Part 6 cont'd.
6.10.4 Clubs and Schools
In the new environment of recreation and sport clubs will continue to be the base of national organisations. It is the clubs that are most under threat from market forces, professional sport, commercial operators, a decrease in volunteers, changing community lifestyles, and the demands of more passive pursuits. Clubs at the community level must continue to be the local providers for grassroots participation in recreation and sport. Clubs offer a unique contribution to the social fabric of New Zealand and often bind the community through collective energy and commitment. However, mergers and alliances must occur so that clubs can consolidate and pool their assets to ensure greater services and support can be available to club members and their respective communities.
Critical partners with clubs in the provision of recreation and sport are schools. It is at school where young people may well first experience organised recreation and sport, develop positive attitudes to physical activity and the outdoor environment and have instilled a lifelong personal commitment to physical wellbeing.
For clubs to survive, prosper and foster participation in local recreation and sport they must have:
- practical support from their regional and national bodies
- adequate resourcing
- assistance from Regional Trusts
- support from local government
- effective and competent administrators
- a strong volunteer base
- close links with schools
- a culture of inclusiveness that generates an environment of social ease for all participants
- foresight and effective planning
- a deep understanding of recreation and sport in society
- clear understandings of the potential of the club to cater for all levels of competitive interests in a diverse range of people from social grades to local championships
- a realistic appraisal of their best interest being served as stand-alone or amalgamated organisations
Schools in their local communities should be characterised by:
- positive working relationships with clubs
- teacher commitment to physical activity, recreation and sport
- a school wide philosophy of active participation
- students positively experiencing a wide range of recreation and sport opportunities
- an ever increasing appreciation of the outdoors
- regular experience of physical education in the school curriculum
- students experiencing the realities of winning and losing as an integral element to sport
It is essential that regional recreation and sport organisations focus on clubs and develop strong club networks. The links between clubs and schools are an essential characteristic of the future environment as clubs and schools can provide better opportunities jointly rather than in isolation.
This report places an unequivocal emphasis (7.2.1) upon education's part in New Zealanders' recreation and sport participation in the next 25 years. Given the acceptance of the Taskforce's proposals, there is a clear challenge and responsibility for clubs, recreation and sport bodies, local and central government and community groups to take young people from schools into physical activity, recreation and sport so the engagement is ongoing, rewarding and lifelong.
