questionnaires were returned to the researcher for analysis, as shown:
Respondents to pilot study
Respondents Total Sports clubs RDA groups
Volunteers 25 15 10
Adult members 25 12 13
Young members 22 11 11
Club officers 19 12 7
External orgs 9 2 7
Total 100 52 48
This is not a large dataset on which to base conclusions. However, the
research was focused less on conducting a comprehensive impact
assessment than on testing the format for wider use, and this aim was
satisfied by the response.
The extent to which the pilot results can be taken as representative is affected
by three factors: situations and findings may vary in different sports; selection
of case studies was determined by the national governing bodies (NGBs); and
self-selected responses may bias findings. Two particular points should be
noted: NGBs recommended Clubmark or ClubsFirst accredited clubs,
implying a level of organisation which may not be typical; and young
volunteers were not well represented among respondents.
The findings, however, are felt to be indicative of the impacts of sport
volunteers, offering useful initial evidence and the basis for more detailed
assessments in future.
Findings of the pilot
Impacts are presented in three sets:
• expected or ‘obvious’ impacts;
• less well-known impacts; and
• more controversial or potentially negative impacts.
In the back of the net … the obvious impacts
Widely claimed impacts of sport volunteers are validated by the study.
Volunteers are the lifeblood of sport in local communities,
• providing opportunities, and improving health and fitness
• providing enjoyment and fun for participants
• bringing people together socially
• developing skills and confidence.
The presence of volunteers in clubs and groups enables them to function
successfully and, indeed, to exist at all. Most players express high levels of
satisfaction with the quantity and usefulness of the help and support they get