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Hints for making Sportsfun work

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School-community links

Close links between schools and community organisations can help ensure greater sporting opportunities for young people. Sportsfun provides the opportunity to create links with local community clubs/recreation centres and other groups.

Many community groups would be interested in knowing more about Sportsfun and the role of Leaders and Participants. Clubs are always looking for talented volunteers, junior coaches and future participants. In turn, many Sportsfun Leaders are keen to continue coaching and working with juniors following the completion of the program.

Ideas to promote school-community links include:

  • Arrange with the local recreation centre to have students help out with coaching clinics or group activities;
  • Invite community organisations/clubs to see what Sportsfun is all about – hold an Open Day.
  • Encourage local clubs to promote their sport to Sportsfun Participants through flyers or visits;
  • Encourage Leaders to offer their services to community organisations/clubs;
  • Invite community organisations/club representatives to present certificates and other resources to Participants/Leaders; and
  • Make arrangements to speak at meetings of community organisations/clubs to promote Sportsfun and the role of the Leaders.

 

Common Problems

In the day-to-day running of the program, some operating problems may emerge and will need to be handled by Sportsfun Coordinators.

Provided that Sportsfun Leaders are adequately trained and well prepared for each session there will be few problems.

Some of the common areas where problems have occurred are:

 

Leader absenteeism

Back-up strategies will be needed if Sportsfun Leaders are absent. Some examples are:

  • Use reserve Leaders;
  • Leaders ‘pair up’ and coach as one unit;
  • Ask Leaders to contact the Secondary Coordinator if they are going to be absent; or
  • Postpone activities to another day if there are insufficient Leaders to conduct the program.

Participants' payments

The user-pays system of collection of Participants’ payments can become an onerous task if fees have to be collected each week. Strategies to ensure smooth collection include:

  • Collect the term fee in advance;
  • Offer a discount if payment is made in advance, rather than weekly;
  • Keep weekly records of payments; and
  • Ensure full numbers of Participants each week, to maintain correct payment.

 

Coordinators' meetings

Regular contact between the Coordinators will ensure the smooth operation of the program. Strategies to assist communication include:

  • Hold regular meetings during the planning phase; and
  • Ensure contact between Primary and Secondary Coordinators during sessions.

 

Declining participation

Forward planning and back-up strategies need to be employed to ensure numbers of Participants remain stable. Strategies include:

  • Offer recognition of Participants;
  • Ensure other activities do not clash with the program;
  • Actively promote the program within the school;
  • Keep a list of reserve Participants;
  • Offer Sportsfun to younger/older groups;
  • Invite other primary schools to join your group; and
  • Ensure Leaders provide a positive, fun environment for Participants.
 
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