Sport has changed significantly in the last 10 years. I’m not talking about a few rule changes, I’m talking about the way sport is presented, viewed, delivered, consumed and played.
Some of the change appears to happen slowly, and goes unnoticed at the time.
Some changes meet fierce opposition or disagreement if too radical or unpalatable for some.
Whichever the case, change happens.
If you’re not sure, just look back at any sports broadcasts from 2012, and you’ll see it. Take a look at your organisation and you’ll see it.
As our modern society accelerates into an ever changing future, sport naturally has changed with it.
Simple things which were once on wish lists are now the expected norm. For example, registration days were once a big day on a club’s calendar, but a quick, user-friendly online registration process is crucial now.
Likewise, legislative requirements and expectations on volunteers have increased. Important changes such as child protection policies and procedures, including Working With Children Checks are now standard practice.
You can’t ignore change, whether you agree with it or not.
Yet, there are many who continue to resist change and want to go back to the “good ol’ days”. Their nostalgia is strong, and the want to rekindle or re-live times that meant something to them personally drives their decision making.
But it’s no good continuing to look backwards.
It’s all about your future, and what you can do with it.
When planning and strategizing for your sports future, there are a few questions that you need to regularly ask:
- Do we clearly understand why our sport exists, our purpose?
- What does a healthy version of our sport look like in 10 years?
- How do we see the growth rate of participants change over the coming decade?
- As a sport/organisation, have we got a committed focus to ensuring we become an increasingly diverse and inclusive sport, and what does this look like in 10 years?
- What does our online presence and our tech requirements look like in 2032?
- Are we investing in the volunteers now, so they are the custodians of our sport in 10 years?
Sport is a competitive outlet, and its greatest competition is against other fierce competitors all planning and trying to remain relevant in the hearts and minds of people in 10 years time.
You won’t solve for everything, but asking these questions, challenging yourselves and being a proactive and agile sport will prepare you for anything.
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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