Growing your membership
Being inclusive - No Exceptions
There are far more barriers for people with disabilities who want to enjoy the same opportunities to participate in sport, recreation or physical activity than there are for people without disabilities.
The vision of the New Zealand Disability Strategy is: A society that highly values our lives and continually enhances our full participation.
This shapes SPARC's No Exceptions Strategy as it envisions 'All people participating in the physical recreation and sport activities of their choice'. Your club’s use of the No Exceptions Strategy needs to be consistent with the following principles:
- All New Zealanders have a right to access recreation and sport opportunities.
- Individuals and organisations need to work together in partnership.
- Any initiatives need to be sustainable and have a long-term, community development focus.
- Disabled people participate in sport and recreation for a range of reasons like all other people.
- Disabled people are experts about their own recreational needs, interests and issues.
- Disabled people will take leadership and planning roles.
The ability to participate in sport and recreation is the essential right of everyone in our communities. For disabled people this is not always the case because of attitudes, lack of opportunities and inadequate facilities that prevent participation.
It's your role to make sure that your sports or recreation club is an inclusive one that provides opportunities for everyone within your community. Our wider community is becoming more flexible and inclusive towards individuals with disabilities. As a community-based sports or recreation club, you have the ability to lead and inspire other organisations and individuals by making No Exceptions.
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SPARC and active children
We need our children to be more active, more often - right from the start. SPARC has a wide range of programmes and resources available for those working with primary and secondary school children. It's a commitment to keeping our kids active and healthy that your club can take a part in.
The three main initiatives run by SPARC are:
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People and partners
Good partnerships contribute a lot to a successful club. There are many community-based groups that will be able to provide assistance and support for your sports club. Tapping into these resources will not only allow your club to use this support but it will also make sure that the wider community is able to access your club and form partnerships with you as members and volunteers.
Local government
Firstly, check what your local government organisations (your local or district council) are able to offer your club. The easiest way to do this initially is to have a look on the internet. A positive relationship can be established with your local council by understanding the role of local government as well as putting a few simple strategies in place to keep them informed about your club and its needs.
Your local council:
- Can provide ongoing advice and support for your organisation. Some council's have a Recreation Officer or Community Services Officer appointed for this purpose.
- May have funds available to assist in developing sport and recreation facilities and projects
- May have a sport and recreation Council or Committee that provides opportunities for input from sporting and community groups into council sport and recreation policies and issues.
- May have a club development program to assist clubs with their management and administration.
It may be helpful for your club to nominate a contact person who is responsible for liaising with the Council. In the first instance, this person could set up an initial meeting to discuss how your organisation and local Council could work effectively together. There could also be forums and meetings that the Council runs that your club could attend. The easiest way to find this information is by looking on the internet.
Things you can do to establish a good relationship with your local government:
- Get to know your council through elected-members, senior officers and recreation and maintenance staff.
- Invite council representatives to club functions, being hospitable, asking them to present trophies and, most importantly, show appreciation for the services they provide.
- Understand the problems that your council is having and help them with issues that affect your club. For example, establish a joint committee to examine your sport's development in the district.
- Offer to assist in coaching and recreation programs of the council. Acknowledge your council whenever you can, particularly in any public arena.
- Don't complain, but rather approach problems constructively and seek "win-win" solutions.
- Encourage a variety of community groups to take an interest in your sport by inviting them to participate in club activities.
- Insist on good behaviour, both on and off the field, displaying good sportsmanship and avoiding bad language.
- Be good neighbours and form relationships with those who own property adjacent to your ground or who also use it (complaints to the council will tarnish your image immediately).
- Establish a positive public relations program by appointing one of your members to carry out defined tasks, such as issuing press releases and liaison with the Council.
Regional Sports Trusts (RSTs) and National Sports Organisations (NSOs)
Another vital partnership for your sports club will be with your local regional sports trust. They will be able to provide you with specific information on the kind of clubs and activities that are operating in your local area. They are also able to provide you with resources such as information on your club's particular sport that will prove valuable for your coaches, members and management committee. National sport organisations and national recreational organisations will also be a great source of information on your club's particular sport or recreation.
Schools
For many sport and recreation clubs, local schools with be key partners in running a community-focused club. Your club can play an important part in getting kids active and contributing to their health and well-being. Parents and teachers can offer valuable volunteer assistance in running your club and coaching its members.
Great partnerships with your local schools will also ensure that 'up-and-coming' players have a ready formed relationship with your club when it comes time for them to leave their school club.
Here are some tips for building successful partnerships with local schools:
- Join forces with parents, teachers and coaches already involved with school sports teams.
- Get to know the players within the school teams and make your sports club accessible to them with events such as open training sessions or guest speaker evenings.
- Form an understanding with your local schools about your club and make information on what you offer and how to join easily available through the school e.g. through school newsletters.
- Take a lead in approaching schools and make sure you have a good point of contact available from your club to go out into the local school community.
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Resources and more information
The Office for Disability Issues has more information on the New Zealand Disability Strategy and its implementation.
More information that you can use for your club to grow your membership includes:
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