Sports Community research into the reality of how sports clubs are run

Sports Community in conjunction with University of Canberra Sports Management interns, Emily Zindilis and Rachel Engelhardt are undertaking new and exciting research to identify how community sports clubs are really run.

The survey was established after those involved recognising there is little research that identifies how clubs are run at an operational level.

The initial preparation stage for the survey involved interviews with a variety of key sporting professionals from local, state and national levels. The purpose of conducting the initial interviews was to further develop our understanding of how industry professional perceive how sporting clubs are run at operational level.

The main aim of this research is to identify the key operational characteristics of sporting clubs Australia wide. Sports Community is seeking to identify some of the challenges that sporting clubs are faced with and more importantly how the sports industry can help and support these clubs. This industry knowledge is going to prove vital in understanding the member’s perspectives, what happens in day-to-day operations and overall, improve the sustainability of clubs. In addition this research will prove beneficial to a number of industry professionals, as they will be able to consider what really happens and the best way to create strategies to assist in the day to day challenges faced by the clubs.

Launched at the beginning of this month, this inaugural Sports Community Club Capacity Survey will remain open until midnight on the 5th October 2014.

So far, over 500 clubs have responded with Sports Community aiming to get over 2,000 respondents - which would make it some of the most substantial research ever undertaken into grass roots sport.

The outcomes of the survey will help improve sustainability of sporting clubs in Australia. Sports Community and its sports and government partners will utilize this research in order to develop resources that support sports clubs and their volunteers. Rachel and Emily will also utilise survey findings as the basis of their major research paper for their sports management degree.

 The Survey will only take 10 minutes to complete and, while providing information about Australian sporting clubs, those who complete the survey have the opportunity to win great prizes.

The prizes on offer include a $400 Choice Hotels Accommodation voucher, and one of 10 copies of Sports Community’s soon to be realised e-book, Social Media and Communication Tactics for Sports Clubs.

On completion of the survey all respondents will have the opportunity to fill out their details to enter.

Sports Community are asking councils and sporting bodies to circulate the Survey above link to their affiliated clubs.

The outcomes of this survey are going to further enhance the knowledge and understanding of the capacities of grassroots sport clubs and their volunteers. On completion of this survey a summary of the results will be made publicly available to further benefit the sporting community.

Click here to take part in the Survey.

For more information contact Sports Community on 03 5973 6404 or go to www.sportscommunity.com.au/survey

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