top14 next season, including the use of up to 12 replacements and a new "blue card." The new measures are a result of a medical conference in March between the LNR and the French Rugby Federation (FFR) which resulted in 45 recommendations being made (London TELEGRAPH, 7/5).
Formula E's fifth season will feature a revised group qualifying system and heavier grid penalties for drivers exceeding their allocation of powertrain elements. The changes have been included in the FIA’s FE sporting regulations for the '18-19 season, which will begin in Riyadh on Dec. 15. The group qualifying system will consist of four groups of a maximum of six drivers -- to reflect HWA joining as FE's 11th team -- "with the running order no longer randomly drawn" (MOTORSPORT, 7/4).
Australia cricketer Nathan Lyon spoke out against the Int'l Cricket Council’s decision to broadcast sound from stump microphones at all times and the introduction of audible obscenities as a new offense. The ICC announced four new violations into its revised code of conduct on Monday -- "attempting to gain an unfair advantage" (cheating, other than ball-tampering), personal abuse, audible obscenity and disobeying an umpire’s instructions. Lyon said, "I think what's on the field needs to stay on the field" (REUTERS, 7/4).
The Marylebone Cricket Club is "considering terminating its long-standing Young Cricketers programme" on the Lord's groundstaff, which has "nurtured numerous talented players such as Ian Botham." MCC CEO Guy Lavender is "examining the club's expenditure on playing and coaching in light of its priority:" financing the rebuilding of the Compton and Edrich stands, which will cost at least £50M ($66M) (LONDON TIMES, 7/5).
