In a concerted effort to strengthen relationships and enhance club operations, Singapore Gymnastics (SG) recently completed a comprehensive visit to 25 of its affiliated clubs during the months of August to September, a 19% increase from 2023 club visits of 21 clubs. Since then, SG has gained 2 new club affiliates, bringing the total number of SG affiliated clubs to 36.
Key Insights from Club Visits
During the visits, SG identified three main areas of focus: event experience, communication, and coach education and development. These areas were highlighted as priorities based on feedback from the clubs.
Club Forum: Shaping the Future Together
Following the visits, SG hosted a club forum to address these key issues and outline plans for improvements. Clubs were invited to contribute ideas and shape the proposed changes, ensuring that the solutions are relevant and impactful. One of the core topics of discussion was coach development, where SG and clubs explored different ideas to enhance coach development, raise coaching standards, address participation growth, and collaboratively improve coaching quality to elevate the sport's overall standard. The other one was chatting with clubs about developing a first-class Club Handbook that can assist with growing club membership, increase customer satisfaction and align parents, students and coaches with the club’s mission, vision and ethos. Lastly, the forum also delved into club development, with discussions around tailored support for clubs at various stages of growth.
Focus on Safeguarding
As safeguarding remains a critical priority in sports, SG announced the introduction of a Safeguarding Risk Matrix. This tool will become part of the club affiliation process for the upcoming year. The matrix is designed to help clubs assess and mitigate risks related to athlete safety and welfare, ensuring that all clubs meet the highest standards of safeguarding.
The matrix will provide clubs with a structured way to evaluate their safeguarding practices, identify areas for improvement, and implement strategies to protect all participants, particularly young and vulnerable athletes.
Building Stronger Clubs for the Future
The forum is a constructive and collaborative step forward for SG and its affiliated clubs. It is one of the many channels SG engages with clubs. By actively seeking input and sharing plans for future development, SG aims to create a stronger, more connected network of clubs, equipped to grow and succeed in the years to come.
