Clubmark / Top Club Accreditation Scheme
"It is great to see Clubmark underpinning the new 3 tiers of accreditation. Clubmark is minimum
operating standards and the additional criteria for Top Club and Top Club Gold builds directly on this,
giving high quality junior sports clubs clear pathways for progression."
Clare Macleod, Knights, Kavanagh & Paige (KKP), managing Clubmark for and on behalf of Sport England
Canoe England is licensed to award Clubmark by KKP, who manage the accreditation scheme for Sport England. The licensing process ensures that cross sport moderation is performed demonstrating the integrity and robustness of the scheme. The licensing is designed to ensure that all organisations involved, work to a minimum operating framework. Clubmark is now established as the mark of high quality clubs working with young people.
Canoe England recognises that our clubs and centres are a key factor in the development and growth of our sport and we value their commitment. We also recognise that all clubs differ, therefore have introduced a 3 tier structure to the accreditation scheme. The accreditation process ensures that a club operates to a set of consistent criteria at the minimum operating standards expected of a sports club but many established clubs actually are operating above these minimum standards and fit easier into one of the higher categories expected of Top Clubs or Top Club Gold.
Canoe England’s accreditation scheme is aligned to the Sport England’s Clubmark award that progresses through 3 types of certification. The scheme enables clubs to plan their development so that these practices and principles become a part of everyday club life.
Clubmark
Clubmark is Sport England‘s quality accreditation that demonstrates to sporting partners, local authorities, schools and parents, that a club meets the minimum operating standards to ensure clubs serve young people well, by offering a quality experience in a welcoming environment.
Top Club follows the same framework of criteria and standards as Clubmark but allows a club to provide evidence that they have systems and procedures in place to demonstrate they operate above the minimum operating standards. This type of club is offering more to Paddlesport, its members and the community.
This award is aimed at a club that demonstrates they have:
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Development of coaching and training opportunities through a wide range of activities
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Development of coaches and volunteers as a high priority
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A policy to allow young people to be involved in decision making
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Good lines of communication at all levels
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Strong links with schools and other clubs
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A detailed Action Plan that covers at least a 2 year period
Much of the same levels of criteria as Clubmark and Top Club but this type of club are demonstrating that they are a very active club in both a community and performance based role.
This award is aimed at a club that demonstrates they offer:
A dynamic coaching programme that encompasses a wide range of activities and events, with
procedures and systems in place to support the membership.
Strong management by an active committee that has action planned for the club’s longer term future.
Partnerships working together to develop, recognise and reward clubs.
Clubmark... Top Club… Top Club Gold
Recognising all levels of achievement whatever type of club you are!
Does your club work with young people?
Would you like help with club development?
Would your club like to be publicly recognised?
Clubmark
Clubmark is the Sport England accreditation scheme that sets standards across all quality sports clubs in England. It represents high standards of safety, coaching and club management. Canoe England has revised the Top Club scheme to match the criteria required at Clubmark level, which has opened up opportunities for any Paddlesport club working with young people to gain accreditation, bringing greater benefits to our clubs.
What is Top Club?
Canoe England recognises that clubs are working at different levels and should be rewarded for the extra mile they go to ensure paddlers have a quality experience and develop skilled athletes. The 3 tiers of accreditation allow clubs to produce the evidence to meet set criteria that best describes the operations and management of their club. Clubs who have already gained the Clubmark ‘Kite mark’ can elect to be assessed at Top Club or Top Club Gold depending on which they feel they can comfortably achieve.
The Accreditation Criteria
The sections that are measured cover:
These sections are the same whichever level of accreditation the club wishes to gain. Much of the criteria will already have been met when progressing through Clubmark to another level of accreditation.
Benefits of Accreditation
Accredited status helps attract new members, gives parents confidence and is an asset when looking for external funds.
Clubmark is recognised by:
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All 9 Sport England regions,
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49 County Sports Partnership
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Over 452 Specialist Sports Colleges.
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Local Authorities, Schools, Parents and Teachers.
More than 4000 sports clubs from 30 National Governing Bodies of Sport cannot be wrong as they have acknowledged the benefits by gaining the award
The most important reason why clubs wish to become accredited is to gain PUBLIC RECOGNITION.
Increasing membership
Addressing issues such as equity and child protection gives parents and schools reassurance that young people attending your club will gain a high quality and safe sporting experience. Clear pathways encourages continuation in the sport
Club development
“Going through the Clubmark process made us realise that what we do, we do really well.” Peninsula C.C.
Attracting new members, planning for the future – new equipment, accommodation/resources are just some examples of how clubs have grown after gaining accreditation.
Coach and Volunteer development
Advice and guidance for training needs and development is offered to clubs to up skill coaches and volunteers, ensuring high standards are maintained for club members. This will have an impact on retaining coaches, volunteers and membership.
Raising your Club Profile
Once gaining accreditation your club will be promoted on a range of local and national databases, websites and directories throughout the sporting structure to attract new members. Canoe England will also help promote examples of good practice through case studies and articles to share with others in Paddlesport.
Priority Support
Receive additional support from Canoe England’s Paddlesport Development Officers and Local and Regional Club Coaches. Clubs will also receive preferential treatment with funding initiatives as they become available.
Accessing Funding
Access additional funding sources and receive help with applications from a range of officers from Canoe England and a wider circle of organisations.
Discounts from Canoe England E Shop
Your club will automatically access discounted prices on a range of products available from the Canoe England E shop including the Paddlepower Award Scheme.
How to Get Started
Register your club by downloading a Clubmark registration form from the resources and templates section for clubs/centres from the Canoe England website or contacting the Paddlesport Participation team by emailing youth@bcu.org.uk. Once a registration form has been received you will be sent a resource pack, explanatory notes and an assessment file.
Your regional Paddlesport Development Officer (PDO) will soon be in contact with you to start the process of support offered to help gain Clubmark accreditation. A club visit will be planned with your club so that the PDO can determine what support your club needs and answer any questions relating to the criteria and assessment procedures. The PDO will provide on going support throughout the process. A contact list for members of the Paddlesport Participation Team can be found on the Canoe England website.
Supporting Policies and Documents.
A range of documents policies and templates designed to support the management of a club are available from the Canoe England website. These documents have been produced to offer guidance and share examples of good practice in recognised formats. Your club is welcome to edit or adapt any of the templates to produce documentation that demonstrates a well managed, effective club that has clear policies and procedures in place.
A list of templates for club development with supporting documents and policies can be found on the Canoe England website.
runningsports offer a wide range of workshops, top tips booklets and guidance documents to help volunteers manage their club. More information can be found by going to www.runningsports.org/AlreadyASportsVolunteer
Accredited Clubs
Why not display the Clubmark branding on your website, newsletters and headed paper? To download a whole range of jpeg logos and animated gif files register as a member at www.clubmark.org.uk and start promoting, that your club reaches the Sport England standards. A pdf can be downloaded with instructions about how to register as a member. Your club is free to share this information with key members within your club, as you see appropriate. If, as an accredited club, you have difficulty accessing the new logos in this way, please contact your PDO.
An up to date list of Accredited Club or a club that is ‘Working Towards accreditation is available here.
To download the latest Clubmark Resource Pack click here