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prepared by URBANSCALE + here studio for Ballarat Regional Athletics Centre
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1
BRAC Future PlanStrategic Opportunities
prepared by URBANSCALE + here studio
for Ballarat Regional Athletics Centre
July 2014
2
Project introduction
Background
Athletics, like many sports, is undergoing significant changes in the modern era: while data indicates growth in non-competitive sports participation, much of this growth is occurring outside of existing club structures. The impacts of this are many: incremental decline at club level, with flow-on effects on the types of activities offered; lower levels of income generation; under-use and/or decline of physical assets; decline in volunteer numbers, complicated by higher demands on boards of management and regulatory burden.
To have a positive strategic impact, BRAC requires new knowledge: it must gain a clear, deep understanding of the drivers of athletics participation in Ballarat and the region so it can set a vision, directions, determine priorities, form partnerships, and seeking funding for programs and projects that will meet the expectations of the athletics community. A process of this kind gives BRAC an opportunity to align itself to the policies, programs and investment flowing from local, state and federal governments, as well as Athletics Victoria and Athletics Australia.
To develop a meaningful, long-lasting and high-impact Future Plan, BRAC needs to engage with its members, the athletics community and sporting stakeholders to understand the mood for change: is it ambivalence (i.e. ignore and avoid the change), open hope (trust others to work it out), or indeed diverse ambition (opportunities and goals through change)? Planning for change and growth at this level is not only about identifying these sentiments, but encouraging positions to be connected to capacity and awareness, and planning together the future that is desired, as well as how to get there.
The Future Plan therefore has the potential to identify, explore and unlock the value within the athletics community – the social/people and physical assets – and to leverage these into opportunities.
The process so far
The BRAC Future Plan project aims to provide extensive engagement with athletes and stakeholders from Council, State Government, Athletics Victoria and other groups, and includes an exploration of sporting strategy, policy and programs at the local, state and national level.
In May 2014, a three-hour workshop was held with members of the BRAC Board. This was followed by online community engagement managed via the BRAC Future Plan website.
Two surveys were released - the first, for members of any athletics club, whether in Ballarat or elsewhere, including Little Athletics (http://bracfutureplan.net.au/online-survey-athletics-club-members), and the second, for anyone interested in athletics who isn’t a member of a club (http://www.bracfutureplan.net.au/general-survey-about-athletics).
The survey took about 10 minutes to complete and included multiple choice and open questions on issues relating to growing and managing athletics in the Ballarat region. Eighty responses were received from clubs members and nineteen people responded to the general survey.
The following pages provide a summary of findings from the Board workshop and online engagement to date and are provided in preparation for the core stakeholder workshop to be held on 17 July 2014.
For further information, please visit www.bracfutureplan.net.au or contact Shannon Meadows, [email protected]
3
Club Member survey General survey
Total respondents: 80 Total respondents: 19
Gender
Age
Female
Male
13-17
25-34
35-44
45-54
55-64
65-74
Ballarat area
Western Victoria
Metro Melbourne
Other city
Daily
Several times a week
Only occasionally
Never
0
5
10
15
20Health and fitness
To challenge myself
Weight management
To compete in events
I enjoy the social aspects
It is something I can do with family/children
I don't
0
5
10
15
20Alone
Friends
Family members/my children
Other
Fitness instructor, personal trainer, or coach
Work colleagues
0
2
4
6
8
10
12No, I have never been a member
Yes, in the past
I would consider being a member in the future
Doesn't meet my needs at all
Neutral
Meets my needs
Always meets my needs
Not very well
Not well
Neutral
Well
Very well
Not very easy
Not easy
Neutral
Easy
Very easy
Would not be beneficial at all
Would not be beneficial
Neutral
Would be beneficial
Would be very beneficial
To what degree would athletics coaching and support benefit your participation?
How easy is it to get information about athletics clubs and events in the Ballarat region?
How well do you think athletics as a sport is promoted in the Ballarat region?
To what extent do the existing facilities meet your needs?
How often do you participate in athletics?
Where do you live?
What is your age?
Have you ever been a member of an athletics club?
Who do you participate with?
Why do you participate in athletic sports?What is your gender?
GenderFemale
Male
13-17
25-34
35-44
45-54
55-64
65-74
Ballarat area
Western Victoria
Metro Melbourne
Other city
Daily
Several times a week
Only occasionally
Never
0
5
10
15
20Health and fitness
To challenge myself
Weight management
To compete in events
I enjoy the social aspects
It is something I can do with family/children
I don't
0
5
10
15
20Alone
Friends
Family members/my children
Other
Fitness instructor, personal trainer, or coach
Work colleagues
0
2
4
6
8
10
12No, I have never been a member
Yes, in the past
I would consider being a member in the future
Doesn't meet my needs at all
Neutral
Meets my needs
Always meets my needs
Not very well
Not well
Neutral
Well
Very well
Not very easy
Not easy
Neutral
Easy
Very easy
Would not be beneficial at all
Would not be beneficial
Neutral
Would be beneficial
Would be very beneficial
To what degree would athletics coaching and support benefit your participation?
How easy is it to get information about athletics clubs and events in the Ballarat region?
How well do you think athletics as a sport is promoted in the Ballarat region?
To what extent do the existing facilities meet your needs?
How often do you participate in athletics?
Where do you live?
What is your age?
Have you ever been a member of an athletics club?
Who do you participate with?
Why do you participate in athletic sports?What is your gender? Female
Male
13-17
25-34
35-44
45-54
55-64
65-74
Ballarat area
Western Victoria
Metro Melbourne
Other city
Daily
Several times a week
Only occasionally
Never
0
5
10
15
20Health and fitness
To challenge myself
Weight management
To compete in events
I enjoy the social aspects
It is something I can do with family/children
I don't
0
5
10
15
20Alone
Friends
Family members/my children
Other
Fitness instructor, personal trainer, or coach
Work colleagues
0
2
4
6
8
10
12No, I have never been a member
Yes, in the past
I would consider being a member in the future
Doesn't meet my needs at all
Neutral
Meets my needs
Always meets my needs
Not very well
Not well
Neutral
Well
Very well
Not very easy
Not easy
Neutral
Easy
Very easy
Would not be beneficial at all
Would not be beneficial
Neutral
Would be beneficial
Would be very beneficial
To what degree would athletics coaching and support benefit your participation?
How easy is it to get information about athletics clubs and events in the Ballarat region?
How well do you think athletics as a sport is promoted in the Ballarat region?
To what extent do the existing facilities meet your needs?
How often do you participate in athletics?
Where do you live?
What is your age?
Have you ever been a member of an athletics club?
Who do you participate with?
Why do you participate in athletic sports?What is your gender?
Age
LocationLocation
Western Victoria
Metro Melbourne
In your view, how important are coaching programs to athlete development?
How easy is it to get information about athletics clubs and events in the Ballarat region?
How well do you think athletics as a sport is promoted in the Ballarat region?
To what extent do the existing facilities meet your needs?
How often do you participate in athletics(including competition)?
Where do you live?
What is your age?
Did you participate in Little Athletics as a child?
What was your (or your child’s) pathway into athletics?
At what level do you compete most regularly?
Do you compete in athletics events and meets regularly?
What is your gender?
Female
Male
5-12
13-17
18-24
25-34
35-44
45-54
55-64
Ballarat area
Western Victoria
Melbourne Metro
Other city
Other regional city
1-3 times a week
3-6 times a week
Daily
Yes, most weeks
Yes, a couple of times a month
Yes, when I can
No, not very often
0
10
20
30
40
50Club only
Club and BRAC races
Club, BRAC and AV races
Pros/VAL (track and field athletes only)
State level events
National level events
International level events
Yes
No
0
5
10
15
20
25
30School/university
Friends
Family
Neighbour
Inspired by Olympics or an athlete
Other
Not very well
Not well
Neutral
Well
Very well
Doesn't meet my needs at all
Rarely meets my needs
Neutral
Meets my needs
Always meets my needs
Not very easy
Not easy
Neutral
Easy
Not very important
Neutral
Important
Very important
Western Victoria
Metro Melbourne
In your view, how important are coaching programs to athlete development?
How easy is it to get information about athletics clubs and events in the Ballarat region?
How well do you think athletics as a sport is promoted in the Ballarat region?
To what extent do the existing facilities meet your needs?
How often do you participate in athletics(including competition)?
Where do you live?
What is your age?
Did you participate in Little Athletics as a child?
What was your (or your child’s) pathway into athletics?
At what level do you compete most regularly?
Do you compete in athletics events and meets regularly?
What is your gender?
Female
Male
5-12
13-17
18-24
25-34
35-44
45-54
55-64
Ballarat area
Western Victoria
Melbourne Metro
Other city
Other regional city
1-3 times a week
3-6 times a week
Daily
Yes, most weeks
Yes, a couple of times a month
Yes, when I can
No, not very often
0
10
20
30
40
50Club only
Club and BRAC races
Club, BRAC and AV races
Pros/VAL (track and field athletes only)
State level events
National level events
International level events
Yes
No
0
5
10
15
20
25
30School/university
Friends
Family
Neighbour
Inspired by Olympics or an athlete
Other
Not very well
Not well
Neutral
Well
Very well
Doesn't meet my needs at all
Rarely meets my needs
Neutral
Meets my needs
Always meets my needs
Not very easy
Not easy
Neutral
Easy
Not very important
Neutral
Important
Very important
Western Victoria
Metro Melbourne
In your view, how important are coaching programs to athlete development?
How easy is it to get information about athletics clubs and events in the Ballarat region?
How well do you think athletics as a sport is promoted in the Ballarat region?
To what extent do the existing facilities meet your needs?
How often do you participate in athletics(including competition)?
Where do you live?
What is your age?
Did you participate in Little Athletics as a child?
What was your (or your child’s) pathway into athletics?
At what level do you compete most regularly?
Do you compete in athletics events and meets regularly?
What is your gender?
Female
Male
5-12
13-17
18-24
25-34
35-44
45-54
55-64
Ballarat area
Western Victoria
Melbourne Metro
Other city
Other regional city
1-3 times a week
3-6 times a week
Daily
Yes, most weeks
Yes, a couple of times a month
Yes, when I can
No, not very often
0
10
20
30
40
50Club only
Club and BRAC races
Club, BRAC and AV races
Pros/VAL (track and field athletes only)
State level events
National level events
International level events
Yes
No
0
5
10
15
20
25
30School/university
Friends
Family
Neighbour
Inspired by Olympics or an athlete
Other
Not very well
Not well
Neutral
Well
Very well
Doesn't meet my needs at all
Rarely meets my needs
Neutral
Meets my needs
Always meets my needs
Not very easy
Not easy
Neutral
Easy
Not very important
Neutral
Important
Very important
4
The Athletics offer
Western Victoria
Metro Melbourne
In your view, how important are coaching programs to athlete development?
How easy is it to get information about athletics clubs and events in the Ballarat region?
How well do you think athletics as a sport is promoted in the Ballarat region?
To what extent do the existing facilities meet your needs?
How often do you participate in athletics(including competition)?
Where do you live?
What is your age?
Did you participate in Little Athletics as a child?
What was your (or your child’s) pathway into athletics?
At what level do you compete most regularly?
Do you compete in athletics events and meets regularly?
What is your gender?
Female
Male
5-12
13-17
18-24
25-34
35-44
45-54
55-64
Ballarat area
Western Victoria
Melbourne Metro
Other city
Other regional city
1-3 times a week
3-6 times a week
Daily
Yes, most weeks
Yes, a couple of times a month
Yes, when I can
No, not very often
0
10
20
30
40
50Club only
Club and BRAC races
Club, BRAC and AV races
Pros/VAL (track and field athletes only)
State level events
National level events
International level events
Yes
No
0
5
10
15
20
25
30School/university
Friends
Family
Neighbour
Inspired by Olympics or an athlete
Other
Not very well
Not well
Neutral
Well
Very well
Doesn't meet my needs at all
Rarely meets my needs
Neutral
Meets my needs
Always meets my needs
Not very easy
Not easy
Neutral
Easy
Not very important
Neutral
Important
Very important
Western Victoria
Metro Melbourne
In your view, how important are coaching programs to athlete development?
How easy is it to get information about athletics clubs and events in the Ballarat region?
How well do you think athletics as a sport is promoted in the Ballarat region?
To what extent do the existing facilities meet your needs?
How often do you participate in athletics(including competition)?
Where do you live?
What is your age?
Did you participate in Little Athletics as a child?
What was your (or your child’s) pathway into athletics?
At what level do you compete most regularly?
Do you compete in athletics events and meets regularly?
What is your gender?
Female
Male
5-12
13-17
18-24
25-34
35-44
45-54
55-64
Ballarat area
Western Victoria
Melbourne Metro
Other city
Other regional city
1-3 times a week
3-6 times a week
Daily
Yes, most weeks
Yes, a couple of times a month
Yes, when I can
No, not very often
0
10
20
30
40
50Club only
Club and BRAC races
Club, BRAC and AV races
Pros/VAL (track and field athletes only)
State level events
National level events
International level events
Yes
No
0
5
10
15
20
25
30School/university
Friends
Family
Neighbour
Inspired by Olympics or an athlete
Other
Not very well
Not well
Neutral
Well
Very well
Doesn't meet my needs at all
Rarely meets my needs
Neutral
Meets my needs
Always meets my needs
Not very easy
Not easy
Neutral
Easy
Not very important
Neutral
Important
Very important
Current State
One of BRAC’s primary responsibilities is organising and delivering year-round track and field and cross country competition in Ballarat. The track and field season runs from November to March-April each year, and includes weekly meets that form part of the Athletics Victoria Shield competition. Track meets are held at Llanberris Reserve and are typically on Saturday afternoon.
Cross Country season runs from April to October each year; it includes a series of events on Saturday afternoons where athletes compete as individuals, or in team relays, on behalf of their club. During the Cross Country season, BRAC also coordinates a Ballarat regional team as part of the 10-race Athletics Victoria XC Series. Eligible runners from the four adult athletics clubs self-nominate for selection, and can compete in individual and relay events across the State.
Issues identified by the Board
• Socialandemploymentchangesaffectingparticipationrates
• ToodependentonAVforprogramming
• Competitionfocus,notaboutparticipation
• Formatsarepredictableandnotexciting
• Offeris‘static’andhasn’tkeptpacewithsocialandsporting changes
• Schedulingiskeepingnewpeopleawayfromthesport
• Pooratmosphereatmeetsandraces,anddecreasedclub rivalry, due to low attendance
Western Victoria
Metro Melbourne
In your view, how important are coaching programs to athlete development?
How easy is it to get information about athletics clubs and events in the Ballarat region?
How well do you think athletics as a sport is promoted in the Ballarat region?
To what extent do the existing facilities meet your needs?
How often do you participate in athletics(including competition)?
Where do you live?
What is your age?
Did you participate in Little Athletics as a child?
What was your (or your child’s) pathway into athletics?
At what level do you compete most regularly?
Do you compete in athletics events and meets regularly?
What is your gender?
Female
Male
5-12
13-17
18-24
25-34
35-44
45-54
55-64
Ballarat area
Western Victoria
Melbourne Metro
Other city
Other regional city
1-3 times a week
3-6 times a week
Daily
Yes, most weeks
Yes, a couple of times a month
Yes, when I can
No, not very often
0
10
20
30
40
50Club only
Club and BRAC races
Club, BRAC and AV races
Pros/VAL (track and field athletes only)
State level events
National level events
International level events
Yes
No
0
5
10
15
20
25
30School/university
Friends
Family
Neighbour
Inspired by Olympics or an athlete
Other
Not very well
Not well
Neutral
Well
Very well
Doesn't meet my needs at all
Rarely meets my needs
Neutral
Meets my needs
Always meets my needs
Not very easy
Not easy
Neutral
Easy
Not very important
Neutral
Important
Very important
Club member survey data
5
Female
Male
13-17
25-34
35-44
45-54
55-64
65-74
Ballarat area
Western Victoria
Metro Melbourne
Other city
Daily
Several times a week
Only occasionally
Never
0
5
10
15
20Health and fitness
To challenge myself
Weight management
To compete in events
I enjoy the social aspects
It is something I can do with family/children
I don't
0
5
10
15
20Alone
Friends
Family members/my children
Other
Fitness instructor, personal trainer, or coach
Work colleagues
0
2
4
6
8
10
12No, I have never been a member
Yes, in the past
I would consider being a member in the future
Doesn't meet my needs at all
Neutral
Meets my needs
Always meets my needs
Not very well
Not well
Neutral
Well
Very well
Not very easy
Not easy
Neutral
Easy
Very easy
Would not be beneficial at all
Would not be beneficial
Neutral
Would be beneficial
Would be very beneficial
To what degree would athletics coaching and support benefit your participation?
How easy is it to get information about athletics clubs and events in the Ballarat region?
How well do you think athletics as a sport is promoted in the Ballarat region?
To what extent do the existing facilities meet your needs?
How often do you participate in athletics?
Where do you live?
What is your age?
Have you ever been a member of an athletics club?
Who do you participate with?
Why do you participate in athletic sports?What is your gender?
Female
Male
13-17
25-34
35-44
45-54
55-64
65-74
Ballarat area
Western Victoria
Metro Melbourne
Other city
Daily
Several times a week
Only occasionally
Never
0
5
10
15
20Health and fitness
To challenge myself
Weight management
To compete in events
I enjoy the social aspects
It is something I can do with family/children
I don't
0
5
10
15
20Alone
Friends
Family members/my children
Other
Fitness instructor, personal trainer, or coach
Work colleagues
0
2
4
6
8
10
12No, I have never been a member
Yes, in the past
I would consider being a member in the future
Doesn't meet my needs at all
Neutral
Meets my needs
Always meets my needs
Not very well
Not well
Neutral
Well
Very well
Not very easy
Not easy
Neutral
Easy
Very easy
Would not be beneficial at all
Would not be beneficial
Neutral
Would be beneficial
Would be very beneficial
To what degree would athletics coaching and support benefit your participation?
How easy is it to get information about athletics clubs and events in the Ballarat region?
How well do you think athletics as a sport is promoted in the Ballarat region?
To what extent do the existing facilities meet your needs?
How often do you participate in athletics?
Where do you live?
What is your age?
Have you ever been a member of an athletics club?
Who do you participate with?
Why do you participate in athletic sports?What is your gender?
Western Victoria
Metro Melbourne
In your view, how important are coaching programs to athlete development?
How easy is it to get information about athletics clubs and events in the Ballarat region?
How well do you think athletics as a sport is promoted in the Ballarat region?
To what extent do the existing facilities meet your needs?
How often do you participate in athletics(including competition)?
Where do you live?
What is your age?
Did you participate in Little Athletics as a child?
What was your (or your child’s) pathway into athletics?
At what level do you compete most regularly?
Do you compete in athletics events and meets regularly?
What is your gender?
Female
Male
5-12
13-17
18-24
25-34
35-44
45-54
55-64
Ballarat area
Western Victoria
Melbourne Metro
Other city
Other regional city
1-3 times a week
3-6 times a week
Daily
Yes, most weeks
Yes, a couple of times a month
Yes, when I can
No, not very often
0
10
20
30
40
50Club only
Club and BRAC races
Club, BRAC and AV races
Pros/VAL (track and field athletes only)
State level events
National level events
International level events
Yes
No
0
5
10
15
20
25
30School/university
Friends
Family
Neighbour
Inspired by Olympics or an athlete
Other
Not very well
Not well
Neutral
Well
Very well
Doesn't meet my needs at all
Rarely meets my needs
Neutral
Meets my needs
Always meets my needs
Not very easy
Not easy
Neutral
Easy
Not very important
Neutral
Important
Very important
Athletics community views
“Despite having participated for more than 10 years in my youth, I am still daunted by the prospect of joining a club with my family due to there being so many rules/processes to understand. Having to spend numerous hours on the weekend at events is also a barrier i.e. it takes too long, particularly when you have the interests of children to consider or juggle.”
“As someone not part of a club, flexible participation - no membership and different race times - would make athletics more appealing to me.”
“A dynamic interclub offering each weekend; a key marque meet annually and a solid grassroots training program that encourages involvement.”
“I think BRAC, along with other sporting brokerage organisations, have a responsibility to work with the broader community to improve physical activity, health and wellbeing”
Strategic opportunities
• Broadenathleticsappealbyfocusingonparticipationas
well as competition
• Buildingastrong,clear‘AthleticsExperience’
o Social, physical, health and wellbeing, individual and
team
o Coaching, training, racing, events, workshops
• Innovativeprogrammingandschedulingtobuild
excitement
• Createaudienceengagementandfeedbackloopsto
remain relevant
• Lowcostbarriersintothesport,soitremainsaccessible
• Emphasise‘wholeoflifeandallabilities’
Western Victoria
Metro Melbourne
In your view, how important are coaching programs to athlete development?
How easy is it to get information about athletics clubs and events in the Ballarat region?
How well do you think athletics as a sport is promoted in the Ballarat region?
To what extent do the existing facilities meet your needs?
How often do you participate in athletics(including competition)?
Where do you live?
What is your age?
Did you participate in Little Athletics as a child?
What was your (or your child’s) pathway into athletics?
At what level do you compete most regularly?
Do you compete in athletics events and meets regularly?
What is your gender?
Female
Male
5-12
13-17
18-24
25-34
35-44
45-54
55-64
Ballarat area
Western Victoria
Melbourne Metro
Other city
Other regional city
1-3 times a week
3-6 times a week
Daily
Yes, most weeks
Yes, a couple of times a month
Yes, when I can
No, not very often
0
10
20
30
40
50Club only
Club and BRAC races
Club, BRAC and AV races
Pros/VAL (track and field athletes only)
State level events
National level events
International level events
Yes
No
0
5
10
15
20
25
30School/university
Friends
Family
Neighbour
Inspired by Olympics or an athlete
Other
Not very well
Not well
Neutral
Well
Very well
Doesn't meet my needs at all
Rarely meets my needs
Neutral
Meets my needs
Always meets my needs
Not very easy
Not easy
Neutral
Easy
Not very important
Neutral
Important
Very important
Female
Male
13-17
25-34
35-44
45-54
55-64
65-74
Ballarat area
Western Victoria
Metro Melbourne
Other city
Daily
Several times a week
Only occasionally
Never
0
5
10
15
20Health and fitness
To challenge myself
Weight management
To compete in events
I enjoy the social aspects
It is something I can do with family/children
I don't
0
5
10
15
20Alone
Friends
Family members/my children
Other
Fitness instructor, personal trainer, or coach
Work colleagues
0
2
4
6
8
10
12No, I have never been a member
Yes, in the past
I would consider being a member in the future
Doesn't meet my needs at all
Neutral
Meets my needs
Always meets my needs
Not very well
Not well
Neutral
Well
Very well
Not very easy
Not easy
Neutral
Easy
Very easy
Would not be beneficial at all
Would not be beneficial
Neutral
Would be beneficial
Would be very beneficial
To what degree would athletics coaching and support benefit your participation?
How easy is it to get information about athletics clubs and events in the Ballarat region?
How well do you think athletics as a sport is promoted in the Ballarat region?
To what extent do the existing facilities meet your needs?
How often do you participate in athletics?
Where do you live?
What is your age?
Have you ever been a member of an athletics club?
Who do you participate with?
Why do you participate in athletic sports?What is your gender?
General survey data
The Athletics offer
6
Growth
Western Victoria
Metro Melbourne
In your view, how important are coaching programs to athlete development?
How easy is it to get information about athletics clubs and events in the Ballarat region?
How well do you think athletics as a sport is promoted in the Ballarat region?
To what extent do the existing facilities meet your needs?
How often do you participate in athletics(including competition)?
Where do you live?
What is your age?
Did you participate in Little Athletics as a child?
What was your (or your child’s) pathway into athletics?
At what level do you compete most regularly?
Do you compete in athletics events and meets regularly?
What is your gender?
Female
Male
5-12
13-17
18-24
25-34
35-44
45-54
55-64
Ballarat area
Western Victoria
Melbourne Metro
Other city
Other regional city
1-3 times a week
3-6 times a week
Daily
Yes, most weeks
Yes, a couple of times a month
Yes, when I can
No, not very often
0
10
20
30
40
50Club only
Club and BRAC races
Club, BRAC and AV races
Pros/VAL (track and field athletes only)
State level events
National level events
International level events
Yes
No
0
5
10
15
20
25
30School/university
Friends
Family
Neighbour
Inspired by Olympics or an athlete
Other
Not very well
Not well
Neutral
Well
Very well
Doesn't meet my needs at all
Rarely meets my needs
Neutral
Meets my needs
Always meets my needs
Not very easy
Not easy
Neutral
Easy
Not very important
Neutral
Important
Very important
Current State
In an increasingly competitive and changing sport and social landscape, achieving growth in athletics presents many unique challenges. Growth targets within the existing organisational structure are higher levels of participation in BRAC events; strong team representation in AV events; and sustainable financial management. BRAC is aware it needs to revisit its growth mission, and to reframe what growth means: the opportunity is now to not only enhance theexisting‘competitionplatform’–anannualprogrammebasedaround track meets and cross country racing – but to develop a new ‘participation’platformthatcapturesrecreationalathletes,isbasedon establishing new partnerships and pathways into the sport, and which leverages BRAC’s many physical, social and club-based assets.
Issues identified by the Board
• Lowparticipationratesineventsandmeetswhencomparedtohistorical levels
• Increasedcompetitionfromothersports
• Loworstaticgrowthinmembershipatclublevel
• Lowcommunityawarenessofregionalathletics‘offer’
• Lowaudienceengagement
• TransitionbetweenLittleAsandclubsnotoptimised
• Notenoughpathwaysintothesport:fornewmembers,orfor people shifting from other sports
How well do you think your club promotes itself to the wider community?
In your view, how welcoming are athletics clubs to new members?
Are you an athletics volunteer?
How positively do you rate your experience as a volunteer?
Are you currently working with an athletics coach, formally or informally?
How important is regular competition to you?
Not very important
Not important
Neutral
Important
Very important
Not very well
Not well
Neutral
Well
Very well
Not very welcoming
Not welcoming
Neutral
Welcoming
Very welcoming
Yes
No
Have in the past but not now
Yes, I am currently a volunteer
No, I am not currently a volunteer
I have volunteered in the past but not now
Very poor
Poor
Neutral
Good
Excellent
Western Victoria
Metro Melbourne
In your view, how important are coaching programs to athlete development?
How easy is it to get information about athletics clubs and events in the Ballarat region?
How well do you think athletics as a sport is promoted in the Ballarat region?
To what extent do the existing facilities meet your needs?
How often do you participate in athletics(including competition)?
Where do you live?
What is your age?
Did you participate in Little Athletics as a child?
What was your (or your child’s) pathway into athletics?
At what level do you compete most regularly?
Do you compete in athletics events and meets regularly?
What is your gender?
Female
Male
5-12
13-17
18-24
25-34
35-44
45-54
55-64
Ballarat area
Western Victoria
Melbourne Metro
Other city
Other regional city
1-3 times a week
3-6 times a week
Daily
Yes, most weeks
Yes, a couple of times a month
Yes, when I can
No, not very often
0
10
20
30
40
50Club only
Club and BRAC races
Club, BRAC and AV races
Pros/VAL (track and field athletes only)
State level events
National level events
International level events
Yes
No
0
5
10
15
20
25
30School/university
Friends
Family
Neighbour
Inspired by Olympics or an athlete
Other
Not very well
Not well
Neutral
Well
Very well
Doesn't meet my needs at all
Rarely meets my needs
Neutral
Meets my needs
Always meets my needs
Not very easy
Not easy
Neutral
Easy
Not very important
Neutral
Important
Very important
Club member survey data
7
Female
Male
13-17
25-34
35-44
45-54
55-64
65-74
Ballarat area
Western Victoria
Metro Melbourne
Other city
Daily
Several times a week
Only occasionally
Never
0
5
10
15
20Health and fitness
To challenge myself
Weight management
To compete in events
I enjoy the social aspects
It is something I can do with family/children
I don't
0
5
10
15
20Alone
Friends
Family members/my children
Other
Fitness instructor, personal trainer, or coach
Work colleagues
0
2
4
6
8
10
12No, I have never been a member
Yes, in the past
I would consider being a member in the future
Doesn't meet my needs at all
Neutral
Meets my needs
Always meets my needs
Not very well
Not well
Neutral
Well
Very well
Not very easy
Not easy
Neutral
Easy
Very easy
Would not be beneficial at all
Would not be beneficial
Neutral
Would be beneficial
Would be very beneficial
To what degree would athletics coaching and support benefit your participation?
How easy is it to get information about athletics clubs and events in the Ballarat region?
How well do you think athletics as a sport is promoted in the Ballarat region?
To what extent do the existing facilities meet your needs?
How often do you participate in athletics?
Where do you live?
What is your age?
Have you ever been a member of an athletics club?
Who do you participate with?
Why do you participate in athletic sports?What is your gender?
Strategic opportunities
• ReimagingBRAC’sroleandmandate
• Club capacity building: growing the sport from the
grassroots, and strategic cooperation
• Creatingmorepathwaysintoathleticsfromoutsidethe
sport
• TransitionsbetweenLittleAsandclubs
• Investmentparadigm–training,capacitybuildingand
support for clubs and individuals
• Howtotakeadvantageof‘leveragepoints’ o Physical assets o Local history of athletics achievement o Elite athletes o Strong club network
How well do you think your club promotes itself to the wider community?
In your view, how welcoming are athletics clubs to new members?
Are you an athletics volunteer?
How positively do you rate your experience as a volunteer?
Are you currently working with an athletics coach, formally or informally?
How important is regular competition to you?
Not very important
Not important
Neutral
Important
Very important
Not very well
Not well
Neutral
Well
Very well
Not very welcoming
Not welcoming
Neutral
Welcoming
Very welcoming
Yes
No
Have in the past but not now
Yes, I am currently a volunteer
No, I am not currently a volunteer
I have volunteered in the past but not now
Very poor
Poor
Neutral
Good
Excellent
General survey data
Western Victoria
Metro Melbourne
In your view, how important are coaching programs to athlete development?
How easy is it to get information about athletics clubs and events in the Ballarat region?
How well do you think athletics as a sport is promoted in the Ballarat region?
To what extent do the existing facilities meet your needs?
How often do you participate in athletics(including competition)?
Where do you live?
What is your age?
Did you participate in Little Athletics as a child?
What was your (or your child’s) pathway into athletics?
At what level do you compete most regularly?
Do you compete in athletics events and meets regularly?
What is your gender?
Female
Male
5-12
13-17
18-24
25-34
35-44
45-54
55-64
Ballarat area
Western Victoria
Melbourne Metro
Other city
Other regional city
1-3 times a week
3-6 times a week
Daily
Yes, most weeks
Yes, a couple of times a month
Yes, when I can
No, not very often
0
10
20
30
40
50Club only
Club and BRAC races
Club, BRAC and AV races
Pros/VAL (track and field athletes only)
State level events
National level events
International level events
Yes
No
0
5
10
15
20
25
30School/university
Friends
Family
Neighbour
Inspired by Olympics or an athlete
Other
Not very well
Not well
Neutral
Well
Very well
Doesn't meet my needs at all
Rarely meets my needs
Neutral
Meets my needs
Always meets my needs
Not very easy
Not easy
Neutral
Easy
Not very important
Neutral
Important
Very important
Athletics community views
“The key to greater participation and retention in athletic clubs, is to change the current training and competition model at primary schools, to a fun activity to compete with other exciting pastimes for kids. It is critically important to incorporate progressive skill components into this fun based program however which needs a specific 6 year program to achieve the retention and a high level ofskill come secondary school.”
“Ballarat athletics in recent past has seemed to concentrate on the elite with the graded competition with little regard to club involvement.”
“With current strategies probably one athletic club with about 100 - 150 members. Rationalisation due to financial constraints.”
Growth
Club member survey data
8
Social
Current State
Athletics in Ballarat is defined by its strong social characteristics. Clubs in particular can be viewed as social spheres: club members enjoy socialising, training and racing with other athletes, and this formsamajorpartofthe‘athleteexperience’.Clubshavetakenmajor steps towards building junior programmes, enabling families to participate in racing together. In 2013 BRAC reintroduced its regional team for the Athletics Victoria XC Series – while there was much success by individuals and teams across the season, anecdotally we know that athletes derived huge pleasure from sharing the racing experience with athletes from their own and other clubs. A positive social atmosphere at club level leads to greater athlete engagement, and provides BRAC with a leverage point for new and different social experiences at the regional level.
Issues identified by the Board
• Changestosocialpatternsandfamilylifestyles
• Limitedsocialopportunities
• Competitionfromothersportsfornewparticipants
• Cultureiscritical,needstobeverypositiveandwelcoming
• Decliningclubhealth
Western Victoria
Metro Melbourne
In your view, how important are coaching programs to athlete development?
How easy is it to get information about athletics clubs and events in the Ballarat region?
How well do you think athletics as a sport is promoted in the Ballarat region?
To what extent do the existing facilities meet your needs?
How often do you participate in athletics(including competition)?
Where do you live?
What is your age?
Did you participate in Little Athletics as a child?
What was your (or your child’s) pathway into athletics?
At what level do you compete most regularly?
Do you compete in athletics events and meets regularly?
What is your gender?
Female
Male
5-12
13-17
18-24
25-34
35-44
45-54
55-64
Ballarat area
Western Victoria
Melbourne Metro
Other city
Other regional city
1-3 times a week
3-6 times a week
Daily
Yes, most weeks
Yes, a couple of times a month
Yes, when I can
No, not very often
0
10
20
30
40
50Club only
Club and BRAC races
Club, BRAC and AV races
Pros/VAL (track and field athletes only)
State level events
National level events
International level events
Yes
No
0
5
10
15
20
25
30School/university
Friends
Family
Neighbour
Inspired by Olympics or an athlete
Other
Not very well
Not well
Neutral
Well
Very well
Doesn't meet my needs at all
Rarely meets my needs
Neutral
Meets my needs
Always meets my needs
Not very easy
Not easy
Neutral
Easy
Not very important
Neutral
Important
Very important
How well do you think your club promotes itself to the wider community?
In your view, how welcoming are athletics clubs to new members?
Are you an athletics volunteer?
How positively do you rate your experience as a volunteer?
Are you currently working with an athletics coach, formally or informally?
How important is regular competition to you?
Not very important
Not important
Neutral
Important
Very important
Not very well
Not well
Neutral
Well
Very well
Not very welcoming
Not welcoming
Neutral
Welcoming
Very welcoming
Yes
No
Have in the past but not now
Yes, I am currently a volunteer
No, I am not currently a volunteer
I have volunteered in the past but not now
Very poor
Poor
Neutral
Good
Excellent
Club member survey data
How well do you think your club promotes itself to the wider community?
In your view, how welcoming are athletics clubs to new members?
Are you an athletics volunteer?
How positively do you rate your experience as a volunteer?
Are you currently working with an athletics coach, formally or informally?
How important is regular competition to you?
Not very important
Not important
Neutral
Important
Very important
Not very well
Not well
Neutral
Well
Very well
Not very welcoming
Not welcoming
Neutral
Welcoming
Very welcoming
Yes
No
Have in the past but not now
Yes, I am currently a volunteer
No, I am not currently a volunteer
I have volunteered in the past but not now
Very poor
Poor
Neutral
Good
Excellent
9
Strategic opportunities• Huge potential to engage new groups and audiences
• BRAC’srolecanexpandintoenablingsocialinteraction through athletics o Health and wellbeing, coaching, workshops, advice and support for all ages
• Makethesportaccessibleandequitabletothewhole community
• Adynamic,positiveculturethatexcitesandwelcomes people
• Partnershipsandpromotionsfocusingonhealthy,active lifestyles
• Eventsandprogrammesthatleverageoffexisting strong social base
Female
Male
13-17
25-34
35-44
45-54
55-64
65-74
Ballarat area
Western Victoria
Metro Melbourne
Other city
Daily
Several times a week
Only occasionally
Never
0
5
10
15
20Health and fitness
To challenge myself
Weight management
To compete in events
I enjoy the social aspects
It is something I can do with family/children
I don't
0
5
10
15
20Alone
Friends
Family members/my children
Other
Fitness instructor, personal trainer, or coach
Work colleagues
0
2
4
6
8
10
12No, I have never been a member
Yes, in the past
I would consider being a member in the future
Doesn't meet my needs at all
Neutral
Meets my needs
Always meets my needs
Not very well
Not well
Neutral
Well
Very well
Not very easy
Not easy
Neutral
Easy
Very easy
Would not be beneficial at all
Would not be beneficial
Neutral
Would be beneficial
Would be very beneficial
To what degree would athletics coaching and support benefit your participation?
How easy is it to get information about athletics clubs and events in the Ballarat region?
How well do you think athletics as a sport is promoted in the Ballarat region?
To what extent do the existing facilities meet your needs?
How often do you participate in athletics?
Where do you live?
What is your age?
Have you ever been a member of an athletics club?
Who do you participate with?
Why do you participate in athletic sports?What is your gender?
Female
Male
13-17
25-34
35-44
45-54
55-64
65-74
Ballarat area
Western Victoria
Metro Melbourne
Other city
Daily
Several times a week
Only occasionally
Never
0
5
10
15
20Health and fitness
To challenge myself
Weight management
To compete in events
I enjoy the social aspects
It is something I can do with family/children
I don't
0
5
10
15
20Alone
Friends
Family members/my children
Other
Fitness instructor, personal trainer, or coach
Work colleagues
0
2
4
6
8
10
12No, I have never been a member
Yes, in the past
I would consider being a member in the future
Doesn't meet my needs at all
Neutral
Meets my needs
Always meets my needs
Not very well
Not well
Neutral
Well
Very well
Not very easy
Not easy
Neutral
Easy
Very easy
Would not be beneficial at all
Would not be beneficial
Neutral
Would be beneficial
Would be very beneficial
To what degree would athletics coaching and support benefit your participation?
How easy is it to get information about athletics clubs and events in the Ballarat region?
How well do you think athletics as a sport is promoted in the Ballarat region?
To what extent do the existing facilities meet your needs?
How often do you participate in athletics?
Where do you live?
What is your age?
Have you ever been a member of an athletics club?
Who do you participate with?
Why do you participate in athletic sports?What is your gender?
General survey data Athletics community views
“Ballaratclubsingeneralappeartohavea‘history/tradition’behind them, competitive, yet good camaraderie between athletes and clubs. Good that athletes from any club or no clubs can join in with others in training. Clubs appear to be very family friendly and cater for all.”
“It’s a fantastic sport that allows young kids to develop there friendships and coordination all at the same time.”
Social
10
Facilities
Female
Male
13-17
25-34
35-44
45-54
55-64
65-74
Ballarat area
Western Victoria
Metro Melbourne
Other city
Daily
Several times a week
Only occasionally
Never
0
5
10
15
20Health and fitness
To challenge myself
Weight management
To compete in events
I enjoy the social aspects
It is something I can do with family/children
I don't
0
5
10
15
20Alone
Friends
Family members/my children
Other
Fitness instructor, personal trainer, or coach
Work colleagues
0
2
4
6
8
10
12No, I have never been a member
Yes, in the past
I would consider being a member in the future
Doesn't meet my needs at all
Neutral
Meets my needs
Always meets my needs
Not very well
Not well
Neutral
Well
Very well
Not very easy
Not easy
Neutral
Easy
Very easy
Would not be beneficial at all
Would not be beneficial
Neutral
Would be beneficial
Would be very beneficial
To what degree would athletics coaching and support benefit your participation?
How easy is it to get information about athletics clubs and events in the Ballarat region?
How well do you think athletics as a sport is promoted in the Ballarat region?
To what extent do the existing facilities meet your needs?
How often do you participate in athletics?
Where do you live?
What is your age?
Have you ever been a member of an athletics club?
Who do you participate with?
Why do you participate in athletic sports?What is your gender?
Western Victoria
Metro Melbourne
In your view, how important are coaching programs to athlete development?
How easy is it to get information about athletics clubs and events in the Ballarat region?
How well do you think athletics as a sport is promoted in the Ballarat region?
To what extent do the existing facilities meet your needs?
How often do you participate in athletics(including competition)?
Where do you live?
What is your age?
Did you participate in Little Athletics as a child?
What was your (or your child’s) pathway into athletics?
At what level do you compete most regularly?
Do you compete in athletics events and meets regularly?
What is your gender?
Female
Male
5-12
13-17
18-24
25-34
35-44
45-54
55-64
Ballarat area
Western Victoria
Melbourne Metro
Other city
Other regional city
1-3 times a week
3-6 times a week
Daily
Yes, most weeks
Yes, a couple of times a month
Yes, when I can
No, not very often
0
10
20
30
40
50Club only
Club and BRAC races
Club, BRAC and AV races
Pros/VAL (track and field athletes only)
State level events
National level events
International level events
Yes
No
0
5
10
15
20
25
30School/university
Friends
Family
Neighbour
Inspired by Olympics or an athlete
Other
Not very well
Not well
Neutral
Well
Very well
Doesn't meet my needs at all
Rarely meets my needs
Neutral
Meets my needs
Always meets my needs
Not very easy
Not easy
Neutral
Easy
Not very important
Neutral
Important
Very important
Current State
Ballarat’s reputation as an athletic (and in particular a running) community is largely enhanced by its access to a wide range of quality training locations and infrastructure. Llanberris Reserve, which is managed by BRAC on behalf of Ballarat City Council, recently received major upgrades to bring it up to national competition level. Added to this are multiple outdoor venues used by runners and athletes of all abilities, including Lake Wendouree, Victoria Park, the Yarrowee Creek trail, and the huge network of tracks around Nerrina and Invermay, and through Ballarat East to Buninyong. Other infrastructure used by athletes includes ovals, parks, pools and member-based gyms. Stuart Hunter Pavilion at Llanberris is a flexible space used for meetings, events and administration.
Issues identified by the Board
• LlanberrisReserveo On-going maintenance costso Accessibility to general public, including gate fees
• Maintainingfacilityquality
• Basicprovisionso Shelter and shadeo Heating and coolingo Canteen – quality and service
• Understandingfutureinfrastructurerequirements
Club member survey data
General survey data
11
Strategic opportunities• ReimaginingLlanberrisReserveasanathleticshub
o Training base for beginners through to elite athletes
o Fitness, health and wellbeing facilitieso Annual programme of events, workshops,
seminarso Major and local competition venue
• Buildinganetworkaround,andleveraging,naturalassets
• Investmentandpartnershipmodelforfuture facilities use
Athletics community views
“Iamallfora‘userpaysystem’butnotthecurrentarrangements. I would be most interested ina yearly track membership of some sort. There must be a much better way of gaining entry revenue but at the same time to be inviting for potential users and volunteers.”
“Llanberris is a great track to run on, but the stands for spectators/shade is lacking greatly. Difficult to visualise races/events at ground level.”
“Improved lighting at track, improved access to squads and training groups for a range of athlete levels, increased club and regional social event structures for athletes.”
“A pavilion or change room at Victoria Park or Lake Wendouree to support training.”
“An indoor facility would be great and attract people from outside Ballarat”
Facilities
12
Coaching and development
Western Victoria
Metro Melbourne
In your view, how important are coaching programs to athlete development?
How easy is it to get information about athletics clubs and events in the Ballarat region?
How well do you think athletics as a sport is promoted in the Ballarat region?
To what extent do the existing facilities meet your needs?
How often do you participate in athletics(including competition)?
Where do you live?
What is your age?
Did you participate in Little Athletics as a child?
What was your (or your child’s) pathway into athletics?
At what level do you compete most regularly?
Do you compete in athletics events and meets regularly?
What is your gender?
Female
Male
5-12
13-17
18-24
25-34
35-44
45-54
55-64
Ballarat area
Western Victoria
Melbourne Metro
Other city
Other regional city
1-3 times a week
3-6 times a week
Daily
Yes, most weeks
Yes, a couple of times a month
Yes, when I can
No, not very often
0
10
20
30
40
50Club only
Club and BRAC races
Club, BRAC and AV races
Pros/VAL (track and field athletes only)
State level events
National level events
International level events
Yes
No
0
5
10
15
20
25
30School/university
Friends
Family
Neighbour
Inspired by Olympics or an athlete
Other
Not very well
Not well
Neutral
Well
Very well
Doesn't meet my needs at all
Rarely meets my needs
Neutral
Meets my needs
Always meets my needs
Not very easy
Not easy
Neutral
Easy
Not very important
Neutral
Important
Very important
Current State
Ballarat has numerous qualified, experienced and accessible coaches who are working with athletes in and outside of club environments. Local coaches work with beginners through to elite athletes, across track and field and cross country disciplines. In the last two years BRAC has co-sponsored with local clubs training courses for aspiring coaches: these courses are delivered by AV/AA and have significantly increased the number of qualified coaches in Ballarat. There is currently no system, structure or process sitting around athletics coaching or athlete development: coaching relationships are typically formed between individuals at club level, and by referral.
Issues identified by the Board
• Fundamentalsareinplace,butnosystemandnointegration
• Perceptionthatcoachingisforeliteathletesandnotfor beginner or recreational athletes
• Coachingtobeaffordableandaccessible
• Consistentqualityofcoachingadviceandsupport
How well do you think your club promotes itself to the wider community?
In your view, how welcoming are athletics clubs to new members?
Are you an athletics volunteer?
How positively do you rate your experience as a volunteer?
Are you currently working with an athletics coach, formally or informally?
How important is regular competition to you?
Not very important
Not important
Neutral
Important
Very important
Not very well
Not well
Neutral
Well
Very well
Not very welcoming
Not welcoming
Neutral
Welcoming
Very welcoming
Yes
No
Have in the past but not now
Yes, I am currently a volunteer
No, I am not currently a volunteer
I have volunteered in the past but not now
Very poor
Poor
Neutral
Good
Excellent
Club member survey data
13
Female
Male
13-17
25-34
35-44
45-54
55-64
65-74
Ballarat area
Western Victoria
Metro Melbourne
Other city
Daily
Several times a week
Only occasionally
Never
0
5
10
15
20Health and fitness
To challenge myself
Weight management
To compete in events
I enjoy the social aspects
It is something I can do with family/children
I don't
0
5
10
15
20Alone
Friends
Family members/my children
Other
Fitness instructor, personal trainer, or coach
Work colleagues
0
2
4
6
8
10
12No, I have never been a member
Yes, in the past
I would consider being a member in the future
Doesn't meet my needs at all
Neutral
Meets my needs
Always meets my needs
Not very well
Not well
Neutral
Well
Very well
Not very easy
Not easy
Neutral
Easy
Very easy
Would not be beneficial at all
Would not be beneficial
Neutral
Would be beneficial
Would be very beneficial
To what degree would athletics coaching and support benefit your participation?
How easy is it to get information about athletics clubs and events in the Ballarat region?
How well do you think athletics as a sport is promoted in the Ballarat region?
To what extent do the existing facilities meet your needs?
How often do you participate in athletics?
Where do you live?
What is your age?
Have you ever been a member of an athletics club?
Who do you participate with?
Why do you participate in athletic sports?What is your gender?
Strategic opportunities
• BRACtoexpanditsroletocoordinationandleadership of coaching programs and athlete development
• A‘coachingecosystem’thatisstructuredandintegrated across BRAC, within clubs and into the community o Track and field o Cross country o Recreational athletes o Beginner to elite competitive athletes o Health and wellbeing
• Coachtrainingandsupportnetwork
• Actasthehubtoconnectathletesandfamilieswith coaches and support programmes
• Explorevalue-adds:workshops,camps,guestspeakers, events
Athletics community views“Coaching needs to be accessible, fair for all and with minimal cost, but most importanly the coaches need to focus on techniques to enhance performance and prevent injuries.”
“Athletics program at schools run by qualified athletics coaches to introduce the kids to athletics as a fun activity, and gradually build skills and chart progress personal improvement at school sports. This approach would provide a fitness foundation and achieve greatest ongoing interest in athletics asa post-school activity.”
“Our approach in Ballarat feels a little ad hoc, but it is very difficult to align programs, particularly when we rely extensively on volunteers.”
General survey data
Coaching and development
14
Volunteer management
Current State
Regional athletics is a large operation, and it is a driven almost entirely by volunteers. The committees of BRAC and its member clubs; marshals and officials; coaches; assistants and parent helpers; canteen staff: almost every dimension of Ballarat athletics ecosystem is dependent on, and can attribute its current and future success to, volunteers.
Issues identified by the Board
• Hardtoattractnewvolunteers
• Adhocsystemwithoutoverallplanorcoordination
• Trainingandsupportisdifficulttomanage
• Culturalandpoliticalissuesareturningpeopleoffhelping
• Officialsareperceivedtootechnicalandnotfocusedon encouraging participation
• Barrierstoparticipationo Changing social patternso Parents less willing or able to commit time
How well do you think your club promotes itself to the wider community?
In your view, how welcoming are athletics clubs to new members?
Are you an athletics volunteer?
How positively do you rate your experience as a volunteer?
Are you currently working with an athletics coach, formally or informally?
How important is regular competition to you?
Not very important
Not important
Neutral
Important
Very important
Not very well
Not well
Neutral
Well
Very well
Not very welcoming
Not welcoming
Neutral
Welcoming
Very welcoming
Yes
No
Have in the past but not now
Yes, I am currently a volunteer
No, I am not currently a volunteer
I have volunteered in the past but not now
Very poor
Poor
Neutral
Good
Excellent
Club member survey data
15
Strategic opportunities• Listeningtovolunteerstounderstandtheirmotivesand
interests
• Unlockinglatentskills,experiencesandnetworkswithintheathletics volunteer community
• Aconsistentframeworkapproachtoo Positions and responsibilitieso Recruitment and induction o Training and supporto Reward and recognitiono Retention
• Reframingtechnicalrolesasenablerstoparticipation
Athletics community views“No education or information is given to new volunteers”
“Theredon’tseemtobeenoughpeopletovolunteer.Unfairon athletes to be expected to volunteer. Why do we need volunteers when all athletes pay big registration fees? Can this work better for the region.”
“In my experience it is those who don’t volunteer who complain the loudest about things. It is thankless work.”
Volunteer management
16
Thinking Big
This strategic process has identified many complex challenges relating to BRAC as an organisation, and to the future of local and regional athletics. While many of those questions are being addressed through the previous six strategic areas, we want to pose two other big questions that we think cut to the core for BRAC’s Future Plan:
1. Can BRAC as an organisation reimagine and expand its role?
BRAC is perceived by a wide majority of the athletics community as being responsible for the management and upkeep of Llanberris Reserve, and for organising a programme of track and field and cross country events across the year.
An equally large majority of the athletics community is calling on BRAC to expand and reimagine its role: to act as leader, advocate and influencer for growth and investment in the sport; to plan for an deliver infrastructure to meet current and future needs; to work with clubs to build grassroots participation; to coordinate marketing and promotional activities.
Is this what Ballarat regional athletics needs? What would that mean for the current organisation?
2. Compete, or participate?
Some of the most profound and far-reaching drivers of change on the sporting landscape are coming from the social and economic space: demography, employment patterns, family composition, income levels, and increased social mobility mean people have more choice and more options. This is having direct impacts on the way people view athletics, how they want to participate in it, and whether they want to join a club.
Is the future of regional athletics with racing and Saturday afternoon competition? Or is it about building a model that encourages and accommodates participation – in training, coaching and development sessions; workshops and seminars; fun runs and other major events; training camps; social gatherings; and yes, racing and competition.
Do people want to compete, or do they want to participate?
