It is important to remember the focus for SLSC surf sports activities is participation by all SLS members in a relaxed and enjoyable sporting environment. Developing SLSC surf sports activities to suit your SLSC is pivotal to its success. You can do this by:
1. Define your SLSC values, vision, and objectives for surf sports development
It is important that you can define what values drive your SLSC to promote and encourage surf sport activities, the SLSC’s vision of surf sports development and what priority it places on surf sports development. This information will help guide your SLSC surf sports objectives for surf sports development for your SLSC members.
- You may ask yourself:
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- How many SLSC members take part in regular surf sports activities to help stay fit to save a life?
- What does surf sports participation and surf sports competition look like for competitive and non-competitive members at your SLSC?
- How many surf sports events does your SLSC hold, and do they include members of the public or other SLSC members?
- The following five aims have been identified to help maximise the benefits of surf sport activities within your SLSC:
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- Develop lifesavers who possess the skills and knowledge to respond more effectively in rescue situations
- Increase the retention rates of members in SLSCs in NSW
- Provide SLSC activities that help create a sense of belonging to the SLSC for all members
- Increase participation of SLSC members, coaches and officials within SLSNSW
- Provide a pathway for participation in Surf Sports competitions.
2. Create and follow your SLSC surf sports development plan
Work with your SLSC Surf Sports committee to create an SLSC surf sports development plan as most SLSC surf sports committees comprise advisors such as past surf sports champions, coaches, competitors, life members, and other industry experts. They are well-positioned to assist you in analysing and evaluating past plans and contributing to your SLSC’s future plans that all SLSC members can follow.
Your plan should highlight your SLSC’s strengths and weaknesses, opportunities and threats concerning surf sports activities within your SLSC and the local region, e.g., financial impacts, junior development, member retention strategy, team selection policy. Also, the promotion of inclusive, fun and accessibility for participation in participative and competitive surf sports for both members and non-members.
The plan should include strategies and an action plan with designated responsibilities and accountabilities to achieve the identified Surf Sports vision and objectives. For example, strategies to identify and remove risks to children and young people while also promoting the empowerment of junior members to participate in surf sports. Furthermore, plans to assist with training, coaching, and general competition across various disciplines and age categories.
It should also note and refer to the SLSNSW Surf Sports event calendar and strategic goals for surf sports development in NSW.