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Cultural Awareness

CULTURAL AWARENESS

New Zealand is made up of many cultures. As a coach, take time to understand your players’ cultures, including their values, beliefs and family structures.

Why it matters

  • To better understand your players and their whānau
  • To find ways of working that suit you, your players and your team
  • To build understanding within your team
  • To gain the support of your players, their whānau and the wider community

Things to be aware of

Whānau and family matter in many cultures. To gain a player’s support, seek the support of their whānau too.

Faith and spirituality are important in many cultures, and karakia may be appropriate. Avoid inappropriate language.

In some cultures, making direct eye contact or speaking out of turn is seen as disrespectful. A player looking down or staying quiet may be showing respect, not a lack of interest.

Questioning or confronting a player in front of the team can feel belittling. It is often better done one-on-one.

  • Take time to learn a little about your players’ cultures, pronounce their names correctly, and learn basic greetings and farewells. Your players will notice.
  • Many cultures have spiritual practices to consider. Treat the spirit of the group and each person with respect.

Tips for coaching Māori players

  • Treat all kaumātua (elders) with respect.
  • The head is the most tapu (sacred) part of the body. Do not touch another person’s head or pass food over someone’s head.
  • Keep hats and hair items away from food. Don’t sit on tables or surfaces where food is prepared.
  • Keep personal clothing separate from tea towels and cloths used for food.
  • Do not step over a person lying down.
  • Look after visitors by serving them first and providing plenty of food.
  • When visiting, bring a koha (a gift or contribution).
  • Everyone pitches in, so offer to help before you’re asked. You will be told if you don’t need to.
  • Take your shoes off when entering a home or wharenui (meeting house).

If you are unsure how to communicate with a player from a different culture, ask someone for advice. A sincere, honest and friendly approach is always appreciated.