Sports Club Programme

Club Accreditation
 

CLUB DEVELOPMENT

The Sports Council for Wales (SCW) through the “Framework for the Development of Sport and Physical Activity” acknowledge that

“The bedrock of the domestic structures is the club ..therefore, SCW will focus on coaching, long term athlete development and club development.”

In order to achieve this SCW is developing a website and working with National Governing Bodies (NGB’s) to produce and implement an appropriate club model for their sport.
The NGB may then wish to manage and further develop clubs through their own accreditation programme.

CLUB ACCREDITATION

SCW will not be following in the footsteps of Sport England and Sport Scotland in developing and implementing a generic club accreditation programme, however, a generic model has been put together solely as advice and partners are encouraged to consider using this should they wish to advise or even accredit clubs which do not appear in the below lists. In this way there will be a consistent approach. (please see the ‘Generic Club Model' in the middle of page)

NGB’s that currently have/are developing a ‘Club model’ to help support their clubs:

NGB’s that already have robust club accreditation programmes in place:

Bridgend County Borough and Sports Council for Wales would encourage all partners to recognise existing NGB accreditation schemes (some of which have a UK dimension) and to evaluate numbers of clubs that have attained these levels.

WEBSITE DEVELOPMENT

SCW is currently developing a new website (launch date - end of May 2006) to provide NGB’s, Local Authorities, Sports Clubs plus a whole host of other organisations / individuals with clear and helpful advice, guidance, templates, ideas etc for such things as:

* setting up a new club;

* improving/developing what they have;

* finding specific downloadable resources/templates/policies to help them – e.g. constitutions, job descriptions, child

protection information;

* help to find a club/facilities in their LA area;

* advice on becoming a volunteer for a club.

As soon as this is available, Bridgend Sports Development will provide appropriate links.

Please find the 'General Club Model’ simple checklist criteria to what makes a good club below and following this further information on the:
1.Gymnastic Club Accreditation Scheme
2. Football Club Accreditation Scheme – both of which have been proven as examples of good practice.
3. Gymnastic Club Accreditation Scheme

Generic Club Model

SIMPLE CHECKLIST CRITERIA Please download file to view or to print Generic Club Checklist Criteria

FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION WALES CLUB ACCREDITATION

The FAW Trust is committed to assisting clubs in raising the standard of provision for young players in order that their experience be as positive as possible, that they develop as players and remain committed to staying in the game. The Trust aims to work with clubs to:

* Help improve their organisational structures

* Recruit additional volunteers

* Acquire additional players through school links initiatives

* Develop coaches through its coach education programme

* Protect the welfare of young players

* Access funding to purchase equipment and develop facilities
 

The Technical Department has devised the FAW Club Accreditation Programme (CAP) to assist clubs in this process.
The scheme is divided in to three different levels, Bronze, Silver and Gold. Bench marks have been set for clubs to work towards achieving at each level.

Clubs that are accredited receive ongoing support from their County Football Development Officer in achieving an agreed Action Plan, which helps them to focus on meeting the set criteria. The Officers help the clubs access funding to achieve this. Once the clubs involved in the scheme have progressed to the Gold Award, they become eligible for significant funding to assist them in the development of their facilities. This could include the improvement of playing surfaces, develop additional floodlit/artificial training pitches. Additional benefits are also built in to the scheme to reward clubs for their membership and commitment to junior club development.

Gymnastic Club Accreditation
 

GymMark is British Gymnastics stamp of quality assurance for gymnastics clubs.

The GymMark scheme has been developed by British Gymnastics, to provide recognition for clubs that are committed to providing quality gymnastics experiences. BG expects its significance to grow over the next few years as more and more people become aware of its importance in ensuring the safe participation of young people in our sport.

Gaining GymMark accreditation will mean you will be recognised by British Gymnastics and Welsh Gymnastics, as a safe, effective and child friendly club, providing a service in the community, that children and young people, their parents/carers, and others with an interest in gymnastics, can trust.
 

Registration
 

Applying for GymMark is easy. All you have to do is register your interest with Welsh Gymnastics. A free resource pack will be sent to you detailing the criteria necessary to meet the required standards. The resource pack is also full of tips and useful templates for use in the club.

Additional support and advice will also be available from your regional development officer on the accreditation process and the actions you will need to fulfil to meet the criteria. Some clubs may be in a position to be assessed immediately, whilst others may require more time and support. BG is committed to supporting all clubs that are working towards GymMark.
 

The Standards
 

There are 5 modules within GymMark:
 

1. Development

2. Duty of Care and Child Protection

3. Sports Equity and Ethics

4. Administration

5. Training and events programme
 

Each module can be accredited as an individual module so clubs can prioritise the most important elements to them and work through at their own pace.

Build Your Club Portfolio
 

Use the resource pack criteria check list and the templates contained within the pack to help towards completing your club portfolio. The portfolio will consist of some interview and confirmation with your regional development officer and some paper evidence of important club policies and the action plan. Templates and examples are provided in both paper and electronic formats for you to adjust to suit the needs of your club. There is no time limit to completing GymMark work to your own priorities and at your own pace.

Accreditation

When you have completed the assessment a WGA GymMark officer will ratify it. A completed, verified portfolio shows that your club has in place the necessary structure and resources to provide a safe, effective and child friendly club.

You will receive a certificate and plaque to confirm accreditation for displaying at the Club. The GymMark award will be valid for four years requiring annual self-assessment and updating during that time.
 

Benefits of Achieving GymMark:
 

* To give parents and gymnasts the guaranteed assurance that their club is nationally recognised as Safe, Effective and Child Friendly.

* To obtain a free club development resource pack.

* Clubs with GymMark status are more likely to be looked upon favourably when making applications for different types of funding.

* GymMark is the equivalent of Clubmark awarded by Sport England and is also recognised by Sports Council for Wales.

For further details, including application form and criteria check sheets, please contact www.englandgymnastics.org.uk/resources/gymmark.htm