Sports clubs take ‘big step forward’
SPORTS clubs and organisations are being driven to be the best that they can be by a quality assurance scheme launched last year.
The Guernsey Sports Commission’s SportsMark has exceeded its target for the first year of operation.
It was launched in March 2021. So far 25 member sports have achieved the accreditation with others nearly ready for sign-off.
‘We’re extremely heartened by the fantastic response from our clubs and organisations who have fully embraced the SportsMark initiative,’ said Steve Sharman, the commission’s Relationship Director who has overall responsibility for the scheme.
‘When we launched this a year ago, we set ourselves the ambitious target of getting all our member sports to achieve the standard within three years. We have 51 member sports and, so far, nearly half have already been awarded SportsMark within the first year of operation. That’s great progress and we’re continuing to work with our remaining member sports to support them to reach the standard.’
A sporting organisation displaying the SportsMark logo will have provided the commission with evidence of: high standards of welfare and safeguarding; being well managed with appropriate corporate governance; sound financial practices; appropriately qualified coaches; a coaching strategy; a development plan.
‘Where sport is now, and where it was in terms of organisations being the best they can be on any given day, has taken a big step forward. Our sports are really embracing SportsMark and they are proud that achieving the standard shows the community that they are playing their part in keeping the island safe.’
The Guernsey Sailing Trust has recently been awarded SportsMark.
Sailing development officer Clare Chapple said the process to gain the accreditation has been simple.
‘We’re honoured to be given the Sports Mark award for 2022,’ said Clare.
‘Running a safe, fun and inclusive sailing centre is very important to all of our staff and this award gives parents and carers who entrust their children to us the reassurance they need, regardless of how much sailing knowledge they have.
‘We’re proud to deliver high standards of coaching, welfare, equality and management at the Guernsey Sailing Trust, which is recognised by this award.’
The leadership and governance of sport remains a priority for the Commission.
‘We’re continuing to work with a range of agencies and partners on all aspects of safeguarding and training,’ said Steve.
‘It’s not about us telling sports what to do, it’s about working with them to understand their role and supporting them to identify where the gaps are so that they feel confident where they are and how they can continue to develop and improve.’
Sports and organisations who have achieved SportsMark to date are:
Beau Sejour Barracudas Swimming Club
British Show Jumping Guernsey Branch
Guernsey Amalgamated Boxing Club
Guernsey Amateur Swimming Association
Guernsey Billiards and Snooker Association
Guernsey Table Tennis Association
Guernsey Volleyball Association
Guernsey Yacht Club (Junior Section)
