Clubs Project Survey 2016
Summary of Findings
- 51 Federations responded to the survey.
- All countries with the exception of Russia have some form of independent club system. Sports schools are quite prominent in some former
- Eastern Bloc countries catering for the emerging talented young athletes.
Nature of Clubs
Most clubs are independent and managed mainly by volunteers, with a small number having the assistance of some paid staff.
Where there is a tradition of volunteering in the country the club system is generally well structured. It should be noted that in some countries, particularly those with a history of a state supported and controlled sports system, establishing an independent club structure has proven to be quite difficult.
Club Links
In some cases clubs are part of a Multi Sport structure and may be linked to Municipal and Education systems. A number of countries have Army and Police Clubs who in some cases pay their athletes.
Finance
Independent clubs are generally financed from member’s subscriptions and fund raising. Club subscription rates vary widely across jurisdictions. The organisation of Mass Participation events provides some funding to the clubs although this does not appear to be a common practice.
Municipal funding applies in some countries although it appears not to be substantial and not the main source of income. In some instances local sponsorship can be a source of income.
Liaison and Affiliation to Federations
Affiliation fees per club, and in some cases per athlete, are in place in many countries. These fees are sometimes also used to cover insurance costs.
Federation Support
The support provided by federations varies widely with a few providing grant aid to clubs directly. A number have a system of Account Managers operating in regional areas whose function is to assist clubs with putting in place proper management structures. They also assist in the formulation of business plans. Development Officers are also employed by some federations with their functions including assisting in the establishment of new clubs and rolling out new programmes such as “Fit for Life”. These Development Officers also facilitate Coaching Courses to increase the knowledge base at club level.
Facilities
Municipal tracks and facilities are mainly used by clubs with few having their own independently maintained ones. The upkeep of these can be a source of difficulty with relationships with the local authorities in many cases being a key issue
Coaches
Voluntary Coaches provide the coaching in most clubs with some receiving a nominal payment. Keeping them involved in Athletics can be a challenge as with the transferable skills they have obtained they can be attracted to other sports where payment applies. The continuous upskilling of coaches is also an area where clubs can have issues.
Competition
Regional and National competitions seem to be available to meet the needs in most cases. Competitions are accessible ranging from under 10 right up to senior level with a lot of clubs very much orientated to the competition model. Smaller countries like San Marino, Lichtenstein and Monaco compete in neighbouring countries.
Consultation with the clubs
Some countries federations have annual or twice yearly meetings with clubs to receive their input and explore how the federation can best assist them. Uniquely in one country it appears that the more competitions a club participates in, and the better results it achieves, the more votes it gets at national federation level.
ECCC Competitions
A minority of federations it appears support clubs who wish to compete in ECCC competitions. In some instances having sufficient numbers to assemble Track and Field teams with the diversity of events required makes it impossible to compete. In other countries the finance required to travel is also problematic. Where clubs have a tradition in cross country for example they will focus on that.
Mass Participation
The evolution of mass participation events is seen by some clubs as opposing their old style tried and trusted competition model. Others see it as an opportunity to reach a different clientele. Commercial entities with their more aggressive marketing approach are providing a challenge to existing clubs.
The Future
The evolution of mass participation events is seen by some clubs as opposing their old style tried and trusted competition model. Others see it as an opportunity to reach a different clientele. Commercial entities with their more aggressive marketing approach are providing a challenge to existing clubs.
