Community sport helps to develop and reinforce social networks and connections within communities. With the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have seen how much the members of our community value their participation and the enjoyment and benefits they derive from membership of the hockey community.
The COVID-19 pandemic has demanded a lot from our community sport leaders, most of whom volunteer their time without expectation of payment.
It is estimated that 2.3 million Australians volunteer their effort to sport and physical activity each year.
In 2019, SportAus noted that “Volunteers donate 158 million hours to sport a year, that’s the equivalent of almost 90,000 full-time jobs. Research has conservatively valued that contribution at $3 billion.”
“Australian sport has some of the most passionate and committed volunteers in the world. Volunteering is linked to positive mental, social and physical benefits.
Research indicates that club sport volunteers spend a significant time volunteering, with over half of those who contribute time each week giving more than 10 hours a week.
Resources For Volunteers
SportAus has launched a new resource to help Australia’s sporting leaders, many of them volunteers, face the current challenges of COVID-19 and to build a stronger sporting future.
Sport Governance Principles 2020 is aimed at giving clear, consistent and educational advice that improves how sport is governed, no matter the size or resources of the sporting organisation.
More than ever, Australian sport is competing with other recreational activities for participants. Acting Sport Australia CEO Rob Dalton says “Sporting success is not just determined by on-field contests, sport is now competitive business. Community needs are changing and sporting administrators need to be agile and evolve to meet those needs.”
“These Principles challenge sporting leaders to seek continuous improvement for their sports in areas such as values, behaviours, vision, diversity, integrity and cohesion. The best sporting organisations harness the collective capability within their sport and drive progress.”