For generations, sports governing bodies simply co-ordinated representative teams, competitions and revenues, and left the role of driving participation to passionate, engaged and well- meaning local volunteers.
A thankless and increasingly tough task for unpaid workers with numerous demands on their time.
Only recently have governing bodies recognised participation’s real value to their sport.
Participation converts participants players, coaches, umpires and parents to fans, creates lifelong followers and generates the re-investment needed to grow.
The sport and entertainment marketplace is now global so this has never been more important.
Hence attention has turned to community fields and courts across Australia.
Many organisations are already addressing their participation challenges and opportunities, and are well underway in adapting how their sport is promoted, offered and delivered.
But not all sports have been able to invest the time and resources into participation that they’d like to.
Some are not sure where to begin, others are tied up in historic governance politics and others simply haven’t had time to think about it. All are losing ground in the fight for the hearts and minds of the Australian community.
When they are not sure, they go back to safety of what they know – coordinating representative teams, competitions and revenues.
But it’s never too late! Every sport is unique, but the challenges faced are often not.
Accepting the need to focus on increasing your sport’s participation is the first step.
If your sport is still only focused on the best of the best, it’s time to refocus on the rest.
Have a great day!
Ivan Spyrdz
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By the way, I’ve released an e-book called “GROWING YOUR GAME – How to buck the trend of declining participation in traditional sport”. This e-book provides insights and options on how to evolve the way your sport is viewed, enjoyed and loved by all Australians. If you want to grow participation and results in your sport, I invite you to grab a copy by downloading it free here.
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