Assurance scheme will ensure that sports clubs are on the mark

Saturday 13 March 2021

The Guernsey Sports Commission has launched a new quality assurance scheme for local sports clubs and organisations.

SportsMark will be awarded to any sporting organisation which meets a set of strict criteria around governance, safeguarding and coaching.

A number of the island’s sports such as football, rugby and swimming already have similar accreditation through their National Governing Bodies. Steve Sharman, the Sports Commission’s Relationship Director, said the scheme is initially targeting smaller scale operators that rely on the dedication of volunteers. 

"A sporting organisation displaying the SportsMark logo will have provided the GSC with evidence of high standards of welfare and safeguarding, will have shown us the organisation is well managed with appropriate corporate governance, has sound financial practices, has appropriately qualified coaches and a coaching strategy, and has an overall development plan in place for the sport or club.

"We know there are some outstanding local clubs and organisations that deliver high quality sports to our community but there are others who need help to meet even the minimum operating standards. We want to support all our sporting organisations to be the best they can be and reassure those looking to participate, that their chosen sport is safe and well-run."

The Commission is currently working with a number of organisations - such as the Guernsey Table Tennis Association - and hopes that the first SportsMark accreditations can be awarded within a matter of weeks.

"We’re honoured to be one of the first sports on the Island to hopefully earn SportsMark," said Derek Webb from the GTTA. 

"What’s most important for us is that parents, carers, teachers and individuals can be completely confident we uphold the highest levels of governance so that everyone can enjoy playing table tennis safely.

"This is something we’ve worked very hard on as an organisation over the past few years and to be accredited by our governing body is a very proud moment."

Mr Sharman said that many of these smaller organisations are eager to show they take their responsibilities seriously and to validate the safeguarding practices already in place.

"Sportsmark will serve to strengthen safeguarding arrangements for children and young people within sport," said Sarah Elliott, Pan Island Independent Chair Safeguarding Partnership Boards, "whilst providing consistent governance from the grass roots upwards across the myriad of sports organisations and clubs that Guernsey, for a small island, is lucky to have."

The Sports Commission’s Sport Development Officer and Safeguarding Lead Jenny Murphy said the accreditation unlocks extra training support from the Commission, meaning the benefits to clubs and organisations are manifold. 

"We want to support clubs to have longevity, be well-run and be a fun and safe place for children and adults," said Ms Murphy. 

"Achieving SportsMark shows the community that your sport is safe, well-run and has high standards of welfare and governance which should help increase participation and ensure that those taking part in your sport or volunteering are well supported.

Further information for clubs and organisation is available HERE.