Frequently Asked Questions
Answers
Answers to the questions we get asked most often...- Can SPARC help me find work in sport and recreation in New Zealand?
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SPARC cannot help you find a job, but we do provide a listing of:
If you're overseas, you can also read information about working in New Zealand.
Want to find out about training and qualifications? You can find this question answered under Jobs and training later in this FAQ list.
Go to top - How can I order SPARC resources and sports gear?
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Regional sports trusts are SPARC's partners in the community and they distribute our resources that help people get more active. Talk to your local regional sports trust about what you need:
> Contact list for regional sports trusts
You can use the online Push Play order form to order drink bottles, posters, stickers, t-shirts, caps... and more.
SPARC's publications are all available for download from our website. (Some are also available in print format - contact us if you cannot download a publication and would like to enquire about a print copy.)
Go to top - Where can I get ideas about ways to get more active?
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There are lots of ideas on this website - check out Active Living - and also look under Active Children if you have kids.
Your regional sports trust can help with ideas and resources that will help you get more active. Regional sports trusts are SPARC's partners in the community and they're there to help you!
Go to top - Can you put me in touch with a sports club in my area?
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SPARC doesn't work directly with sports clubs, but the national sport organisation for the sport should be able to help.
Also talk to your local council - they are likely to have lists of sports clubs.
You could also check out NZS.com, which has links to sports clubs.
Your regional sport trust can help with any future enquiries about getting more active in your community. Regional sports trusts are SPARC's partners in the community and they're there to help you!
Go to top CoachingDrugs in sport- What is doping?
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'Anti-Doping Rule Violations' are defined in Article 2 of the World Anti-Doping Code (PDF, World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) website). These violations include the presence of a prohibited substance or its metabolites or markers in an athlete's bodily specimen, the attempted use of a prohibited substance, refusing a test, tampering with a sample, trafficking and assisting others to dope.
You can find more information on doping on the websites of Drug Free Sport New Zealand and the International Olympic Committee.
Go to top - Where can I find information and websites on anti-doping and drugs in sport?
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Drug Free Sport New Zealand is dedicated to providing a sporting environment that is free of banned doping methods for New Zealand sport and athletes.
Drug Free Sport NZ works with national sport organisations (NSOs) and other key agencies to deter the use of banned substances through effective drug testing procedures, education and research programmes. They also have an 0800 DRUG FREE number for athletes, coaches and managers.
The Drug Free Sport NZ website is packed with information about banned substances, education resources and news about doping in sport. We recommend that you have a look at the site, whether you are a coach, manager, official or athlete.
The Sports Disputes Tribunal of New Zealand is the principal hearing body for anti-doping violations in New Zealand. The Sports Tribunal website contains information about the tribunal and copies of all its decisions.
For more information on anti-doping programmes, try the following websites:
Go to top - What's being done about drugs in sport in New Zealand?
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Background: The New Zealand response to issues around performance-enhancing drugs began in 1988, in the aftermath of the Seoul Olympics, under the leadership of the New Zealand Olympic and Commonwealth Games Association. Following a review by the Hillary Commission, The New Zealand Sports Drug Agency (NZSDA) was established as a committee of the Hillary Commission. Then, in 1995 the NZSDA was established as a Crown Entity under the New Zealand Sports Drug Agency Act 1994. In October 2005, the New Zealand Sports Drug Agency changed its name to Drug Free Sport New Zealand - a name that reflects the mission and vision of the agency more precisely.
About Drug Free Sport New Zealand: The Drug Free Sport New Zealand website outlines the mission and history of the agency. It also contains testing statistics by sport, with details of positive tests and what action was taken. The site lists banned and permitted substances, with specific sections covering asthma medication, over-the-counter medications and marijuana. The FAQ page explains how testing is conducted in New Zealand. The site has specific resources for national sport organisations (NSOs).
About the Sports Disputes Tribunal: The Sports Disputes Tribunal of New Zealand is the principal hearing body for anti-doping violations in New Zealand. Its website provides information on recent decisions and includes media releases.
Go to top - What drugs do athletes take? Why? What are the side effects?
- The Drug Free Sport New Zealand website lists banned substances and has an Education section that details what each substance does, why athletes take it, what the desired effects and side effects are.
Go to top - What's being done internationally about drugs in sport?
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The World Anti Doping Agency (WADA) works with the International Olympic Committee, national Olympic committees, international sports federations, national anti-doping organisations and the athletes themselves to deter doping by coordinating a comprehensive anti-doping programme at the international level.
WADA published the World Anti-Doping Code (PDF) in 2003, after a Resolution that accepts the Code as the basis for the fight against doping in sport was adopted by all major sports federations and nearly 80 governments at the World Conference on Doping in Sport in Copenhagen, Denmark. All countries and sports must adopt the Code to be able to compete at the Olympic Games. In October 2005, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) finalised the International Convention Against Doping in Sport, an international treaty that governments can adopt as a sign of their commitment to applying the WADA code in their countries. New Zealand accepted the Convention on 23 December 2005.
Go to top - I'm a student - where can I find information on drugs in sport?
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You should start at the Drug Free Sport NZ site - it has lots of resources and information you'll find useful.
A great site to look at is the UK Start Clean site. It includes a Students' Zone where you can download resources, read the latest news related to anti-doping and review doping results from around the world.
Go to top Events and awards- Where can I find out about the Sir Terry McLean National Sports Journalists Awards?
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The awards are held every year in about October/November.
Go to top - Where can I find out about the Maori Sports Awards?
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The National Maori Sports Awards are held every year. For information, visit the Maori Sports Awards website or contact the Maori Sports Awards Coordinator, PO Box 23 650, Papatoetoe, Auckland.
Go to top - How can I find out what sport and recreation events are on?
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- See our Events listing - this tells you about events SPARC is involved in (eg, as a sponsor).
- Visit NZ Live. This Ministry for Culture and Heritage portal tells you about a wide range of events and attractions, at a national and regional level.
- Visit Eventfinder. This events calendar lists local, regional and national events.
- To find out what's on in your area, contact your council or regional sports trust.
Go to top Funding- How can I get funding from SPARC?
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SPARC's funding is targeted at national level organisations. We don't offer funding to individuals or local sports clubs (but there are suggestions below for how individuals and local sports clubs can find funding).
- High performance athletes: SPARC provides funding for high performance athletes to compete overseas through the relevant national sport organisations (NSOs). If you are an elite athlete seeking funding, you should talk to your NSO. You can find out about other ways we support high performance athletes in the Elite Sport section of this website.
- NSOs: If you're enquiring about funding for a national sport organisation, please see the NSO area of this website.
- NROs: National recreation organisations (NROs) should read Investing in Recreation - Guidelines for National Recreation Organisations (PDF, 3 MB).
- Territorial authorities: For information on how SPARC invests in territorial authorities (local and regional councils), see the information about SPARC's Active Communities investment programme in the Active Communities area of this site.
- Individuals or clubs: If you're an individual or club seeking funding, consider the following sources of information:
Go to top - Who is eligible to apply to SPARC for funding under the Iwi Grants Scheme?
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The following are eligible: iwi authorities, runanga, trust boards, kura, kohanga reo, national Maori sporting bodies and Maori recreational organisations. Contact your local He Oranga Poutama kaiwhakahaere to apply.
Go to top Health and obesity- What is a Green Prescription?
- A Green Prescription (GRx) is a health professional's written advice to a patient to be more physically active.
Go to top - Where can I find resources and ideas on ways to get more active?
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Look in the Active Living section of this website. You'll find interactive tools, downloads, activity plans and an order form for getting hold of Push Play gear.
If you've got kids, also check out the Active Children section. Use the left-hand menu to browse around and find ideas on how you can get your 0-5 year old, primary school child or secondary schooler moving and healthy!
Go to top - What factors affect participation (or non-participation) in sport and physical activity?
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The Obstacles to Action research provides insight into why people do - or don't - participate in physical activity. SPARC and the Cancer Society surveyed more than 8000 New Zealanders, and found six different groups of inactive people.
Key barriers include:
- lack of time and/or energy
- lack of encouragement or support from others
- difficulty in sticking to a routine.
Key motivators include:
- awareness that physical activity is good for you
- desire to maintain a healthy weight
- desire for approval by others.
Go to top - What are the health benefits of physical activity?
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We have two publications that may help you answer this question.
Go to top High performance sport- What is the relationship between the New Zealand Academy of Sport and the regional operations?
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The New Zealand Academy of Sport (NZAS) provides technical support and targeted financial resources for national sport organisations' high performance programmes.
The 'regional operations' of the Academy are contracted to provide a range of essential support services in sport science, sport medicine and career and education to carded high-performance athletes and coaches.
You can find out more about the NZAS in the Elite Sport section of this website.
Go to top - What is the New Zealand Academy of Sport?
- The New Zealand Academy of Sport is SPARC's high performance network. The Academy provides world-class expertise, services and facilities for New Zealand's best athletes, our promising young athletes, and their coaches.
The Academy network is made up of the New Zealand Academy of Sport National Office and three regionally based operations. You can read more about the Academy in the Elite Sport section of this website.
Go to top - What sporting scholarships are available to individuals in high-performance sport?
- The Elite Sport section of this website has information on:
Go to top - What is the ACE programme?
- The New Zealand Academy of Sport's Athlete Career and Education (ACE ) programme provides all eligible athletes with a range of free career, educational and professional development services.
Go to top - Which atheletes are carded athletes?
- A carded athlete is an athlete who is either from a carded sport or has a personal grant from the New Zealand Academy of Sport (NZAS) and holds a valid NZAS card.
Go to top Jobs and training- How can I find out about vacancies in sport and recreation in New Zealand?
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- See SPARC's Vacancies section. This lists jobs across the sport and recreation sector in New Zealand, jobs at SPARC and some high-level international vacancies.
- See Leisure Jobs - this website lists jobs in the fitness industry in New Zealand.
Go to top - How can I get a job as an He Oranga Poutama kaiwhakahaere or Maori Sports Coordinator?
- All jobs in the Maori sport sector are advertised by regional sports trusts (RSTs) and iwi authorities. Vacancies are usually advertised on RST websites and in local newspapers.
Also check out our Vacancies section, where you can read a list of jobs in the sport and recreation sector and a list of jobs available at SPARC.
Go to top - Where can I get information about training and qualifications that will enable me to work in the sport, fitness and leisure industry in New Zealand?
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- SFRITO (the Sport, Recreation and Fitness Industry Training Organisation) has information about qualifications and training.
- KiwiQuals is a government website that lists all tertiary qualifications available in New Zealand. You can search by keyword, level of course, type of institution and more. More than 200 sports-related courses are listed.
- The New Zealand Recreation Association (NZRA) has information about the training and resources they provide for professional people and organisations.
- Career Services has information to help you make decisions about which job, training or career path is right for you.
Go to top Legal- What are the legal obligations and liabilities of event organisers and sporting organisations in NZ?
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There are guidelines in the Policy section of our website that provide further information:
See also Guidelines for Risk Management in Sport and Recreation. This is available through the Standards New Zealand website.
Other resources
Go to top Officials- What are my legal obligations as a sports official (referee/umpire)?
- In the modern sporting environment there is a greater awareness of individual rights and of sports' obligations towards health and safety. SPARC has produced a booklet entitled "Legal Issues and Risk Management for Sports Officials" (PDF) which highlights the legal obligations of officials and how best to meet those obligations. For a free hard copy, contact your regional sports trust.
Go to top - How do I become a sports official (referee/umpire)?
Sports officials are usually recruited, trained and coordinated by the regional sporting organisations. Many sports provide introductory training and support to help get you started as an official. If you don't know the contact details for your regional organisation contact the National Sporting Organisation - they should be able to help. There is a shortage of officials in many sports so they would love to hear from you!
Go to top Organisations- Who are the regional sports trusts and what do they do?
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Regional sports trusts are SPARC's partners in the community. They deliver our programmes at a local level and distribute resources (you can contact them to request drink bottles, t-shirts, hacky sacks etc, and some pamphlets and publications).
Go to top - How do I start a sports club in my area?
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Information about starting a club is available in our Publications section (scroll down to 'Running Sport'). In this section there are a number of useful documents about the following programmes:
- The Running Sport 1 programme is aimed at club level administrative activity - primarily the club committee, which is generally responsible for both the policymaking and operational aspects of the club
- Running Sport 2 is the second level of SPARC's sports leadership programme - targeted at regional and national sports organisations.
For further information, please contact your local regional sports trust or the relevant national sport organisation.
Go to top People with disabilities- What is SPARC's policy and strategic plan for New Zealanders with a disability?
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No Exceptions is SPARC's policy for people with a disability in New Zealand. It provides guidelines to enable people with a disability to have access to quality sports experiences and provides common goals for people working in the area.
Go to top Physical activity- What is the Rural Travel Fund and who can apply?
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SPARC's Rural Travel Fund is designed to subsidise travel for junior teams participating in local sport competitions. The Rural Travel Fund is open to rural sports clubs and rural school teams in council areas that have less than 10 people per square kilometre (it isn't available to individuals). It is managed and distributed by councils - you need to contact your local council to apply.
To find out more, including which council areas are eligible, read the Rural Travel Fund information in the Active Communities section of this website.
Go to top - What is Push Play?
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Push Play is a SPARC initiative that aims to get New Zealanders off the sofa and into a more active life. Push Play is based on research that shows that everyone can benefit from physical activity - even small amounts. Just 30 minutes of moderate physical activity on most days of the week will put bounce back into your life. You'll feel better and be healthier.
Go to top - What is SPARC doing to help increase physical activity for Maori?
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SPARC has a programme called He Oranga Poutama, which aims to increase physical activity by Maori in Aotearoa.
Success in increasing physical activity is achieved through evidence-based planning, strategic partnering between organisations, getting good information to communities and providing kaupapa Maori activities. Also important is promoting active transport and sport and recreational opportunities.
Local organisations have appointed kaiwhakahaere whose main role is to ensure that sports and recreation programmes achieve good outcomes for Maori.
Go to top - Where can I get a copy of the 'beep test' CD or tape?
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Unfortunately SPARC is no longer able to supply the 'beep test'.
Go to top - Where can I find out about health promotion in the workplace?
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The Activity-Friendly Workplaces programme assists employers, human resource managers and anybody wanting to promote health and fitness programmes in the work environment.
Go to top - Where can I find information about people with disabilities and their rights in sport?
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The No Exceptions Strategy is intended to guide the strategies and actions of all agencies involved in the provision of physical recreation and sport opportunities for disabled people.
Go to top - Where can I find out about physical activity and nutrition programmes in my area?
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- The Database of Nutrition and Physical Activity Programmes is a directory of public health nutrition and physical activity programmes. The programmes are listed by target groups and regions throughout New Zealand. The information has been collected by SPARC and Agencies for Nutrition Action, who promote and maintain the database.
- You can also find out about physical activity and nutrition programmes by phoning 0800 ACTIVE (0800 228 483). This number goes through to your nearest regional sports trust, who will be able to give you detailed information.
Go to top Publications- Where can I find SPARC publications?
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Visit the Publications area in 'About SPARC'.
Publications are listed under:
Go to top - How can I get copies of SPARC publications?
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Printed copies of many of our publications can be ordered through your local regional sports trust.
However, most of our publications are available on this website:
- The Active Movement brochures are for parents and early childhood teachers. They cover a range of activities for 0 to 5 year olds to help with healthy development. (Use the left-hand menu to browse.)
- Active Schools resources are for primary and intermediate schools to use to improve physical activity opportunities and experiences for children. (Use the left-hand menu to browse.)
- Sportfit resources are for secondary school teachers, students and their parents. They encourage 13 to 18 year olds to be physically active throughout their lives. (Use the left-hand menu to browse.)
- Push Play resources, the Activator and Action Packs for Kids have lots of fun ideas for getting more active.
- Green Prescription resources include downloads for health professionals as well as resources for you to use to get started on a healthier lifestyle.
- All our research material is in the Research area of the site. Use the left-hand menu to browse around and find out about trends in kiwis' participation in sport, what obstacles to action have been identified and which sports are most popular.
Go to top ResearchSPARC- How is SPARC funded?
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SPARC receives revenue from two main sources - the Lottery Grants Board and direct Vote funding from the Government. In 2002/03 the total revenue for the organisation will be $50 million and this is expected to increase to just over $70 million by 2005/06.
SPARC invests funds in three key areas - Sport Development, Physical Activity (primarily through the Push Play campaign) and High Performance.
For more information, see our Statement of Intent.
Go to top - Can I get funding from SPARC?
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- The FAQ under Funding (below) gives you a good overview.
- You could also read the Funding and investment information in 'About SPARC' on this site.
Go to top - What is SPARC's legal status?
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SPARC is a public sector organisation (meaning it is responsible to the government and people of New Zealand).
Go to top - What is SPARC's Statement of Intent?
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SPARC's Statement of Intent (SOI) is essentially a planning document that sets out what we aim to achieve over the next three years, and the milestones we'll use to measure our progress.
SPARC's Statement of Intent also sets out how government funds are being invested in the sport and recreation sector.
Go to top - Who is the CEO of SPARC and who are the top-level managers?
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You can find out about our leadership team in the 'About SPARC' area of this website.
Go to top - Why are you called SPARC?
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SPARC was formed in 2003 from a merger of three organisations: the Hillary Commission, the Sports Foundation and the policy arm of the Office of Tourism and Sport.
The merger was recommended by a review carried out by the Ministerial Taskforce on Sport, Fitness and Leisure (2000). The review also recommended that the newly formed organisation be given a new name.
The name Sport and Recreation New Zealand (SPARC) was chosen in consultation with the office of the Minster of Sport and Recreation and the Board of the new entity.
Go to top - How can I get drink bottles, posters, publications and other resources from SPARC?
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You can use the Push Play order form to request drink bottles, t-shirts, hacky sacks, stickers, brochures and a whole lot of other gear that will help you get active.
You can also request printed materials from regional sports trusts (RSTs). Use the regional sports trust map to find your local RST. (Regional sports trusts are SPARC's partners in the community and they distribute printed publications and other resources for us.)
You can access a lot of our resources online. Look under Active Children and Active Living - browse around using the left-hand menu. (In Active Living you can check out the online Activator and the animated Action Packs for Kids.)
Go to top Sport in NZ- How do I join a sports club in my area?
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Go to top - What sizes should the playing fields, goal posts, nets etc be for different sports?
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The Australian Sports Commission website provides this information for a large range of indoor and outdoor sports.
Go to top - How do I register a new sport?
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There is no organisation in New Zealand that requires the registration of a new sport - but if you intend to establish an incorporated society, company or charitable trust to administer it, then information and an application needs to be made to the Registrar of Incorporated Societies. You may also find that it makes sense to partner with an existing national sports organisation if the code you wish to start up is a derivative of a sport that already has a structure established.
Go to top - What are the names of New Zealand's national sporting teams?
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New Zealand's national teams that have team names include:
- Basketball: Tall Blacks (Men's team) Tall Ferns (Women's team)
- Cricket: Black Caps (Men's team) White Ferns (Women's team)
- Hockey: Black Sticks (Women's team)
- Ice Hockey: Ice Blacks (Men's team)
- Netball: Silver Ferns (Women's team)
- Paralympics: Wheelblacks (Men's Wheelchair Rugby team)
- Rugby League: Kiwis (Men's team) Kiwi Ferns (Women's team)
- Rugby: All Blacks (Men's team) Black Ferns (Women's team)
- Soccer: All Whites (Men's team)
- Softball: Black Sox (Men's team) White Sox (Women's team)
Go to top Young people- What is SportsMark?
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SportsMark is a mark of quality in the delivery of sports services to young people. It is about best practice and uses a self-review tool that is based on the principles of the National Junior Sport Policy - Moving through Sport.
Go to top - What is the Kiwisport Leadership Award?
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The Kiwisport Leadership Award, also known as Sport Leader, is a national award for young people aged 15 and upwards who have an interest in sport, fitness and active leisure and want to develop skills which will equip them to take on the many and varied roles available in sport and the opportunity to develop as a leader through sport.
You can download the following resources from this website:
Go to top - Where can I get a copy of SportSCID?
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SportSCID is available for download from our website, for free.
SportSCID is a Microsoft Excel database that you can download for FREE to assist the Sports Department in your school with the day to day running of your Sports Programme.
Go to top Updated | 28 Feb 2007.
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