What is ClubMark?
ClubMark is an accreditation scheme for high quality junior sports clubs. It represents higher standards of safety, fairness, coaching and management. To be awarded ClubMark status a club must prove it can meet specific operating standards in safeguarding and protecting children, high quality coaching, equal opportunities and good management.
Why have ClubMark accreditation?
ClubMark is designed to provide recognition for high quality clubs and is proof of a top class youth development policy. This means parents can be assured that their children belong to a safe, accredited club. By achieving ClubMark status the club is likely to attract more members therefore securing a more sustainable future.
What does it mean for the Dynamos?
By being awarded Clubmark status the Dynamos have demonstrated they run a high quality junior setup. The accreditation can help boost member numbers which financially benefits the club from top to bottom. More members also means more children can pass through the junior ranks to eventually ice for the senior side. With this in mind the Dynamos will continue to make school visits to make the sport of ice hockey more widely recognised in Kent.
The Club Mark for the Dynamos
The Dynamos are the first Ice Hockey Club in the country to achieve this award.
Guthrie Miller, the Kent Club Development Officer, said, "I'd like to thank Invicta Dynamos for all of their hard work and congratulate them on achieving Clubmark. They are a fantastic Club with amazing drive and passion for the sport. Dynamos have a national profile within Ice Hockey and it is only fair that they be recognised for their quality provision for children and young people."
The Dynamos were accredited by the at the beginning of June 2008. To achieve the award, the club needed to show it met a number of nationally recognised standards. Initially this was done by providing paper-based evidence within an evidence folder. After the evidence folder was submitted, the club had an assessment visit where officers attended a junior coaching session. Club secretary Jackie Mason said “It has taken us just over 18 months. A lot of people have put in a lot of hard work. I’m proud of them all”.
The scheme accredits and recognises clubs, which are committed to providing a safe, effective and friendly environment for children and young people. The club is now hoping to attract more youngsters on the back of achieving the clubmark status. Mason, who is also a director explained: “It shows the club is run on a professional basis and I hope we can help and encourage other clubs to achieve this status”. Sarah Risby, Sports Development Officer, said “Invicta Dyamons are one of the
largest clubs in Medway and they have a good junior development programme within the club. Having achieved clubmark accreditation it shows the club has achieved a recognised minimum standard that ensures it provides a good experience for children”. They are a forward thinking club that bases itself on everybody having fun. When choosing from the many sports activities available in local communities there are a number of questions you should ask and things you should look for in relation to the safety of your child. This includes the commitment of the club to good practice and child protection.