Case Study
Ann Kirkby - Goole Rugby Union Club
Question 1: -How did you find the whole process of accreditation?
I found it quite daunting at first. When you first read through the Clubmark file it can at first feel rather intimidating. I personally did not find the process difficult, but I have experience of working with policies and procedures and knew what I was doing. People who have no
experience or skills in this area may struggle, but there is help out there through the Humber Sports Partnership and the National Governing Body Officers.
Question 2: -
Is there anything you would change to make the process more customer friendly?
I think the process has evolved since Goole started the accreditation. I recently attended a Seal of Approval meeting where I was asked to give a presentation to other clubs just starting on the process and the information given and overall knowledge, paperwork and awareness
of the process was much more advanced then when Goole first started.
Question 3: -
Did you receive support from volunteers from within the club?
Yes! I tried to get as many people involved as possible. The whole process of accreditation needs to be addressed by the committee of the club and coaches alike. There is no point in attempting to work towards achieving the award by yourself, it defeats the object of providing a safe club for your junior members if you are the only person who is aware of current issues.
Question 4: -
Do you feel the club has progressed since achieving accreditation?
Yes I do. The mini & junior section has gone from strength to strength and I believe the accreditation process has played a major part in this achievement. The section is now run as a professional business instead of a hobby for volunteer parents. We have an amazing committee and fantastic volunteers who put in a lot of hard work and time. We also have full support from our senior committee who stand by us and trust us to run the mini & junior section. We work together as a whole club, not a club of two parts. We share our information and knowledge and the seniors share their information, knowledge and valued experience.
Question 5: -
Was the accreditation process worthwhile and have you seen an increase in club membership because of it?
Yes the accreditation process was very worthwhile. I would recommend all clubs to go through the club accreditation process and I would like to see it made compulsory for clubs to go through this.
Since the presentation of the Clubmark certificate, which was publicised in various forms of press, we have seen a huge increase in junior membership. People are impressed with the standard of care they receive at Goole and they know we are a friendly, safe effective and child friendly club. They also know all of our coaches are CRB checked and they are all fully qualified.
Question 6: -
Would you recommend the accreditation process to other clubs considering it?
I would thoroughly recommend it to all clubs. It will be a priority for most clubs within the next few years and will be compulsory for clubs looking at attracting funding.
There is a lot of support out there through the Humber Sports Partnership and Officers at the RFU. Their experience and knowledge is important to all clubs working through the Clubmark or NGB accreditation process. There are templates out there to guide you through and officers have plenty of information to guide you through.
Interview conducted by Reece Bird with Ann Kirkby (Goole Rugby Union Club).