evaluation of healthy sporting environments...as a result of the survey, vichealth implemented the...

Evaluation of HealthySporting Environments

Second interim report

VicHealth (Victorian HealthPromotion Foundation)

April 2014

1 VicHealthEvaluation of Healthy Sporting Environments

Matt CameronSenior Project Officer, Healthy CommunitiesPhysical Activity, Sport & Healthy EatingVicHealth (Victorian Health Promotion Foundation15-31 Pelham StreetCarlton VIC 3053Email: [email protected]

April 2014

Second interim report – evaluation of the Healthy Sporting Environments program

Dear Matt

As per our contract dated 3 December 2012, we are pleased to present you with our second interim reportof EY’s evaluation of the Healthy Sporting Environments (‘HSE’) program. We understand that this interimreport will be used to assess the role of the VicHealth in delivering messages and outcomes in sporting clubenvironments and how such activities should be designed, implemented and funded in the future.

This interim report will be accompanied with a final evaluation report in mid to late 2014.

Restrictions on Report Use

This interim report may be relied upon by VicHealth for the purpose of evaluating HSE pursuant to thecontract dated 3 December 2012.

Ernst & Young disclaims all liability to any party other than VicHealth for all costs, loss, damage and liabilitythat the third party may suffer or incur arising from or relating to or in any way connected with theprovision of the deliverables to the third party without our prior written consent. Any commercial decisionstaken by VicHealth are not within the scope of our duty of care and in making such decisions you shouldtake into account the limitations of the scope of our work and other factors, commercial and otherwise, ofwhich you should be aware of from the sources other than our work.

Basis of Our Work

Our work in connection with this assignment is of a different nature to that of an audit. We have performedresearch and analysis based on assumptions developed in consultation with your staff, your internal budgetestimates, and other publicly available sources which were available to us within the timeframe specified forpreparation of the this analysis.

We have not independently verified, or accept any responsibility or liability for independently verifying, anysuch information nor do we make any representation as to the accuracy or completeness of theinformation. We accept no liability for any loss or damage, which may result from your reliance on anyresearch, analysis or information so supplied.

We accept no liability for any loss or damage, which may result from your reliance on any research,analyses or information so supplied.

If you would like to clarify any aspect of this review or discuss other related matters then please do nothesitate to contact me on (03) 9655 2551.

Yours sincerely

Dr David A CochranePartner


Table of contents

Executive summary ................................................................................................................. 3Part A: Background and evaluation context .............................................................................. 151. Introduction ................................................................................................................ 16

1.1 Background to Healthy Sporting Environments ......................................................... 161.2 Healthy sporting Environments (2012-2015) ........................................................... 191.3 The scope and methodology of the evaluation .......................................................... 211.4 Limitations ............................................................................................................ 221.5 Information sources ............................................................................................... 22

2. The six HSE modules .................................................................................................... 242.1 Responsible Use of Alcohol ..................................................................................... 242.2 Healthy Eating ....................................................................................................... 242.3 UV Protection ........................................................................................................ 252.4 Reducing Tobacco Use ............................................................................................ 252.5 Injury Prevention and Management ......................................................................... 262.6 Inclusion, Safety and Support .................................................................................. 26

3. Program logic and evaluation framework........................................................................ 273.1 The design process ................................................................................................. 273.2 Program logic ........................................................................................................ 283.3 Evaluation framework ............................................................................................. 30

Part B: HSE design and implementation ................................................................................... 364. Key stakeholders and data collection ............................................................................. 37

4.1 VicHealth .............................................................................................................. 374.2 The Stakeholder Reference Group ............................................................................ 384.3 Regional Sports Assemblies .................................................................................... 414.4 Community sporting clubs ...................................................................................... 43

5. Program design and relevance ...................................................................................... 455.1 Design process ...................................................................................................... 455.2 VicHealth .............................................................................................................. 465.3 RSAs .................................................................................................................... 465.4 Sporting clubs ....................................................................................................... 51

6. Alignment with government policies and programs ......................................................... 546.1 VicHealth objectives ............................................................................................... 546.2 State and Commonwealth Government programs and policies .................................... 56

Part C: Evaluation findings ..................................................................................................... 587. Efficiency in implementation and delivery ...................................................................... 59

7.1 Program implementation ........................................................................................ 607.2 Materials and guidelines ......................................................................................... 677.3 Program management and governance (including communications)............................ 697.4 Financial management ........................................................................................... 727.5 Resourcing ............................................................................................................ 737.6 Support and satisfaction with HSE ........................................................................... 757.7 Summary of process evaluation ............................................................................... 77

8. Sporting clubs and HSE impacts .................................................................................... 808.1 Community sporting clubs ...................................................................................... 808.2 HSE program statistics ........................................................................................... 828.3 Meeting HSE program objectives ............................................................................. 83

9. HSE expected effectiveness (community benefits) ........................................................... 929.1 HSE outcomes at the sporting club level ................................................................... 929.2 Short to medium term outcomes ............................................................................. 979.3 Longer term outcomes ........................................................................................... 989.4 Case studies ........................................................................................................ 1019.5 Case study development ....................................................................................... 101

Part D: The role for Government ........................................................................................... 10210. High level conclusions and recommendations ............................................................... 103

10.1 Conclusions and recommendations ........................................................................ 104


10.2 Focus of future consultations and surveying ........................................................... 108Appendix A Questionnaires and surveys ............................................................................. 110Appendix B Completion of modules ................................................................................... 158


Executive summary

Key findings

The evaluation focuses on the efficiency in which the Healthy Sporting Environment (HSE) programhas been implemented and its effectiveness in achieving its objectives and desired outcomes.

This report focuses on data collection at sports clubs, implementation of the program and theeffectiveness in achieving its objectives and outcomes.

Data collection includes consultation with Regional Sports Assemblies (RSAs) and key VicHealthstaff, surveying community sports clubs participating in the HSE program and the StakeholderReference Group overseeing its implementation, and analysis of CRM data and RSA progressreports.

Overall it was found that the design and relevance of the Healthy Sporting Environment Programaligns strongly with VicHealth objectives and wider State and Commonwealth Government policies.

The key overall findings from the first and second round analysis of the implementation and deliveryof the HSE program and its effectiveness of achieving outcomes are:

• As of 17 February 2014, 250 sports clubs had signed up to participate in HSE, which is theoverall program target. Three RSAs have achieved their target of 25 clubs, with the remaining sixclubs close to achieving this

• Clubs from 41 different types of sports have signed up to the HSE program with a largeproportion from AFL, netball and cricket

• Overall, community sports clubs have been very receptive to the HSE program and havedemonstrated a high level of understanding of the importance of each module and the potentialbenefits

• In some instances, progress towards meeting the community sports club target has been slowerthan anticipated by RSAs and VicHealth as convincing clubs with limited resources and financeshas been challenging

• Concern remains over the number of volunteers needed at a sports club to successfullyimplement modules

• RSAs have reported that overall the program is being administered with good governance• 100% of RSAs believe that support from VicHealth has been adequate• Training by VicHealth was seen as very useful, with additional training sessions seen as beneficial• A number of RSAs did report some difficulty in identifying or recruiting the right skills mix and

resource requirements to manage the program and successfully recruit community sportingclubs (VicHealth did provide HSE position descriptions based on the HSE DP program)

• May and November are the most effective months to engage community sporting clubs (aligningwith the beginning of the winter and summer sporting seasons)

• Sporting clubs are now progressing through the implementation of each module• RSAs and clubs have expressed concern that two years is not enough time to implement all

actions under all modules or embed sustained change – HSE’s two year timeframe has recentlybeen extended by an additional year

• From self-reported surveys, sporting clubs expect to experience a range of significant benefitsincluding a better club culture, improved reputation within the community and healthiermembers and supporters.


Context

Lifestyle factors such as alcohol and tobacco use, and unhealthy eating contribute significantly tothe burden of disease in Australia. Leading health promotion and population health agencies haveidentified the need to create environments that improve health and contribute to reducing lifestyle-related harms.

A VicHealth Community Attitudes Survey in 2009 provided strong evidence of community supportfor governments to work with sports clubs to advance health promotion.

As a result of the survey, VicHealth implemented the Healthy Sporting Environments DemonstrationProject (HSE DP), a $2 million pilot initiative which involved 73 sports clubs across the Barwonregion. Its key objective was to create behavioural, environmental and socio-cultural change bysupporting sports clubs to attain minimum standards in six key areas of health and sports clubdevelopment.

The Healthy Sporting Environment program

Based on the experiences and results generated by the HSE DP, VicHealth has invested a further $5million to expand the Program to regional and rural Victoria. Healthy Sporting Environments (HSE)will be delivered through Victoria’s nine Regional Sports Assemblies (RSAs), through which it isexpected that over 250 rural and regional sports clubs will be engaged.

The objectives of HSE are:

• To improve the health of regional Victorians by effecting positive behavioural change,organisational and socio-cultural change through changes to the physical environments ofregional sports clubs in Victoria

• To provide a structured planning, implementation and reporting framework, and appropriateresources for each of the nine RSAs to assist over 250 rural and regional sporting clubs to meetthe requirements of the VicHealth HSE standards

• To find the optimal method of engaging regional sports clubs and delivering appropriateresources to them in order to maximise the positive health benefits to the community

• To identify and better understand what environmental factors will instigate and sustain healthybehavioural, organisational and social change within grassroots sports clubs

• To identify and better understand what barriers impact on a sporting body’s capacity to instigateand sustain behavioural, organisational and socio-cultural change within grassroots sports clubs.

The six modules of the HSE are:

1. Responsible Use of Alcohol: this module aims to provide sports clubs with the tools to ensurealcohol is served responsibly and not consumed at harmful levels. It also seeks to put systemsin place to reduce alcohol-related problems

2. Healthy Eating: this module seeks to increase the proportion of healthy food and drink choicesavailable to players, spectators and officials in sports clubs

3. Reducing Tobacco Use: this module aims to ensure sports clubs are smoke free and to de-normalise smoking. It is expected that this will make smoking less attractive to young people,reduce exposure to second-hand smoke and support smokers who want to quit


4. UV Protection: this module aims to assist sports clubs to take a balanced approach toultraviolet radiation exposure to reduce the health risks associated with overexposure, andmaintain adequate vitamin D levels

5. Injury Prevention and Management: this module aims to embed good prevention methods toreduce the number of sporting injuries within a community sports club, and procedures formanaging injuries if they occur

6. Inclusion, Safety and Support: this module aims to provide practical tools and resources to helpsports clubs become more inclusive and welcoming. It specifically aims to increase theinvolvement of women, girls, Aboriginal people, and people from culturally and linguisticallydiverse backgrounds.

HSE was launched on 2 July 2012 and was due to conclude in June 2014; however, HSE hasrecently been extended for a further 12 months and will now conclude in June 2015. The 12 monthextension of the program will enable RSAs to continue to finalise the implementation of HSEmodules with clubs, build community awareness of healthy sporting clubs, and influence decisionmakers by sharing learnings from HSE to inform other sport and health promotion programs. EachRSA will be funded as per current arrangements.

The evaluation

Ernst & Young has been engaged by VicHealth to evaluate HSE. The evaluation is being conductedalong two broad components – the process or formative component to examine how HSE is beingimplemented, and the summative or outcomes component that will examine the outcomes of HSE.

Data collection for the evaluation will be undertaken in three consultation phases. The firstconsultation phase will focus on baseline data collection and the early implementation of theprogram. The second phase will begin to investigate impacts and outcomes and the third phases willfocus more on the effectiveness of the HSE program in generating outcomes.

The project will be based on a program logic and an evaluation framework developed and circulatedto key stakeholders.

Alignment with key policies

The HSE aligns strongly with VicHealth objectives, which highlight the need for investments thatseek to achieve outcomes at the organisational and community level. The five HSE objectives alignwith the recently released VicHealth Action Agenda for Health Promotion 2013-2023, as well as theKey Result Areas outlined in the previous VicHealth Strategy and Business Plan 2009-2013 and theVicHealth Action Plan 2010-2013 (Building Health through Sport).

A review of State and Commonwealth policies found that HSE has strong alignment with theVictorian Health Priorities Framework 2012-2022, The Public Health and Wellbeing Act 2008, theAustralian Sport Commission Strategic Plan 2011-15 and the National Preventative Health Strategy2009.


Sporting clubs and the HSE

The importance of sporting clubs

Contemporary health promotion theory and practice stresses the importance of accompanyingbehavioural change approaches with environmental changes through a healthy settings approach. Ahealthy setting is defined as a “place or social context in which people engage in daily activities inwhich environmental, organisational and personal factors interact to affect health and wellbeing”1.

HSE is a program that was conceptualised and based on a settings approach. It aims to integrate acommitment to health within the cultures, structures, processes and routine life of organisationaland other settings2, especially at the community level. This type of approach has traditionally beenimplemented in schools, universities, workplaces and hospitals/health services, with limitedevidence on how this approach can be implemented in a sports setting. However, it has beenrecognised that sports clubs provide plentiful opportunities to become health promotion settingsand in order to do so, a comprehensive approach that focuses on its activities, aims and purposesneeds to be adopted3.

To assess the impact on the HSE program at a sporting club level it is important to first understandthe sporting club environment and key issues being experienced. Consistent with findings from theHSE DP, community sporting clubs consider the attraction and retention of members as their majorfocus. Other concerns include:

• Being part of the community• Having a good reputation in the community• Being financial viable.

Community sporting clubs that participate in HSE are seeking to address key issues and increase thebenefit they generate for society which includes providing:

• Opportunity to socialise• Opportunity to participate in/support the community• Opportunity to meet new people.

As of 17 February 2014, 250 sports clubs had signed up to participate in HSE. Each RSA has eithermet their target or made significant progress towards achieving their target of 25 (noting thatGippSports has a target of 504). Involved with HSE are clubs from 41 different sports from largeregional centres to remote areas. The HSE program was available to all types of community sportingclubs from all parts of regional Victoria to enable the program to be tested with different types ofclubs at various levels. November and May have been the months in which the highest proportion ofclubs have been signed up to the HSE. This aligns with the beginning of the summer and winterseasons.

1 WHO 1986, ‘Ottawa Charter for Health Promotion’, WHO.2 Dooris 2005, ‘Healthy settings: challenges to generating evidence of effectiveness’, Health Promotion International, vol.21, no. 1, pp. 55-64.3 Geidne, S, Quennerstedt, M & Eriksson, C 2013, ‘The youth sports club as a health promoting setting: An integrative reviewof research’, Scandinavian Journal of Public Health, vol. 41, pp. 269-283.4 GippSport represents a catchment that used to be two RSAs. GippSport receive two lots of funding for the HSE initiativeand has a target of 50 community clubs.


Overall, community sports clubs have been very receptive to the HSE program and havedemonstrated a high level of understanding of the importance of each module and the potentialbenefits. Although community sports clubs have been receptive, from a RSA and VicHealthperspective, reaching the target of 25 clubs has been slower than expected with a number ofchallenges at clubs level including resourcing and finances. No date was set for the achievement ofclub targets.

While community sporting clubs have generally been supportive of the six HSE modules, RSAs andcommunity sports clubs were consistent in ranking Inclusion Safety and Support as the mostrelevant HSE module. Other modules that rated highly were injury management and prevention, andresponsible use of alcohol. Reducing tobacco use was rated as the least important. Throughconsultation with the RSAs it became apparent that clubs did not rank this module higher assignificant work is already being done on reducing tobacco use through legislation and mediaadvertising. In addition, there are various other programs and policies that currently exist whichprovide a degree of overlap with HSE including SunSmart campaigns, Healthy Together Victoria andGoodSports. While these overlapping programs abnd policies have not been mapped in detail, RSAsand community sporting clubs have noted some duplication.

RSAs believe that other issues in the community such as mental health and illicit drugs could formthe basis of a HSE module in the future. Community sporting clubs also believed that accessinghealthy sponsorship and the behaviour of spectators are significant issues that they will requireassistance with in the future.

Evaluation findings

Key findings are presented on the efficiency in which the HSE program has been implemented anddelivered (Table 1), and its effectiveness in delivery outcomes to sporting clubs and the environment(Table 3). The findings are presented based on the questions outlined in the evaluation framework.The effectiveness of the program in delivering outcomes will be the major focus of the third roundsof consultation.

Efficiency in delivery

Table 1: Analysis of efficiency

Evaluation question Findings

Has HSE been implemented andadministered effectively (from RSA tocommunity sporting clubs)?

In order to sign up clubs to the program, the most common forms of engagementbetween RSAs and sporting clubs have been:• RSA communication channels and marketing material• Use of local media• Word of mouth.RSAs have typically utilised existing relationships within their catchment togenerate interest in the program, and recruit and support clubs in order toimplement the program. This has included their existing relationships with sportsclubs, as well as partnerships with local government authorities and healthservices. Regular face-to-face meetings have been identified as very important forthe implementation of the program.The majority of clubs have been very receptive or somewhat receptive to the HSEprogram.

Clubs that have not been receptive have had concerns over their clubs’ capacityand capabilities, and the lack of financial incentives. Financial incentives were notprovided based on learnings from the HSE DP.

Is the information relevant and usefuland delivered appropriately?

The HSE program has developed a significant amount of information for communitysporting clubs. Although much of this information is prescriptive (such as thenumber of modules and list of actions that need to be adopted), much has been left



open to interpretation to enable flexibility for RSAs to adapt the program to suiteach club’s needs (such as the order and manner in which modules areimplemented). This has the advantage of allowing RSA to use information how andwhen they wish; however, this may lead to inconsistencies in implementation acrossthe state.

The majority of RSAs have indicated that the large number of documents andguidelines can be overwhelming and deter clubs from the program. As a result,some RSAs have adopted a “protective” approach to ensure that resources are onlygiven to clubs when deemed ready. It was suggested that information could be“drip-fed” to clubs, where summaries are provided initially and additional/moredetailed material could be provided once progress is made.Initial results from Round 2 indicate some dissatisfaction with the Healthy Eatingand Inclusion, Safety and Support materials due to the complexity of materials anda greater need for the materials to be appropriate for club environments.

Has there been effective engagementbetween:

• VicHealth and the StakeholderReference Group?

• RSAs and VicHealth?• RSAs and clubs?• Clubs and local stakeholders?

Engagement has varied across stakeholder groups.Formal meetings have been put in place between VicHealth and the RSAs, and theStakeholder Reference Group. These groups were established as a means ofengaging important stakeholders to guide and inform the program throughout theimplementation. This was informed by the HSE DP evaluation report. VicHealth metboth groups once in 2012, and will meet three times in 2013 and twice in 2014.Meetings in 2015 are to be confirmed. The role of this group will be tracked againstthe Terms of Reference as the program continues.VicHealth has not mandated any formal engagement processes between RSAs andclubs in order to allow flexibility in implementation. The approach surroundingengagement between RSAs and clubs has been subject to the discretion of theRSAs. Clubs continue to indicate that they are satisfied with the level of supportprovided.

VicHealth has not mandated any formal processes or guidelines to encouragecommunication between sporting clubs and other community groups; however,progress reports indicate that partnerships between RSAs and other organisationsmay result in opportunities for clubs as the program progresses. Relationshipsbetween LGAs and SSAs have been identified as key enablers of success, andfacilitating introductions and providing forums could provide an importantopportunity for communication.

Have appropriate governanceprotocols been followed?

Formal governance arrangements were put in place with the Stakeholder ReferenceGroup and the Program Managers/Officers Group. Terms of Reference for theStakeholder Reference Group and Officers Groups were developed to outline theaims of the group, role and membership.

Has HSE been adequately budgeted? The overall confirmed budget for the HSE 2012-2015 program is $5 million whichis being split evenly across the three year program duration between the nineRSAs.

Funding allocated to RSAs has been predominantly spent on resourcing with themajority spent on resourcing (primarily staff time) and operations (overheads andexpenses) to implement the HSE program.Funding is a concern for RSAs, with several having difficulty determining the mostappropriate mix of resources and capability. Guidelines could be developed to assistRSAs in determining staffing, resources, marketing, training and overheadsrequired for the program.

Clubs have indicated a concern over the lack of funding for involvement in the HSEprogram. VIcHealth intentionally excluded incentives in the roll out based onlessons learnt from the HSE DP, which showed that while incentives weresometimes a reason for participating, they were not the main reason. In addition,incentives were deemed to be unsustainable. However, RSAs can use funds at theirdiscretion to provide tangible support to clubs (e.g. training and signage).

Have appropriate risk and financialmanagement protocols been followed?

Contractual arrangements have been followed, with the RSAs being allocated$155,150 (excl. GST) in each of the years that HSE will operate.A formal risk register does not exist; however, HSE staff and RSAs have reportedthat there is regular engagement to mitigate risks including quarterly meetingsbetween VicHealth and program managers/officers.

Has HSE been adequately resourced? VicHealth initially had two dedicated staff members for HSE. This has now changedto one staff member following the recent organisational restructure, with around 1-1.2 Equivalent Full Time (EFT). This level of resourcing has been adequate with highlevels of satisfaction for the support provided.

Resourcing varies across RSAs. RSA resources have ranged between 1 and 2 EFT



per week. Estimates range between 38 hours and 80 average hours per week, or 1-2 full time equivalent staff. In addition, staff at some RSAs were solely dedicated toHSE, whereas others worked across a number of programs.

Further investigation is necessary to determine the most appropriate level ofresourcing for HSE implementation.

How satisfied are clubs/club memberswith HSE?

RSAs have been positive about the delivery of the project. Through interviews itwas determined that:• 100% of RSAs believed that support had been adequate (up 10% from Round 1)• 100% of RSAs believed governance structures were adequate (up 10% from

Round 1)• 82% of RSAs believed the program had been administered and delivered

effectively (up 22% from Round 1).RSAs indicated a lack of certainty around what level of resourcing (e.g. staffing,capability, skills and support) was required to successfully deliver the program andwhat resources sporting clubs needed to ensure successful implementation of theprogram.The experience of the RSAs is reflected at a club level, with 86% very satisfied orsomewhat satisfied with the HSE program.

Effectiveness in achieving objectives

Progress against each module is summarised below. This progress is what will drive sustainableenvironment change and behavioural change at sporting clubs.

Table 2: Progress implementing each module

Module Progress

Responsible Use of Alcohol From the sporting club survey approximately 73.6% of participating clubs servedalcohol at their club with 82% indicating they were reliant or somewhat reliant onalcohol sales to generate revenue. Clubs (on average) held a total of 11.1 eventsper year. On average, 8.2 events were held with alcohol available while 2.9 werealcohol free, again indicating a possible reliance on alcohol sales.

Although a high proportion of clubs serve alcohol and are reliant on alcohol sales,very few clubs indicated there were any issues with consumption. While the relianceon alcohol sales may mean that a degree of self-reporting bias may exist, otherquestions regarding compliance with club policies and legislation were also askedwhich appeared to support the finding of limited issues with consumption. RSAsalso confirmed this finding, attributing it to the high levels of understandingattained from GoodSports.The majority of clubs met the requirements of what to serve at the bar and at whatprices.With respect to developing clubs policies:

• 22.6% had developed an Alcohol Management Policy

• 22.6% had a Safe Transport Policy

• 30.2% were smoke free.In addition:

• 76.9% of clubs indicated that the number of committee members that haveparticipated in the Responsible Use of Alcohol training had increased

• On average 72% of bar staff had received training and 76% of committeemembers had been trained

• The majority (72%) of clubs indicated they displayed promotional andregulatory material supporting the Responsible Use of Alcohol moreprominently since HSE implementation.

• While most clubs understand the importance of alcohol management or areinvolved with the GoodSports program, almost 50% have seen positive changeat a club level.

Healthy Eating Of the clubs surveyed, 47% operated a canteen.Historically clubs have not aligned with the requirements of the HSE program.Whilst some clubs offered healthy food and beverages, the majority did not andvery few displayed promotional material supporting healthy eating. Since HSE


Module Progress

26.9% of clubs have indicated they have developed a Healthy Eating Policy.

From the survey results, 33.3% of respondents reported to have made definitivechanges to their canteen environment, with an additional 61% making smallerchanges. The survey found that only 5% of respondent reported to have made nochange at all to their canteen environment.

UV Protection There has been significant improvement in displaying UV protection material insporting clubs. Previously 79.6% of clubs did not display relevant material. Now,over 70% of clubs did, or were in the process of displaying UV awareness material.Activities promoting UV protection, the use of shade, sunscreen and shade are alsoimproving since the implementation of the HSE.Since HSE began:

• 37.3% of clubs now promote the use of SPF30+ broad spectrum, waterresistant sunscreen and re-application it every 2 hours or after swimming)

• 35% Remind players to apply SPF30+ sunscreen when the uniforms did notprovide adequate UV protection

• 31% have the officials, coaches and senior members acting as role models bywearing UV protective clothing.

Reducing Tobacco Use With the benefits of non-smoking already well known throughout the communitydue to legislation around smokefree environments (e.g. schools, bars/pubs), 60%of surveyed sporting clubs indicated that they already had a smoke free policy withan additional 20% developing a smoke free policy as part of the HSE program. Noclubs knew of a breach in legislative requirements since the HSE program began toadd to the prior 24 months of no legislative breaches.Some progress has been made by clubs. Around 50% of clubs indicated that theyhad surveyed members’ needs. Commitment to the Reducing Tobacco Use modulealso improved by 30% compared with the Round 1 survey, with 70% indicating theyhave developed or are developing a strategy based on members’ needs (includingthe development of a smoke free policy).From the survey it was found that 42% (yes) and 22% (somewhat) have promotedthe new/revised smoke-free policy to members, patrons, supporters, spectatorsand staff and prepared the grounds and facilities for change. An additional 36% ofclubs are actively supporting club members in quitting.

Injury Prevention and Management Injury Prevention and Management is seen as a significant concern with clubsbelieving safety, the well-being of players and keeping players participating areessential to club operations. As such, 59.3% of clubs believe they were alreadyraising awareness of injury prevention and management. Over 90% of clubs hadcompleted or were in the process of completing an Injury Prevention andManagement Assessment.Results from the survey found that:

• 61.8% of clubs had an appointed safety coordinator

• 70.6% of clubs had a medical emergency plan

• 97.1% of clubs had a first aid kits accessible at training and games

• 73.5% of clubs had at least one first aid trainer at training and games

• 75% of clubs had developed sports specific safety requirements.

Inclusion, Safety and Support Inclusion, Safety and Support is rated by clubs as the most important of the sixmodules, with recognition that this module is directly linked with increasedparticipation. For the majority of clubs surveyed, 68% indicated that historicallythey have rated inclusion, safety and support as very important or somewhatimportant, with 69% claiming to already ensure access to facilities and activities toall members of the community.In regards to progress on developing leadership and commitment:

• 24.5% now have a vision statement reflecting this commitment

• 26% now have a welcoming officer, develops inclusive, safe, welcomingexperiences.

By way of articulating expectations:

• 26.5% of clubs have design guidelines supporting welcoming & inclusiveenvironments

• 29.2% have developed information for women and girls if they are victims ofviolence.


Module Progress

While there may be some self-reporting bias, this bias can be counteracted by adegree through RSA observations of progress in this area.

Effectiveness in delivering outcome to sporting clubs and the community

At this stage of the evaluation, it is too early to determine the effectiveness of the HSE program ingenerating outcomes in the sporting clubs and community. The expected benefits of each moduleare outlined in Table 3.

Table 3: Expected benefits

Module Expected benefits

Responsible Use of Alcohol The anticipated benefits for the Responsible Use of Alcohol module include:• Responsible consumption of alcohol by prominent club members and officials• Less consumption of full strength alcoholic beverages• Reduction in drink driving

Healthy Eating The anticipated benefits for the Healthy Eating module include:• Increase in the sale of healthy foods and beverages• Club catered events with an increase in choice of healthy food and beverages

UV Protection The anticipated benefits for the UV Protection module include:• Greater personal responsibility for UV protection• Increase in compliance regarding the application of sunscreen

Reducing Tobacco Use The anticipated benefits for the Reducing Tobacco Use module include:• Reduction of smoking in and around the sporting club• All facilities are smoke free

Injury Prevention and Management The anticipated benefits Injury, Prevention and Management module include:• Improved access to protective equipment, drinking water, first aid kits• Increased awareness of key injury prevention activities• Increased number of accredited coaches and qualified first aid personnel

Inclusion, Safety and Support The anticipated benefits for the Inclusion, Safety and Support module include:• Increased membership numbers• Increased participation by new and existing members• Increased participation levels from women, girls, Aboriginal Victorians and

people from culturally diverse backgrounds

These short term benefits are likely to generate sustainable behaviour changes for the overalloperations and practices of the club, which will impact on participant behaviour and result in longterm health gains. Sporting clubs believe that these changes will lead to the benefits outlined inFigure 1.

From the community sporting club survey, the greatest expected benefits in Round 2 were a betterclub culture (65%), a safer environment (47%) and an improved reputation in the community (39%).Figure 1 also provides a comparison of the expected benefits of VicHealth and sporting clubs. Itillustrates that an improved reputation within the community is the best aligned benefit.

Overall, the expected benefits from Round 1 to Round 2 have reduced across all categories. Fromthe club surveys and RSA consultations, this may be due to clubs gaining a more realisticexpectation of what the program is able to achieve and will be explore in more detail in the finalevaluation report.


Figure 1: Expected benefits at sporting club level

*denotes VicHealth’s expected benefits

As the HSE program will run over the course of three years, it is unlikely that longer term economicand social benefits will be quantified. However, research has shown that physical activity promoteswellbeing, physical and mental health, prevents disease, improves social connectedness and qualityof life, provides economic benefits and contributes to environmental sustainability5. Furthermore,other health promotion settings initiatives have been found to improve health outcomes. Forexample, a 2009 Victorian Parliament Inquiry found that the Health Promoting Schools Frameworkhas been successfully implemented by governments worldwide, and was presented as internationalbest practice throughout the Inquiry6. Consequently, VicHealth has operated on the principle thatcreating positive and healthy changes to club environments will both increase participation in theclub environment (by making the club more inclusive and welcoming) and create a positive healthimpact on those participating in that club environment, by removing negative health exposures (e.g.tobacco smoke), increasing protective health exposures (e.g. shade) and increasing healthy options(e.g. healthier food). Potential longer term impacts of the HSE include:

• Increased physical health• Decrease in preventable diseases• Decreased overweight and obesity• Improved community participation rates (including culturally diverse Victorians)• Improved education outcomes.

Conclusions and next steps

A number of conclusions and recommendations have been made from analysis of baselineinformation. These are categorised under engagement, implementation and design. In light ofslower than expected implementation and concerns (from RSAs and clubs) that they will not be ableto complete all action items, VicHealth extended the HSE program by 12 month. Based on clubprogress through the modules this is seen as a sensible action.

5 Global Advocacy Council for Physical Activity, ‘The Toronto Charter for Physical Activity: A Global Call to Action’, GAPA.6 Parliament of Victoria 2010, ‘Inquiry into the Potential for Developing Opportunities for Schools to Become a Focus forPromoting Healthy Community Living’, Parliament of Victoria, Melbourne.

* * ***


Stakeholder engagement

• Early and ongoing consultation is essential in gaining support from all stakeholders• Encouraging and providing an avenue for community sporting clubs to discuss implementation

and progress with other community groups and HSE sporting clubs will assist in sharinglearnings. Some RSAs are now holding workshops to bring clubs together

• Additional encouragement is needed to ensure that a broad selection of sporting clubs (small andremote clubs) are signed up to the program and supported during implementation

• Regular face to face meetings are most effective in building relationships with sporting clubs andprogressing modules.

Program implementation

• VicHealth and RSAs potentially assist in the development of strong community relationships toensure the sporting clubs have appropriate levels of support to implement useful programs(including HSE). For example, this may include initiating forums and groups to facilitate linkagesbetween sporting clubs and other stakeholders

• Continued support is required on challenging modules and those that will generate the mostsignificant benefits or where there is a capability/expertise gap (most relevant for Inclusion,Safety and Support)

• Support is required on writing club specific policies relating to each of the modules. This includessupport from SSAs which RSAs identified as a key enabler of success

• To sign up clubs, encourage RSAs to engage community sporting clubs during April andNovember (the beginning of the winter and summer sporting seasons)

• Further investigation is needed on ways to engage and attract clubs (i.e. analysis of injurystatistics for particular sports)

• Early training sessions for the RSAs were useful and appreciated. Opportunities to participate inadditional training sessions would be beneficial

• Clearly defining the skills sets, resources and capabilities required within RSAs and clubs tosuccessfully implement the HSE program is helpful and required.

Program design

• For future health promotion programs, consider reducing the number of modules and actionitems for future HSE programs (to be explored further once implementation has progressed),which is based on targeting elements likely to be successful and ensuring optimal use ofresources

• Extend timelines when possible to ensure that clubs that are progressing though the modules areachieving sustained change (not just achieving action items)

• Further monitoring of issues in sport and the community will assist in developing other feasiblemodules for future programs.

Overall, sport generates exposure which enables a good medium to communicate the program’smessages. VicHealth should continue to review its current investments in physical activity and sportto explore how to use its new business model to inform future programs and influence other parts ofthe sport and health promotion sector.

To complete a robust, accurate and useful evaluation, future data collection phases will focus on:

• Potential effectiveness of more focused targeting of clubs (e.g. based on publically available dataor consultation with State Sporting Associations)


• Progress against each module and each action item• Any difficulties in progressing modules and action items from an RSA and sporting club

perspective• Usefulness of the materials provided• The support required to ensure that clubs continue to progress (and do not drop out of the

program)• The relationship that clubs have with other relevant bodies (e.g. State Sporting Associations and

Local Councils) to determine their influence over implementation and success• Outcomes as a result of implementing modules.


Part A: Background and evaluationcontext


1. Introduction

Summary

Lifestyle factors such as alcohol and tobacco use, and unhealthy eating contribute significantly tothe burden of disease in Australia. Leading health promotion and population health agencies haveidentified the need to create environments that improve health and contribute to lifestyle-relatedharms.

A VicHealth Community Attitudes Survey in 2009 highlighted a major opportunity to improveVictorians’ health through community sporting clubs. The survey provided strong evidence ofcommunity support for governments to work with sports clubs to advance health promotion,particularly in areas such as alcohol and healthy eating.

In 2010, VicHealth appointed Leisure Networks to implement the Healthy Sporting EnvironmentsDemonstration Project (HSE DP), a $2 million pilot initiative which involved 78 sports clubs acrossthe Barwon region. Its key objective was to create behavioural, environmental and socio-culturalchange by supporting sports clubs to attain minimum standards in the following six key areas ofhealth and sports club development:

1. Responsible use of alcohol2. Healthy food choices3. Reduced tobacco use4. Protection from the harmful effects of UV5. Injury prevention and management6. Creation of an inclusive, safe and supportive environment for women, girls, Aboriginal

Victorians, and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

Based on the experiences and results generated by the HSE DP, VicHealth has invested a further $5million to expand the Program to regional and rural Victoria. Healthy Sporting Environments (HSE)2012-2015 will be delivered through Victoria’s nine Regional Sports Assemblies (RSAs), where it isexpected that over 250 rural and regional sports clubs will be engaged. Similar to the HSE DP, HSEfocuses on the same six key health goals identified by VicHealth.

EY has been engaged by VicHealth to evaluate HSE. The evaluation will be conducted along twobroad components – the process or formative component to examine how HSE is beingimplemented, and the summative or outcomes component that will examine the outcomes of HSE.

1.1 Background to Healthy Sporting Environments1.1.1 Context

Lifestyle factors such as alcohol and tobacco use, and unhealthy eating contribute significantly tothe burden of disease in Australia. Increasing evidence has found that health promotioninterventions should influence interpersonal, organisational and environmental factors in order tosuccessfully influence health behaviour. The Social Ecological Model supports that many lifestyle


factors are influenced by the environments in which people spend their time7. The Model assists inunderstanding factors affecting behaviour, and provides guidance for developing successfulprograms through social environments. In addition, Social Cognitive Theory explains humanbehaviour in terms of a three-way, dynamic, reciprocal model in which personal factors,environmental influences and behaviour continually interact8. Hence, leading health promotion andpopulation health agencies have identified the need to create environments that improve health andcontribute to reducing lifestyle-related harms.

The way Australians are consuming sport has changed from the traditional member to thesocial/flexible consumer with Australians becoming increasingly time poor and, for many, restrictedin budget. Changing lifestyles and competing forms of entertainment have created an increasinglycomplex landscape, making it difficult to understand the changing attitudes and behaviours ofAustralians in relation to sport. In addition, past research shows that sport preferences havechanged over the past decade with an increased uptake in sport being played in a non-organisedenvironment, with a stagnation of participation in organised sport. In line with the changingconsumer preferences, sports will need to adapt their offerings if they are to stay relevant to theAustralian consumer9.

The Commonwealth Department of Health released Australia’s Physical Activity and SedentaryBehaviour Guidelines in February 2014, which increased the recommended moderate intensityphysical activity to 150 to 300 minutes and vigorous intensity physical activity to 75 to 150 minuteseach week. This provides an opportunity for VicHealth to encourage participation in sport and forsporting clubs to be the medium in which this occurs.

A VicHealth Community Attitudes Survey in 2009 highlighted a major opportunity to improveVictorians’ health through community sporting clubs, demonstrating the importance of sportsettings for promoting healthy behaviours. The survey provided strong evidence of communitysupport for governments to work with sports clubs to advance health promotion, particularly inareas such as the responsible consumption of alcohol and healthy eating. A challenge arising fromthis report is how to effectively balance the expectations of the community regarding health insporting clubs with the potential impacts of change within community sporting clubs.

To date, health promotion in sports clubs has largely focused on behaviour change. Contemporaryhealth promotion theory and practice stresses the importance of accompanying behavioural changeapproaches with corresponding environmental changes. VicHealth’s rationale for the program wasthat by making community sporting clubs healthier and more welcoming, participation opportunitieswould increase10. This is based on the premise that:

• Sporting organisations are established, developed and effectively owned by the community, sothere is a direct link between community expectations, needs and the governance andmanagement of the organisation

7 Bronfenbrenner, U 1977, ‘Toward an experimental ecology of human development’, American Psychologist, vol. 32, no. 7,pp. 513-531.8 Bandura, A 1986, ‘Social foundations of thought and action: A Social Cognitive Theory’, 1st Edition, Pearson Education,New Jersey.9 Australian Sports Commission 2013, ‘Market Segmentation for sport participation’, Australian Sports Commission,Canberra.10 Sherry, E & Shilbury D 2007, ‘Impact of Social Expectations on Ethical Governance of Sport Organisations’, Annals ofLeisure Research, vol. 10, no. 3, pp. 413-430.


• Sport is a constant in many people’s lives. While their job, housing, relationships, finances andpolitical persuasions may all change, their involvement within the sporting landscape is aconstant.

1.1.2 Healthy Sporting Environments Demonstration ProjectIn 2010, VicHealth appointed Leisure Networks to implement the Healthy Sporting EnvironmentsDemonstration Project (HSE DP), a $2 million pilot initiative which involved 78 sports clubs acrossthe Barwon region.

The key objective of the HSE DP was to create behavioural, environmental and socio-cultural changeby supporting sports clubs to attain minimum standards in the following six key areas of health andsports club development and to build the evidence base for health promotion interventions in asports club setting:

1. Responsible use of alcohol2. Healthy food choices3. Reduced tobacco use4. Protection from the harmful effects of UV5. Injury prevention and management6. Creation of an inclusive, safe and supportive environment for women, girls, Aboriginal

Victorians, and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

The HSE DP concluded in March 2013.

An evaluation of the HSE DP was conducted by La Trobe University11, where there was recognitionthat sports clubs have a reach into the community which makes them an ideal delivery mechanismfor health promotion, particularly in the case of rural and regional sports clubs. Key findings include:

HSE DP was a catalyst for positive change in many clubs• 93% agreed their club was better as a result of being involved• 86% believed they received enough help implementing the standards• Almost 50% of clubs said that some standards were very difficult to implement; however, 74%

disagreed/strongly disagreed that there were too many standards.

There is likely to be positive health and social impactsData for the pilot program was collected across a relatively short timeframe while the project wasbeing implemented, so this was not able to be determined. However, it was noted that it is likely thatparticipating clubs will experience positive health and social benefits as some of the environmental,policy and cultural changes begin to take effect.

The success of the program depends on a number of important factors• At least one, but preferably a handful, of club volunteers or committee members to champion

cultural change• A well-run committee of management with good governance that is able to make clear decisions

and put in place policies and practices that support change• A whole-of-club commitment from the start of the project.

11 The final evaluation report was completed in October 2013. The evaluation included the Year 1 Report, Interim Report,Year 2 Technical Report and Year 2 Summary Report and final Technical Report and Summary Report.


There are several barriers to long-term change which exist• Club cultures can be obstructive to change• Change is most likely to be achieved if it is coming from within the club itself, but there are some

exceptions where clubs would prefer an external party to lead the change• Club-bound attitudes and practices that are viewed as being ‘ahead’ of general societal levels will

be the most difficult to achieve in some circumstances• Come clubs may be more conducive to attempts to reconnect sport and health than others.

The evaluation also highlighted that sports clubs place an importance of having a “badge of quality”that the HSE DP provides to demonstrate their credibility to their members and the widercommunity. The evaluation also showed ongoing concern from sports clubs and their membersaround the six key health areas.

1.2 Healthy sporting Environments (2012-2015)1.2.1 The program

Based on the experiences, momentum and results generated by the HSE DP, VicHealth decided toinvest a further $5 million to expand the Program to regional and rural Victoria. HSE, an expansionof HSE DP, was developed by VicHealth through engagement with federal and state governments,and sport and community sector organisations (including Regional Sports Assemblies through theirrespective Executive Officers). It will be delivered through Victoria’s nine Regional SportsAssemblies (RSAs), through which it is expected that over 250 rural and regional sports clubs will beengaged. Similar to the HSE DP, HSE focuses on the same six key health goals identified byVicHealth as important in shaping involvement in sport and generating improved health outcomes.While the six key areas are the same as the HSE DP, they have been reviewed and updated to reflectcurrent legislation and best practice. Modules have been adapted to be further contextualised andstreamlined for the purposes of community sporting clubs.

The objectives of HSE are:

• To improve the health of regional Victorians by effecting positive behavioural change,organisational and socio-cultural change through changes to the physical environments ofregional sports clubs in Victoria

• To provide a structured planning, implementation and reporting framework, and appropriateresources for each of the nine RSAs to assist over 250 rural and regional sporting clubs to meetthe requirements of the VicHealth HSE standards

• To find the optimal method of engaging regional sports clubs and delivering appropriateresources to them in order to maximise the positive health benefits to the community

• To identify and better understand what environmental factors will instigate and sustain healthybehavioural, organisational and social change within grassroots sports clubs

• To identify and better understand what barriers impact on a sporting body’s capacity to instigateand sustain behavioural, organisational and socio-cultural change within grassroots sports clubs.

HSE was launched on 2 July 2012 and was due to conclude in June 2014; however, HSE hasrecently been extended for a further 12 months and will now conclude in June 2015. The 12 monthextension of the program will enable RSAs to continue to finalise the implementation of HSEmodules with clubs, build community awareness of healthy sporting clubs, and influence decisionmakers by sharing learnings from HSE to inform other sport and health promotion programs. EachRSA will continue to be funded as per current arrangements.


1.2.2 The benefits

Benefits for sports

HSE aims to cement Victoria’s place as a nationwide leader in promoting all aspects of good healththrough sport. It is anticipated that participating clubs will see an improvement in their club facilitiesand services, as well as the health of their members and supporters. Creating a healthier sports clubis expected to:

• Attract new members and retention of existing ones• Increase funding and sponsorship opportunities• Create a positive club image – a ‘family friendly’ and welcoming environment• Attract volunteers for administration, coaching and officiating services and skills• Improve social interaction, with more spectators attending games and events.

Benefits for the community

Due to the wide reach of community sports clubs throughout regional and rural Victoria, there is adesire to ensure that the health and social benefits of HSE will be profound and long-lasting.Potential benefits to the community include:

• Lower incidence of disease, violence, road injury, workplace absenteeism and discrimination• Greater levels of engagement, interaction, cultural awareness and social cohesion• Increased participation in community sports clubs, leading to improved health and fitness,

enhanced skill levels, and increased happiness and self-esteem.

1.2.3 The six modulesThe six modules are outlined as follows:

1. Responsible Use of Alcohol: this module aims to provide sports clubs with the tools to ensurealcohol is served responsibly and not consumed at harmful levels. It also seeks to put systemsin place to reduce alcohol-related problems

2. Healthy Eating: this module seeks to increase the proportion of healthy food and drink choicesavailable to players, spectators and officials in sports clubs.

3. Reducing Tobacco Use: this module aims to ensure sports clubs are smoke free and to de-normalise smoking. It is expected that this will make smoking less attractive to young people,reduce exposure to second-hand smoke and support smokers who want to quit

4. UV Protection: this module aims to assist sports clubs to take a balanced approach toultraviolet radiation exposure to reduce the health risks associated with overexposure, andmaintain adequate vitamin D levels

5. Injury Prevention and Management: this module aims to embed good prevention methods toreduce the number of sporting injuries within a community sports club, and procedures formanaging injuries if they occur

6. Inclusion, Safety and Support: this module aims to provide practical tools and resources to helpsports clubs become more inclusive and welcoming. It specifically aims to increase theinvolvement of women, girls, Aboriginal people, and people from culturally and linguisticallydiverse backgrounds.


1.3 The scope and methodology of the evaluation1.3.1 Scope

EY has been engaged by VicHealth to evaluate HSE. The aim of the evaluation is:

• To determine the effectiveness of HSE in meeting its objectives (as outlined in Section 1.2.1)• To identify and better understand what objectively-measurable incidental consequences on the

widespread operations of a sporting club may arise from changes to the physical environments• To measure the extent of behavioural, organisational and socio-cultural change resulting from

HSE• To evaluate the extent and impact of barriers to change• To evaluate the effectiveness of the individual modules (standards, mode of delivery, efficacy of

resources, planning and reporting systems)• To provide recommendations for the improvement of future iterations of the program.

The evaluation will be conducted along two broad components – the process or formativecomponent to examine how HSE is being implemented, and the summative or outcomes componentthat will examine the outcomes of HSE:

• Formative evaluation – this focuses on program efficiency, delivery and governance. Theobjective is to examine how HSE has been implemented and administered, and potential areas forimprovement. It will examine the environmental context in which sports clubs operate, report onthe reach of the program and investigate the resourcing required for implementation

• Summative evaluation – this focuses on program effectiveness (outcomes). The objective is toexamine environmental changes at the sports club level and the behavioural change of sportsclub participants.

This will assist in answering what outcomes can be identified as a result of HSE, and the extent towhich it has met its objectives.

1.3.2 ApproachTo date, the following tasks/activities have been completed:

• Program logic• Evaluation framework• Review of VicHealth information• Data gathering process design• First round of consultations and surveying• Interim report• Second round of consultations and surveying• Second interim report.

The following tasks/activities will subsequently be completed:

• Third round of consultations and surveying• Research on outcomes – qualitative assessment• Development of case studies• Draft and final report.


1.4 LimitationsThe following points outline some of the main limitations of this evaluation:

• Data collection: there are a range of sports clubs in rural and regional Victoria with varying size,capability, capacity and resources. This may affect survey response rates and the quality ofresponses

• Causation of impacts: there are concurrent health promotion campaigns that address the samebehaviours as HSE standards such as Sun Smart, QUIT and the National Heart Foundation. Thereare also initiatives in sports clubs that predate HSE such as Good Sports and the All Abilitiesfootball program. These concurrent initiatives play an important role in achieving the benefitsand impacts that HSE also seeks to achieve, which therefore presents a challenge for ascribingcausation and defining the desired state

• Measuring longer term impacts: the evaluation is being conducted alongside the programimplementation, so is limited in considering the longer term impacts and community benefitssuch as health outcomes. Due to these constraints, this evaluation will provide a qualitativediscussion on the potential health benefits associated with HSE, which will enable a platform forfuture evaluation

• Measuring behavioural change (away from the club environment): this evaluation is focused onmeasuring collective behavioural change within the club environment, so there is limited insightinto how transferable these behaviours are once individual members are away from the clubenvironment.

1.5 Information sourcesThe information sources and organisations that were consulted are outlined in Table 4.

Table 4: Information sources

Information sources Documents

VicHealthCommunications • VicHealth HSE brochure

• HSE poster/banner• SSA letter• Primary Care Partnership letter• Progress reports• Workplan and reporting template• HSE snapshot of media releases and newspaper articles• VicHealth HSE newsletters• Workplaces

Resources • Modules and resource list for the six areas• Policy templates• Survey templates• Checklists• Posters• Signage• Online interactive scenario based learning• Information sheets• Website links• Expert advice available to RSAs from health organisations

Evaluation • La Trobe University HSE DP – Year 1 Report, Interim Report, Year 2 TechnicalReport and Year 2 Summary Report

Program management • Stakeholder Reference Group Terms of Reference• Program Management Group Terms of Reference• HSE Process diagram• Program governance map• HSE project charter• Community Attitudes Survey Report


Information sources Documents

• CRM databaseOther • VicHealth Action Agenda for Health Promotion

• VicHealth Strategy and Business Plan 2009-2013• VicHealth Action Plan 2010-2013

ConsultationsRSAs • GippSport

• Centre Active Recreation Network – The Centre• Mallee Sports Assembly• South West Sport• Sports Focus• Valley Sport• Wimmera Regional Sports Assembly• Central Highlands Sports Assembly – Sports Central• Leisure Networks

VicHealth • Program staff• Staff in key positions

Stakeholder Reference Group • SunSmart• Australian Drug Foundation• Regional Sports Network Victoria• Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission• QUIT• Department of Health – Nutrition• Sports Medicine Australia• VicSport• Municipal Association of Victoria• Sport and Recreation Victoria• Department of Health – Physical Activity• AFL Victoria• Cricket Victoria• Netball Victoria• Basketball Victoria• Football Federation Victoria• Tennis Victoria

Clubs • A total of 55 clubs were surveyed from a possible 140 at the time of contact(note participation has since increased to 192 participating clubs)

Desktop researchDepartment of Health • Victorian Health Priorities Framework 2012-2022

• Victorian Public Health and Wellbeing Plan 2011-2015• Victorian Families Statement 2011• The Public Health and Wellbeing Act

Department of Health and Ageing • National Chronic Disease Strategy 2005Australian Sports Commission • Australian Sports Commission Strategic Plan 2011-2012 to 2014-2015Preventative Health Taskforce • National Preventative Health Strategy 2009


2. The six HSE modules

Summary

HSE focuses on ensuring that sports clubs are viable, sustainable and healthy places. This will beachieved through a process of club engagement, based on the provision of adequate resources andworking modules for clubs to assess their current situation and implement gradual change in thefollowing six key areas:

1. Responsible Use of Alcohol2. Healthy Eating3. UV Protection4. Reducing Tobacco Use5. Injury Prevention and Management6. Inclusion, Safety and Support.

These areas are important to the health of clubs and the people within them, which is supported bythe findings from the VicHealth Community Attitudes Survey.

Each of the six modules was developed in collaboration with key health agencies focusing on thatarea of expertise. This was a key learning from the HSE DP.

2.1 Responsible Use of AlcoholThe aim of this module is to give sports clubs the tools to ensure that alcohol is served responsiblyand not consumed at harmful levels. It also seeks to put systems in place to reduce alcohol-relatedproblems.

The actions under this module include:

1. The club assesses its current situation in regards to the responsible use of alcohol to identifywhat improvements could be made

2. The club seeks to meet the requirements of the Good Sports Level 0 (if the club does not serveor consume alcohol), or Level 1 – legal compliance (if the club serves and/or consumes alcohol)

3. The club seeks to meet the requirements of Good Sports Level 2 – alcohol management4. The club seeks to meet the requirements of Good Sports Level 3 – policy development5. The club conducts promotion of Good Sports and responsible use of alcohol6. The club conducts an annual review to ensure responsible use of alcohol.

2.2 Healthy EatingThe aim of this module is to increase the proportion of healthy food and drink choices available toplayers, spectators and officials in sports clubs.

The actions under this module for clubs with canteens include:

1. The club assesses its current situation in regards to healthy eating to identify whatimprovements could be made

2. The club meets the requirements of food handling and food safety legislation


3. The club prepares for change by engaging key stakeholders, assessing the current situation(including assessment of current menu, operations, finances, customer demand), andidentifying and investigating opportunities for change

4. The club develops a healthy eating policy (with guidance from VicHealth materials)5. The club makes changes by letting people know and building demand, updating menus,

promotional material, work and shop spaces, and overcoming challenges along the way6. The club conducts an annual review of its efforts to increase the proportion of healthy food

choices.

For clubs that do not have a canteen, actions 1, 2, 4 and 6 apply.

2.3 UV ProtectionThe aim of this module is to assist sports clubs to take a balanced approach to UV radiationexposure to reduce the health risks associated with overexposure, and maintain adequate vitamin Dlevels.


1. The club assesses its current situation in regards to UV protection to identify improvementswhich could be made

2. The club seeks to minimise harmful exposure to UV through schedules, fixtures and rulemodifications

3. The club provides sufficient education and information to participants regarding UV4. The club promotes the use of SPF 30+ broad spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen and may

consider having a supply on site5. The club plans and provides shade and encourages players and spectators to take advantage of

natural shade from buildings and trees6. The club provides or encourages participants and officials to wear sun protective clothing as

part of the team uniform and during training sessions7. The club conducts an annual review of its efforts to ensure a balanced approach to UV

radiation.

2.4 Reducing Tobacco UseThe aim of this module is to make sports clubs smokefree and to denormalise smoking. This willmake smoking less attractive to young people, reduce exposure to second-hand smoke and supportsmokers who want to quit.


1. The club assesses its current situation in regards to reducing tobacco use to identify whatimprovements could be made

2. The club meets the requirements of current tobacco legislation3. The club considers the benefits of going smokefree and demonstrates commitment to moving

towards a smokefree environment4. Based on club member survey results, the club determines a strategy that takes into account

the needs of all members5. The club spreads the word to the community and offers support to those in need6. The club conducts an annual review of its efforts to create smokefree environments.


2.5 Injury Prevention and ManagementThis module aims to embed good prevention methods to reduce the number of sporting injurieswithin a community sports club, and procedures for managing injuries if they occur.


1. The club assesses its current situation in regards to injury prevention and management toidentify what improvements could be made

2. The club raises awareness of key injury prevention activities through the use of SmartPlayposters within the club

3. Based on the club’s injury prevention and management assessment, the club develops andimplements a sports safety plan using the ‘SmartPlay Safe Club: Ideas for Action and SmartPlayClub Action Planning’ template

4. Based on the results from the SmartPlay Safe Club Assessment, the club adds an additional 15injury prevention action items to its sports safety plan

5. The club conducts an annual review of its efforts to ensure a safe sporting environment forplayers, coaches, officials and spectators.

2.6 Inclusion, Safety and SupportThe aim of this module is to support clubs and provide practical tools and resources to help clubsbecome more inclusive and welcoming of everyone in their community. This module specifically aimsto increase the involvement of women, girls, Aboriginal people and people from culturally diversecommunities in Victoria.


1. The club assesses its current situation in regards to inclusion, safety and support to identifywhat improvements could be made

2. The club demonstrates leadership and commitment to creating welcoming and inclusiveenvironments

3. The club articulates expectations regarding behaviour through club policies and guidelines4. The club ensures facilities and activities are accessible to all members of the community5. The club raises awareness regarding its activities and seeks to encourage new and existing

members to participate in the club6. The club continually seeks to create welcoming and inclusive environments7. The club conducts an annual review of its efforts to ensure welcoming and inclusive

environments.


3. Program logic and evaluation framework

Summary

The statewide HSE was based on the HSE DP (2010-2013), a $2 million pilot initiative involving 78sports clubs in the Barwon region. Consultation was undertaken with various stakeholders, whichconfirmed components of the HSE DP to be continued in the statewide program, as well as newinputs to its design. The program was launched in July 2012.

This section outlines the program logic and evaluation framework. The program logic provides anoutline of the HSE governance and roles, program rationale and elements, inputs, activities, outputsand outcomes. The evaluation framework has been designed to capture the following three majoraspects in evaluating HSE:

1. Appropriateness – Is there a need for HSE?2. Effectiveness – What outcomes/outputs is HSE generating?3. Efficiency – How is HSE being delivered? What are the potential improvements?

The evaluation framework has been used to inform the consultations with stakeholders and shapethe key review questions.

3.1 The design processThe statewide HSE was based on the HSE DP (2010-2013), a $2 million pilot initiative involving 78sports clubs in the Barwon region.

In late 2011, VicHealth’s Manager of Environments for Health commenced a state wide stakeholderconsultation process regarding a number of VicHealth activities including the HSE DP. A number ofissues were raised relating to HSE DP which were critical inputs into the design of the state wideHSE Program regarding its design, content and roll out. The relevant HSE stakeholders consultedincluded RSAs, sporting associations, the agencies related to each HSE module12, and the state andfederal government departmental representatives. The HSE approach aimed to:

• Increase the overall health of sports facilities• Ensure accessibility by all members of the community• Ensure availability of healthy choices and facilitate uptake of this option.

The consultation process confirmed some components of the HSE DP to be continued in thestatewide program, as well as new inputs into its design, including:

• The need for program communications and materials using language appropriate to theenvironment and the stakeholders

• The use of existing materials from the supporting agencies, identifying their source• The need for marketing to differentiate the HSE DP and the state wide program• Modification of the modules to reduce the confusion experienced by clubs during the HSE DP.

12 This includes the Australian Drug Foundation (GoodSports); Cancer Council Victoria (SunSmart); Australian SportsCommission and Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission (Play by the Rules); Cancer Council Victoria(QUIT); Prevention and Population Health, Department of Health (Healthy Choices Guidelines).and Sports Medicine Australia (Smartplay).


Leading up to the soft launch in July 2012, while engaging with relevant stakeholders, theVicHealth HSE team finalised the program development including:

• The requirements for the successful completion of each module• The resource folder for the RSAs incorporating the module information and materials• The marketing and communications plan• The program governance framework including the Stakeholder Reference Group• The RSAs’ support requirements including a regular meeting schedule at VicHealth• The RSAs’ reporting requirements.

The soft launch in July 2012 included workshops to introduce the RSAs to the HSE program, theprogram information and support available to them. It also included marketing and communicationinitiatives driven by both VicHealth and the RSAs through their established local media and socialmedia channels.

3.2 Program logicThe program logic is illustrated in Figure 2. It can be summarised as follows:

• Governance and roles: VicHealth is responsible for program design, development of the programand materials, and funding the RSAs to guide sports clubs through a process of clubdevelopment, engagement, support and assistance. The Stakeholder Reference Group isresponsible for providing guidance on the program structure and implementation, andcommunication and knowledge transfer. Community sporting clubs are responsible forimplementing the six modules

• Rationale, program elements and objectives: the program rationale is that grassroots sportingclubs are key facilitators of individual activity and community cohesion, and are an ideal vehiclefor health promotion, positive health messaging and cultural change. The program comprises sixkey areas as outlined in Section 2

• Inputs: the inputs to the program have been developed for each of the six key areas. They includepolicies, manuals, fact sheets, short courses, information and additional material developed bythe Stakeholder Reference Group (e.g. QUIT)

• Activities: HSE activities will be undertaken by RSAs and community sporting clubs. RSAs willundertake activities relating to marketing, club recruitment and ongoing support, and liaisonwith VicHealth. Community sporting clubs will undertake activities stipulated in the modulesincluding self-assessment, policy development, actions and reviews

• Outputs: the outputs to the program are specific to each of the six key areas, and broadly includethe visibility of materials, occurrence of the desired action and implementation of practices andpolicies. However, since RSAs have scope to work with clubs on a needs basis, there may beunexpected outputs (such as clubs developing an online presence to showcase their newlyformed participation opportunities) that can result in additional outcomes

• Outcomes: the short term outcomes include club acceptance of the HSE message, anincrease/decrease in the occurrence of the desired/undesired action and a change in attitudes.The medium term outcomes include behavioural, cultural and organisational change, positivefinancial outcomes, and increase/retention of club members and spectators. The long-termoutcomes include improved health and social outcomes, and the sustainability and viability ofclubs.


Figure 2: Program logic

Governance and roles

Rationale, program element and objectives

Inputs

Activities

Outputs

Outcomes

VicHealth Regional Sports Assemblies (RSAs) Community sporting clubs Stakeholder Reference Group

Short term Medium term Long term

RSAs Community sporting clubs

Alcohol Tobacco Healthy food UV effects Injury prevention Participation

Alcohol Tobacco Healthy food UV effects Injury prevention Participation

•GoodSports policies, manualsand fact sheets•Fundraising Ideas Kit•End of Season Celebration Kit•RSA Training Guidance

•Going smokefree outdoors – a guidefor sporting clubs•Victorian Tobacco Reforms•QUIT Order Form (and website)•Department of Health Smokefreesignage

•Healthy Club Canteens manuals•Healthy Choices fact sheets andguidance•Victorian Healthy Eatingguidance

•SunSmart policy, resources,announcements and fact sheets•UV Alert sign•Think UV, not heat!•UV Exposure and Heat Illness Guide

•Smartplay posters, manuals andmaterials•Medical Emergency Planning – Apractical guide for clubs•UV Exposure and Heat Illness Guide•Modifiable UV Exposure and Heat Il lnessGuide

•Everyone Wins tools andmanuals•Play By The Rules materials•VicHealth Healthy SportingEnvironments Short Course

•Distribution of marketing materials•Marketing initiatives•Direct contact with clubs•Calls for expression of interest

•The activities of the community sporting clubs are enshrined in the actions articulated in the fact sheetssupporting each of the modules•The activities range from assessments, policy development, actions and reviews•Refer to the fact sheets supporting the six modules for the activities to be undertaken by communitysporting clubs

•Visibility of materials•Access to non-alcoholicbeverage alternatives•Implementation of practicesand policies

•Visibility of materials•Presence of non smokingareas / venues•Implementation of practicesand policies

•Visibility of materials•Access to healthy eatingalternatives•Implementation of practicesand policies

•Visibility of materials•Access to sunscreen and protectiveclothing•Shaded areas for participants andspectators• Implementation of practices and policies

•Visibility of materials•Access to protective equipment,drinking water, first aid kits and ice•Presence of accredited coaches andqualified first aid personnel•Implementation of practices and policies

•Visibility of materials•Implementation of practicesand policies

•Club committee acceptance of the HSE message•Reductions in sale / use of target unhealthy products•Increased sale / use of target healthy alternatives•Changes in attitudes

•Behavioural, cultural and organisational change•Increase and retention of club members. Increase in spectators•Positive financial outcomes•Injury prevention•More inclusive and diverse environments

•Better health and social outcomes for club members•Enhanced social cohesion and cultural awareness•More sustainable and viable community sporting clubs

•Funding of RSAs•Program design•Development of program and materials•Contract manager

•Engagement of clubs through the promotion ofbenefits•Facilitation and support of module implementation•Support of clubs to enhance and change theirenvironments

•Module implementation•Execution of initiatives•Drivers of change•Support of club members and guests in relationto the key elements of the program

•Endorsement of modules•Informing and shaping module design•Communication to clubs

Rationale Program elements and objectives

Grassroots sporting clubs are key facilitators of individual activityand community cohesion. They are also a vehicle to promote anddeliver positive messages regarding health and inclusivity. Theprogram is designed to enhance the clubs’ ability to promote suchmessages and in return improve their own environments

•Responsible use of Alcohol (Alcohol)•Healthy food choices (Healthy food)•Reduced Tobacco use (Tobacco)•Protection from harmful effects of UV (UV effects)

•Creation of an inclusive, safe and supportive environment forwomen, girls, Aboriginal Victorias and people from culturally andlinguistically diverse backgrounds (Participation)•Injury prevention and management (Injury prevention)

•Acceptance of proposals•Provision of support•Evaluation and monitoring of performance•Liaison and reporting with VicHealth


3.3 Evaluation frameworkThe evaluation framework is outlined in Table 5. To capture the formative and summativecomponents of the evaluation, the framework has been designed to capture the three major areas:

1. Appropriateness – Is there a need for HSE?2. Effectiveness – What outcomes/outputs is HSE generating?3. Efficiency – How is HSE being delivered? What are the potential improvements?

The evaluation framework has been used to inform the consultations and shape the key reviewquestions.


Table 5: Evaluation framework

Key Review Questions Performance Measures Data Inputs Data sources Timing

Appropriateness – Is there a need for HSE?

What are the perceived and reported issueswith sporting club environments? • Community perspectives

• Community Attitudes Survey• Perspectives of RSAs and club

representatives

VicHealth,EY survey andconsults

Early 2013

What is the rationale for Governmentintervention?

• Community perspectives• Evidence of behavioural problems

• Community Attitudes Survey• Health promotion evidence base• Perspectives of club representatives

VicHealthEY survey andconsultsEY research

Early 2013

Is there support for HSE initiatives?• Community support• Australian Government support• Sporting club participation

• Community Attitudes Survey• Australian Government’s

Preventative Health Taskforce Report• CRM statistics• Perspectives of RSAs and club

representatives

VicHealthEY survey andconsults

Early 2013Revisitthroughoutevaluation

Is HSE aligned with VicHealth objectives? • List of objectives • VicHealth documentation VicHealth Early 2013

Do HSE initiatives complement broaderCommonwealth and State Governmentpolicies?

• List of objectives• Alignment with broader Commonwealth and State

Government policies• Non-duplication with other programs of a similar nature and /

or target

• VicHealth documentation• Commonwealth and State

Government policies

VicHealthEY research


Effectiveness –What outcomes/outputs is HSE generating?

1. Responsible Use of AlcoholIs there responsible use of alcohol?

• Assessment undertaken of current situation• Club committee acceptance of message• Progress against the standard such as:

• Responsible serving of alcohol practices• Alcohol management policy

• Reduction in the quantity of alcohol sold• Availability of non-alcoholic beverage alternatives• Club attitudes to alcohol• Visibility of material• Positive behaviour change

• Program documentation• CRM statistics• Perspectives of RSAs and club

representatives• Complaints or licence breaches (if

available)

VicHealthEY surveysand consults

Baseline –early 2013Progress –mid 2013and early2015


Key Review Questions Performance Measures Data Inputs Data sources Timing

2. Healthy EatingAre healthy food and beverage options moreavailable in the Club environment?

• Assessment undertaken of current situation• Club committee understanding and acceptance of message• Progress against the healthy eating standard such as:

• Compliance with legal food handling obligations• Healthy eating policy

• Availability of healthy food choices / unhealthy food choices• Sales of healthy food alternatives / unhealthy products• Club attitudes to healthy eating• Visibility of material


representatives



3. Reducing Tobacco UseHas there been a reduction in tobacco use atthe Club?

• Assessment undertaken of current situation• Club committee acceptance of message• Progress against the reduced tobacco use standard such as:

• Requirements of the current tobacco legislation• Moving towards a smoke free environment

• Reduction in the quantity of cigarettes sold (if applicable)• Presence of smoke-free venues• Reduction of smoking in and around the sporting club• Club attitudes to tobacco• Visibility of material


representatives



4. UV ProtectionHas there been an increase in UV protection?

• Assessment undertaken of current situation• Club committee acceptance of message• Progress against the UV protection standard such as:

• Education and information provided to members• Encouragement of sun smart practices• Inclusion of sun smart clothing in uniform (on-field where

practicable and off-field)• Increase in sun smart practices such as availability of

sunscreen, hats, sun protective uniforms, shaded areas• Club attitudes to UV protection• Visibility of material• Positive behaviour change


representatives



5. Injury Prevention and ManagementHas the provision of amenity to prevent andmanage injuries increased?

• Assessment undertaken of current situation• Club committee acceptance of message• Progress against the standard such as:

• Awareness raised of key injury prevention activities• Additional injury prevention action items added to club’s

safety plan


representatives• Injury statistics

VicHealthEY surveysand consultsSports InjuryTracker(Sports



Key Review Questions Performance Measures Data Inputs Data sources Timing• Levels of reported OH&S and sports related injuries• Accessibility of protective equipment, drinking water, first aid

kits• Presence of accredited coaches and qualified first aid

personnel• Club attitudes to injury prevention and management• Visibility of material

MedicineAustralia)

6. Inclusion, Safety and SupportHas an inclusive, safe and supportiveenvironment for women and girls, AboriginalVictorians and people from culturally diversebackgrounds been fostered?

• Assessment undertaken of current situation• Club committee understanding and acceptance of message• Progress against the inclusion, safety and support standard

such as:• Expectations regarding behaviour through club policies

and guidelines are communicated• Accessibility of facilities and activities to all members of

the community• Encouraging new and existing members to participate* in

the Club and its activities• Participation levels from women, girls, Aboriginal Victorians

and people from culturally diverse backgrounds• Number of spectators attending games and events• Attraction of new members• Retention of existing members• Number of events open to the general public• Club attitudes to inclusion, safety and support• Positive behaviour change• Partnerships with applicable community groups and others

facilitating diversity and inclusion• Visibility of material*: Participation in the context of the evaluation of HSE includes playing thesport, spectating, becoming a volunteer on training or event days or takingon a governance role with the Club’s committee

• Program documentation• Club surveys/consultations• CRM statistics• Perspectives of RSAs and club

representatives• Complaints (if available)



7. Short to medium term outcomesAre there short or medium term outcomesfor community sporting clubs?

• A greater awareness and understanding of the benefits ofimplementing actions with regards to the six modules

• Short to medium term viability and sustainability of club:• Attraction of new members/retention of existing

members• Increased funding and sponsorship opportunities• Improvements in finances• Positive club image


representatives




Key Review Questions Performance Measures Data Inputs Data sources Timing• Organisational change• Capacity building

• Greater potential for volunteer, administration, coaching andofficiating services and skills

• Improved social interaction with increased spectator / familyattendances at games and events

• Healthy club policies, including inclusion in the Club’sstrategic plans, Committee agendas, etc

• Improved quality of participation and environment

8. Long term outcomesAre there indicators of potential longer termeconomic, social and health outcomes?

• Health/social outcomes of club members (e.g. lower incidenceof disease, discrimination)

• Levels of engagement, cultural awareness and social cohesion• Diverse environments in terms of membership and choices• Health and fitness levels• Long term viability and sustainability of club

• Program documentation• CRM statistics• Desktop research• Perspectives of RSAs and club

representatives



Efficiency - How is the program being delivered? What are the potential improvements?

Has HSE been adequately resourced?• Staff numbers/resourcing• Contact points• Program structure

• VicHealth documentation VicHealth


Has HSE been implemented andadministered effectively?

• Staff resourcing/functions• Improved evidence base in relation to key club statistics• Results of consultations

• VicHealth documentation• CRM statistics• Perspectives of RSAs and club

representatives



Is the information relevant and useful anddelivered appropriately?

• Approach/guidelines used to develop and update thematerials • VicHealth documentation VicHealth


Are VicHealth’s six modules relevant andexhaustive?

• Percentage completion• Compliance• Results of consultation with clubs

• VicHealth documentation• Perspectives of RSAs and club

representatives



Have a range of clubs been engaged?

• Number of clubs engaged• Types of clubs engaged• Types of sports engaged• Number of hours spent on HSE

• VicHealth documentation• Perspectives of RSAs and club

representatives



Has there been effective engagement • Touch points between clubs, RSAs, VicHealth and other • VicHealth documentation VicHealth Early 2013


Key Review Questions Performance Measures Data Inputs Data sources Timingbetween:

• Club and local stakeholders?

• RSAs and VicHealth?

• RSAs and clubs?

• VicHealth and the stakeholder referencegroup?

stakeholders• Range of members in the stakeholder reference group• Effectiveness of governance structure• Results of consultations• Sharing of positive and negative experiences in relation to

HSEs

• Perspectives of RSAs and clubrepresentatives

EY surveysand consults

Revisitthroughoutevaluation

Have appropriate risk and financialmanagement protocols been followed?

• Existence of a risk register and financial managementprotocol • VicHealth documentation VicHealth


Have appropriate governance protocols beenfollowed? • Existence of a governance framework • VicHealth documentation VicHealth


Has HSE been adequately budgeted? • Funding to date • Budget information VicHealth


How satisfied are clubs/club members withHSE?

• Satisfaction with the delivery and focus of HSE• Satisfaction with the core/additional resources provided• Results of consultations

• Perspectives of RSAs and clubrepresentatives

EY surveysand consults



Part B: HSE design and implementation


4. Key stakeholders and data collection

Summary

There are a number of key stakeholders involved in the program:

• VicHealth: key involvement in the development of HSE, and relationship and stakeholdermanagement. Responsible for program design, development of the program and materials,funding the RSAs to implement the program, providing the RSAs with training and support,funding and maintaining the CRM database and overseeing program delivery

• Stakeholder Reference Group: established to provide advice on program structure andimplementation, communication and knowledge transfer, project completion and continuation,training of RSAs and evaluation. Includes SunSmart, QUIT, the Australian Drug Foundation,Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission, Department of Health, VicSport,Sports Medicine Australia, Municipal Association of Victoria, Sport and Recreation Victoria andselected State Sporting Associations

• Regional Sports Assemblies: RSAs are the recipients of the HSE funding and are the keymechanism for delivering sports club training, education and participation programs in rural andregional Victoria. RSAs are unique organisations to Victoria

• Community sporting clubs: involved in implementing the six key modules. There is muchvariability across clubs in terms of sports, size, location and demographics of club members,which will, in turn, impact on club capability, resources and capacity.

Good relationships with key stakeholders have been identified as a key enabler of successfulimplementation. RSAs have identified that this stakeholder group could be expanded to other SSAsof sports involved in the program and Local Government to facilitate implementation.

Through a VicHealth Community Attitudes Survey in 2009, it became apparent that there was agood opportunity for government intervention to improve Victorians’ health through communitysporting clubs. The survey provided strong evidence of community support for governments towork with sports clubs to advance health promotion, particularly in areas such as alcohol andhealthy eating.

4.1 VicHealth4.1.1 Description

VicHealth works in partnership with organisations, communities and individuals to make health acentral part of Victorians’ daily lives. The focus of VicHealth’s work is on promoting good health andpreventing ill-health. VicHealth has a legislative mandate to direct 30% of its annual funding tosporting bodies, amounting to approximately $10 million per annum. This provides an opportunityto utilise sporting environments as a setting to achieve improved health outcomes.

VicHealth’s mission is underpinned through promoting health by fostering change in social,economic, cultural and physical environments. It aims to raise awareness in order to achieve change,as well as build opportunities for people to be informed, learn new skills, have greater access toactivities that promote good health, and share healthier environments.

VicHealth plays a key role in the development of the HSE, and relationship and stakeholdermanagement. VicHealth is responsible for program design, development of the program and


materials, funding the RSAs to implement the program, providing the RSAs with training andsupport and overseeing program delivery.

HSE is a program that was conceptualised and based on a settings approach. It aims to integrate acommitment to health within the cultures, structures, processes and routine life of organisationaland other settings13. This type of approach has traditionally been implemented in schools,universities, workplaces and hospitals/health services, with limited evidence on how this approachcan be implemented in a sports setting. However, it has been recognised that sports clubs provideplentiful opportunities to become health promotion settings and in order to do so, a comprehensiveapproach that focuses on its activities, aims and purposes needs to be adopted14. Hence, HSErepresents a new approach for VicHealth to work with the sports sector.

4.1.2 Data collectionInterviews during the first round of surveying were held with a selection of key VicHealth staff andRSA HSE managers. HSE staff interviewed included individuals from the following teams anddivisions:

• Physical Activity• State Sporting Association Participation Program (SSAPP)• Knowledge for Health• Healthy Environments• Participation and Equity for Health• Nutrition and Food Systems• Alcohol, Tobacco and UV.

Questions explored the development and implementation of the program, consultation within HSEmanagers and the development of materials.

Overall, unless staff were directly involved or overseeing the program, limited additional insightswere provided. As such VicHealth staff (excluding the program manager) were not consulted.

4.2 The Stakeholder Reference Group4.2.1 Description

The aims of the Stakeholder Reference Group are to:

• Inform key stakeholders regarding the background, development and ongoing implementation ofHSE

• Provide opportunities to guide the implementation• Maximise understanding of HSE in the sport and health promotion sectors.

The Stakeholder Reference Group was established to provide advice on program structure andimplementation, communication and knowledge transfer, project completion and continuation,training of RSAs and evaluation.

13 Dooris 2005, ‘Healthy settings: challenges to generating evidence of effectiveness’, Health Promotion International, vol.21, no. 1, pp. 55-64.14 Geidne, S, Quennerstedt, M & Eriksson, C 2013, ‘The youth sports club as a health promoting setting: An integrativereview of research’, Scandinavian Journal of Public Health, vol. 41, pp. 269-283.


Membership of the Stakeholder Reference Group consists of representatives from the key programpartners, State Government and a selection of sports associations with high participation rates anda large number of clubs in rural and regional Victoria. The Stakeholder Reference Group is outlinedin Table 6.

Table 6: Stakeholder Reference Group

Organisation Description HSE focus

Regional Sports NetworkVictoria (RSNV)

• Peak body which supports nine independentorganisations (RSAs) across regional Victoria

• Covers a population of 1.45 million rural and regionalVictorians, with a network of over 8,500 community-based sport and recreation clubs

• Supports locally based community sport and recreationprovision on a statewide basis across rural and regionalVictoria, which includes provision of training,information, advice, skill development, linkages andadvocacy for clubs, organisations and communities

• Assist in programdelivery

SunSmart • Aims to minimise the human cost of skin cancer inVictoria

• Leadership role in promoting a balance between benefitsand harms of UV radiation exposure and the links withVitamin D

• UV Protection

Australian Drug Foundation • Aims to prevent harm caused by alcohol and other drugs • Responsible Use ofAlcohol

Victorian Equal Opportunityand Human RightsCommission

• Independent statutory body with responsibilities underthree laws: Equal Opportunity Act 2010, Racial andReligious Tolerance Act 2001, Charter of Human Rightsand Responsibilities Act 2006

• Aims to work with the community to eliminatediscrimination, and promote human rights and equalopportunity

• Inclusion, Safety andSupport

QUIT • Leadership role in leading a credible, collaborative andcomprehensive agenda to end the damage caused bytobacco to individuals and the community

• Three key goals:• Aims to reduce Victorian smoking rates in the

shortest possible time• Reduce smoking prevalence and behaviours in high

smoking rate groups to reduce tobacco relatedhealth, social and economic disparities

• Reduce exposure to tobacco smoking and smokingbehaviours (de-normalisation)

• Reducing Tobacco Use

Department of Health –Nutrition and Physical Activity

• The Victorian Government core objective is to achievethe best health and wellbeing for all Victorians

• In terms of nutrition and physical activity, theDepartment of Health aims to promote the importanceof healthy eating and physical activity in the preventionof chronic disease

• Facilitate programdelivery

• Healthy Eating

Sports Medicine Australia –Victorian branch

• Peak national umbrella body for sports medicine andsports science

• Peak advisory body for:• Medicine and science in physical activity and sport• Medical and health care of active persons at all levels• Well-being through safe physical activity• Prevention of health problems associated with

inactivity

• Injury Prevention andManagement

VicSport • Independent member-based organisation representingVictoria’s sport and recreation sector, with memberssuch as SSAs, RSAs and local government

• Mission is to lead the sport, active recreation andassociated health agendas into the future

• Key roles include:



Organisation Description HSE focus• Represent the interest and concerns of members• Inform policy development• Facilitate program delivery• Build members’ capacity• Research

Municipal Association ofVictoria

• Legislated peak body for Victoria’s 79 councils• Key roles include:

• Advocate local government interests• Build capacity of councils• Facilitate effective networks• Initiate policy development and advice• Promote the role of local government


Sport and Recreation Victoria • Unit within the Department of Transport Planning andLocal Infrastructure

• Aims to maximise the economic and social benefits toVictorians by the sport and recreation sector through:• Ensuring greater access and opportunities for

participation• Improving the quality of community sport and

recreation facilities• Strengthening the capacity of sport and recreation

organisations


State Sporting Associations(SSAs):AFL VictoriaBasketball VictoriaBowls VictoriaCricket VictoriaFootball Federation VictoriaNetball VictoriaTennis Victoria

• Peak bodies for their relevant sports in Victoria• Responsible for the management, development and

growth of their sports across Victoria


Good relationships with key stakeholders have been identified as a key enabler of successfulimplementation. This stakeholder group could be expanded to other SSAs of sports involved in theprogram and Local Government to facilitate implementation.

4.2.2 Data collectionNine voluntary surveys were completed during the initial consultation phase by the followingmembers of the Stakeholder Reference Group:

• VicSport • Tennis Australia • Regional Sports Network Victoria• Netball

Victoria• Australian Drug

Foundation• Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights

Commission• Quit Victoria • AFL Victoria • Sports Medicine Australia - Victorian branch

Survey questions during this round of consultation focused on communication, meeting frequencyand material developed for the HSE program.

During the second round of consultation, nine members completed the voluntary survey. Six ofthese organisations completed the first survey. Organsiations included:

• Quit Victoria • Netball Victoria • Sport and Recreation Victoria• VicSport • Cancer Council Victoria • Sports Medicine Australia - Victorian branch• AFL Victoria • Regional Sports Victoria • Australian Drug Foundation


4.3 Regional Sports Assemblies4.3.1 Description

Regional Sports Victoria is the peak body which supports nine independent organisations acrossregional Victoria. These nine organisations are classed as RSAs who are charged with the role ofsupporting the sport and recreation sector within their regions. RSAs are unique organisations toVictoria.

RSAs are connected to grassroots sport and recreation clubs and organisations, and perform thefollowing roles:

• Support volunteers in community sport and active recreation• Deliver training, support and advice to community sport and recreation volunteers, clubs and

organisations• Advocate on behalf of community sport and recreation volunteers• Contribute to sport and recreation planning and development.

RSAs work directly with 48 local government authorities in Victoria and are the key mechanism fordelivering sports club training, education and participation programs in rural and regional Victoria.They cover a population of over 1.4 million rural and regional Victorians, with a network of over8,500 community sport and recreation clubs.

RSAs receive funding from VicHealth and are the key mechanism for delivering sports club training,education and participation programs in rural and regional Victoria.

RSAs are further outlined in Table 7. RSA catchment areas are illustrated in Figure 3.

Table 7: Regional Sports Assemblies

Regional Sports Assembly Area Population/reach Resources

GippSport • Bass Coast Shire• Baw Baw Shire• East Gippsland Shire• South Gippsland Shire• Latrobe City• Wellington Shire

• 261,366 • Workload shared across4 staff

Centre Active RecreationNetwork – The Centre

• Alpine Shire• Indigo Shire• Towong Shire• Wangaratta Rural City• Wodonga Rural City

• 97,329 • 1 EFT for a projectcoordinator

Mallee Sports Assembly • Mildura Rural City• Swan Hill Rural City• Gannawarra Shire• Buloke Shire

• 89,895 • 3 program officers, 1.5EFT split across the sites(Mildura, Swan Hill,Wycheproof)

South West Sports • Corangamite Shire• Glenelg Shire• Moyne Shire• Southern Grampians

Shire• Warrnambool City

• 75,034 • 1.66 EFT which includesone new full timeprogram manager

• Provision for 0.4 EFTsupport if necessary

Sports Focus • Campaspe Shire• Central Goldfields Shire• Greater Bendigo City• Loddon Shire

• 221,498 • 1 business manager• 1 program manager• 3 project coordinators


Regional Sports Assembly Area Population/reach Resources• Macedon Ranges Shire• Mount Alexander Shire

Valley Sport • Greater Shepparton City• Mitchell Shire• Moira Shire• Murrindindi Shire• Benalla Rural City• Mansfield Shire• Strathbogie Shire

• 171,988 • I EFT program manager• 0.2 EFT project officer

Wimmera Regional SportsAssembly

• Horsham Rural City• Northern Grampians

Shire• Hindmarsh Shire• West Wimmera Shire• Yarriambiack Shire

• 48,623 • Established with oneHSE program managerand a six month workplacement student

• Recently appointed asupport project officer

Central Highlands SportsAssembly – Sports Central

• Ararat Rural City• Pyrenees Shire• Hepburn Shire• Ballarat Rural City• Golden Plains Shire• Moorabool Shire

• 178,053 • 1 EFT program managerbut other staff alsotrained and capable ofpresenting,implementing andmanaging clubs

Leisure Networks • Colac Otway Shire• Golden Plains Shire• Greater Geelong City• Queenscliffe Borough• Surf Coast Shire

• 260,543• 73 clubs participated in

the HSE DP

• 1.5 EFT for 1 programmanager and 2 programofficers

Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics 2013, 3218.0 Regional Population Growth, Australia

Figure 3: Regional Sports Assemblies – catchment areas

Source: VicHealth 2012, HSE Progress Report Update

4.3.2 Data collectionNine interviews were conducted with RSA executives during each of the first and second rounds ofconsultation. Supporting documentation was provided by HSE program managers and officersduring consults. Interviews and survey questions during the first round of consultations focused onthe delivery and implementation of the HSE program while the focused shifted towards impacts andoutcomes during the second round consultations.


4.4 Community sporting clubs4.4.1 Description

A VicHealth Community Attitudes Survey in 2009 highlighted a major opportunity to improveVictorians’ health through community sporting clubs. The survey provided strong evidence ofcommunity support for governments to work with sports clubs to advance health promotion,particularly in areas such as alcohol and healthy eating.

There is a vast array of community sporting clubs throughout Victoria. This can be demonstrated bythe extensive array of Victorian State Sporting Associations, the peak sporting bodies for 79different sports. Sports include high participation sports such as AFL, cricket, netball and tennis, aswell as lower participation, niche sports such as martial arts (e.g. karate, judo), indoor sports,lacrosse, canoeing and croquet.

Given the variability in sports across the State, it is anticipated that clubs recruited for HSE will alsovary according to size, location and demographics of club members. This will, in turn, impact on clubcapability, resources and capacity. Clubs from all codes and sport types are eligible to participate inHSE as VicHealth is keen to ascertain and develop and understanding about how the programapplies to a broad range of clubs. Currently there are approximately 10,000 clubs in rural andregional Victoria. Recruiting 250 (in various location with differing capabilities and capacity) meansthat the program reaches across the State through word of mouth and official promotion material.Spreading the healthy sporting environments message may encourage other clubs to focus on theirown club.

4.4.2 Data collectionFor the first round of surveying (collected on 24 May 2013), 55 surveys had been completed bycommunity sporting clubs across Victoria. For the second round of surveying (collected on 13January 2014), 55 surveys had been completed by community sporting clubs across Victoria.Results from these surveys are presented throughout the analysis and support statistics collected byRSAs, with the majority of HSE clubs in high participation sports. Club types that have participatedin the second survey reflect those that participated in the first survey.

Figure 4: Sports represented in the surveys

The first survey focused primarily on the collection of baseline information and statistics to enablethe analysis of impacts and trends as the HSE program progresses. The second survey balances the

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Round 1 Round 2


implementation of the program with preliminary HSE impacts and outcomes. The third survey willfocus predominantly on impacts and outcomes at the sporting club level.


5. Program design and relevance

Summary

A summary of the analysis of program design and relevance is provided in the table below. Findingsaddress specific questions from the evaluation framework.

Are VicHealth’s six modules relevantand exhaustive?

RSAs and community sports clubs were consistent during both rounds ofconsultations/surveying when ranking the most relevant HSE modules. Acrossboth stakeholders, Inclusion, Safety and Support rated the most important.Other modules to rate highly were Injury Prevention and Management and theResponsible Use of Alcohol. Reducing tobacco use rated the least important.These findings were consistent across Rounds 1 and 2 ofconsultations/surveying.

Overall, RSAs and sporting clubs believed that there was growing understandingand support for each module. This includes the Healthy Eating module, whichrecorded some improvement since Round 1.RSAs believe that other issues in the community such as mental health and drugs(illicit and performance enhancing) could form the basis of a HSE module in thefuture. Community sporting clubs also believed accessing healthy sponsorshipwas a significant issue that will require assistance in the future.

5.1 Design processWith $5 million funding from VicHealth, HSE is an expansion of the HSE DP, building on its keylearnings and expanded to be delivered throughout rural and regional Victoria. It has beendeveloped by VicHealth through engagement with federal and state governments, and sport andcommunity sector organisations (including Regional Sports Assemblies through their respectiveExecutive Officers).

HSE will be delivered through Victoria’s nine Regional Sports Assemblies (RSAs) positionedthroughout rural and regional Victoria. RSAs are the key mechanism for delivering sporting clubtraining, education and participation programs, with access to up to 10,000 local clubs. It isexpected that the program will engage over 250 rural and regional sports clubs. Similar to the HSEDP, HSE focuses on the same six key health goals identified by VicHealth as important in shapinginvolvement in sport and generating improved health outcomes. While the six key areas are thesame as the HSE DP, they have been reviewed and updated to reflect current legislation and bestpractice. Modules have been adapted to be further contextualised and streamlined for the purposesof community sporting clubs.

HSE was launched on 2 July 2012 and was due to conclude in June 2014; however, HSE hasrecently been extended for a further 12 months and will now conclude in June 2015. The 12 monthextension of the program will enable RSAs to continue to finalise the implementation of HSEmodules with clubs, build community awareness of healthy sporting clubs, and influence decisionmakers by sharing learnings from HSE to inform other sport and health promotion programs. EachRSA will be funded as per current arrangements.


5.2 VicHealthDuring the first round of surveying, initial interviews with VicHealth staff, a number of concernswere raised on the design of the HSE program. These concerns focused on:

• The overlap with the Pilot and the speed in which the HSE program was implemented andwhether the full learnings from the HSE DP were incorporated into the HSE program. However,this timeline was determined by staff that pre dates the current HSE project team (and who areno longer at VicHealth). This also represents a funding issue in regards to how health promotionprograms are tested and funded over time

• The potential overlap with other programs within VicHealth and across Victoria, and whetherthere is duplication of investment, effort and material developed for the sporting clubs

• The ‘one size fits all’ approach and whether the HSE program had considered the diverse needsand capabilities of clubs in Victoria resulting in some clubs having difficulty implementing all themodules

• The lack of reach into metropolitan sporting clubs.

Although a detailed analysis of programs that potentially overlap with HSE has not been completed,RSAs have been allowed flexibility in their approach to signing up and implementing the HSEprogram within clubs. For example, one RSA highlighted that a football club which had signed up toHSE was significantly different to a bowls club in terms of demographics, priorities and resources.Hence the program was implemented differently at each club. Allowing a flexible approach shouldlessen the concern over the ‘one size fits all’ model as the program progresses.

During the second round of surveying, interviews were only conducted with VicHealth HSE programstaff due to an internal staffing restructure being undertaken.

5.3 RSAsOver the course of the first two consultation phases, RSAs reported that Injury Prevention andManagement and Inclusion, Safety and Support are likely to be the most important and relevantmodules, and will have the most significant impact on the concerns of clubs and improve clubculture and financial sustainability. This is illustrated by the following comments that were collatedfrom the interviews with RSAs:

• “Injury Prevention and Management is critical for all types of sport. It is a key factor in attractingand retaining members, and having a good reputation in the community”

• “Injury Prevention and Management is viewed as a very significant issue given the requirementsassociated with clubs’ liability insurance and the need for risk management”

• “All clubs want more members. Our communities are rapidly becoming more diverse and clubsrequire support in dealing with Inclusion, Safety and Support issues”

• “Inclusion, Safety and Support has the potential to have the greatest influence over club culture,directly impacting on club members, volunteers and grants”.

Data was collated to determine the level of club commitment to HSE modules prior to projectimplementation (Figure 5) and support for each module (refer to Figure 6). Those modules withlower commitment and support may be less relevant compared with those with a higher level ofcommitment. Healthy Eating and Reducing Tobacco Use recorded the lowest levels of commitment


and support during both consultation phases. This can be attributed to the following reasonsidentified by RSAs:

• “Healthy Eating is generally not a priority and there is a reluctance to implement the module fora range of reasons: threat to club revenue, food is outsourced so clubs have little control overwhat is served, concern at wastage of healthy food that does not sell, registration type limitswhat type of food is sold and kitchen facilities/infrastructure”

• “There is a culture of raising funds through canteens and there is the view that fast food is themost cost effective option for clubs, not only in terms of profit margin, but also due to logisticsand waste”

• “Many clubs feel that they are already adhering to current tobacco legislation and don’t see it astheir responsibility. Many fear isolating members (especially life members) who are smokers.Clubs seek greater authority and legislation from state and local government to introduce furtherbans.”

As illustrated in Figure 6, during the second round of consultations, UV Protection recorded adiminishing level of club support due to many clubs being winter or indoor sports and not seeing therelevance of the module. However, many winter sports do train during high risk UV periods, whichhighlights that this module may be relevant. While most clubs have been involved in the Good Sportsprogram, the Responsible Use of Alcohol module demonstrated an increasing level of club supportdue to the recognition of this issue as an ongoing priority and its potential to have a detrimentaleffect on club financial performance, culture and reputation.

Figure 5: RSAs on clubs demonstrating commitment to HSE modules (prior to project implementation)

Responsible Use of Alcohol

Yes Somewhat No Don't know

Healthy Eating


UV Protection


Reducing Tobacco Use



Figure 6: RSAs on club support for each module

Round 1 Round 2

Injury Prevention and Management


Inclusion, Safety and Support





Yes Somewhat No Don't Know

Healthy Eating


Healthy Eating


UV Protection


UV Protection



Round 1 Round 2

As illustrated in Figure 7, RSAs believe that there has been an overall increase in understanding thebenefits of all modules, particularly Injury Prevention and Management, and the Responsible Use ofAlcohol. It is thought that this is due to the clubs believing that the types of benefits from thesemodules directly impact on membership, reputation and participation numbers. This increasedunderstanding matches the progress made with these modules.

During the second round of consultations, Inclusion, Safety and Support was the only module whichRSAs believed there to be a lack of understanding of the benefits (and implementationrequirements). RSAs felt that the benefits of this module were less tangible than the other modules,making it challenging to implement and emphasised the need for further education and ongoingsupport. However, sporting clubs have ranked the inclusion, Safety and Support module as the mostimportant (Section 5.4) showing that whilst the module might be difficult to understand in the earlystages of implementation, once understood, clubs believe in the potential positive impacts the














module is likely to have. There appears to be an alignment in VicHealth and RSA expectations of thepotential positive impacts.

Figure 7: RSAs on clubs understanding the benefits of the HSE program

Round 1 Round 2





Healthy Eating


Healthy Eating


UV Protection


UV Protection



Round 1 Round 2

5.4 Sporting clubsTable 8 outlines the ranking of modules in order of importance, where a score of one indicates themost important and a score of five indicates the least important. From club surveys, Inclusion,Safety and Support, Injury Prevention and Management, and the Responsible Use of Alcohol weredeemed the most important modules. During the consultations with RSAs, it became apparent thatdue to the significant legislation around smoking (e.g. recent changes to the Tobacco Act occurredin April 2014 which extended smoking bans to certain outdoor public areas), clubs believed this wasof least importance and relevance. UV Protection and Healthy Eating were also seen as lessimportant as discussed in Section 5.3. These rankings were consistent across both rounds ofsurveying, as illustrated in Figure 8.














Table 8: Ranking of modules in order of importance

ModuleAverage score

(importance and relevance)Second round results

1. Inclusion, Safety and Support 2.15 2.13

2. Injury Prevention and Management 2.73 3.31

3. Responsible Use of Alcohol 3.16 3.09

4. Healthy Eating 3.71 3.78

5. UV Protection 4.02 3.76

6. Reducing Tobacco Use 5.24 4.93

Figure 8: Ranking of modules in order of importance

As illustrated in Figure 9, during the second round of surveying, there appears to be growing clubunderstanding and support for all modules, particularly Injury Prevention and Management,Inclusion, Safety and Support, and the Responsible Use of Alcohol.

Figure 9: Is there growing understanding/support for each module? – Round 2

Healthy Eating has consistently been identified as an area that clubs demonstrated limitedunderstanding and a reluctance to implement during both rounds of surveying. However, clubsurveys during Round 2 indicate some improvement, as illustrated by the following comments:

• “We are now providing salad rolls and cooked meals as options. We are offering lasagne/ricedishes as alternatives during pizza/pie nights)”

2.152.73

3.163.71

4.02

5.24

2.13

3.31 3.09

3.78 3.76

4.93

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

Inclusion, Safety AndSupport

Injury Prevention AndManagement

Responsible Use OfAlcohol

Healthy Eating UV Protection Reducing Tobacco Use

Round 1 Round 2

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

Responsible Use ofAlcohol

Healthy Eating UV Protection Reducing Tobacco Use Injury Prevention andManagement

Inclusion, Safety andSupport

Yes Somewhat No (support has remained stable) Don’t know


• “We are now serving healthy snacks”

• “While we originally had a number of healthy options, we have identified some alternatives toimprove in this area”.

This is consistent with RSA impressions of a growing understanding of the benefits of this module(refer to Figure 7). Given that only 2% of participating clubs have completed this module to date,these views will be monitored as the evaluation progresses to understand how and why support forthe module changes.

An ongoing challenge for the implementation of the program is maintaining club interest in all sixmodules. Some clubs have indicated that specific modules are not relevant for their club, citingreasons such as:

• It is a junior club (no alcohol is serviced on premises) reducing the relevance of the ResponsibleUse of Alcohol module

• They are already part of the Good Sports program and have implemented a number of elementsfrom the Responsible Use of Alcohol module

• They do not operate a canteen or bar, lowering the relevance of the Healthy Eating module• They are a winter or indoor sports club, lowering the relevance of UV protection (although

VicHealth are also encouraging clubs to consider UV protection in regards to their trainingschedules and not just playing fixtures)

• There is already a significant amount of shade at the club and club rooms for participantslowering the relevance of UV protection

• They are already smoke free lowering the relevance of the Reducing Tobacco Use module.

These variables need to be understood and managed by the RSAs to ensure all six modules areimplemented and clubs do not choose to only adopt relevant modules. They also need to beunderstood by VicHealth and other health organisations to inform future program designs.

Concerns have been raised about the feasibility of each module being fully implemented at allsporting clubs. Given SSA and league policies may differ from HSE, sporting clubs may struggle toimplement each of the required action items under each module.

Beyond HSE, the future program design could consider enabling adoption of modules to be moreflexible, based on assessment of a club’s characteristics and needs.


6. Alignment with government policies and programs

Summary

A summary of the analysis of alignment with policies and programs across Victoria and Australia isprovided in the table below. Findings address specific questions from the evaluation framework.

Is HSE aligned with VicHealthobjectives?

The HSE aligns strongly with VicHealth objectives. Each of the five HSEobjectives align with the VicHealth Action Agenda for Health Promotion 2013-2023, as well as Key Result Areas outlined in the VicHealth Strategy andBusiness Plan 2009-2013.

Do HSE initiatives complementbroader Commonwealth and StateGovernment policies?

Alignment with wider State and Commonwealth policies and programs isimportant when considering the future case for investment.A review of State and Commonwealth policies found that the HSE has strongalignment with the Victorian Health Priorities Framework 2012-2022, The PublicHealth and Wellbeing Act, the Australian Sport Commission Strategic Plan andthe National Preventative Health Strategy 2009.

6.1 VicHealth objectivesTo ensure continued support from VicHealth and key stakeholders, it is important that the objectivesand activities of the HSE program align with overarching VicHealth objectives. During the past 12months, VicHealth has undertaken a process of strategic planning. The VicHealth Action Agenda forHealth Promotion 2013-23 (which follows VicHealth’s Strategy and Business Plan 2009-13)presents VicHealth’s vision over a 10 year horizon, with associated goals and three year priorities toguide its work.

This analysis concludes that the HSE program aligns strongly with the objectives of VicHealth, aspresented in Table 9. This includes the recently released VicHealth Action Agenda for HealthPromotion 2013-2023, as well as earlier plans including the VicHealth Strategy and Business Plan2009-2013 and VicHealth Action Plan 2010-2013. These plans highlight the need for investmentsthat seek to achieve outcomes at the organisational and community level.

Since the release of the Action Agenda, VicHealth has been assessing its current investments inphysical activity and sport to ensure that future programs align with its goals and priorities.

Table 9: Is HSE aligned with VicHealth objectives?

HSE objectives Alignment with VicHealth objectives

• To improve the health of regionalVictorians by effecting positivebehavioural change, organisational andsocio-cultural change through changes tothe physical environments of regionalsports clubs in Victoria

VicHealth Action Agenda for Health Promotion 2013-2023• The focus of the Agenda is to ensure a healthier life for all Victorians

by:• Promoting healthy eating• Encouraging regular physical activity• Preventing tobacco use• Preventing harm from alcohol• Improving mental wellbeing

VicHealth Strategy and Business Plan 2009-2013• Key Result Area (KRA) 1 – Health inequalities

• KRA 1.1 – Improve the physical mental health of those experiencingsocial, economic or geographic disadvantage

• KRA 1.2 – Contribute to closing the health gap between indigenousand non-indigenous Victorians

• KRA 2 – Participation• KRA 2.1 – Increase participation in physical activity


HSE objectives Alignment with VicHealth objectives• KRA 2.2 – Increase opportunities for social connection• KRA 2.3 – Reduce race-based discrimination and promote diversity• KRA 2.4 – Prevent violence against women by increasing

participation in respectful relationships• KRA 3 – Nutrition, tobacco, alcohol and UV

• KRA 3.1 – Create environments that improve health• KRA 3.2 – Increase optimal nutrition• KRA 3.3 – Reduce tobacco use• KRA 3.4 – Reduce harm from alcohol• KRA 3.5 – Reduce harmful UV exposure

Building Health Through Sport – VicHealth Action Plan 2010-13Priorities for focus within the sports sector:• Health inequalities

• Improve the physical and mental health of people experiencingsocial, economic or geographic disadvantage

• Contribute to closing the health gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Victorians

• Participation• Increase participation in physical activity• Increase opportunities for social connection• Reduce race-based discrimination and promote diversity• Prevent violence against women by increasing participation in

respectful relationships• Nutrition, tobacco, alcohol and UV

• Improve nutrition• Reduce tobacco use• Reduce harm from alcohol• Reduce harmful UV exposure

• To provide a structured planning,implementation and reportingframework, and appropriate resourcesfor each of the nine RSAs to assist over250 rural and regional sporting clubs tomeet the requirements of the VicHealthHSE standards

VicHealth Action Agenda for Health Promotion 2013-2023• Providing a structured framework is supported by the following

components of the Action Agenda model:• “Integrate” which seeks to embed interventions into Victoria’s

prevention system via policy and best practice; supporting theVictorian prevention system; strategic investments and co-funding;and training and development

• “Innovate” which seeks to drive new ways to address healthpriorities

VicHealth Strategy and Business Plan 2009-2013• KRA 4.1 – Produce, synthesise and translate practical health promotion

knowledge• KRA 2.5 – Build knowledge to increase access to economic resources• KRA 5.3 – Provide accurate, credible and timely information to

stakeholders on health promotion issues

• To find the optimal method of engagingregional sports clubs and deliveringappropriate resources to them in order tomaximise the positive health benefits tothe community

VicHealth Action Agenda for Health Promotion 2013-2023• VicHealth’s Action Agenda acknowledges the importance of forging

strong partnerships with a diverse range of stakeholders across a rangeof portfolios. This allows sharing of knowledge, capacity and resources,thereby enhancing promotion and prevention efforts

• Finding the optimal method of engagement and delivery is supported bythe following key components of the Action Agenda model:• “Inform” (i.e. instigate action and broaden impact via strategic

partnerships)• “Innovate” (i.e. drive bold new ways to address health priorities)

VicHealth Strategy and Business Plan 2009-2013• KRA 3.1 – Create environments that improve health

• Explore models of good practice in creating environments whichbenefit the health of priority populations

• KRA 5.1 – Develop, implement and evaluate marketing andcommunications approaches to improve health

• To identify and better understand whatenvironmental factors will instigate and

VicHealth Action Agenda for Health Promotion 2013-2023• Achieving this HSE objective is supported by the Action Agenda’s


HSE objectives Alignment with VicHealth objectivessustain healthy behavioural,organisational and social change withingrassroots sports club

commitment to working within an evidence-based framework, whichinvolves tracking progress through measuring effectiveness, evaluatingprocess, providing economic analysis and engaging with communitiesand professional reference groups

VicHealth Strategy and Business Plan 2009-2013• KRA 4.2 – Evaluation of health promotion practice

• Create and use knowledge acquired

• To identify and better understand whatbarriers impact on a sporting body’scapacity to instigate and sustainbehavioural, organisational and socio-cultural change within grassroots sportsclubs

VicHealth Action Agenda for Health Promotion 2013-2023• Achieving this HSE objective is supported by the Action Agenda’s

commitment to working within an evidence-based framework, whichinvolves tracking progress through measuring effectiveness, evaluatingprocess, providing economic analysis and engaging with communitiesand professional reference groups

VicHealth Strategy and Business Plan 2009-2013• KRA 4.2 – Evaluation of health promotion practice

6.2 State and Commonwealth Government programs and policiesAlignment with wider State and Commonwealth policies and programs is important whenconsidering the future case for investment. Table 10 presents HSE alignment with a selection ofState and Commonwealth policies.

The analysis found that the HSE demonstrates strong alignment with the Victorian Health PrioritiesFramework 2012-2022, The Public Health and Wellbeing Act, the Australian Sport CommissionStrategic Plan and the National Preventative Health Strategy 2009.

Table 10: Is HSE aligned with broader State and Commonwealth Government objectives?

HSE objectives Alignment with State and Commonwealth policy objectives

• To improve the health of regionalVictorians by effecting positivebehavioural change, organisational andsocio-cultural change through changes tothe physical environments of regionalsports clubs in Victoria

Victorian Health Priorities Framework 2012-2022• Major goal is to improve every Victorian’s health status• Intended outcomes of the Framework include optimal health status and

empowering people to manage their own health better• Proposes that the system needs greater capacity to deliver prevention

Victorian Families Statement 2011• Leading a healthy and active lifestyle is an important part of keeping

families strong• Government can play an important role in encouraging healthy habits

The Public Health and Wellbeing Act 2008Achieve the highest attainable standard of public health and wellbeing forall Victorians by:• Protecting public health and preventing disease, illness, injury,

disability and premature death• Promoting conditions in which people can be healthy• Reducing inequalities in the state of public health and wellbeingVictorian Public Health and Wellbeing Plan 2011-2015• Build prevention infrastructure to support evidence-based policy and

practice• Develop leadership and strengthen partnerships to maximise prevention

efforts across sectors• Increase the health literacy of all Victorians and support people to

better manage their own health

National Chronic Disease Strategy 2005• Prevent/delay the onset of chronic disease• Reduce the progression and complications of chronic disease• Implement best practice in the prevention, detection and management

of chronic disease


HSE objectives Alignment with State and Commonwealth policy objectivesAustralian Sports Commission Strategic Plan 2011-2012 to 2014-2015• Increase participation in sport

National Preventative Health Strategy 2009• Act early and throughout life• Engage communities where they work, live and play• Reduce inequity• Refocus primary healthcare towards prevention

• To provide a structured planning,implementation and reportingframework, and appropriate resourcesfor each of the nine RSAs to assist over250 rural and regional sporting clubs tomeet the requirements of the VicHealthHSE standards

Victorian Public Health and Wellbeing Plan 2011-2015• Tailor interventions for priority populations to reduce disparities in

health outcomes

• To find the optimal method of engagingregional sports clubs and deliveringappropriate resources to them in order tomaximise the positive health benefits tothe community

Victorian Public Health and Wellbeing Plan 2011-2015• Develop effective modes of engagement and delivery of evidence-based

interventions in key settings

• To identify and better understand whatenvironmental factors will instigate andsustain healthy behavioural,organisational and social change withingrassroots sports club

Victorian Public Health and Wellbeing Plan 2011-2015• Build prevention infrastructure to support evidence-based policy and

practice

• To identify and better understand whatbarriers impact on a sporting body’scapacity to instigate and sustainbehavioural, organisational and socio-cultural change within grassroots sportsclubs

Victorian Public Health and Wellbeing Plan 2011-2015• Build prevention infrastructure to support evidence-based policy and

practice


Part C: Evaluation findings


7. Efficiency in implementation and delivery

Summary

The summary of findings on the efficiency in implementation and delivery is provided in the tablebelow. Findings address specific questions from the evaluation framework.


Has HSE been implemented andadministered effectively (from RSA tocommunity sporting clubs)?

In order to sign up clubs to the program, the most common forms of engagementbetween RSAs and sporting clubs have been:• RSA communication channels and marketing material• Use of local media• Word of mouth.RSAs have typically utilised existing relationships within their catchment togenerate interest in the program, and recruit and support clubs in order toimplement the program. This has included their existing relationships with sportsclubs, as well as partnerships with local government authorities and healthservices. Regular face-to-face meetings have been identified as very importantfor the implementation of the program.

The majority of clubs have been very receptive or somewhat receptive to the HSEprogram.Clubs that have not been receptive have had concerns over their clubs’ capacityand capabilities, and the lack of financial incentives. Financial incentives were notprovided based on learnings from the HSE DP.

Is the information relevant anduseful, and delivered appropriately?

The HSE program has developed a significant amount of information forcommunity sporting clubs. Although much of this information is prescriptive(such as the number of modules and list of actions that need to be adopted),much has been left open to interpretation to enable flexibility for RSAs to adaptthe program to suit each club’s needs (such as the order and manner in whichmodules are implemented). This has the advantage of allowing RSA to useinformation how and when they wish; however, this may lead to inconsistencies inimplementation across the state.

The majority of RSAs have indicated that the large number of documents andguidelines can be overwhelming and deter clubs from the program. As a result,some RSAs have adopted a “protective” approach to ensure that resources areonly given to clubs when deemed ready. It was suggested that information couldbe “drip-fed” to clubs, where summaries are provided initially andadditional/more detailed material could be provided once progress is made.Initial results from Round 2 indicate some dissatisfaction with the Healthy Eatingand Inclusion, Safety and Support materials due to the complexity of materialsand a greater need for the materials to be appropriate for club environments.

Has there been effective engagementbetween:

• VicHealth and the StakeholderReference Group?

• RSAs and VicHealth?• RSAs and clubs?• Clubs and local stakeholders?

Engagement has varied across stakeholder groups.Formal meetings have been put in place between VicHealth and the RSAs, andthe Stakeholder Reference Group. These groups were established as a means ofengaging important stakeholders to guide and inform the program throughoutthe implementation. This was informed by the HSE DP evaluation report.VicHealth met both groups once in 2012, and will meet three times in 2013 andtwice in 2014. Meetings held in 2015 are to be confirmed. The role of this groupwill be tracked against the Terms of Reference as the program continues.

VicHealth has not mandated any formal engagement processes between RSAsand clubs in order to allow flexibility in implementation. The approachsurrounding engagement between RSAs and clubs has been subject to thediscretion of the RSAs. Clubs continue to indicate that they are satisfied with thelevel of support provided.VicHealth has not mandated any formal processes or guidelines to encouragecommunication between sporting clubs and other community groups; however,progress reports indicate that partnerships between RSAs and otherorganisations may result in opportunities for clubs as the program progresses.Relationships between LGAs and SSAs have been identified as key enablers ofsuccess, and facilitating introductions and providing forums could provide animportant opportunity for communication.


Have appropriate governanceprotocols been followed?

Formal governance arrangements were put in place with the StakeholderReference Group and the Program Managers/Officers Group. Terms of Referencefor the Stakeholder Reference Group and Officers Groups were developed tooutline the aims of the group, role and membership.

Has HSE been adequately budgeted? The overall confirmed budget for the HSE 2012-2015 program is $5 millionwhich is being split evenly across three years between the nine RSAs.Funding allocated to RSAs has been predominantly spent on resourcing with themajority spent on resourcing (primarily staff time) and operations (overheads andexpenses) to implement the HSE program.

Funding is a concern for RSAs, with several having difficulty determining themost appropriate mix of resources and capability. Guidelines could be developedto assist RSAs in determining staffing, resources, marketing, training andoverheads required for the program.Clubs have indicated a concern over the lack of funding for involvement in theHSE program. VIcHealth intentionally excluded incentives in the roll out based onlessons learnt from the HSE DP, which showed that while incentives weresometimes a reason for participating, they were not the main reason. In addition,incentives were deemed to be unsustainable. However, RSAs can use funds toprovide tangible support to clubs (e.g. training and signage).

Have appropriate risk and financialmanagement protocols beenfollowed?

Contractual arrangements have been followed, with the RSAs being allocated$155,150 (excl. GST) in each of the years that HSE will operate.

A formal risk register does not exist; however, HSE staff and RSAs have reportedthat there is regular engagement to mitigate risks including quarterly meetingsbetween VicHealth and program managers/officers.

Has HSE been adequately resourced? VicHealth initially had two dedicated staff members for HSE. This has nowchanged to one staff member following the recent organisational restructure,with around 1-1.2 Equivalent Full Time (EFT). This level of resourcing has beenadequate with high levels of satisfaction for the support provided.

Resourcing varies across RSAs. RSA resources have ranged between 1 and 2 EFTper week. Estimates range between 38 hours and 80 average hours per week, or1-2 full time equivalent staff. In addition, staff at some RSAs were solelydedicated to HSE, whereas others worked across a number of programs.Further investigation is necessary to determine the most appropriate level ofresourcing for HSE implementation.

How satisfied are clubs/club memberswith HSE?

RSAs have been positive about the delivery of the project. Through interviews itwas determined that:

• 100% of RSAs believed that support had been adequate (up 10% from Round1)

• 100% of RSAs believed governance structures were adequate (up 10% fromRound 1)

• 82% of RSAs believed the program had been administered and deliveredeffectively (up 22% from Round 1).

RSAs indicated a lack of certainty around what level of resourcing (e.g. staffing,capability, skills and support) was required to successfully deliver the programand what resources sporting clubs needed to ensure successful implementationof the program.The experience of the RSAs is reflected at a club level, with 86% very satisfied orsomewhat satisfied with the HSE program.

7.1 Program implementation7.1.1 Attracting participants

As illustrated in Figure 10, RSAs commonly used existing channels of communication to contactsporting clubs and invite them to participate in the HSE program. It was revealed during RSAinterviews that success in signing up sporting clubs was heavily influenced by existing relationships.While the results showed that social media was not a channel that was used, since initial datacollection, many RSAs have expanded their social media profile. Several RSAs believe that socialmedia will provide a very useful communications platform and will assist in providing vitalinformation to participating clubs.


Figure 10: RSA communication channels to sporting clubs

Note: RSA communication channels include e-marketing to an existing club database, direct face-to-face contact, sending outexpressions of interest/mail outs and forums. ‘Other’ includes social media, media releases and politicians.

Information collected from RSAs is supported by the survey results from sporting clubs, whichshowed they were made aware of the HSE program through RSAs, VicHealth and State SportingOrganisations’ communication and marketing materials. ‘Other’ included social media, mediareleases and politicians, which were also common channels in promoting awareness of HSE to clubs.

Figure 11: Community sporting clubs awareness of HSE

Note: ‘Other’ includes social media, media releases and politicians.

Overall, clubs were receptive to the approach by RSAs to discuss the HSE program, as illustrated inFigure 12. While RSAs indicated that some clubs did not accept the invitation to participate in theHSE program, the most successful manner in which to engage clubs (and increase the likelihood ofparticipation) was face to face contact and discussions. This is due to the increased ability to buildrapport and relationships, and explore the benefits more widely with clubs.

0

2

4

6

8

10

12

RSA’scommunicationchannels and

marketing materials

VicHealth’scommunicationchannels and

marketing materials

State SportingOrganisations’communicationchannels and

marketing materials

Word of mouth Personal research Use of local media Communicationsfrom local leagues

and / orassociations

Other

Round 1 Round 2

0%5%

10%15%20%25%30%35%40%45%50%

RSA’scommunicationchannels and

marketing materials

VicHealth’scommunicationchannels and

marketing materials

State SportingOrganisations’communicationchannels and

marketing materials

Communicationsfrom local leagues

and / orassociations

Word of mouth Personal research None of the above Other

Round 1 Round 2


Figure 12: Clubs receptiveness to the HSE program

Round 1 Round 2

Success in signing up sporting clubs was dependent on governance structures and resources. Thosethat did not have established committees and governance, and those with limited resources weremore likely to reject the invitation to participate. Similar to the Round 1 results, Round 2 resultsindicated that the most common reasons club chose not to participate were:

• Club had low volunteer base (19%)• Club capacity and capability were inadequate (17%)• There were other competing priorities (17%).

There is anecdotal evidence from RSAs that most clubs involved in the program are those that were“ready” for the program in terms of governance, stability and understanding. RSAs report that clubswith strong governance are more likely to know what characteristics constitute a successful clubboth on and off the field, and as a result, are more likely to be aware of the benefits of being a goodclub.

While RSAs generally agreed that incentives would be helpful in engaging and sustaining clubinterest, there was a concern voiced by several RSAs that financial incentives would not be adequatein sustaining the program in the long-term.

7.1.2 Progress with individual modules (implementation timeframe)While three RSAs have officially achieved their target of 25 clubs, the remaining RSAs are all veryclose to achieving this target and within one, two or three clubs. RSAs report that they haveeffectively concluded the club recruitment phase, with the implementation phase currentlyunderway.

The implementation of the Responsible Use of Alcohol module has progressed the furthest, which islikely to be due to clubs already being compliant with regulatory and licensing requirements. Duringinterviews with RSAs, it became apparent that this has occurred as many of the clubs in the HSEprogram have a deep understanding of the Responsible Use of Alcohol module because of theirinvolvement in complementary programs such as ‘GoodSports’. In addition, a large number of RSAshave targeted clubs that have participated in GoodSports given that these clubs have anunderstanding of how club development programs work.

Very Receptive Somewhat receptive

Neutral Somewhat unreceptive

Very unreceptive Don't know

Very receptive Somewhat receptive

Neutral Somewhat unreceptive

Very unreceptive Don’t know


Only a small minority of clubs have successfully completed elements of the other modules. Progressagainst each action item (for each module) is presented in Table 11 which was collected from theCRM. Progress against these action items will be the focus of future data collection phases.

Table 11: Overall completion of the HSE modules (CRM database)

Average against each of theAction Items in each module

Completed Open

Round 1 Round 2 Round 1 Round 2

Responsible Use of Alcohol 12% 32% 37% 39%

Healthy Eating 0% 6% 30% 49%

UV Protection 4% 14% 34% 47%

Reducing Tobacco Use 1% 9% 33% 47%

Injury Prevention and Management 2% 13% 31% 47%

Inclusion, Safety and Support 1% 13% 29% 44%

These statistics are supported by data collected through surveying. The overall percentage of clubsthat have begun implementation has increased (Figure 13) between the two rounds of surveying,clubs have made greatest progress with the Responsible Use of Alcohol module.

Figure 13: Implementation of the HSE modules (club survey)

Sporting clubs indicated that the Inclusion Safety and Support module was the most difficult toimplement with a lower understanding of the likely benefit that the module will generate. As aresult of this lack of understanding, clubs nominated Inclusion, Safety and Support as the modulethat will require the most support to implement.

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

Responsible Use ofAlcohol

Healthy Eating UV Protection Reducing Tobacco Use Injury Prevention andManagement

Inclusion, Safety andSupport

Round 1 Round 2


Figure 14: Most difficult module to implement

Progress against each of the action items (under each of the six modules) will again be tracked inthe third data collection phase.

It should be noted that the statistics presented below may not match those taken from the CRMdatabase. The statistics presented below have been taken from the sporting club survey undertakenindependently from the CRM database.


Participating sporting clubs indicated a good understanding of the benefits of the Responsible Useof Alcohol module, with 81% of clubs indicating that they had begun implementing the module (up22% from Round 1). Of these clubs, 49% have completed or are completing the Alcohol Action Plan(up 9% from Round 1).

Only 6% of clubs indicated that this module was difficult or somewhat difficult to implement with themajor challenges being educating committee members and playing members of its importance.

Healthy Eating

While participating sporting clubs indicated limited support for the Healthy Eating module, theoverall level of support has increased since Round 1. 71% of clubs indicated that they had begunimplementing the Healthy Eating Module (up 28% from Round 1) and of these clubs, 78% havecompleted or are completing the Healthy Eating Action Plan (up 18% from Round 1).

There was a perception that became apparent from the community sporting club survey that it ismore cost effective to provide ‘unhealthy’ foods, with many clubs viewing their canteens as asignificant source of revenue. Other barriers such as storage, waste, expertise, infrastructure andcapability were also highlighted as issues. This was consistent with findings from the HSE DP andthese factors are consistently reported as the major barriers for this module. Suggestions made byclubs to overcome these barriers include:

• Illustrations and graphics (e.g. cartoons)• Online modules for canteen staff and volunteers• Case studies to illustrate successful examples and dispel inaccurate perceptions• Providing more materials specifically for clubs that do not have a canteen but are still keen to

promote healthy eating.

0%

5%

10%

15%

20%

25%

30%

35%

Responsible UseOf Alcohol

Healthy Eating Reducing TobaccoUse

UV Protection Injury PreventionAnd Management

Inclusion, SafetyAnd Support

None Don’t know

Round 1 Round 2


A limited number (28%) of those with a canteen have completed a Healthy Eating Action Plan (up15% from Round 1). Action items that have been completed include undertaking an assessment ofthe current menu (67%), identifying new items for their menu (72%) and identifying ways to changethe menu (78%). These results have improved since Round 1.

The major challenge for clubs in implementing this module is ensuring that the canteen manager iseducated on the importance of the module, the actions required and finding the time to implementphysical changes to the canteen environment.

UV Protection

Half of surveyed clubs have begun implementing the UV Protection modules, with 81% havingcompleted or are currently completing an Action Plan (up 5% from Round 1). Some concerns wereraised by indoor clubs and winter sports that this module was not as relevant for them, indicating agood level of understanding of this area in the community.

Over 75% of clubs indicated this module was easy or somewhat easy to understand and implementwith challenges including:

• Cost of making the changes (hats, uniforms, shade, etc)• Time needed to implement changes.


64% of the participating sporting clubs have begun implementing the Reducing Tobacco Use module(up 18% from Round 1), with 82% having completed or are currently completing an Action Plan (up13% from Round 1). Some clubs question the effectiveness of the module given the strong anti-smoking messages and legislation already prevalent in the community. This is further emphasisedby legislation amending the Tobacco Act which took effect from 1 April 2014, which bans smokingat certain outdoor public areas. Clubs are reluctant to implement anything further than what iscurrently covered by current legislation, due to the concern about isolating members who aresmokers.

Close to 20% of clubs indicated this was a somewhat difficult module to implement because of thedifficulty in getting smokers to quit or accept change.


66% of the participating sporting clubs have begun implementing the Injury Prevention andManagement module (up 16% from Round 1), with 91% having completed or are currentlycompleting an Action Plan (up 22% from Round 1).

Only a small proportion of clubs indicated this was a difficult or somewhat difficult module toimplement (8%). For many clubs injury management and prevention is core business.


72% of the participating sporting clubs have begun implementing the Inclusion, Safety and Supportmodule (up 22% from Round 1), with 83% having completed or are currently completing an ActionPlan (up 14% from Round 1).


Over 65% of clubs indicated this was an easy or somewhat easy module to implement. Thechallenges nominated included tapping into the CALD and indigenous communities and ensuring allmembers understood module requirements.

Whilst the majority of clubs have indicated that this module was easy or somewhat easy toimplement, 25% of clubs didn’t nominate this module as the one they have required to mostassistance with to implement. Healthy eating was nominated as the other module that clubsrequired assistance with at 14%.

7.1.3 Implementation challengesAs the program is being implemented and delivered across the three year period, it is important thatconsistent messaging is delivered to RSAs and sporting clubs. In particular, RSAs raised theimportance of the need for further engagement with SSAs to achieve a greater impact and ensureconsistent practices. This was reinforced by the Stakeholder Reference Group.

The key challenges of the program raised by the Stakeholder Reference Group during Round 2 weresimilar to those raised in Round 1. They included:

• Ensuring consistent delivery of HSE across the State will maximise the opportunity to deliverbenefits

• Maintaining and sustaining club interest during and beyond the program• Tracking cultural change• Ensuring an evidence-based approach and optimal outcomes given that HSE implementation

proceeded prior to HSE DP had been completed, with many assumptions being made on the bestway to progress

• Maintaining relationships over the course of the program• Allocating sufficient time and resources to keep up-to-date with changes in legislation and best

practice, and ensuring adequate education/training of RSAs• Identifying and managing the cross over between other programs.

To overcome a number of these challenges, sporting clubs nominated a series of key enablersneeded for successful implementation of the program. These enablers and their importance as ratedby clubs are outlined in Table 12. The most important enabler for successful implementation of theprogram is having a positive relationship with the RSA (62%) and having adequate time (56%).Regular meetings (51%) and good working relationships with LGAs (49%) and SSAs (49%) was alsonominated as important enablers.

Table 12: What are some of the key enablers for successful implementation of the HSE program?

Enabler Proportion of clubs nominating the enabler asimportant

Positive relationship with Regional Sports Assembly 61.8%

Appropriate time to implement program 56.4%

Regular face to face contract with Regional Sports Assembly 50.9%

Good working relationship with Local Government 49.1%

Knowledge of State Sporting Association policies and programs 49.1%

Good working relationship with State Sporting Associations 38.2%

Knowledge of Local Government policy 18.2%

Operating within government owned venues 16.4%

Operating within privately owned venues 3.6%


7.2 Materials and guidelinesA large number of documents and guidelines have been developed for the implementation of theHSE program. Some resources were new, while others were existing materials which were eitherpart of established programs or required modification to allow for the inclusion of drivers necessaryfor implementation within clubs. The majority of RSAs have indicated that the large number ofdocuments and guidelines can be overwhelming and deter participating sporting clubs from theprogram. As a result, some RSAs have adopted a “protective” approach to ensure that resources areonly given to clubs when deemed to be ready.

The documents developed outline action items under each of the six modules that must beimplemented by clubs with the support of RSAs, as part of the HSE program.

Despite how heavily prescribed the HSE program appears, much is still left open to interpretation ofeach module and action item. This has both advantages (freedom to facilitate as seen fit) anddisadvantages (consistency amongst RSAs/missed promotional or marketing opportunities/ideasharing). The positives and negatives of this approach will be explored further in Round 3 surveysand consultations to determine the optimal future program design and program materials.

Survey results from the Stakeholder Reference Group indicated the following:

• The greatest levels of dissatisfaction were with the materials developed for the Healthy Eatingand Inclusion, Safety and Support modules

• During Round 1, UV Protection materials recorded a high level of dissatisfaction, but duringRound 2, responses improved to either neutral or somewhat satisfied

• There was insufficient responses to make valid comparisons for the Inclusion, Safety and Supportmodule.

Similar to the Stakeholder Reference Group, results from the RSA surveys confirmed dissatisfactionwith Healthy Eating and Inclusion, Safety and Support materials (refer to Figure 15). However, inaddition, RSAs reported some dissatisfaction with the Injury Prevention and Management materialsdue to its complexity and the Reducing Tobacco Use materials due to the materials not beingtailored for club environments. As a result, some RSAs have reported that they have had to developtheir own materials. Feedback on how the modules could be improved is provided in Table 13.


Figure 15: RSA satisfaction with materials and references


Very satisfied Somewhat satisfied

Neutral Somewhat dissatisfied

Very dissatisfied Don't know

Healthy Eating




UV Protection

















Table 13: Feedback on module materials and how greater benefits could be generated

Category Feedback

General • “Materials should be based on club environments”• “Electronic versions of modules should be available and HSE branding should be

evident on any references”• “More flexible training options for volunteers”• “More direction on how to determine a club’s current situation within a module”

Responsible Use of Alcohol • “Update to incorporate risk management for clubs and information for clubmembers”

• “Assistance with developing alternatives to alcohol fundraising”• “Facilitate a physical workshop to alter the way bar is priced and stocked”

Healthy Eating • “More clarity on the traffic light system is needed (e.g. via automated onlineentering system)”

• “More specific club based ideas (i.e. recipes, food supply ideas)”• “Provide case studies/examples/scenarios to demonstrate effective sales and

pre-prepared sample menus”• “A cheat sheet developed by a dietician which provides examples of small

changes that can be made (e.g. changing ingredients/cooking methods)”

UV Protection • “Link module completion with HSE shade grants”• “Local stories of skin cancer victims”

Reducing Tobacco Use • “Improve access to signage”• “Improve accessibility of additional resources and kits”

Injury Prevention and Management • “The action items need further explanation”• “The assessment is too generic”• “We have had to develop our own sports specific resources and health

professional referral forms”

Inclusion, Safety and Support • “Provide Everyone Wins training”• “Provide more insightful documentation and references – more context is

needed”• “Provide practical and meaningful examples (e.g. video of firsthand experience of

a person trying to join a club)”• “Provide more clarity of expectations”• “Training for club leaders and RSA staff”

These findings highlight the view from clubs that Healthy Eating and Inclusion, Safety and Supportmodules were the most difficult to implement (Figure 14).

7.3 Program management and governance (including communications)7.3.1 Structure

The agreed governance structure for the delivery of the HSE is presented in Figure 16. Detailedtasks for each group are not defined in a formal governance paper however Terms of Referencehave been developed for the Stakeholder Reference Group and RSAs.


Figure 16: Governance structure

Source: VicHealth 2012

7.3.2 Formal agreementsFormal governance arrangements were put in place with the Stakeholder Reference Group and theProgram Managers/Officers Group. Terms of Reference for the Stakeholder Reference Group andOfficers Groups were developed to outline aims of the group, role and membership.

The role of the Stakeholder Reference Group, as defined in the Terms of Reference, is:

• Program structure and implementation: Consider and suggest opportunities for VicHealth toensure the smooth implementation of Healthy Sporting Environments 2012-15 program

• Communication and knowledge transfer: Consider and suggest opportunities for VicHealth tocommunicate and transfer knowledge regarding the intent, progress and outcomes of the HSE2012-2015 program

• Project completion and continuation: The program is currently funded until end-June 2014. TheHSE team will be investigating opportunities for the continuation of this program past this date.Upon project completion of this funded period, the Reference Group will review the program’seffectiveness, reach and impact and how VicHealth may continue this program into the future

• Training of Regional Sports Assemblies: Initiate provision of appropriate training as required• Evaluation: Ongoing engagement and consultation regarding the external evaluation of the

Healthy Sporting Environments program 2012-15.

The group will meet once in 2012, three times in 2013 and twice in 2014. Meetings in 2015 are tobe confirmed. The role of this group will be tracked against the Terms of Reference as the programcontinues.


The role of the Program Managers/Officers Group, as defined in the Terms of Reference, is:

• Program implementation: Consider and suggest opportunities for VicHealth to ensure thesmooth implementation of Healthy Sporting Environments 2012-15 program

• Training of Regional Sports Assemblies: Provide suggestions for required training or advice frompartner organisations

• Operationalising the program: To share success and challenges of the HSE program, such as clubengagement motivators, stakeholder engagement opportunities, implementation strategies andcommunication activities

• Share experience of Regional Sports Assemblies: To share and utilise the strong expertise thatwill come from with the group, to complement the role of external support agencies

• Communication and knowledge transfer: Consider and suggest opportunities for VicHealth tocommunicate and transfer knowledge regarding the intent, progress and outcomes of theHealthy Sporting Environments 2012-2015 program

• Evaluation: Ongoing engagement and consultation regarding the external evaluation of theHealthy Sporting Environments program 2012-15.

The group will meet once in 2012, three times in 2013 and twice in 2014. Meetings in 2015 are tobe confirmed. The role of this group will be tracked against the Terms of Reference as the programcontinues.

7.3.3 Ongoing governance and communicationVicHealth to RSAs

VicHealth continue to make themselves available at any time for discussions with RSAs to answerqueries or provide advice. Communication has been frequent and is seen by the majority as apositive element of program management. This is demonstrated by the 100% satisfaction withgovernance structure, and advice and support provided by VicHealth during Round 2 (refer to Figure17 and Figure 18). The improvement in satisfaction (across many elements of the HSE program) islikely to be a combination of factors including the relationship developing between VicHealth, RSAsand community sporting clubs, and the consistent approach to engagement (face to face).

Figure 17: Effectiveness of governance structure (including communication) to RSAs

Round 1 Round 2

Yes No Don't Know Yes No Don't Know


Figure 18: Satisfaction with advice and support provided

Round 1 Round 2

RSAs and sporting clubs

When communicating with sporting clubs, RSAs use a variety of mediums with the most popularmedium being email and face to face meetings. Over 93% of sporting clubs believe that thesemethods are the most effective means of communication.

Table 14: Communication medium

Medium Use

Face to face meetings 89.4%Telephone conversations 46.8%Email 91.5%Text messages 8.5%Social media 8.5%

The frequency of contact does however vary between fortnightly to once across the whole program.The majority of clubs are contacted once per month on average and provided positive feedbackabout the frequency and type of contact.

7.4 Financial managementThe overall confirmed budget for the HSE 2012-2015 program is $5 million split evenly across thethree year program duration between the nine RSAs.

Each RSA agreed to participate in the HSE program based on the agreed funding amount of$155,150 (excl. GST) each year over a three year period. An additional $15,000 was allocated toeach RSA for an initial marketing budget with the remaining funds used for the evaluation of theHSE program.

As illustrated in Figure 19, funding allocated to RSAs has been predominantly spent on resourcing(primarily staff time) required to implement the HSE program and operations (overheads andexpenses).

Yes No Don't Know Yes No Don't Know


Figure 19: RSA allocation of funds

While the majority of RSAs felt that the amount of funding was adequate, the following werenominated by some RSAs as requiring additional funding:

• More on-ground resources to ensure better club outcomes• Marketing, training and additional resources• Ongoing resourcing for program specific signage.

The following were nominated by sporting clubs as requiring additional funding:

• Policy development support and guidance• Club website and social media support• Training and development opportunities for volunteers and club leaders• Infrastructure, signage and equipment including shade provision, first aid and anti-smoking

signage• Transport to events to support access by the community.

7.5 Resourcing7.5.1 VicHealth program management

VicHealth initially had two dedicated staff members for HSE. This has now changed to one staffmember following the recent organisational restructure, with around 1-1.2 Equivalent Full Time(EFT). RSAs have indicated that the level of resources and support by VicHealth has beenappropriate.

7.5.2 RSAsRSAs have had the flexibility to deliver the project the way they see fit. This flexibility extends theirresources and the allocation of time to the HSE program.

RSA resources have ranged between 1 and 2 Equivalent Full Time (EFT) per week. The hourestimates range between 38 hours and 80 hours per week, similar to Round 1 results. Actualestimates provided by RSAs are provided in Table 15.

Table 15: RSA resources dedicated to HSE

Regional Sports Assembly Resources

GippSport • Workload shared across 4 staffCentre Active Recreation Network– The Centre

• 1 EFT for a project coordinator

Mallee Sports Assembly • 3 program officers, 1.5 EFT split across the sites (Mildura, Swan Hill, Wycheproof)

Staffing

Operational costs / administration /overheads

Marketing / promotion / advertising

Resources

Training


Regional Sports Assembly Resources

South West Sports • 1.66 EFT which includes one new full time program manager• Provision for 0.4 EFT support if necessary

Sports Focus • 1 business manager• 1 program manager• 3 project coordinators

Valley Sport • 1 EFT program manager• 1 EFT project officer• 0.3 EFT program support

Wimmera Regional SportsAssembly

• 1 EFT program manager• 1 EFT project officer

Central Highlands SportsAssembly – Sports Central

• 1 EFT program manager but other staff also trained and capable of presenting,implementing and managing clubs

Leisure Networks • 1.5 EFT for 1 program manager and 2 program officers

Variables such as RSA size, club locations and required skills sets have influenced the level ofresourcing. In addition, while some RSA staff were new, others had been transferred from previousprograms. The majority of RSAs nominated marketing/sales and public relations skills as beingcritical in recruiting clubs to the program, and program management/facilitation and stronginterpersonal skills as being critical for the ongoing engagement of clubs. The complete list ofskills/attributes needed to successfully implement the program as nominated by RSAs is outlined inTable 16.

Table 16: Skills/attributes required by RSA program staff

Skills/attributes – recruitment of clubs Skills/attributes – ongoing engagement of clubs

• Public relations• Marketing/sales• Regional sporting knowledge and community networks• Health promotion• Communication skills• Personal qualities – passion, enthusiasm• Program management/facilitation• Public speaking

• Program management/facilitation, coordination andcase management

• Strong interpersonal skills• Personal qualities – persistence, patience, commitment• Communication skills• Community development/empowerment• Attention to detail• Club knowledge (e.g. club time constraints,

understanding of activities/timing)

A major challenge for RSAs is encouraging and supporting club progress, given the short initial twoyear timeframe. Trying to ensure club progress is being made while being mindful of their timeconstraints and competing priorities has also been a significant challenge.

Another challenge for RSA resources is being able to convince the clubs that the time invested in theprogram will have greater long-term benefits for the club. There is also the expectation from clubsthat RSAs will continue to drive the program, rather than the program being driven by the clubsthemselves. This will threaten the program in the longer term if the RSAs’ resources and staffingwere to vary.

RSAs reported that while they were often available to assist clubs, this was often compromised bythe club’s capacity to meet. RSAs identified the following items that would help to improve theirsupport of clubs:

• Increased hours• More incentives for clubs to maintain their good work (e.g. preferential treatment for funding

applications)• Introducing and facilitating club-to-club discussions.


7.5.3 Community sporting clubsResourcing at a club level was seen as a major challenge in implementing the six modules. For someclubs, there was other more immediate and pressing issues (e.g. misappropriation of funds by a clubcommittee member, ensuring games had adequate numbers of players and volunteers), which wasconsuming resources. Time commitment and the need for volunteers was the major challengenominated by clubs. During Round 1, it was initially expected that the workload for committeeswould total 7.8 hours per week, while the additional workload for volunteers would total 3.65 hoursper week. However, during Round 2, clubs reported that the workload for committees andvolunteers was on average 3.0 hours and 2.7 hours per week respectively, representing a decreasefrom initial expectations. In an environment where committee members are often volunteers, thisadditional time commitment is seen as a major burden. However, the overall view was that the HSEprogram generally aligned with core business and was important for long-term sustainability withover 90% of club respondents claiming the program had strong or good alignment with corebusiness.

Community sporting clubs identified the following items that would help to improve the support ofRSAs:

• More proactive support from other stakeholders including SSAs• Regular contact• Greater state and federal funding• Further materials to distribute to club members.

The major reason for not participating in the program was inadequate club capacity and capability,as illustrated in Figure 20.

Figure 20: Reasons for not participating

‘Other’ includes low volunteer base, club already had a strong reputation, time of the program too short and communicationsnot forwarded on.

7.6 Support and satisfaction with HSEOver the initial stages of the program, RSAs have been positive about the delivery of the project.Through interviews it was determined that:

• 100% of RSAs believed that support had been adequate (up 10% from Round 1)• 100% of RSAs believed governance structures were adequate (up 10% from Round 1)

0

2

4

6

8

10

12

14

Club capacity andcapability was

inadequate

The lack of financialincentives

There were othercompeting priorities

Committee did notunderstand the

benefits

Committee did notsupport theinitiatives

Committeesupported some

initiatives, but notall six

Don't know Other

Round 1 Round 2


• 82% of RSAs believed the program had been administered and delivered effectively (up 22% fromRound 1) with a minor concern about the level of resourcing.

Figure 21: RSA satisfaction with administration and delivery of the program

Round 1 Round 2

Concerns over the administration and delivery of the program focused on:

• The need for electronic delivery of the program and greater use of technology• Limited training on program implementation• There is a significant amount of information for clubs to digest and implement• There is a large workload for club committees and volunteers.

One RSA suggested that a non-judgemental online forum for program managers would be helpful tovoice challenges, victories, opinions, and share ideas, which could complement the ProgramManagement Group meetings. This would also help RSAs gauge "where they're at" compared toother RSAs.

VicHealth provided HSE program training for RSAs, engaging 16 people on 31 January-1 Februaryand 11 people on 13-14 May. RSAs believed the training was extremely beneficial and should havebeen held at HSE program inception, which they believe would have fast tracked the signing up ofcommunity sporting clubs. In addition, VicHealth held training for Healthy Eating and Inclusion,Safety and Support in November-December 2013 in response to the feedback received. RSAsprovided positive feedback on this training.

Club experiences mirrored the high levels of satisfaction recorded by RSAs with high levels ofsatisfaction with delivery and administration of the program and their involvement to date.

Yes Somewhat Don't Know No Yes Somewhat No Don't Know


Figure 22: Club satisfaction with the administration and delivery of the HSE program

Round 1 Round 2

Club concerns over the implementation of the program focuses on levels of resourcing andassistance available. Clubs will require support to ensure the responsibility of delivery is not left ofone person at the club and that an adequate number of volunteers assist in programimplementation. The HSE DP was heavily reliant on having one key club contact, but it appears thatRSAs are considering engaging with a number of people within clubs to ensure distribution orworkload and responsibility, and to broaden the messages being communicated.

Overall satisfaction with the program remains high. As illustrated in Figure 23, those somewhat orvery satisfied with HSE increased to 86% in Round 2 (up 3% from Round 1).

Figure 23: Overall club satisfaction with involvement in the HSE program

Round 1 Round 2

7.7 Summary of process evaluationTo summarise the preliminary analysis of the efficiency in which the program has been delivered,the Ernst & Young best practice Foundation Method has been used, as illustrated in Figure 24.

Yes Somewhat No Don’t know Yes Somewhat No Don’t know



Very dissatisfied Don’t know



Very dissatisfied Don’t know


Figure 24: Foundation Method

The Method takes a pragmatic, outcome focus, directly addressing the most common reasons forprogram and project failure. Our research has resulted in ten rules of engagement, grouped intofour logical themes, representing the essential elements of an effective program managementframework. These rules of engagement have been applied to the observations and analysis of HSE.

Table 17: Preliminary analysis of processes

THEMES Rules of engagement Preliminary assessment based on baseline data collection

Changemanagement

ALIGNMENT:Align with strategic direction

The HSE aligns strongly with VicHealth objectives. Each of the five HSEobjectives align with Key Result Areas outlined in the VicHealth Strategyand Business Plan 2009-2013.

A review of State and Commonwealth policies found that the HSE hasstrong alignment with the Victorian Health Priorities Framework 2012-2022, The Public Health and Wellbeing Act, the Australian SportCommission Strategic Plan and the National Preventative Health Strategy2009.

TRANSITIONManage the transition

Advice and support from VicHealth was essential in ensuring RSAstransitioned onto the HSE program efficiently.Through surveying RSAs believe that the support and advice provided byVichealth was adequate.

Other support provided by VicHealth included a short courses on the HSEprogram to ensure an detailed understanding of HSE requirements.A high level of communication between HSE and RSAs has also assistedwith the transition onto the HSE program.Challenges for RSAs include:• Identification of the required skills to successfully implement the

program• Understanding the level of resources required for the HSE program• The most effective way to recruit community sporting clubs.

STAKEHOLDERSEngage and managestakeholders

The HSE program has had a strong focus on stakeholder management.Official meetings are held 3-4 times per annum with the StakeholderReference Group and Project Managers group. This is in addition to thecontinuous informal communication between VicHealth and the RSAs.VicHealth has recently complete personal visits to each of the RSAs toassist in the implementation of the HSE program.

Benefitsmanagement

BENEFITSDeliver benefits that are

RSAs are required to regularly update the CRM database with communitysporting club progress. This will capture the implementation of the six


THEMES Rules of engagement Preliminary assessment based on baseline data collection

sustainable modules and compliance with each action item.

Short term and longer term benefits will be measured by surveyingcommunity sporting clubs throughout the HSE program.Further analysis over the course of the project is required to determinethe sustainability of benefits delivered

Program &ProjectManagement

INTEGRATIONUnderstand and integrateworkstream dependencies

RSAs and sporting clubs have identified areas of improvement in theintegration of HSE program delivery.Improvements relating to integration include providing:• Opportunities for RSAs to share learnings between themselves

through a formal database or communications strategy• Opportunities for community sporting clubs to share learning with

other HSE participants and other community groups

SCOPEManage the scope

The scope of the HSE program has been tightly managed with and clearlydefined budget and define tasks for the Stakeholder Reference Group andRSAs.

The overall confirmed budget for the HSE 2012-2015 program is $5million split evenly across the three year program duration between thenine RSAs.Funding allocated to RSAs has been predominantly spent on resourcing(including overheads and expenses) to implement the HSE program.

Each RSA has agreed to participate in the HSE program based on theagreed funding amount of $155,150 (excl. GST) each year over a threeyear period.Terms of Reference for the Stakeholder Reference Group and OfficersGroups were developed to outline aims of the group, role andmembership.

GOVERNANCEGovern the work

Formal governance arrangements were put in place with the StakeholderReference Group and the Program Managers/Officers Group. Terms ofReference for the Stakeholder Reference Group and Officers Groups weredeveloped to outline aims of the group, role and membership.

TEAMBuild a high performing team

VicHealth have two key resources responsible for the delivery of the HSEprogram. These resources are supported by VicHealth staff, theStakeholder Reference Group and Regional Sports Assemblies.RSAs have indicated that the level of resources and support by VicHealthhas been appropriate.

Quality & RiskManagement

QUALITYAgree and deliver highquality

A large number of documents and guidelines have been developed for theimplementation of the HSE program. Some RSAs have indicated that thelarge number of documents and guidelines may scare of potential sportingclub participants.

The documents developed outline action items under each of the sixmodules. Clubs are required to comply with all action items at thecompletion of the HSE program.

RISKSIdentify and mitigate risks

Although no formal risk register has been developed, VicHealth staffprovide advice and support for RSAs in implementing and delivery theHSE program including advice on risk mitigation strategies.Formal meetings between RSAs also provide them with an opportunity toflag risks and potential risk mitigation strategies.


8. Sporting clubs and HSE impacts

Summary

The summary of findings on current sporting club environments and the interest in the HSE programis provided in the table below. Findings address specific questions from the evaluation framework.

What are the perceived and reportedissues with sporting clubenvironments?

Major focus at sporting clubs (evident in the community sports club survey) are:• Attracting new members• Retaining members• Being part of the community• Having a good reputation in the community• Financial viability.This focus is consistent with findings from the HSE DP. Self reported benefits ofsporting clubs include providing individuals with the:• Opportunity to socialise• Opportunity to participate in/support the community• Opportunity to meet new people.

Is there support for HSE initiatives? As of 17 February 2014, 250 sporting clubs had signed up to participate in theHSE program.

Each RSA have either met their target or had made significant progress towardsachieving their target of 25 (noting that GippSports has a target of 50).Overall, community sporting clubs have been very receptive towards the HSEprogram. This is demonstrated by a high level of understanding of the importanceof each module and the potential benefits.

Although clubs have been receptive, achieving the target of 25 clubs has beenslower than expected.

Have a range of clubs been engaged? As of 17 February 2014, 41 different sports had agreed to participate in the HSEprogram. It is worth noting that sports with high participation rates in Victoriarepresent a significant proportion of HSE clubs. A high proportion of sportingclubs are also located in larger regional centres.

Are VicHealth’s six modules relevantand exhaustive?

RSAs and community sports clubs were consistent in ranking the most relevantHSE modules. Across both stakeholders, inclusion, safety and support rated themost important.

Other modules to rate highly were injury management and prevention andresponsible use of alcohol. Reducing tobacco use rated the least important.RSAs believe that other issues in the community such as mental health and drugs(illicit and performance enhancing) could form the basis of a HSE module in thefuture.

Community sporting clubs also believed accessing healthy sponsorship was asignificant issue that will require assistance in the future along with addressingpoor spectator behavior.

8.1 Community sporting clubsThe HSE DP (final evaluation report) found that almost all clubs were concerned with recruiting andretaining members and raising their profile. The larger clubs were more concerned with building onprevious initiatives, while the smaller clubs were in mainly motivated by the financial incentivesavailable from the project. However, VicHealth intentionally excluded incentives in the roll out basedon lessons learnt from the HSE DP, which showed that while incentives were sometimes a reason forparticipating, they were not the main reason. In addition, incentives were deemed to beunsustainable.

These results were consistent across both rounds of surveying. Attraction and retention of clubmembers continue to be the major focus for community sporting clubs and RSAs agreed thatincentives were unsustainable.


Figure 25: Major focus for community sporting clubs

Through face-to-face interviews, RSAs confirmed that the following as areas of major focus forsporting clubs across Victoria:

• Attracting new members• Financial viability• Retaining members• Being part of the community.

These findings were consistent across both rounds of consultations.

Other concerns at community sporting clubs include maintaining a good reputation and being partof the community. These are important factors when considering the alignment between healthpromotion and sport15. These concerns remain important for clubs who see themselves as animportant aspect of society as they provide people a place to socialise and engage with each other.Figure 26 presents the benefits that sporting clubs believe they provide local communities.

Figure 26: Benefits that clubs provide the community

15 Crisp, BR & Swerissen, H 2003, ‘Critical processes for creating health-promoting sporting environments in Australia’,Health Promotion International, vol. 18, no. 2, pp. 145-152.

0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%

Attracting newmembers

Retaining members Being part of thecommunity

Having a goodreputation

Financial viability Providing anenvironment that is

safe & welcoming forclub members &

visitors

Attracting andretaining sponsors

Round 1 Round 2

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

120%

Opportunities to socialise Opportunities for participationin/supporting the local

community

Opportunity to meet newpeople

Develop physical fitness Providing healthy activities

Round 1 Round 2


8.2 HSE program statisticsKey program statistics are collected by each RSA and entered into the Customer RelationshipManagement (CRM) database, which has been designed to support the program. It contains theactions for each of the modules, and records the number of actions completed. The CRM databasealso collected qualitative information on the implementation of the modules and outcomes to date.

RSAs are responsible for entering all relevant information into the database to track HSE progress.Since 17 February 2014, 250 sporting clubs had signed up to participate in the HSE program (Table18). Three RSAs have achieved the 25 club target, with the remaining six RSAs close to achievingthe target. Signing up the target number of clubs has been slower than expected, given the timeprocesses associated with community sports committees, HSE’s commencement in the mid-winterseason and given that no had been set for the achievement of club targets.

Table 18: Location of clubs signed up (and percentage of the target achieved) at each RSA

RSATotal Percentage of target

(Round 2)Round 1 Round 2CARN, The Centre 18 24 10%CHSA Sports Central 16 23 9%Leisure Networks 12 25 10%GippSport* 55 57 23%Mallee Sports Assembly 18 28 11%South West Sports 21 24 10%SportsFocus 24 24 10%ValleySport 14 22 9%Wimmera RSA 14 23 9%TOTAL 192 250TARGET 250Note: Each RSA has a target of 25 clubs except Gippsport which has a target of 50.

Statistics from the CRM database also show that RSAs had the most success in signing up sportingclubs during November and May. These peaks coincide with the beginning of the summer and wintersporting months. Future marketing efforts related to future health promotion investments in sportshould focus on these months to generate the best sign up rates. In addition, this could also be usedto inform how funding of programs in the sports sector can be structured (e.g. aligning funding withsporting calendars).

Figure 27: Months in which clubs signed up to the HSE program

Since May 17 2013, 41 different sports are represented in the HSE program (up five from Round

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

Club

s


1). As expected, sports with significant participation rates in Victoria represent a high proportion ofHSE clubs. This is outlined in Table 19.

Table 19: The more common types of clubs signed up to the HSE program

Club type Total Percentage

Football/netball 56 23%Cricket 35 15%Bowls 17 6%Tennis 16 6%Basketball 13 5%Soccer 11 4%Golf 9 4%Athletics 8 3%Netball 6 2%

Overall, a high proportion of sporting clubs are located in larger regional centres as outlined inTable 20. Over the course of the evaluation, it will be important to track progress of large sportingclubs in regional centres and more remote clubs in Victoria.

Table 20: Location of participating sporting clubs – top 11 LGAs

Top 11 LGAs Total Percentage

Greater Shepparton 17 7%Greater Geelong 17 7%Wangaratta 16 6%Latrobe City 15 6%East Gippsland 13 5%Horsham 13 5%Wellington 11 4%Greater Bendigo 10 4%Warrnambool 10 4%South Gippsland 8 3%Ballarat City 7 3%

Presented in the following subsections is the baseline information collected during the club surveys.This is presented under the six HSE modules and represents the current sporting club environment.

8.3 Meeting HSE program objectives8.3.1 Responsible Use of Alcohol

Research undertaken by the Australian Drug Foundation found high levels of problematic drinkingthroughout amateur and community sport16. VicHealth’s Local Government Action Guide17

provides some guidelines and strategies to develop policy and planning schemes to restrict theconcentration of licensed premises, promote safer drinking cultures and build partnerships withlocal stakeholders.

From the sporting club survey approximately 73.6% of participating clubs served alcohol at theirclub with 82% indicating they were reliant or somewhat reliant on alcohol sales to generate revenue.Clubs (on average) held a total of 11.1 events per year. On average, 8.2 events were held withalcohol available while 2.9 were alcohol-free, again indicating a possible reliance on alcohol sales.

16 Prevention Research Quarterly 2009, ‘Alcohol and community sporting clubs’, Australian Drug Foundation, Melbourne.17 VicHealth 2012, ‘Reducing harm from alcohol: local government action guide no. 9’, VicHealth, Melbourne.


Although a high proportion of clubs serve alcohol and are reliant on alcohol sales, very few clubsindicated there were any issues with consumption. While the reliance on alcohol sales may meanthat a degree of self-reporting bias may exist, other questions regarding compliance with clubpolicies and legislation were also asked which appeared to support that there are limited issues withconsumption. RSAs also confirmed this finding, attributing it to the high levels of understandingattained from GoodSports.

Table 21: Legal issues with alcohol

Yes No Somewhat Don’t know /n/a

ROUND 1In the 24 months prior to the HSE program, did your clubreceive notification regarding a breach of the liquorlicensing legislation?

0.0% 87.0% 0% 13.0%

ROUND 2Since the commencement of the HSE program, has yourclub received notification regarding a breach of the liquorlicensing legislation?

5.7% 81.1% 0% 13.2%

Table 22: Current issues with alcohol on premises

Yes (hasincreased)

Yes (hasremainedthe same)

(Somewhat(has

decreased)

No (neverdid)

Don’t know

Since the HSE program commenced, does youclubs have issues with members and guests beingdrunk on club premises?

0% 3.8% 13.2% 83% 0%

Since the HSE program commenced, does your clubhave issues with underage drinking on clubpremises?

0% 0% 1.9% 98.1% 0%

With an already high awareness across the community of alcohol related issues, many communitysporting clubs were already meeting the requirements of the Responsible Use of Alcohol module asdemonstrated in both rounds of surveying. This can be attributed to the number of clubsparticipating in HSE that were previously involved in the GoodSports program. The majority of clubscontinue to offer a wide variety of alcoholic drinks (price appropriately) and significant food options.

Table 23: Current alcoholic offering at sporting clubs

Yes (always did) Yes (since HSE) No Don’t know/na

Does your club make available the following at your bar:

Non-alcoholic beverages? 100% 0% 0% 0%

Light alcoholic beverages? 100% 0% 0% 0%

Mid-strength beverages? 90% 0% 8% 3%

Substantial food options whenever alcohol is soldor served? 72% 8% 21% 0%

Alcoholic beverages before midday? 18% 0% 77% 5%

Does your clubs sell

Light beer at least 10% cheaper than midstrength beer? 79% 15% 3% 3%

Mid strength beer at least 10% cheaper than fullstrength beer? 69% 10% 13% 8%

Full strength at least 20% cheaper than spirits? 82% 8% 0% 10%


At the time of the second survey, a number of clubs already had key documents completed asoutlined in Table 24.

Table 24: Completion of key documents relating to the Responsible Use of Alcohol (round 2 survey)

Yes Always have It is being drafted No Don’t know

AlcoholManagementPolicy

22.6% 30.2% 24.5% 18.9% 3.8%

Safe TransportPolicy 22.6% 15.1% 24.5% 34.0% 3.8%

Smoke-freefacilities 30.2% (Yes) 43.4% (partially) 7.5% (no) 18.9% (partially) 0%

In addition:

• 76.9% of clubs indicated that the number of committee members that have participated in theResponsible Use of Alcohol training had increased

• On average, 72% of bar staff had received training and 76% of committee members had beentrained

• The majority (72%) of clubs indicated they displayed promotional and regulatory materialsupporting the Responsible Use of Alcohol more prominently since HSE implementation.

• While most clubs understand the importance of alcohol management or are involved with theGoodSports program, almost 50% have seen positive changes at a club level.

Table 25: What level of change in the responsible use of alcohol has been observed at your club now that the ResponsibleUse of Alcohol module is being/has been implemented? (Please indicate with a rating of significance)

Response rate

Significant change 3.8%

Somewhat significant change 41.5%

Neutral (no change) 32.1%

Don’t know 3.8%

Our club had already completed the actions in thismodule (change had already occurred) 18.9%

8.3.2 Healthy EatingOf the clubs surveyed, 47% operated a canteen.

Historically, clubs have not aligned with the requirements of the HSE program. Whilst some clubsoffered healthy food and beverages, the majority did not and very few displayed promotionalmaterial supporting healthy eating (refer to Table 26 and Table 27). 36.5% of the clubs surveyedconsidered Healthy Eating policies food beyond the canteen, while 28.8% somewhat did.

Table 26: Healthy eating options

Yes (alwaysdid)

Yes (sinceHSE)

Beingdrafted No Don’t

know/na

Does your club have a Healthy Eating policy,including making available and promoting healthyfood and beverages choices?

23.1% 26.9% 34.6% 15.4% 0%


Table 27: Healthy eating options

Yes In progress Same aspreviously No Don’t

know/na

Since the HSE program commenced, has your clubmade changes to improve the availability andpromotion of healthy food and beverages choices?

28.8% 50.0% 0.0% 17.3% 3.8%

Since the HSE program commenced, arepromotional materials supporting Healthy Eatingdisplayed more prominently within club facilitiesand publications, including the promotion of anychanges made? (For example: signage, newsletters,new members days, annual meetings etc)

13.5% 38.5% 23.1% 23.1% 1.9%

Since the commencement of the HSE program, hasyour club received notification regarding a breachof its legal food handling obligations?

0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 98.1% 1.9%

From the survey results, 33.3% of respondents reported to have made definitive changes to theircanteen environment, with an additional 61% making smaller changes. The survey found that only5% of respondents have made no changes at all to their canteen environment. Table 28 outlines theprogress of the Healthy Eating Action Plan items that have been completed.

Table 28: Healthy Eating Action Plan items

Yes No

What actions has your club completed in preparation for the change in relation to Healthy Eating?

Conducted an assessment of the current menu 66.7% 33.3%

Conducted an assessment of the canteen operations 66.7% 33.3%

Conducted an assessment of the canteen finances 27.8% 72.2%

Undertaken customer research 33.3% 66.7%

Decided what changes to make (for example, removing less healthy items,adding more healthy items, moving to healthier ingredients, cooking methodsetc)

77.8% 22.2%

Investigated the addition of new items to the canteen’s menu 72.2% 27.8%

Identified how to make the changes 55.6% 44.4%

Identified and planned for any potential challenges 38.9% 61.1%

No action has been taken 5.6% 94.4%

As outlined in Table 29, around 40% of clubs had observed positive change in the availability ofhealthy food and drink, with 48% of clubs reporting no change.

Table 29: What level of change in the availability of healthy food and drink has been observed at your club now that theHealthy Eating Module is being/has been implemented? (Please indicate with a rating of significance)

Response rate




Don’t know 3.8%


8.3.3 UV ProtectionThere had been significant improvement in displaying UV protection material in sporting clubs.Previously 79.6% of clubs did not display relevant material. Now, over 70% of clubs did, or were in


the process of displaying UV awareness material. Activities promoting UV protection, the use ofshade, sunscreen and shade are also improving since the implementation of the HSE, as outlined inTable 30.

Table 30: Current UV awareness activities

Yes(remained

stable)

Yes(increase

since HSE)No Don't know

Since the HSE program commenced

Are training, events and competitions scheduled tominimise exposure to UV? 47.1% 15.7% 33.3% 3.9%

Is your club providing UV education and information toparticipants and spectators (e.g. when UV protection isrequired)? (This may include signs, notice boards,websites and/or PA announcements)

23.5% 62.7% 11.8% 2.0%

Does your club promote the use of SPF30+ broadspectrum, water resistant sunscreen? (This may involvepromoting/providing it to individuals and remindingparticipants to apply it 20 minutes before training orplaying and to re-apply it every 2 hours or afterswimming)

45.1% 37.3% 17.6% 0.0%

Since the HSE program commenced, did your club:

Encourage players & participants to take advantage ofexisting shade? 74% 16% 4% 6%

Make shade available for players between activities andevents? 71% 10% 16% 4%

Notify people to bring their own temporary shade if shadeis known to be insufficient at a venue? 26% 10% 60% 4%

Assess the shade at commonly used outdoor venues? 57% 20% 16% 8%

Work to improve shade availability? 43% 29% 22% 6%

Since the HSE program commenced, regarding the use of sunscreen and clothes, did your club:

Remind players to apply SPF30+ sunscreen when theuniforms did not provide adequate UV protection? 47% 35% 14% 4%

Have the officials, coaches and senior members acting asrole models by wearing UV protective clothing? 36% 32% 24% 8%

Have UV protective clothing including wide brimmed orbucket style hats, and tops made of SPF50+ material,included as part of the on-and off-field uniforms forparticipants, officials and volunteers?

29% 31% 31% 8%

As outlined in Table 31, around 53% of clubs reported a positive level of change in UV protectionactivities.

Table 31: What level of change in UV protection activities has been observed at your club now that the UV Protectionmodule is being/has been implemented? (Please indicate with a rating of significance)

Response rate




Don’t know 3.9%



8.3.4 Reducing Tobacco UseWith the benefits of non-smoking already well known throughout the community due to legislationaround smokefree environments (e.g. schools, bars/pubs), 60% of surveyed sporting clubsindicated that they already had a smoke free policy with an additional 20% developing a smoke freepolicy as part of the HSE program. No clubs knew of a breach in legislative requirements since theHSE program began to add to the prior 24 months of no legislative breaches.

Surveyed clubs indicated a strong understanding of the benefits of the module with 34% displayingpromotional material (an improvement on 24.1% recorded in the first survey). An additional 22%indicated they were in the process of putting up promotional material.

Some progress has been made by clubs. Around 50% of clubs indicated that they had surveyedmembers’ needs. Commitment to the Reducing Tobacco Use module also improved by 30%compared with the Round 1 survey, with 70% indicating they have developed or are developing astrategy based on members needs (including the development of a smoke free policy).

From the survey it was found that 42% (yes) and 22% (somewhat) have promoted the new/revisedsmoke-free policy to members, patrons, supporters, spectators and staff and prepared the groundsand facilities for change. An additional 36% of clubs are actively supporting club members inquitting.

As outlined in Table 32, around 36% of clubs observed changes in tobacco use, with 44% reportingno change.

Table 32: What level of change in tobacco use has been observed at your club now that the Reducing Tobacco Use moduleis being/has been implemented? (Please indicate with a rating of significance)

Response rate




Don’t know 8.0%


8.3.5 Injury Prevention and ManagementInjury Prevention and Management is seen as a significant concern, with clubs believing safety, thewell-being of players and keeping players participating are essential to club operations. As such,since HSE commencement, 42% of clubs reported that they were raising awareness of injuryprevention and management (Table 33).

Table 33: Since the HSE program commenced, does your club raise awareness of Injury Prevention and Management suchas through the use of the SmartPlay posters?

Response rate

Yes 42.0%

In progress 38.0%

No 18.0%

Don’t know 2.0%


The majority of clubs had either developed or were in the process of developing a Sports SafetyPlan (Table 34), with the main action items being the accessibility of first aid kits at training andgames, and development of sport specific safety requirements (Table 35).

Table 34: Has an Injury Prevention and Management Assessment been completed and has a Sports Safety Plan beendeveloped?

Response rate

Yes 40.0%

In progress 51.4%

No 5.7%

Don’t know 2.9%

Table 35: Sports Safety Plan action items

Yes In progress No Don’tknow/na

Does your plan include the following mandatory action items:

An appointed safety coordinator 61.8% 32.4% 5.9% 0.0%

A medical emergency plan 70.6% 29.4% 0.0% 0.0%

First aid kits accessible at training and games 97.1% 2.9% 0.0% 0.0%

At least one first aid trainer at training and games 73.5% 8.8% 17.6% 0.0%

Sports specific safety requirements 75.8% 21.2% 3.0% 0.0%

Overall, as outlined in Table 36, 48% of clubs reported change in injury prevention andmanagement practices as a result of HSE, with 40% reporting no change.

Table 36: What level of change in injury prevention and management practices has been observed at your club now thatthe Injury Prevention and Management module is being/has been implemented? (Please indicate with a rating ofsignificance)

Response rate




Don’t know 0.0%


8.3.6 Inclusion, Safety and SupportInclusion, Safety and Support is rated by clubs as the most important of the six modules, withrecognition that this module is directly linked with increased participation. For the majority of clubssurveyed, 68% indicated that historically they have rated inclusion, safety and support as veryimportant or somewhat important. Around 69% of clubs reported that in spite of of HSE, they havealways ensured access to facilities and activities to all members of the community, with 14% ofclubs reporting improvement since HSE commencement. The status of leadership activities focusedon the module is further detailed in Table 37.


Table 37: Leadership activities focused on Inclusion, Safety and Support

Yes (alwayshave)

Yes (sinceHSE)

In progress No Don’tknow/na

Does your club demonstrate leadership and commitment to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment through thefollowing:

A vision statement reflecting this commitment 30.6% 24.5% 32.7% 10.2% 2.0%

A welcoming officer, develops inclusive, safe,welcoming experiences 30.0% 26.0% 30.0% 14.0% 0.0%

A buddy system for new members 18.0% 14.0% 34.0% 32.0% 2.0%

President/appointee addresses relatedissues/concerns 59.2% 14.3% 22.4% 4.1% 0.0%

Does your club articulate expectations regarding behavior through club policies and guidelines including the following:

Member protection policy or a sports welfare policyis on your website 30.6% 12.2% 26.5% 24.5% 6.1%

Code of conduct is handed out to members and onyour website 37.5% 12.5% 27.1% 22.9% 0.0%

Guidelines support welcoming & inclusivesupporting environments 32.7% 26.5% 30.6% 8.2% 2.0%

Complaint resolution process 51.0% 18.4% 22.4% 6.1% 2.0%

Administrators and coaches complete online PlayBy the Rule training 19.1% 21.3% 31.9% 23.4% 4.3%

Information for women and girls if they are victimsof violence 12.5% 29.2% 20.8% 33.3% 4.2%

Fair play and good behaviour is promotedthroughout the season 73.5% 18.4% 6.1% 2.0% 0.0%

Does your club seek participation by new and existing members through:

Promotional material which is welcoming andinclusive 58.7% 15.2% 21.7% 2.2% 2.2%

Members which are recruited broadly within thecommunity 72.9% 10.4% 14.6% 0.0% 2.1%

Support provided by community organisations 66.0% 12.8% 12.8% 6.4% 2.1%

‘Come and try’ days 61.2% 8.2% 16.3% 14.3% 0.0%

Social activities of the club are emphasized 72.9% 8.3% 8.3% 6.3% 4.2%

Parents are encouraged to be involved in the club 79.2% 6.3% 6.3% 6.3% 2.1%

The obvious benefits of increasing inclusiveness is attracting and retaining members, andincreasing participation. During both rounds of surveying, clubs believed that ‘cost’ (48% in theround 2) and ‘understanding how to get involved’ (50% in the round 2 survey) were key barriers toparticipation, as illustrated in Figure 28. The ‘none of the above’ category (30% in the round 2survey) captured responses such as not many women wanting to play a traditionally male sport,strong competition amongst sports clubs in the local area, the club already being largely female andfear of certain elements of the sport (e.g. swimming in the ocean). Barriers will continue to beexplored to investigate the actual levels of acceptance and preparation undertaken for new players.

Overall, clubs were satisfied with the Inclusion, Safety and Support materials despite lowersatisfaction from RSAs and the Stakeholder Reference Group with the materials. This demonstratesthat RSAs have effectively adapted the materials to suit club environments and provided adequatesupport and guidance.


Figure 28: Barriers to participation

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

Cost Scheduling (trainingand games)

Knowledge of sportingclubs in the region

Understanding how toget involved

Acceptance of newplayers by existing

members

Existence of supportservices for new

members

None of the above

Round 1 Round 2


9. HSE expected effectiveness (community benefits)

Summary

Community sporting clubs believe Inclusion, Safety and Support will have the most significantimpact on club culture and club finances. Each module will generate benefits at a club level. Asummary of the key benefits for each module is provided below.

Effectiveness: Responsible Use ofAlcohol

The anticipated benefits for the Responsible Use of Alcohol module include:• Responsible consumption of alcohol by prominent club members and officials• Less consumption of full strength alcoholic beverages• Reduction in drink driving

Effectiveness: Healthy Eating The anticipated benefits for the healthy Eating module include:• Increase in the sale of healthy foods and beverages• Club catered events with an increase in choice of healthy food and beverages

Effectiveness: UV Protection The anticipated benefits for the UV Protection module include:• Greater personal responsibility for UV protection• Increase in compliance regarding the application of sunscreen

Effectiveness: Reducing Tobacco Use The anticipated benefits for the Reducing Tobacco Use module include:• Reduction of smoking in and around the sporting club• All facilities are smoke free

Effectiveness: Injury Prevention andManagement

The anticipated benefits Injury, Prevention and Management module include:• Improved access to protective equipment, drinking water, first aid kits• Increased awareness of key injury prevention activities• Increased number of accredited coaches and qualified first aid personnel

Effectiveness: Inclusion, Safety andSupport

The anticipated benefits for the Inclusion, Safety and Support module include:• Increased membership numbers• Increased participation by new and existing members• Increased participation levels from women, girls, aboriginal Victorians and

people from culturally diverse backgrounds

Short to medium term outcomes The short-medium term anticipated benefits include:• A better club culture• Improved reputation within the community• A safer environment• Healthier members and supporters• Positive media• Happier members and supporters

Long term outcomes Longer term outcomes may include:• An increase in physical health• A decrease in preventable diseases• A decrease in obesity• Improved community participation rates (including culturally diverse

Victorians)• Improved education outcomes.

9.1 HSE outcomes at the sporting club level

RSAs expect that the Inclusion Safety and Support module will generate the most significantbenefits for community sporting clubs. This is because this module is viewed as core business byclubs. While it is viewed as challenging to implement and understand, difficult to generate interestamongst club members and complex with regards to addressing all action items, it is believed tohave the potential to deliver the greatest benefits out of all the modules.


These findings were supported by community sporting clubs who believe the Inclusion, Safety andSupport module will have the most significant impact on club culture and financial sustainability(Figure 29 and Figure 30).

Figure 29: Impact on financial sustainability

Figure 30: Impact on club culture

Clubs nominated the Responsible Use of Alcohol and Inclusion, Safety and Support as the most likelyto positively impact financial performance. When asked if any module would have a negative impacton the financial performance of their club, close to 80% of respondents said ‘none’ or ‘don’t know’,with only 8% believing the Responsible Use of Alcohol would have a negative impact. It is interestingto note that Healthy Eating was identified by 4% of respondents as impacting on financialsustainability given the potential effect of player nutrition on club operations and performance.

With regards to on-field success, clubs believed Injury Prevention and Management and Inclusion,Safety and Support would be the most influential. Inclusion, Safety and Support and the ResponsibleUse of Alcohol were seen to be the most influencing with club reputation in the community.

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%





None Don’t know

Round 1 Round 2

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%





None Don’t know

Round 1 Round 2


Figure 31: Impact on club performance (on-field success)

Figure 32: Impact on reputation in the community

9.1.1 Responsible Service of AlcoholThe expected benefits of the Responsible Use of Alcohol module are presented in Figure 33. Themajor benefit expected is that the module will reduce consumption of alcohol at sporting clubs.

Figure 33: Expected benefits from the Responsible Use of Alcohol

0%5%

10%15%20%25%30%35%40%45%50%





None Don’t know

Round 2

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%





None Don’t know

Round 2

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

Responsibleconsumption of

alcohol byprominent clubmembers and

officials

Lessconsumption of

full strengthalcoholic

beverages

Reduction indrink driving

Greaterconsumption ofnon alcoholic

beverages

Greaterconsumption oflight alcoholic

beverages

Reduction inbinge orharmfuldrinking

None of theabove

Lessdrunkennesson premises

Greaterconsumption of

mid strengthalcoholic

beverages

Reduction inviolent or

aggressivebehavior

Round 1 Round 2


9.1.2 Healthy EatingThe Healthy Food Charter18 is a guide to improve the health of Victorians through food. It states thatmaking healthy food choices more accessible where we live, learn, work and play is integral topromoting healthy eating and improving health outcomes.

The expected benefits of the Healthy Eating module are presented in Figure 34. The major benefitexpected is the increase in the sale and consultation of healthy food.

Figure 34: Expected benefits from Healthy Eating

9.1.3 UV ProtectionSkin cancer is a significant burden to society and is one of the most preventable cancers. It is themost common form of cancer, and Australia has the highest age-standardised incidence ofmelanoma in the world19. The Skin Cancer Prevention Framework 2013-2017 outlines a number ofstrategies to protect people from harmful UV exposure, focusing on the settings where they live,learn, work and play, including shade development, policy and improving sun protection knowledge,attitudes and behaviours20.

The expected benefits of the UV module are presented Figure 35. The two prominent benefitsexpected are improving personal responsibility in managing UV protection and increased compliancein applying sunscreen.

18 Department of Health 2013, ‘Healthy Food Charter: Creating a vibrant healthy eating culture’, Department of Health,Melbourne.19 AIHW 2010, ‘Cancer in Australia: An Overview 2010’, Cancer series no. 60, AIHW, Canberra.20 Department of Health 2012, ‘Skin cancer prevention framework 2013-2017’, Department of Health, Melbourne.

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

Increase in the sales of healthyfoods and beverage

Club catered events with anincrease in choice of healthy

food and beverages

Don’t know Reduction in the sales ofunhealthy food and beverage

None of the above

Round 1 Round 2


Figure 35: Expected benefits from UV Protection

9.1.4 Reducing Tobacco UseSmoking remains the leading avoidable cause of many cancers, respiratory, cardiovascular andother diseases. In Victoria, smoking costs approximately 4,000 lives and $5 billion each and everyyear, and the Victorian Tobacco Control Strategy 2008-2013 aims to reduce prevalence of diseasecaused by smoking which will lead to improved health outcomes and health equality21.

The expected benefits of the Reducing Tobacco Use module are presented Figure 36. The majorbenefit expected is a reduction of smoking in and around club facilities. However, when asked whichmodule clubs believed they had little control/influence over, 30% nominated tobacco use. This islikely to be because of the strict legislative and regulatory requirements already in place.

Figure 36: Expected benefits from Reducing Tobacco Use

9.1.5 Injury Prevention and ManagementThe expected benefits of the Injury Prevention and Management module are presented Figure 37.Clubs expect this module to provide a range of benefits.

21 Department of Human Services 2008, ‘Victorian Tobacco Control Strategy 2008-2013’, Department of Health,Melbourne.

0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%

100%

Greater personalresponsibility for UV

protection (eg applicationof sunscreen or selfprovision of shade)

Increase in complianceregarding the application

of sunscreen

Increase use of the UVprotected clothing

Reduction in complaintsabout the lack of availableshade and consequences

of UV exposure

Don’t know None of the above

Round 1 Round 2

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

Reduction of smoking in andaround the sporting club

All facilities are smoke free Reduction of smoking by keyclub officials including coaches

and committee members

Facilities partially smoke free Reduction in smoking relatedcomplaints

Round 1 Round 2


Figure 37: Expected benefits from Injury Prevention and Management

9.1.6 Inclusion, Safety and SupportThe expected benefits of the Inclusion, Safety and Support module are presented in Figure 38. Whilethe expected benefits demonstrated a general decrease across most areas in comparison to the firstround of surveying, the key benefits include increased participation of new and existing members,and positive behavioural change.

Figure 38: Expected benefits from Inclusion, Safety and support

9.2 Short to medium term outcomesA significant number of surveyed clubs believe that the HSE program will generate an improvedreputation within the community. The likely impacts from the HSE program are presented in Figure39. These short to medium term impacts and outcomes will be tracked as the HSE programprogresses and clubs successfully implement the six modules.

Figure 39: Expected benefits at sporting club level

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

Improved access to protectiveequipment, drinking water, first

aid kits

Increased numbers ofaccredited coaches and

qualified first aid personnel

Increased awareness of keyinjury prevention activities

Reduction in sports and OH&Sinjuries reported

Additional injury preventionaction items added to your

club’s safety plan

Round 1 Round 2

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

Increased membership numbers Increased participation bynew/existing members

Increased participation levels fromwomen, girls, Aboriginal Victoriansand people from culturally diverse

backgrounds

Increased/strengthenedpartnerships with groups facilitating

diversity and inclusion

Increased retention of members Increased number of events opento the general public

Positive behavior change

Round 1 Round 2

0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%

A better clubculture

Improvedreputationwithin the

community

Healthiermembers and

supporters

Positivemedia

Happiermembers and

supporters

A saferenvironment

Improvedwider

communityrelationships

An increase inmembership

Increase infunding andsponsorship

A better placeto be

Improvedsocial

interaction

A morediverse

participantgroup

Improved clubcapacity and

capability

An increasedpool of

volunteers

Improvedfinancial

outcomes forthe club

An increase inspectators

Don’t know

Round 1 Round 2


9.3 Longer term outcomesAs the evaluation progresses the longer term impacts on the community will be explored andrecorded. These longer term impact, the potential cause of the impacts and how HSE will achievethese impacts are outlined in Table 38.

Table 38: Longer term impacts of the HSE program

Longer termbenefits

Explanation How HSE will achieve the benefits

Economic

An increase inphysical health(resulting inlower health carecosts) fromreduced injuries

The prevention and management of injuries that occur onsporting fields will result in a lower burden on the health caresystem and increased productivity of the workforce, whowould otherwise have had a lower output due to absenteeismor reduced capacity22.

This aligns with the Victorian Public Health and WellbeingPlan 2011-2015, which seeks to prevent injuries across avariety of settings. It also aligns with the Sport InjuryPrevention Taskforce Report 2013, which recognises thatparticipation in sport brings significant health and socialbenefits.

The Injury Prevention andManagement module aims to embedgood prevention methods to reducethe number of sporting injuries withina community sports club, andprocedures for managing injuries ifthey occur.

HSE seeks to institutionalise thesepractices and procedures in order toachieve this long term health benefit.

A decrease inpreventablediseases

The burden of chronic disease is rapidly increasingworldwide23. Chronic diseases are largely preventablediseases and the World Health Organisation (WHO)recommends the adoption of a risk factor approach to chronicdisease prevention. Risk factors include behavioural factors(e.g. diet, physical inactivity, tobacco use, alcoholconsumption), biological factors (e.g. overweight,hypertension) and societal factors, a complex mixture ofinteracting socioeconomic, cultural and other environmentalparameters. Physical inactivity is second only to tobacco asthe leading contributor to the overall burden of diseaseamong Australians24.The Victorian Public Health and Wellbeing Plan articulates theneed to develop effective modes of engagement and deliveryof evidence-based interventions in key settings and thatengaging with individuals and families in these settings isoften one of the most effective ways to enable people tomake decisions that improve their health status and reducetheir risk of ill-health.

Potentially preventable diseases account for 20% of the totalhealth care expenditure in Australia25. Costs for healthservices for individual chronic conditions in 2004 to 2005were in excess of $6.5 billion26.Addressing risk factors in preventable diseases will result in areduced demand and need for medical services, and costsavings27, thereby increasing the productivity of individuals inthe community. It will result in improved mental health,cardiovascular disease prevention, diabetes prevention andcontrol, injury prevention and primary prevention of somecancers28. This will, in turn, decrease premature deathresulting from those conditions.

HSE has been designed to target thegreatest preventable risk factors for illhealth, and allows the opportunity toinvestigate how to effect widespreadand coordinated change on thesehealth risks using sport and sportingclubs as a vehicle for change.

22 WHO 2005, ‘Preventing chronic diseases: a vital investment’, WHO.23 WHO 2003, Diet, nutrition and the prevention of chronic diseases, report of the joint WHO/FAO expert consultation, WHOTechnical Report Series, No. 916 (TRS 916).24 Media release 2010, Biggest investment in Australia’s history to fight preventable disease, Press Office, Minister forHealth and Ageing.25 Ibid.26 AIHW 2010, Australia’s Health 2010, Australia’s Health Series no. 12, Cat. No. AUS 122, Canberra.27 Fries, JF, Koop, E, Beadle, CE, Cooper, PP, England, MH, Greaves, RF, Sokolov, JJ & Wright, D, ‘Reducing health carecosts by reducing the need and demand for medical services’, New England Journal of Medicine, vol. 329, no. 5, pp. 321-325.28 Refer to WHO 2003.


Longer termbenefits


Although it will be difficult to ascribe causation, the six keyhealth areas of HSE and their modules will impact on theoverall health of individuals that engage with communitysporting clubs involved in the program. If individuals have ahealthier experience, they are more likely to continueparticipation, whilst also reducing exposure to particular riskfactors.

A decrease inobesity

Obesity is a complex condition, and one with serious socialand psychological dimensions. The health consequences ofobesity range from an increased risk of premature death toseveral non-fatal but debilitating complaints that have anadverse effect on quality of life. Obesity is a major risk factorfor type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and cancer, and isassociated with various psychosocial problems.

Health problems related to excess weight impose substantialeconomic burden. Data from Australian Diabetes, Obesity andLifestyle indicate that the total direct cost for overweight andobesity in 2005 was $21 billion ($6.5 billion for overweightand $14.5 billion for obesity). The same study estimatedindirect costs of $35.6 billion per year, resulting in an overalltotal annual cost of $56.6 billion29.

There is convincing evidence that regular physical activity isprotective against unhealthy weight gain, whereas sedentarylifestyles, particularly sedentary occupations and inactiverecreation promote it30. The environment is one factor whichhas been found to influence levels of physical activity andobesity; however, the mechanisms by which they operate areunclear31.There is limited well-designed research of the long termeffects of weight loss. However, two longer term studies areoutlined as follows:

• Avennell et al (2004)32 found that low fat diets alone orcombined with exercise were associated with theprevention of type 2 diabetes, and improved control ofhypertension. Long-term weight loss was associated withreduced risk of developing diabetes and was beneficial forcardiovascular disease, significantly reducing the needfor drug therapy

• Wang et al (2010)33 found that obesity prevention inadolescents went beyond its immediate benefits, reducingmedical costs and increasing quality-adjusted life yearssubstantially in later life.

Increasing participation and reducing the impact of injury(which may inhibit participation), and offering healthy eatingalternatives should lower the rate of obesity in thecommunity. These findings support that lowering obesity willreduce the impact of the preventable disease on the healthcare system, which will, in turn, increase workforceparticipation and productivity of individuals in thecommunity.

The HSE program designacknowledges the role of sportssettings in addressing this issue.

HSE aims to increase participation inphysical activity by supportingsporting clubs to become healthiersporting environments. This willensure that sporting clubs are moreaccessible and appealing to thecommunity and current members.In particular, the Healthy Eatingmodule seeks to increase theproportion of healthy food and drinkchoices available for players,spectators and officials in communitysports clubs. In doing so, it provideseducation on healthy eating principles.HSE seeks to institutionalise thesepractices in order to achieve this longterm benefit.

29 Colagiuri, S, Lee, CMY & Colagiuri, R 2010, ‘The cost of overweight and obesity in Australia’, Med J Aust, vol. 192, pp.260–64.30 WHO 2003, Diet, nutrition and the prevention of chronic diseases, report of the joint WHO/FAO expert consultation, WHOTechnical Report Series, No. 916 (TRS 916).31 Government Office for Science 2007, ‘Tackling Obesities: Future Choices – Obesogenic Environments – Evidence Review’,UK Foresight Program, London32 Avenell, A, Broom, J, Brown, TJ, Poobalan, A, Aucott, L, Smith, WCS, Jung, RT, Campbell, MK & Grant AM 2004,‘Systematic review of the long-term effects and economic consequences of treatments for obesity and implications forhealth improvement’, Health Technology Assessment, vol. 8, no. 21, pp. 1-182.33 Wang, LY, Denniston, M, Lee, S, Galuska, D & Lowry R 2010, ‘Long-term health and economic impact of preventing andreducing overweight obesity in adolescence’, J Adolesc Health, vol. 46, no. 5, pp. 467-73.

100VicHealthEvaluation of Healthy Sporting Environments

Longer termbenefits


Social

Improvedparticipationrates within thecommunity(socialengagement)

Sport and recreation provides the catalyst for communitygatherings, from small functions to major events, wherepeople play, talk and share experiences. Importantly it has apositive effect that reaches many levels of our society andcreates social capital. This is important because places withhigh levels of social capital are safer, better governed andmore prosperous, compared to those places with low levels ofsocial capital34.Social participation and social support has been shown toincrease participation in physical activity. It provides a senseof integration, and enhances skills and knowledge in localcommunities35. Participation improves mental health, self-determination and general functioning36. On a broader sociallevel, it reduces discrimination and stigmatisation, bothessential to achieving and maintaining good mental health37.

There is a need to generate a community-wide understandingabout what constitutes a positive sporting environment,which supports new and ongoing participation in sport andphysical activity. This will increase participation andultimately, community health.

HSE recognises that sporting clubshave a reach into the communitywhich makes them an ideal setting forhealth promotion. The numerous clubsin rural and regional Victoria that aretargeted by the program offer animportant opportunity for socialparticipation and engagement.HSE also aims to increase participationin physical activity by supportingsporting clubs to become healthiersporting environments. This willensure that sporting clubs are moreaccessible and appealing to thecommunity and current members.

Integration ofculturally diverseindividuals,women and girls

There are socioeconomic characteristics which have asignificant impact on health, which are mostly responsible forhealth inequities. In Australia, the socioeconomicallyadvantaged are often healthier than those who are not.Those who are more disadvantaged are more likely to takepart in risky health behaviour (with the exception of riskyalcohol consumption) and have lesser amount of socialsupport available38.

The benefits of integrating members of the community fromdiverse backgrounds will increase social engagement, andfacilitate participation and skill development. There is a linkbetween better health, and high levels of participation andsocial cohesion in communities. People who are sociallyisolated and excluded are more likely to experience low self-esteem, psychological distress and be at greater risk ofcoronary heart disease. Research suggests that socialrelationships are as significant in determining health asexercise and diet39.Sport and recreation can help to divert young people fromcrime and anti-social behaviours. It can also target thoseyoung people most at risk of committing crime and help theirrehabilitation and development40.

The Inclusion, Safety and Supportmodule aims to support currentinitiatives undertaken by clubs, as wellas provide practical tools andresources to ensure clubs are moreinclusive and welcoming of everyone intheir community. This modulespecifically aims to increase theinvolvement of women, girls,Aboriginal people and those fromculturally and linguistically diversecommunities. HSE seeks toinstitutionalise inclusive and safeenvironments in community sport inorder to achieve this long termbenefit.

Education Research has found a positive association between children’sphysical activity, participation and academic achievement.There is consensus in the literature that physical activity is asignificant, positive predictor of academic achievement41.

Contemporary health promotiontheory and practice stresses theimportance of accompanyingbehavioural change approaches withenvironmental changes through a

34 Department of Sport and Recreation 2013, ‘The value of sport and recreation’, Department of Sport and Recreation,Perth.35 Deakin University 2002, ‘The Health Benefits of Contact with Nature in a Park Context’, Deakin University and ParksVictoria, Melbourne.36 Mental Health Coordinating Council 2007, ‘Social Inclusion: Its importance to mental health’, Mental Health CoordinatingCouncil, Sydney.37 Ibid.38 AIHW 2012, ‘Risk factors contributing to chronic disease’, AIHW, Canberra.39 VicHealth 2013, ‘Social connection and health’, VicHealth, Melbourne.40 Department of Sport and Recreation 2013.41 Sigfusclottir, ID, Kristjansson, AL & Allegrante, JP 2006, ‘Health behaviour and academic achievement in Icelandic schoolchildren’, Health Education Research, cy1044; Dexter, T 1999, ‘Relationships between sport knowledge, sport performanceand academic ability: Empirical evidence from GCSE Physical Education’, Journal of Sports Sciences, vol. 17, no. 4, pp. 129-143; Department of Sport and Recreation 2010, ‘Brain boost: Sport and physical activity enhance children’s learning’,Department of Sport and Recreation, Perth.


Longer termbenefits


Health literacy is a relatively new concept in health promotionand is concerned with empowering people through enhancingtheir knowledge of health issues and improving their ability tomake choices about their health and wellbeing42. Findingssuggest that children can learn unhealthy behaviours, as wellas healthy behaviours. Learning healthy behaviours willreduce the possibility of experiencing the impacts of anunhealthy and passive lifestyle.

healthy settings approach. This issupported by the Victorian PublicHealth and Wellbeing Plan 2011-2015.

HSE is based on the promotion ofhealth to population groups byinfluencing the social, economic,natural, cultural and physicalenvironments in which people live,learn, work and play. HSE recognisesthat sporting clubs have a reach intothe community, providing an idealsetting for health promotion.Incorporating these key features ofevidence-based contemporary healthpromotion practice into the HSEprogram design will ensure thateducation is delivered in an optimalmanner.

9.4 Case studies

9.5 Case study developmentFour community sporting clubs will be chosen for case studies to demonstrate progress in deliveringthe HSE program.

A list of community sporting clubs will be provided prior to the third round of consultations. Fromthis list, four clubs will be chosen in consultation with VicHealth to participate in a case study. Thecase studies will highlight the implementation of the program and effectiveness in deliveringoutcomes. Clubs will be approached and permission will be sought to provide case studies in thefinal evaluation report.

A more in depth analysis will be undertaken on the chosen clubs during the final third round ofconsultations.

42 Kilgour, L, Matthews, N, Christian, P & Shire, J 2013, ‘Health literacy in schools: prioritising health and well-being issuesthrough the curriculum’, Sport, Education and Society, DOI:10-1080/13573322.769948.


Part D: The role for Government


10. High level conclusions and recommendations

Summary

The conclusions from the first two rounds of data collection have been very similar.

High level conclusions and recommendations from both rounds of data collection that has thepotential to influence the implementation of future HSE investments are outlined in the followingtable.

Conclusions Recommendations• Sport generates exposure which enables a good

medium to communicate the program’s messages• VicHealth should continue to review its current

investments in physical activity and sport to explorehow to use its new business model to inform futureprograms

• Concern from the Stakeholder Reference Groupregarding the material developed and distributed

• Future program material should allow for early andongoing consultation to ensure support from allstakeholders

• Wider communication and support networks areimportant to ensure effective implementation of HSE

• Ensure that all avenues are encouraged and providedfor community sporting clubs to discussimplementation and progress with other communitygroups and HSE sporting clubs

• RSAs have sought to ensure that a broad selection ofclubs have been signed up to the program

• Provide more support to smaller and more remotelylocated clubs to alleviate the likely burden placed onthese clubs required to deliver the program

• Sporting clubs identified that the key enablers ofsuccessful implementation of HSE is relationships withRSAs , local councils and SSAs

• Provide clubs with assistance in developing networkswith local councils, SSAs and community facilities tolower the burden on RSAs

• Clubs have provided positive feedback regarding thesupport received from RSAs, with their preferredmethod of contact being face to face meetings

• Continue progressing modules and focus effort onregular face to face meetings where possible andappropriate

• Clubs require the most assistance with writing clubspecific policies on HSE modules

• Continued support is required for challenging modules,and for smaller, less resourced clubs

• Provide focused support on challenging modules,writing club policies and for smaller, less resourcedclubs

• RSAs have found it difficult determining the mostappropriate mix of resources and capability tooptimally deliver the program

• Provide guidelines to assist RSAs to identify and obtainthe required resources and capability to implement theprogram

• There is concern that the program is duplicating andnot complementing existing programs for sportingclubs in Victoria

• Identify and map programs for community sportingclubs to determine any potential overlap

• RSAs and sporting clubs have raised concerns that thenumber of HSE modules and action items may act as abarrier for completion

• Monitor implementation progress with the view ofpotentially reducing the number of modules and actionitems for future iterations of the program

• Provide more flexibility in the implementation ofmodules (I.e allow clubs to choose 4 of 6 modules toimplement)

• The initially designated two year program timeframe istoo short to ensure that sustained change is achieved

• The two year timeframe has been extended by anadditional year to provide support during the transition

• Additional modules for future iterations of the programhave been identified by RSAs and clubs

• Continue monitoring concerns in sport and thecommunity to assist in developing other feasiblemodules for future programs

These findings will have implications for the ongoing implementation of HSE and for futureVicHealth investments.

The future data collection phases will focus more on clubs achieving the objectives of the HSEprogram, outcomes from the program, sustained environmental change at sporting clubs andsustained behavioural change from club members.


10.1 Conclusions and recommendationsIn light of slower than expected implementation and concerns (from RSAs and clubs) that they willnot be able to complete all action items, VicHealth extended the HSE program by 12 month. Basedon club progress through the modules this is seen as a sensible action.

10.1.1 Sport as a medium to communicate HSE messages

Conclusions

Sport generates exposure which enables a good medium to communicate the program’s messages.Sport has enabled the program to have a reach of 8,500 community sport and recreation clubsacross 48 local government areas.

Recommendations

VicHealth should continue to review its current investments in physical activity and sport to explorehow to use its new business model to inform future programs and influence other parts of the sportand health promotion sector.

10.1.2 Early consultation with stakeholders

Conclusions

Concern was raised about the speed in which the HSE program was developed and implemented. Inparticular, the overlap with the Pilot raised concern as to whether the full learnings from the HSE DPwere incorporated into the HSE program. However, these timelines were determined by staff thatpre dates the current HSE project team (and who are no longer at VicHealth). A small number of theStakeholder Reference Group also had concerns over the material developed and distributed as partof the HSE program.

Recommendations

For future program material, it will be important that a consultation period with the StakeholdersReference Group is planned and documented to ensure input is received.

10.1.3 Wider communication and support networks

Conclusions

Through consultation and surveying it has become apparent that community groups and sportingclubs have the potential to assist with the implementation of HSE. The proportion of communitysporting clubs that have engaged with community groups has increased from 38.9% from Round 1to 57.1% in Round 2. Those engaging with other sporting clubs has increased from 14.8% in Round1 to 28.6% in Round 2. This shows that HSE clubs are better engaging with groups within thecommunity to implement HSE more effectively.

Recommendations

For future iterations of the program, RSAs should provide greater encouragement and support tosporting clubs to engage with other local community groups and HSE clubs.


10.1.4 Broader selection of clubs (RSAs)

Conclusions

In meeting the final target of 25 clubs, RSAs should be encouraged to ensure there is diversity in theclubs that have signed up. This may include an effort to target and sign up smaller clubs with lowercapabilities and clubs outside major regional centres.

Clubs have indicated that they are responsive to the program when made clear that it seeks toaddress major concerns regarding attracting and retaining members, and financial sustainability.

Recommendations

When promoting the HSE program to smaller and more remote clubs, future iterations of theprogram should consider that RSAs may need to provide more support to alleviate the likely burdenplaced on clubs given the administrative and delivery tasks needed to efficiently implement theprogram.

10.1.5 Assist in developing partnerships

Conclusions

Community sporting clubs were asked to nominate key enablers in implementing the HSE program.While the relationship with RSAs, regular meetings and adequate time rated highest, therelationship with local councils and State Sporting Associations also rated close behind. To ensurethat clubs have access to appropriate support, RSAs could assist community sporting clubs indeveloping relationships with their local council or SSAs by way of introduction or organising regularmeetings.

Recommendations

Future iterations of the program should consider assisting sporting clubs to develop networks withlocal councils, SSAs and community facilities. This will ultimately lower the burden on RSAs, ascommunity sporting clubs will have a network of contacts to address any concerns or queries.

10.1.6 Regular and face to face contact

Conclusions

Results of the community sporting club survey showed that due to limited capabilities and capacitywithin sporting clubs, face to face meetings (where rapport can be built) is the preferred method ofcontact. Clubs also believed regular meetings (at least once a month) were extremely beneficial.Overall, community sporting clubs have been very positive about the support provided by the RSAs.

Recommendations

Future iterations of the program should continue to progress modules, and program managersshould focus their efforts on regularly meeting with clubs face to face where possible andappropriate.


10.1.7 RSA to focus their support

Conclusions

Overall, clubs have indicated that they require the most assistance with writing club specific policieson HSE modules.

Clubs have also indicated that although the Inclusion Safety and Support module is likely togenerate the most significant benefits, it will also be the most difficult to implement. This view issupported by RSAs.

Smaller clubs do not have the same level of resources and volunteers as larger clubs, and as aresult, have required a greater level of support.

Recommendations

Future iterations of the program should consider ensuring that RSAs provide focused support inwriting club specific policies on HSE modules. RSAs should also focus on ensuring that the Inclusion,Safety and Support module is implemented efficiently and effectively to ensure that the benefits areable to be realised.

The greater level of support required from smaller and less equipped clubs may include investingmore time to provide guidance in order to ensure that the materials are understood and to supportimplementation.

10.1.8 Resourcing

Conclusions

RSAs have found it difficult determining the most appropriate mix of resources and capability tooptimally deliver the program. Several RSAs have indicated that resources with a sales backgroundhave had more success in signing up clubs, while those with advanced interpersonal andcommunication skills have been the most successful in effectively implementing the modules.

Recommendations

Future iterations of the program could incorporate guidelines to assist RSAs to identify and obtainthe required resources and capability to implement the program. This could include assistance withdetermining staffing, resources, marketing, training and overheads required for the program.

10.1.9 Identify (map) programs that could overlap / complement HSE

Conclusions

The Stakeholder Reference Group and VicHealth staff raised concerns the program may beduplicating and not complementing existing programs for sporting clubs in Victoria.

Recommendations

Over the course of the program and for future iterations of the program, it is encouraged thatprograms for community sporting clubs are mapped to determine whether any duplication exists.


10.1.10Monitor implementation progress to reduce the number of modules andaction items

Conclusions

RSAs and community sports clubs have raised concerns that the number of modules and actions(within modules) may act as a barrier for completion.

Recommendations

As part of the evaluation, completion of each module and action item will continue to be monitoredto determine their feasibility for future programs.

Future iterations of the program should consider increasing the reach of the program to the 10,000clubs in regional and rural Victoria, but with a less intensive approach to HSE. This could be done bypotentially reducing the number of modules and action items for future HSE programs (to beexplored further once implementation has further progressed), which is based on targetingelements likely to be successful and ensuring optimal use of resources.

10.1.11HSE program timelines

Conclusions

There is growing concern that with a two year timeframe, changes made at a sporting club level willnot be sustainable and once support is no longer being provided by the RSAs, clubs will revert backto their previous environment and behaviours.

Recommendations

The two year timeframe has been extended by an additional year to provide support duringtransition. The 12 month extension of the program will enable RSAs to continue to finalise theimplementation of HSE modules with clubs, build community awareness of healthy sporting clubs,and influence decision makers by sharing learnings from HSE to inform other sport and healthpromotion programs.

10.1.12Future modules

Conclusions

RSAs indicated that drugs in sport and mental health in the community are ongoing concerns andmay warrant a module in any future version of HSE. This was not consistent with sporting clubs, whoindicated that any additional modules should focus on accessing healthy sponsorship and behaviourof participants and spectators.


Figure 40: Areas of potential focus in the future – RSAs

Note: ‘Other’ includes gambling, participation in community sport and recreation, training/communications/public relationsand separating out the Inclusion, Safety and Support module into a separate program.

Figure 41: Areas of potential focus in the future – clubs

Note: ‘Other’ includes volunteer training, retention and recruitment, strategic planning, event management and governance.

Recommendations

Future iterations of the program could consider incorporating additional areas of focus which alignwith RSAs’ assessment of the issues in the community and clubs’ needs. Ongoing monitoring ofconcerns in sport and the community will assist in determining other feasible modules for futureprograms.

10.2 Focus of future consultations and surveyingThe interim reports have presented the current sporting environment, initial implementation andadministration of the program and expected outcomes based on the baseline data collection period.

A final round of data collection is scheduled for 2014/15. While the final data collection phase willcollect information on implementation and administration, the data collected will focus more heavilyon:

• Clubs achieving the objectives of the HSE program

0

2

4

6

8

10

12

14

Drugs in sport Behaviour ofparticipants and

spectators

Mental health in thecommunity

Accessing “healthy”sponsorship

None Don’t know Other

Round 1 Round 2

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

Drugs in sport Behavior ofparticipants and

spectators

Mental health in thecommunity

Accessing "healthy"sponsorship

Don’t know None of the above Other

Round 1 Round 2


• Outcomes from the program• Sustained environmental change at sporting clubs• Sustained behavioural change from club members.


Appendix A Questionnaires and surveys

RSA questionnaire – second round interview/data collection

Healthy Sporting Environments Program

Victorian Health Promotion Foundation (VicHealth)

Regional Sports Assemblies (RSAs) – Second interview

Thank you for your time in completing this interview

Thank you for taking the time to participate in this interview on the effectiveness of the Healthy SportingEnvironments (HSE) program. The results of this survey form part of the program evaluation and so will assistin identifying opportunities for improvement in the value, efficiency, effectiveness, productivity and quality ofservices provided in the HSE program. This is the second of three interviews investigating the implementationand effectiveness of the HSE program.

What is the HSE program history?

The roll out commenced in late 2012 and community sporting clubs are now at varying stages ofimplementation.

An evaluation of the HSE is being undertaken as the HSE program is being implemented to ensure timelyaccess to the relevant information and data. This survey forms part of the data collection to support aneffective evaluation approach throughout the life of the program.

What is this interview about?

VicHealth works in partnership with organisations, communities and individuals to make health a central partof our daily lives. The HSE program recognises that sporting clubs are a priority setting for VicHealth activitiesand engagement as they can contribute to the development of healthy communities and individuals.

This survey is being distributed to all RSAs participating in the HSE program across Victoria. It is designed tohelp better understand the value, efficiency, effectiveness, productivity and quality of services provided in theHSE program. This is the first of three interviews to be conducted over 18 months as the evaluation aims toidentify changes throughout the life of the program.

Why complete this interview?

The interview (based on this document) will help to shape the future of the HSE program by providing theinformation which is critical to the evaluation. In this regard it is important to get the views of a number ofstakeholder groups including the community sports clubs.

Ernst & Young are aware that Regional Sports Assemblies have provided VicHealth with One Year Reports overrecent weeks. These have been provided by VicHealth and will inform the upcoming evaluation data collectionprocess. All efforts have been made to ensure this survey does not duplicate the reporting processes

This interview will take approximately one hour.

Are responses confidential?

We respect your privacy. This interview is being administered under the provisions of the Privacy Act 1988.Individual data will be aggregated and used for the purpose of analysis. Responses to the interviews will not bereported at a level which would identify individuals or clubs.

The evaluation will include case studies. Permission will be sought to identify individual clubs if appropriate forcase studies.

How do I seek assistance?


If you have any questions or wish to provide subsequent information following this interview please contactMatthew Lumb on 9288 8774 or [email protected]

Respondent information

Questions AnswerRSA _____________________________

Key contact _____________________________

How many clubs in yourarea are participating inthe HSE program at thecurrent point in time?

__________________ (#) total number of clubs in your area__________________ (#) number of clubs participating in your area

Please outline thesuccessful approachtechniques to engageclubs? Did you favourcertain sports overothers?

Do you think yourapproach resulted in theexclusion of certaintypes of clubs?


After engaging withclubs, what do youbelieve are the key issuesmost critical for the clubsin your area?(you can choose morethan one)

o Alcohol related matters o Unhealthy eating habits of clubmembers

o Tobacco related matters o Obesity for club members

o Injuries o UV radiation

o Providing an environment that issafe & welcoming for club members &visitors

o General behavioural issues withregards to players

o Drug related matters o General behavioural issues withregards to spectators and other clubmembers

o Attracting new members o Retaining members

o Financial viability o Being able to fill teams

o The lack of available healthy eatingoptions

o Being part of the community

o Being considered a community club o Having a good reputation

o Being competitive o Winning

o Stable governance o Attracting and retaining sponsors

o Other

Does the HSE programlink with the corebusiness of clubs?

o Yeso NoDescribe improvements in linking to core business

What are some of the keyenablers for successfulimplementation of theHSE program at a clublevel?

o Operating within government/privately owned venueso Knowledge of Local Government policyo Good working relationship with Local Governmento Knowledge of State Sporting Association policies and programso Good working relationship with State Sporting Associationso Othero Please explain

How can the HSEprogram better link withthese enablers and buildbetter relationships withrelevant bodies?

The HSE programfocuses on six modules.Do you support all theHSE initiatives?

1. Responsible Use Of Alcohol

2. Healthy Eating

3. UV Protection

4. Reducing Tobacco Use

5. Injury Prevention AndManagement

6. Inclusion, Safety And Support

o Yeso Noo Don’t know







Rank which modules youbelieve are mostimportant and relevantto clubs (1 being mostimportant and 6 beingleast important)

o Responsible Use Of Alcoholo Healthy Eatingo UV Protectiono Reducing Tobacco Useo Injury Prevention And Managemento Inclusion, Safety And Support

The modules of HSE - Responsible Use Of AlcoholQuestions Answer

How would you now rate the responsible use of alcohol as anissue for the clubs in your area?

o Very significanto Somewhat significanto Neutralo Somewhat insignificanto Very insignificanto Don’t know

If you wish, please provide an explanation for your rating____________________________________

Do you believe that club committees understand the benefits ofthe Responsible Use Of Alcohol?

o Yeso Somewhato Noo Don’t know

Do you believe that clubs as a whole support the initiatives inrelation to the Responsible Use Of Alcohol?


How satisfied are you with the materials and references providedto the clubs to complete this module?

o Very satisfiedo Somewhat satisfiedo Neutralo Somewhat dissatisfiedo Very dissatisfiedo Don’t know

How could the materials and references for this module beimproved? _______________________

What number of clubs in your area that have committed to thismodule? How many have completed the implementation?

_____________ (#) the total participating_____________ (#) the total completed

What have been the key challenges for clubs in implementing thismodule?

o Inadequate club capacity and capabilityo The module was not fully implementedo Resources/materials were inadequateo No responsibility for sustaining changeo Club resistance to the changeo There were undesired consequenceso Other_______________________o Noneo Don’t know

What do you understand to be the positive behavioral changeexperienced by the clubs in your area that implemented the

o Less drunkenness on premiseso Responsible consumption of alcohol by


Responsible Use Of Alcohol module of HSE?(you can choose more than one)

prominent club members and officialso Greater consumption of non alcoholicbeverageso Greater consumption of light alcoholicbeverageso Greater consumption of mid strengthalcoholic beverageso Less consumption of full strengthalcoholic beverageso Reduction in binge or harmful drinkingo Reduction in drink drivingo Reduction in violent or aggressivebehaviouro Other ______________________o Noneo Don’t know

Of the clubs that have completed this module, in what proportionhave you observed these changes? _______________________ %

Overall, for the clubs in your area, how easy was this module toimplement?

o Very easyo Somewhat easyo Neutralo Somewhat difficulto Very difficulto Don’t know

What are the most common pieces of feedback received fromclubs on the Responsible Use Of Alcohol module? _______________________

Please provide suggestions on how this module can be improvedto generate greater benefits _______________________


The modules of HSE – Healthy EatingQuestions Answer

How would you now rate Healthy Eating as an issue for the clubsin your area?



Do you believe that club committees understand the benefits ofHealthy Eating?


Do you believe that clubs as a whole support the initiatives inrelation to the health eating?





What number of clubs in your area that have committed to thismodule? How many have completed the implementation?

_____________ (#) the total participating_____________ (#) the total completed



What do you understand to be the positive behavioral changeexperienced by the clubs in your area that implemented theHealthy Eating module? (you can choose more than one)

o Reduction in the sales and consumptionof unhealthy food and beverageso Increase in the sales and consumptionof healthy foods and beverageso Club catered events with an increase inchoice of healthy food and beverageso Other _________________o Noneo Don’t know

Of the clubs that have completed this module, in what proportionhave you observed these changes?


_______________________ %



What are the most common pieces of feedback received fromclubs on the Healthy Eating module? _______________________

Please provide suggestions on how this module can be improvedto generate greater benefits _______________________

The modules of HSE – UV ProtectionQuestions Answer

How would you rate UV Protection as an issue for the clubs inyour area?



Do you believe that club committees understand the benefits ofUV Protection?


Do you believe that clubs as a whole support the initiatives inrelation to UV Protection?





What number of clubs in your area that have committed to thismodule? How many have completed the implementation? _____________ (#) the total participating

_____________ (#) the total completed


o Inadequate club capacity and capabilityo The module was not fully implementedo Resources/materials were inadequateo No responsibility for sustaining change


o Club resistance to the changeo There were undesired consequenceso Other_______________________o Noneo Don’t know

What do you understand to be the positive behavioral changeexperienced by the clubs in your areas that implemented the UVProtection module?(you can choose more than one)

o Increase in compliance regarding theapplication of sunscreeno Increase use of the UV protectedclothingo Reduction in complaints about the lackof available shade and consequences ofUV exposureo Greater personal responsibility for UVprotection (eg application of sunscreen orself provision of shade)Club in the process of applying for ashade grant.o Other ______________________o Noneo Don’t know




What are the most common pieces of feedback received fromclubs on the UV Protection module? _______________________

Please provide suggestions on how this module can be improvedto generate greater benefits

The modules of HSE – Reducing Tobacco UseQuestions Answer

How would you rate Reducing Tobacco Use as an issue for theclubs in your area?



Do you believe that club committees understand the benefits ofReducing Tobacco Use?


Do you believe that clubs as a whole support the initiatives in o Yes


relation to Reducing Tobacco Use? o Somewhato Noo Don’t know








What do you understand to be the positive behavioral changeexperienced by the clubs in your area that implemented theReducing Tobacco Use module of HSE?(you can choose more than one)

o All facilities are smoke freeo Facilities partially smoke freeo Reduction in the quantity of cigarettessold (if applicable)o Reduction of smoking in and aroundthe sporting clubo Reduction in smoking relatedcomplaintso Reduction of smoking by key clubofficials including coaches and committeememberso Other ______________________o Noneo Don’t know




What are the most common pieces of feedback received fromclubs on the Reducing Tobacco Use module? _______________________



The modules of HSE – Injury Prevention and ManagementQuestions Answer

How would you rate Injury Prevention and Management as anissue for the clubs in your area?



Do you believe that club committees understand the benefits ofInjury Prevention And Management?


Do you believe that clubs as a whole support the initiatives inrelation to Injury Prevention And Management?









What do you understand to be the positive behavioral changeexperienced by the clubs in your area that implemented the InjuryPrevention And Management module of HSE? (you can choosemore than one)

o Increased numbers of accreditedcoaches and qualified first aid personnelo Increased awareness of key injuryprevention activitieso Additional injury prevention actionitems added to the club’s safety plano Improved access to protectiveequipment, drinking water, first aid kits


o Reduction in sports and OH&S injuriesreportedo Other ______________________o Noneo Don’t know




What are the most common pieces of feedback received fromclubs on the Injury Prevention And Management module? _______________________


The modules of HSE – Inclusion, Safety and SupportQuestions Answer

How would you rate Inclusion, Safety And Support as an issue forthe clubs in your area?



Do you believe that club committees understand the benefits ofInclusion, Safety And Support?


Do you believe that clubs as a whole support the initiatives inrelation to Inclusion, Safety And Support?










What do you understand to be the positive behavioral changeexperienced by the clubs in your area that implemented theInclusion, Safety And Support module of HSE? (you can choosemore than one)*Participation in the context of the evaluation of HSE includes playing the sport,spectating, becoming a volunteer on training or event days or taking on agovernance role with the Club’s committee

o Increased membership numberso Increased retention of memberso Increased participation* by new andexisting memberso Increased participation levels fromwomen, girls, Aboriginal Victorians andpeople from culturally diversebackgroundso Increased number of events open tothe general publico Positive behavior changeo Increased/strengthened partnershipswith groups facilitating diversity andinclusiono Other ______________________o Noneo Don’t know




What are the most common pieces of feedback received fromclubs on the Inclusion, Safety And Support module? _______________________



Administration of the HSE programQuestions Answer

Promotion/marketing

Through which channels were clubs made aware of the HSEprogram?(you can choose more than one)

o RSA’s communication channels andmarketing materialso VicHealth’s communication channels andmarketing materialso State Sporting Organisations’communication channels and marketingmaterialso Word of moutho Personal researcho Use of local mediao Communications from local leagues and / orassociationso Other _________________

Information collected to date suggests that Regional SportsAssemblies are using social media more prolifically since theinception of the program.Has social media been used to support promotion andimplementation of the HSE program?

o Yeso Noo Describe _________________

How receptive were the clubs to participate in the HSEprogram?

o Very receptiveo Somewhat receptiveo Neutralo Somewhat unreceptiveo Very unreceptiveo Don’t know

What are the general characteristics of clubs that choose notto participate?(you can choose more than one)

o Wintero Summero Largeo Mediumo Smallo A specific sport: _______________________o Other _________________


What were the common reasons that clubs in your areachose not to participate?

o Committee did not support the initiativeso Committee supported some initiatives, butnot all sixo Committee did not understand the benefitso The lack of financial incentiveso Club capacity and capability was inadequateo Club had low volunteer baseo Time of the program being too shorto Time of the program being too longo There were other competing prioritieso Club were in a transitional governancephaseso Club already had a strong reputationo Club had a poor reputationso Club had high levels of sponsorshipo Club had low levels of sponsorshipo Club only fielded junior teamso Club only field senior teamso Other_______________________o Don’t know

Implementation

What is the most effective engagement technique used toensure clubs are successfully implementing HSE modules?

o Individual meetingso Phoneo Emailo Don’t knowo Other / different for every club_________________________

How frequently are clubs engaged with to ensure successfulimplementation of the HSE program?

_________________________per week_________________________per month

What challenges have clubs experienced in implementing theHSE program?

o Noneo Don’t knowo Challenges _________________________

What challenges has your RSA experienced in implementingthe HSE program?


Which of the six modules comprising the HSE program wouldyou exclude as not relevant or not effective?

o Responsible Use Of Alcoholo Healthy Eatingo Reducing Tobacco Useo UV Protectiono Injury Prevention And Managemento Inclusion, Safety And Supporto Noneo Don’t know


Which modules do clubs believe they have little control overand would be more effectively addressed by anotherorganisation (E.g. Local Government or State SportingAuthority)

o Responsible Use Of Alcoholo Healthy Eatingo Reducing Tobacco Useo UV Protectiono Injury Prevention And Managemento Inclusion, Safety And Supporto Noneo Don’t knowWhy?_____________________________________

Information collected to date suggests that some of themodules can be addressed within the club environmentcollectively, due to the connection between them.Based on your experience to date, which of the six modulesalign best with each other?(you can choose more than one)


Which of the six modules do you observe as having thegreatest (positive) influence on the clubs’ performances(financial)?


Do you believe any of the six modules will have a negativeimpact on clubs’ performances (financial)?


Which of the six modules do you observe as having thegreatest influence on the clubs’ performances (on-fieldsuccess)?



Which of the six modules do you observe as having thegreatest influence on the clubs’ cultures?


Which of the six modules do you observe as having thegreatest impact on reputation in the community?


What other modules could be included in potential futureiterations of the HSE program? (you can choose more thanone)

o Drugs in sporto Behavior of participants and spectatorso Mental health in the communityo Accessing ‘healthy’ sponsorshipo Noneo Don’t knowo Other _________________________

Has the HSE program resulted in any of the following for theclubs in your area?(you can choose more than one)

o An increased pool of volunteerso Increased number of volunteers trained in aparticular areao An increase in membershipo An increase in spectatorso A better club cultureo Improved financial outcomes for the clubo Increase in funding and sponsorshipo Improved reputation within the communityo Positive mediao Improved club capacity and capabilityo Happier members and supporterso Healthier members and supporterso Improved social interactiono A more diverse participant groupo A better place to beo A safer environmento Improved wider community relationshipso Greater understanding of legislativerequirementso Application for grantso Other _________________________o Don’t knowo None of the above


Do you believe that clubs have engaged adequately with localcommunity groups with relevance to the six modules?

o Yeso Noo Don’t knowIf yes, any community groups in particular?_______________________________________

Do you believe that clubs in your area have engaged withother clubs in order to share ideas relating to the HSEprogram? (Is there a formal mechanism for information sharing – isthis mechanism effective?)

o Yes.What is the mechanism?______________Who initiated this? ________________o Noo Don’t know

Have any clubs in your area implemented other changes inaddition to the actions required under the HSE program orutilised other resources, which you understand to be anexemplar of better practice?

Related module ________________________Club _______________________A short description of the additional change orresource used: _______________________

Has your RSA created opportunities for clubs to share ideasrelating to the HSE program?

o YesShort description _________________________o Noo Don’t know

Has your RSA engaged with other RSAs to share ideasrelating to the HSE program? (Is there a formal mechanismfor information sharing – is this mechanism effective?)

o Yes. Who initiated this? ________________o Noo Don’t know

Has your RSA engaged with other local stakeholders relatingto the HSE program? (Is there a formal mechanism forinformation sharing – is this mechanism effective?)

o Yes. Which stakeholder? ________________o Noo Don’t know

Resources

What skills have been required to recruit clubs into the HSEprogram? _______________________

What skills have been required for ongoing engagement withclubs and the successful implementation of the HSEprogram?

_______________________

Have the required skills been difficult to acquire? oYeso Noo Explain _______________________

How satisfied are you with the advice and support your RSAhas received from VicHealth when implementing your HSEprogram?


Has VicHealth dedicated sufficient resources to ensure thesuccessful implementation and administration of the HSE?


How can these resources be improved?_______________________


How satisfied are you with the materials and referencesprovided to your RSA to support the implementation of theHSE program, including the RSA resource manual?


How could the materials and references be improved?_______________________

How satisfied are you with the engagement and support yourRSA has been providing to clubs in implementing the HSEprogram?


How could the RSA’s support for clubs be improved?_______________________

In the last 6 months, what has been the average full timeequivalent hours each week your RSA has spent on the HSEprogram?

_______________________ average hours perweek

How adequate are RSA resources in managing the HSEprogram?

o Adequateo Somewhat adequateo Neutralo Somewhat inadequateo Inadequateo Don’t know

What additional resources are required to improvemanagement of the HSE program? _______________________

How adequate have the HSE program funding been insupporting the delivery of the six modules?

o Adequateo Somewhat adequateo Neutralo Somewhat inadequateo Inadequateo Don’t know

What have funds been spent on since the inception of theHSE program? _______________________

What in particular needs additional financial resourcing?_______________________

General

Do you believe the program is administered and deliveredeffectively?


Do you believe the HSE program aligns with the recentlyreleased VicHealth strategic document - The VicHealthAction Agenda for Health Promotion

o Yeso Somewhato Noo Don’t knowo Explain_______________________


Please outline any improvements in the administration of theprogram _______________________

Has the advice and support provided by VicHealth beenadequate?


What additional advice and support would generateadditional benefits? _______________________

Has the current governance structure (includingcommunication channels) been effective in delivering theHSE program?


What improvement to the governance and communicationsprocesses would generate additional benefits? _______________________

Overall, how satisfied are you with your RSA’s experiencewith the HSE program?



SRG questionnaire – second round interview/data collection

HSE Program

Victorian Health Promotion Foundation (VicHealth)

VicHealth – Stakeholder Reference Group

Introduction to interview

Thank you for taking the time to complete the following survey on the impact of the Healthy SportingEnvironments (HSE) program. The results of this survey form part of a program evaluation that will assist inidentifying opportunities for improvement in the value, efficiency, effectiveness, productivity and quality ofservices provided in the HSE program.

What is the HSE program history?You may already be familiar with the HSE program and the demonstration project which started in oneVictorian location. From this, improvements have been made prior to rolling the program out to the rest ofVictoria. The roll out commenced in late 2012 and community sporting clubs are now at varying stages ofimplementation.An evaluation of the HSE is being undertaken as the HSE program is being implemented to ensure timelyaccess to the relevant information and data. This survey forms part of the data collection to support aneffective evaluation approach throughout the life of the program.

Purpose of the interview?

The following questions relate to the Stakeholder Reference Group.

This is the second of three surveys to be conducted over 18 months as the evaluation aims to identify changesthroughout the life of the program.

Why complete this interview?

Your responses will help shape the future of the HSE program by providing the information which is critical tothe evaluation. In this regard it is important to get the views of a number of stakeholder groups.

We expect this interview to take approximately 20 minutes.

Are responses confidential?

We respect your privacy. This interview is being administered under the provisions of the Privacy Act 1988.Individual data will be aggregated and used for the purpose of analysis. Responses to the interviews will not bereported at a level which would identify individuals or clubs.

How do I seek assistance?

If you have any questions or wish to provide subsequent information following this interview please emailMatthew Lumb on [email protected]


Respondent informationQuestions Answer

Stakeholder organisation _____________________________ {Representation at the group interview}

Date of focus group _____________________________


How adequate was the consultation with the StakeholderReference Group in the development of the HSE program?

o Adequateo Somewhat adequateo Neutralo Somewhat inadequateo Inadequateo Don’t knowNote improvement opportunities_________________________

What have been the challenges for VicHealth regarding itsimplementation and administration?


Overall, do you believe the program was implementedeffectively?

o Yeso Noo Don’t knowA short description of any issues_______________________Note improvement opportunities_________________________

Do you believe the roll out of the HSE program and itsmodules by VicHealth to the RSAs has been adequate?


Do you believe the advice and support provided by VicHealthto the RSAs regarding their role in implementation of the HSEprogram has been adequate?

o Adequateo Somewhat adequateo Neutralo Somewhat inadequateo Inadequateo Don’t knowA short description of improvementopportunities _________________________

Overall, is the program being administered effectively byVicHealth?

o Yeso Noo Don’t knowNote any challenges_______________________Note improvement opportunities_________________________


As the Stakeholder Reference Group, overall, how satisfiedare you with the program governance structure?

o Very satisfiedo Somewhat satisfiedo Neutralo Somewhat dissatisfiedo Very dissatisfiedo Don’t knowNote any issues _______________________Note improvement opportunities_________________________

As the Stakeholder Reference Group, is meeting frequencyand program communications adequate?


As the Stakeholder Reference Group, is timely access toprogram information adequate in order to fulfill your role?


Are you satisfied with the mechanisms to respond to theprogram risks and the issues raised by program participantsand stakeholders such as the clubs and RSAs?

o Very satisfiedo Somewhat satisfiedo Neutralo Somewhat dissatisfiedo Very dissatisfiedo Don’t knowNote improvement opportunities_______________________

If the program was to continue in the future, what additionalmodules could be included?(examples provided - you can discuss more than one)

o Drugs in sporto Behavior of participants and spectatorso Mental health in the communityo Noneo Other _________________________

What do you think are the priority areas for improvement ifthe HSE program continues in the future? _______________________



This section is for those whose roles/responsibilities relate to the subject or those who have contributed to themodule development.

How adequate has consultation with the Stakeholder ReferenceGroup been during the development and implementation of thismodule and its materials?

o Adequateo Somewhat adequateo Neutralo Somewhat inadequateo Inadequateo Don’t knowWhy?_________________________________Note improvement opportunities________________________

How satisfied are you with the module materials and referencesbeing used?

o Very satisfiedo Somewhat satisfiedo Neutralo Somewhat dissatisfiedo Very dissatisfiedo Don’t knowNote improvement opportunities________________________

What positive behavioral change did you expect the clubs toexperience by implementing the Responsible Use Of Alcoholmodule of HSE?(you can choose more than one or select ‘none’ or ‘don’t know’)

o Less drunkenness on premiseso Responsible consumption of alcohol byprominent club members and officialso Greater consumption of non alcoholicbeverageso Greater consumption of light alcoholicbeverageso Greater consumption of mid strengthalcoholic beverageso Less consumption of full strengthalcoholic beverageso Reduction in binge or harmful drinkingo Reduction in drink drivingo Reduction in violent or aggressivebehavioro Other ______________________o Noneo Don’t know

The modules of HSE – Healthy eatingQuestions Answer



o Adequateo Somewhat adequateo Neutralo Somewhat inadequateo Inadequate


o Don’t knowWhy?_________________________________Note improvement opportunities______________________________________



Baseline

What positive behavioral change did you expect the clubs toexperience by implementing the Healthy Eating module of HSE?(you can choose more than one)

o Reduction in the sales of unhealthy food andbeverageo Increase in the sales of healthy foods andbeverageo Club catered events with an increase inchoice of healthy food and beverageso Other ______________________o None




o Adequateo Somewhat adequateo Neutralo Somewhat inadequateo Inadequateo Don’t knowWhy?_________________________________Note improvement opportunities______________________________________



What positive behavioral change did you expect the clubs toexperience by implementing the UV Protection module of HSE?(you can choose more than one)

o Increase in compliance regarding theapplication of sunscreeno Increase use of the UV protectedclothingo Reduction in complaints about the lackof available shade and consequences of


UV exposureo Greater personal responsibility for UVprotection (eg application of sunscreen orself provision of shade)o Other ______________________o Noneo Don’t know







What positive behavioral change did you expect the clubs toexperience by implementing the Reducing Tobacco Use module ofHSE? (you can choose more than one)

o All facilities are smoke freeo Facilities partially smoke freeo Reduction in the quantity of cigarettessold (if applicable)o Reduction of smoking in and around thesporting clubo Reduction in smoking relatedcomplaintso Reduction of smoking by key clubofficials including coaches and committeememberso Other ______________________o Noneo Don’t know

The modules of HSE – Injury Prevention And ManagementQuestions Answer







What positive behavioral change did you expect the clubs toexperience by implementing the Injury Prevention AndManagement module of HSE? (you can choose more than one)

o Increased numbers of accreditedcoaches and qualified first aid personnelo Increased awareness of key injuryprevention activitieso Additional injury prevention actionitems added to your club’s safety plano Improved access to protectiveequipment, drinking water, first aid kitso Reduction in sports and OH&S injuriesreportedo Other ______________________o Noneo Don’t know






o Very satisfiedo Somewhat satisfiedo Neutralo Somewhat dissatisfiedo Very dissatisfied


o Don’t knowNote improvement opportunities________________________

What positive behavioral change did you expect the clubs toexperience by implementing the Inclusion, Safety And Supportmodule of HSE? (you can choose more than one)*Participation in the context of the evaluation of HSE includes playing the sport,spectating, becoming a volunteer on training or event days or taking on agovernance role with the Club’s committee

o Increased membership numberso Increased retention of memberso Increased participation* by new andexisting memberso Increased participation levels fromwomen, girls, Aboriginal Victorians andpeople from culturally diversebackgroundso Increased number of events open to thegeneral publico Positive behavior changeo Increased/strengthened partnershipswith groups facilitating diversity andinclusiono Other ______________________o Noneo Don’t know


Community sports club questionnaire – second round interview/data collection

Healthy Sporting Environments Program

Victorian Healthy Promotion Foundation (VicHealth)

Community Sports Clubs

Thank you for your time in completing this survey

Thank you for taking the time to complete the following survey on the effectiveness of the Healthy SportingEnvironments (HSE) program. The results of this survey form part of the program evaluation and so will assistin identifying opportunities for improvement in the value, efficiency, effectiveness, productivity and quality ofservices provided in the HSE program.

This is the second of three surveys. You can complete this survey regardless of whether you completed thefirst survey.

What is the HSE program history?The roll out of the HSE commenced in late 2012 and community sporting clubs are now at varying stages ofimplementation.An evaluation of the HSE is being undertaken as the HSE program is being implemented to ensure timelyaccess to the relevant information and data. This survey forms part of the data collection to support aneffective evaluation approach throughout the life of the program.

The purpose of the program?The HSE program recognises that sporting clubs are a priority setting for VicHealth activities and engagementas they can contribute to the development of healthy communities and individuals.This survey is being distributed to all community sporting clubs participating in the HSE program. It is designedto help better understand the value, efficiency, effectiveness, productivity and quality of services provided inthe HSE program. This is the second of three surveys to be conducted over 18 months as the evaluation aimsto identify changes throughout the life of the program.

Why complete this survey?By completing this survey you are helping to shape the future of the HSE program by providing the informationwhich is critical to the evaluation.

When completion of the survey is required?We are very interested in your input and appreciate a timely response. In this regard, please complete thesurvey within two weeks of receiving it.

How to complete survey?Surveys are to be completed electronically by moving through the survey online and submitting responsesonce completed. Please mark modules not currently being implemented with ‘no’.The survey will take approximately 30 minutes to complete.

Are responses confidential?We respect your privacy. This survey is being administered under the provisions of the Privacy Act 1988.Individual data will be aggregated and used for the purpose of analysis. Responses to the survey will not bereported at a level which would identify individuals or clubs.The evaluation will include case studies. Permission will be sought to identify individual clubs if appropriate forcase studies.

How do I seek assistance?If you have any questions or wish to provide subsequent information following this interview please email MattLumb on [email protected].


Respondent informationQuestions Answer

Club name _____________________________

Club representativename

_____________________________

Responsible RSA _____________________________

Please indicate the sportor sports your clubrepresents(you can choose morethan one)

o Athletics o Netball

o Australian Rules Football o Polo

o Baseball o Rugby League

o Basketball o Rugby Union

o Bowls o Sailing

o Cricket o Softball

o Cycling o Surf Lifesaving

o Equestrian o Swimming

o Football (Soccer) o Tennis

o Golf o Touch Football

o Gymnastics o Volleyball

o Hockey oWaterpolo

Other __________________________

What do you believe arethe key issues mostcritical for your club?(you can choose morethan one)

o Alcohol related matters o The availability of health eatingoptions

o Tobacco related matters o Obesity for club members

o Injuries o UV exposure

o Providing an environment that issafe & welcoming for club members &visitors

o General behavioral issues withregards to players

o Drug related matters o General behavioral issues withregards to spectators and other clubmembers

o Attracting new members o Retaining members

o Financial viability o Being able to fill teams

o The lack of available healthy eatingoptions

o Being part of the community

o Being considered a community club o Having a good reputation

o Being competitive o Winning

o Stable governance o Attracting and retaining sponsors

What do you believe arethe benefits your clubdelivers to thecommunity?(you can choose morethan one)

o Opportunities to socialise o Building confidence in participants

o Develop physical fitness o Involving children in the community

o Opportunities for participationin/supporting the local community

o Opportunity to meet new people

o Providing healthy activities o Belonging to a team

o Developing new skills Other __________________________


Does the HSE programlink with core business?

o Yeso NoDescribe improvements in linking to core business

What are some of thekey enablers forsuccessfulimplementation of theHSE program?

o Operating within government/privately owned venueso Knowledge of Local Government policyo Good working relationship with Local Governmento Knowledge of State Sporting Association policies and programso Good working relationship with State Sporting Associationso Othero Please explain

How can the HSEprogram better link withthese enablers and buildbetter relationships withrelevant bodies?

The Healthy SportingEnvironments programfocuses on six modules.Do you support all theHealthy SportingEnvironmentsinitiatives?

7. Responsible Use Of Alcohol

8. Healthy Eating

9. UV Protection

10.Reducing Tobacco Use

11.Injury Prevention AndManagement

12.Inclusion, Safety And Support







Rank which modules youbelieve are mostimportant and relevantto your club (1 beingmost and 6 being leastimportant and relevant)

o Responsible Use Of Alcoholo Healthy Eatingo UV Protectiono Reducing Tobacco Useo Injury Prevention And Managemento Inclusion, Safety And Support



Is the responsible use of alcohol still an issue at you club now thatthe Responsible Use of Alcohol module is being/has beenimplemented? (Please indicate with a ranking of significance)

o Significanto Somewhat significanto Neutral (never was an issue)o Somewhat insignificanto Insignificanto Don’t know

If you wish, please provide an explanation for your rating_____________________________

Is your club currently implementing this HSE program module? o Yeso No (you are not required to completethis section)o Don’t know

Is alcohol served at your club? o Yeso No [NOTE: IF NO, WILL ONLY HAVE TOASSWER A SELECTION OF FOLLOWINGQUESTIONS]o Don’t know

Has an assessment been completed and a Responsible Use ofAlcohol Action Plan finalised?


Does your club have an Alcohol Management Policy as a result ofthe Responsible Use of Alcohol Module?

o Yeso Always have had a AlcoholManagement Policyo It is being draftedo Noo Don’t know

Does your club have a Safe Transport Policy as a result of theResponsible Use of Alcohol Module?

o Yeso Always have had a Safe TransportPolicyo It is being draftedo Noo Don’t know

Are your club’s facilities now smoke-free as a result of theResponsible Use of Alcohol Module?

o Yeso Always have been smoke-freeo Noo Partiallyo Don’t know

Since the commencement of the HSE program, has your clubreceived notification regarding a breach of the liquor licensinglegislation?


Is your club currently reliant on alcohol sales to remain viable? o Yeso Somewhato Noo Don’t know

Does your club currently make available at your bar?- non-alcoholic beverages o Yeso Noo Don’t know


- light alcoholic beverages- mid-strength beverages- substantial food options whenever alcohol is sold or served- alcoholic beverages before midday

o Yeso Noo Don’t knowo Yeso Noo Don’t knowo Yeso Noo Don’t knowo Yeso Noo Don’t know

Does your club sell- Light beer at least 10% cheaper than mid strength beer,- Mid strength beer at least 10% cheaper than full strength beer- Full strength been at least 20% cheaper than spirits

o Yeso Noo Don’t knowo Yeso Noo Don’t knowo Yeso Noo Don’t know

Since the HSE program commenced, does you clubs have issueswith members and guests being drunk on club premises?

o Yes (has increased)o Yes (has remained the same)o Somewhat (has decreased)o No (never did)o Don’t know

Since the HSE program commenced, does your club have issueswith underage drinking on club premises?

o Yes (has increased)o Yes (has remained the same)o Somewhat (has decreased)o No (never did)o Don’t know

Have the numbers of committee members (or equivalent) thathave participated in Responsible Use of Alcohol trainingincreased?


How many of your committee members (or equivalent) and barstaff have participated in the Responsible Use of Alcohol training?

______________(#) committee memberswere trained______________(#) total number ofcommittee members______________(#) bar staff trained______________(#) total number of barstaffo Don’t know

Do you believe your club’s committee has a growingunderstanding of the benefits of the Responsible Use Of Alcoholmodule?

o Yeso Somewhato No (understanding has remainedstable)o Don’t know

Do you believe there is growing support at your club for theResponsible Use Of Alcohol module?

o Yeso Somewhato No (support has remained stable)o Don’t know

How satisfied are you with the materials and references providedto your club to complete the Responsible Use of Alcohol module?


How could the materials and references for the Responsible Use ofAlcohol module be improved? _______________________

Are promotional and regulatory materials supporting theResponsible Use Of Alcohol displayed more prominently within

o Yes


club facilities and publications now that you are involved in theHSE program?Such as signage, newsletters, new members days, annualmeetings etc

o Somewhato Noo Don’t know

How many revenue raising events (since the implementation ofthe HSE) were without the sale or provision of alcohol?

_________ (#) events each year_________ (#) events each year (alcoholfree)

What has been the positive behavioral change in your club relatedto the Responsible Use Of Alcohol module of HSE? (you canchoose more than one)

o Less drunkenness on premiseso Responsible consumption of alcohol byprominent club members and officialso Greater consumption of non alcoholicbeverageso Greater consumption of light alcoholicbeverageso Greater consumption of mid strengthalcoholic beverageso Less consumption of full strengthalcoholic beverageso Reduction in binge or harmful drinkingo Reduction in drink drivingo Reduction in violent or aggressivebehavioro Other ______________________o Noneo Don’t know

Overall, how easy was this module to implement? o Very easyo Somewhat easyo Neutralo Somewhat difficulto Very difficulto Don’t know

Please describe elements of this module that are difficult tounderstand and implement

Please provide suggestion on how this module can be improved togenerate greater benefits

The modules of HSE – Healthy Eating – for those clubs with canteensQuestions Answer

Is healthy eating (or lack of it) still an issue for your club now thatthe Healthy Eating module is being/has been implemented?



Is your club currently implementing this HSE program module? o Yeso No (you are not required to completethis section)


o Don’t know

Does your club have a canteen?(direct respondents to relevant survey)

o Yeso No (complete the next section)o Don’t know

Has an assessment been completed and a Healthy Eating ActionPlan finalised?

o Yeso In progresso Noo Don’t know

What actions has your club completed in preparation for thechange in relation to Healthy Eating?You may select one or more of the options

* for example – removing less healthy items, adding more healthyitems;, moving to healthier ingredients, cooking methods etc

o Conducted an assessment of thecurrent menuo Conducted an assessment of thecanteen operationso Conducted an assessment of thecanteen financeso Undertaken customer researcho Decided what changes to make*o Investigated the addition of new itemsto the canteen’s menuo Indentified how to make the changeso Indentified and planned for anypotential challengeso No action has been takeno Don’t know

Does your your club have a Healthy Eating policy, includingmaking available and promoting healthy food and beverageschoices?

o Yes (always have)o Yes (developed as part of the HSE)o It is being draftedo Noo Don’t know

Does the Health Eating Policy consider the implications of foodbeyond the canteen and has the committee’s support


Since the HSE program commenced, has your club made changesto improve the availability and promotion of healthy food andbeverages choices?


Since the HSE program commenced, are promotional materialssupporting Healthy Eating displayed more prominently within clubfacilities and publications, including the promotion of any changesmade?Such as signage, newsletters, new members days, annualmeetings etc

o Yeso In progresso The same as previouslyo Noo Don’t know

Since the commencement of the HSE program, has your clubreceived notification regarding a breach of its legal food handlingobligations?


Do you believe your club’s committee has a growingunderstanding of the benefits of the Healthy Eating Policy?



Do you believe there is growing support at your club for theHealthy Eating module?


How satisfied are you with the materials and references providedto your club to complete the Healthy Eating module?


How could the materials and references of the Healthy Eatingmodule be improved? _______________________

What has been the positive behavioral change in your club relatedto the Healthy Eating module of HSE? (you can choose more thanone)

o Reduction in the sales of unhealthyfood and beverageso Increase in the sales of healthy foodsand beverageso Club catered events with an increasein choice of healthy food and beverageso Other ______________________o Noneo Don’t know




The modules of HSE – Healthy Eating – for those clubs without canteensQuestions Answer


Does your club have a canteen?(direct respondent)

o Yes (complete the previous section)o No (complete this section)o Don’t know

Has an assessment been completed and a Healthy Eating ActionPlan finalised?


Does your your club have a Healthy Eating policy, including makingavailable and promoting healthy food and beverages choices?

o Yes (always have)o Yes (developed as part of the HSE)


o It is being draftedo Noo Don’t know

Since the HSE program commenced, are promotional materialssupporting Healthy Eating displayed more prominently within clubfacilities and publications, including the promotion of any changesmade?Such as signage, newsletters, new members days, annual meetingsetc


Since the commencement of the HSE program, has your clubreceived notification regarding a breach of its legal food handlingobligations?


Do you believe your committee has a growing understanding of thebenefits of the Healthy Eating Policy?


Do you believe there is growing support at your club for theHealthy Eating module?


How satisfied are you with the materials and references providedto your club to complete the modules of the program?


How could the materials and references of the program beimproved? _______________________

What has been the positive behavioral change in your club relatedto the Healthy Eating module of HSE? (you can choose more thanone)

o Reduction in the sales of unhealthyfood and beverageso Increase in the sales of healthy foodsand beverageso Club catered events with an increasein choice of healthy food and beverageso Other ______________________o Noneo Don’t know






Is UV Protection still an issue for your club now that the UVProtection module is being/has been implemented?



Is your club implementing this HSE program module? o Yeso No (you are not required to completethis section)o Don’t know

Has a UV Protection Club Assessment and Plan been completed? o Yeso In progresso Noo Don’t know

Since the HSE program commenced, are training, events andcompetitions scheduled to minimise exposure to UV?

o Yeso In progress (currently changing)o Noo Don’t know

Since the HSE program commenced, is your club providing UVeducation and information to participants and spectators (egwhen UV protection is required)?Such as through signs, notice boards, websites, PAannouncements.


Since the HSE program commenced, does your club promote theuse of SPF30+ broad spectrum, water resistant sunscreen?Such as through promoting/providing it to individuals andreminding participants to apply it 20 minutes before training orplaying and to re-apply it every 2 hours or after swimming.


Since the HSE program commenced, regarding the use of shadedoes your club:- encourage players & participants to take advantage of existing

shade- make shade available for players between activities and events- notify people to bring their own temporary shade if shade is

known to be insufficient at a venue- assess the shade at commonly used outdoor venues- work to improve shade availability?

o Yeso Somewhato No o Don’t knowo Yeso Somewhato No o Don’t knowo Yeso Somewhato No o Don’t knowo Yeso Somewhato No o Don’t knowo Yeso Somewhato No o Don’t know

Since the HSE program commenced, regarding the use ofsunscreen and clothes does your club:- remind players to apply SPF30+ sunscreen when the uniforms

did not provide adequate UV protection- have the officials, coaches and senior members acting as role

models by wearing UV protective clothing- have UV protective clothing including wide brimmed or bucket

style hats, and tops made of SPF50+ material, included as partof the on-and off-field uniforms for participants, officials andvolunteers?

o Yeso Somewhato No o Don’t know




Since the HSE program commenced, are promotional materialssupporting UV Protection displayed more prominently within clubfacilities and publications, including the promotion of anychanges made?Such as signage, newsletters, new members days, annualmeetings etc


Do you believe your club’s committee has a growingunderstanding of the benefits of UV Protection?


Do you believe there is growing support at your club for the UVProtection module?


How satisfied are you with the materials and references providedto you to complete the UV Protection module?


How could the materials and references for UV Protection modulebe improved? _______________________

What has been the positive behavioral change in your club relatedto the UV Protection module of HSE? (you can choose more thanone)

o Increase in compliance regarding theapplication of sunscreeno Increase use of the UV protectedclothingo Reduction in complaints about the lackof available shade and consequences ofUV exposureo Greater personal responsibility for UVprotection (eg application of sunscreen orself provision of shade)o Other ______________________o Noneo Don’t know

Overall, how easy was the UV Protection module to implement? o Very easyo Somewhat easyo Neutralo Somewhat difficulto Very difficulto Don’t know

Please describe elements of this module that are difficult tounderstand and implement ______________________________________

Please provide suggestion on how this module can be improvedto generate greater benefits ______________________________________



Is tobacco use still an issue for your club now that the ReducingTobacco Use module is being/has been implemented?




Does your club have a Smoke-free Policy? o Yes (always have)o Yes (developed as part of the HSE)o It is being drafted/plannedo Noo Don’t know

Has a Reducing Tobacco Use Club Assessment and Plan beencompleted?


Is your club committed to moving towards a smoke freeenvironment, by assessing the membership’s commitmentthrough a survey and by gaining your committee’s support?


Has your club developed a strategy based on the membership’sneeds including the implementation of a smoke free policy, oramendment of an existing policy, and including a non-compliancestrategy to address any breach?


Since the HSE program commenced, are promotional materialsregarding Reducing Tobacco Use displayed more prominentlywithin club facilities and publications, including the promotion ofany changes made?Such as signage, newsletters, new members days, annualmeetings etc


Has your club promoted the new/revised smoke-free policy tomembers, patrons, supporters, spectators and staff; prepared thegrounds and facilities: and is your club supporting members toquit smoking?


Since the commencement of the HSE program, has your clubreceived notification regarding a breach of the legislation relatedto smoking?


Do you believe your club’s committee has a growingunderstanding of the benefits of the Reducing Tobacco Usemodule?



Do you believe there is growing support at your club for theReducing Tobacco Use module?


How satisfied are you with the materials and references providedto you to complete the Reducing Tobacco Use module?


How could the materials and references for the Reducing TobaccoUse module be improved?

_______________________

What has been the positive behavioral change in your club relatedto the Reducing Tobacco Use module of HSE? (you can choosemore than one)

o All facilities are smoke freeo Facilities partially smoke freeo Reduction in the quantity of cigarettessold (if applicable)o Reduction of smoking in and aroundthe sporting clubo Reduction in smoking relatedcomplaintso Reduction of smoking by key clubofficials including coaches and committeememberso Other ______________________o Noneo Don’t know

Overall, how easy was the Reducing Tobacco Use module toimplement?


Please describe elements of this module that are difficult tounderstand and implement _________________________________

Please provide suggestion on how this module can be improved togenerate greater benefits _________________________________


The modules of HSE – Injury Prevention And ManagementQuestions Answer

Is Injury Prevention and Management still an issue for your clubnow that the Injury Prevention and Management module isbeing/has been implemented?




Has an Injury Prevention and Management Assessment beencompleted and Sports Safety Plan been developed?


Does your plan include the following mandatory action items:- An appointed safety coordinator- A medical emergency plan- First aid kits accessible at training and games- At least one first aid trainer at training and games- Sports specific safety requirements

o Yeso In progresso Noo Don’t knowo Yeso In progresso Noo Don’t knowo Yeso In progresso Noo Don’t knowo Yeso In progresso Noo Don’t knowo Yeso In progresso Noo Don’t know

Since the HSE program commenced, does your club raiseawareness of Injury Prevention and Management including theuse of the SmartPlay posters?


How many additional injury prevention action items has your clubadded to its safety plan?(There is a requirement to add 15 items)

________(#) injury prevention action itemsadded

Please list the major changes to the safety plan?

Do you believe your club’s committee has a growingunderstanding of the benefits of Injury Prevention AndManagement?


Do you believe there is growing support at your club for the InjuryPrevention And Management?


How satisfied are you with the materials and references providedto you to complete the Injury Prevention And Managementmodule?



How could the materials and references for Injury Prevention AndManagement module be improved? _______________________

What has been the positive behavioral change in your club relatedto the Injury Prevention And Management module of HSE? (youcan choose more than one)

o Increased numbers of accreditedcoaches and qualified first aid personnelo Increased awareness of key injuryprevention activitieso Additional injury prevention actionitems added to your club’s safety plano Improved access to protectiveequipment, drinking water, first aid kitso Reduction in sports and OH&S injuriesreportedo Other ______________________o Noneo Don’t know

Overall, how easy was the Injury Prevention And Managementmodule to implement?


Please describe elements of this module that are difficult tounderstand and implement ______________________________________

Please provide suggestion on how this module can be improvedto generate greater benefits _____________________________________



Is Inclusion, Safety and Support still an issue for your club nowthat the module has been/is being implemented?




Has an Inclusion, Safety And Support Assessment and Plan beencompleted?


Does your club demonstrate leadership and commitment tocreating a welcoming and inclusive environment through thefollowing?:- A vision statement reflecting this commitment- A welcoming officer, develops inclusive, safe, welcoming

experiences- A buddy system for new members- President/appointee addresses related issues/concerns

o Yeso In progresso Noo Don’t knowo Yeso In progresso Noo Don’t knowo Yeso In progresso Noo Don’t knowo Yeso In progresso Noo Don’t know

Does your club articulate expectations regarding behaviorthrough club policies and guidelines including the following?:- Member protection policy or a sports welfare policy is on your

website- Code of conduct is handed out to members and on your website- Guidelines support welcoming & inclusive supporting

environments- Complaint resolution process- Administrators and coaches complete online Play By the Rule

training- Information for women and girls if they are victims of violence- Fair play and good behavior is promoted throughout the season

o Yeso In progresso Noo Don’t knowo Yeso In progresso Noo Don’t knowo Yeso In progresso Noo Don’t knowo Yeso In progresso Noo Don’t knowo Yeso In progresso Noo Don’t knowo Yeso In progresso Noo Don’t knowo Yeso In progresso Noo Don’t know

Does your club ensure access to facilities and activities to allmembers of the community?(Strategies including access regardless of gender, reduce costs toparticipate, and addressing transport barriers)

o Yes (always has)o Yes (since HSEo In progresso Noo Don’t know

Does your club seek participation by new and existing membersthrough?- Promotional material which is welcome and inclusive- Members which are recruited broadly within the community- Support provided by community organisations- ‘Come and try’ days- Social activities of the club are emphasized- Parents are encouraged to be involved in the club

o Yeso In progresso Noo Don’t knowo Yeso In progresso Noo Don’t knowo Yeso In progresso Noo Don’t knowo Yeso In progresso Noo Don’t knowo Yeso In progresso Noo Don’t know

Do you believe your club’s committee has a growing understands o Yes


of the benefits of Inclusion, Safety And Support? o Somewhato No (understanding has remainedstable)o Don’t know

Historically, how has your club rated the importance of inclusion? o Very importanto Somewhat importanto Neutralo Somewhat unimportanto Very unimportanceo Don’t know

Do you believe there is growing support at your club for theInclusion, Safety and Support module (e.g. inclusion of womenand girls, culturally and linguistically diverse people andAboriginal Victorians)?


How satisfied are you with the materials and references providedto you to complete the Inclusion, Safety And Support module?


How can the materials and references for Inclusion, Safety AndSupport module, be improved? _______________________

What has been the positive behavioral change in your club relatedto the Inclusion, Safety And Support module of HSE? (you canchoose more than one)*Participation in the context of the evaluation of HSE includes playing the sport,spectating, becoming a volunteer on training or event days or taking on agovernance role with the Club’s committee

o Increased membership numberso Increased retention of memberso Increased participation* by new andexisting memberso Increased participation levels fromwomen, girls, Aboriginal Victorians andpeople from culturally diversebackgroundso Increased number of events open tothe general publico Positive behavior changeo Increased/strengthened partnershipswith groups facilitating diversity andinclusiono Other ______________________o Noneo Don’t know

Overall, how easy was the Inclusion, Safety And Support moduleto implement?


Please describe elements of this module that are difficult tounderstand and implement _________________________________

Please provide suggestion on how this module can be improved togenerate greater benefits __________________________________



How was your club made aware of the HSE program? o RSA’s communication channels andmarketing materialso VicHealth’s communication channels andmarketing materialso State Sporting Organisations’communication channels and marketingmaterialso Local newspaperso Local radioo Politicianso Media releaseso Social mediao Communications from local leagues and / orassociationso Word of moutho Personal researcho Other _________________

How receptive was your club to participate in the HSEprogram?

o Very receptiveo Somewhat receptiveo Neutralo Somewhat unreceptiveo Very unreceptiveo Don’t know

What are the challenges your club is experiencing regardingthe implementation of the HSE program (across all sixmodules)?


Do you believe the program is administered and deliveredeffectively by your Regional Sports Assembly?


How satisfied are you with the engagement and support yourclub has been provided by your Regional Sports Assembly inimplementing your program?


How often are you engaged by the RSA on theimplementation on the HSE program? _______________________

How are you engaged by the RSA?_______________________

Do you believe this is the best method of engagement? YesPartiallyNoPlease explain

How could the support of the Regional Sports Assembly beimproved? _______________________


What has been the workload for the club committee inimplementing the HSE (average hours per week)? _______________________ (hours per week)

What has been the workload for any club volunteers inimplementing the HSE (average hours per week)? _______________________ (hours per week)

Have you received any financial support for theimplementation of the HSE program?

o Yeso No

What element of implementation needs additional financialsupport?

_______________________

Which of the six modules best align with each other?(you must choose one or more if not ‘none’ or ‘don’t know’)


Information collected to date suggests that some of themodules can be addressed within the club environmentcollectively, due to the connection between them.Based on your experience to date, which of the six modulesalign best with each other?(you can choose more than one)

o Responsible Use Of Alcoholo Healthy Eatingo Reducing Tobacco Useo UV Protectiono Injury Prevention And Managemento Inclusion, Safety And Supporto Noneo Don’t knowWhy?__________________________________

Which module have you needed the most help with tosuccessfully implement?


Which of the six modules have the greatest influence on thesustainability of the club?


Which of the six modules do you observe as having thegreatest (positive) influence on the clubs’ performances(financial)?

o Responsible Use Of Alcoholo Healthy Eatingo Reducing Tobacco Useo UV Protectiono Injury Prevention And Managemento Inclusion, Safety And Supporto None


o Don’t know

Do you believe any of the six modules will have a negativeimpact on clubs’ performances (financial)?


Which of the six modules do you observe as having thegreatest influence on the clubs’ performances (on-fieldsuccess)?


Which of the six modules do you observe as having thegreatest influence on the clubs’ cultures?


Which of the six modules do you observe as having thegreatest impact on reputation in the community?


Which module/modules do you believe you have littlecontrol/influence over and would be more effectivelyaddressed by another organisation (E.g. Local Governmentor State Sporting Authority)


What other issues does your club need support with thatcould be included in the HSE program be included in the HSEprogram? (you can choose more than one)

o Drugs in sporto Behavior of participants and spectatorso Mental health in the communityo Noneo Don’t knowo Other _________________________


Has your club has engaged adequately with local communitygroups with relevance to the six modules in relation to theHSE program? (Is there a formal mechanism for informationsharing – is this mechanism effective?)


Has your club has engaged with other clubs in order to shareideas relating to the HSE program? (Is there a formalmechanism for information sharing – is this mechanismeffective?)

o Yes. Who initiated this? ________________o Noo Don’t know

Has the HSE program resulted in any of the following?(you must choose one or more if not ‘none’ or ‘don’t know’)

o An increased pool of volunteerso An increase in membershipo An increase in spectatorso A better club cultureo Improved financial outcomes for the clubo Increase in funding and sponsorshipo Improved reputation within the communityo Positive mediao Improved club capacity ad capabilityo Happier members and supporterso Healthier members and supporterso Improved social interactiono A more diverse participant groupo A better place to beo A safer environmento Improved wider community relationshipso Other _________________________o Don’t knowo None of the above

Overall, how satisfied are you with your Club’s experiencewith the HSE program?



Appendix B Completion of modules


RSA bar % completed

ACTION 1: Your club assesses its currentsituation in regards to Responsible Use ofAlcohol to identify what improvements couldbe made at your club

1.01: Conduct Responsible Use of AlcoholClub Assessment with the assistance of yourRegional Sports Assembly (Count: 139)

45%

ACTION 2: Your club seeks to meet therequirements of Good Sports Level 1 – LegalCompliance

2.01: Adhering to liquor licensing legislation(Count: 128) 40%

2.02: Responsible serving of alcohol (RSA)training to ensure club bar staff andcommittee members understand the legaland social requirements of the club liquorlicense. (Count: 126)

39%

2.03: Smokefree facilities (see ReducingTobacco Module) (Count: 126) 27%

ACTION 3: Your club seeks to meet therequirements of Good Sports Level 2 –Alcohol Management

3.01: Providing non and low-alcoholic drinks(Count: 130) 39%

3.02: Light beer is at least 10% cheaper thanmid strength beer which is at least 10%cheaper than full strength beer; and spiritsare least 20% more expensive than fullstrength beer (Count: 122)

29%

3.03: Not serving alcohol before midday onmatch days (Count: 122) 31%

3.04: All bar servers Responsible serving ofalcohol (RSA) trained (Count: 121) 33%

3.05: Implementing a safe transportstrategy (Count: 122) 30%

3.06: Providing substantial food optionswhenever alcohol is sold or served (Count:122)

32%

3.07: Revenue raising without emphasis onalcohol (fundraising or offering it as prizes) -a Fundraising Ideas Kit is availablefor accredited Good Sports clubs and can beobtained by simply emailing a requestthrough to [email protected]. (Count:121)

32%

ACTION 4: Your club seeks to meet therequirements of Good Sports Level 3 – PolicyDevelopment

4.01: Maintain Level 1 and 2 Good Sportsaccreditation standards (Count: 123) 28%

4.02: Develop an alcohol managementpolicy using the Good Sports Sample AlcoholManagement Policy (Count: 123)

25%

ACTION 5: Your club conducts promotion ofGood Sports and responsible use of alcohol

5.01: Clubs are encouraged to advertise theGood Sports program through annualmeetings, new member days, informationnights or functions, club newsletters, localpublications and place signage/merchandisearound the club facilities to promote theclub’s involvement in the program. (Count:122)

27%

ACTION 6: Your club conducts an annualreview of your clubs efforts to ensureresponsible use of alcohol

6.01: Conduct an annual review of yourclubs responsible use of alcohol plan.(Count: 122)

19%


RSA no bar % completed

ACTION 1: The club assesses its currentsituation in regards to Responsible Use ofAlcohol to identify what improvements couldbe made at your club.

1.01: Conduct Responsible Use of AlcoholClub Assessment and develop a ResponsibleUse of Alcohol Action Plan with theassistance of your Regional Sports Assembly

47%

ACTION 2: The club seeks to meet therequirements of the Good Sports Level 0.

2.01: Alcohol free facilities 35%

2.02: Responsible serving of alcohol (RSA)training committee members (minimum 2) 23%

2.03: Smokefree facilities (see ReducingTobacco Module) 27%

2.04: Special Functions policy (off site) 30%

2.05: Safe transport policy (off site) 29%

2.06: Alcohol management policy (off site) 30%

Healthy Eating

Clubs with canteen % completed

ACTION 1: Your club assesses its currentsituation in regards to Healthy Eating toidentify what improvements could be madeat your club.

1.01: Conduct Healthy Eating ClubAssessment and develop a Healthy EatingAction Plan, with the assistance of yourRegional Sports Assembly. (Count: 80)

25%

ACTION 2: Your club meets therequirements of food handling and foodsafety legislation

2.01: Ensure compliance with current legalfood handling obligations (Count: 71) 17%

ACTION 3: Your club prepares for changeby engaging key stakeholders, assessingthe current situation (including assessmentof current menu; operations; finances;customer demand) and identifying andinvestigating opportunities for change.Please see the Healthy Club Canteens kit -Preparing for Change, for guidance onperforming the following actions

3.01: Assess the current menu in relation tothe availability and promotion of healthy foodand drink choices (Count: 73)

6%

3.02: Conduct a canteens operationsassessment (Count: 71) 8%

3.03: Conduct a canteens finance assessment(Count: 70) 5%

3.04: Undertake customer research (Count:70) 3%

3.05: Decide what changes to make (such asremoving less healthy items; adding morehealthy items; moving to healthieringredients, cooking methods or servingsizes; and/or reviewing pricing and marketingmethods) (Count: 68)

3%

3.06: Investigate adding new items to yourmenu (Count: 67) 3%

3.07: Identify how to make the necessarychanges (Count: 67) 3%

3.08: Identify and plan for any potentialchallenges (Count: 67) 2%

ACTION 4: Your club develops a healthyeating policy. Please see the Healthy ClubCanteens kit - Developing a Healthy EatingPolicy, for guidance on performing thefollowing actions

4.01: Develop a healthy eating policy (Count:65) 3%

4.02: Consider implications beyond thecanteen (Count: 65) 3%

4.03: Get support for the healthy eatingpolicy from the committee (Count: 65) 1%

4.04: Promote your healthy eating policy(Count: 65) 0%

ACTION 5: Your club makes changes byletting people know and building demand ,updating menus , promotional material,work and shop spaces, and overcoming

5.01: Market and communicate the changeswith customers (Count: 65) 1%

5.02: Make changes to your canteenenvironment to improve the availability and 0%


challenges along the way. Please see theHealthy Club Canteens kit – Making theChange, for guidance on performing thefollowing actions

promotion of healthy food and drink choices(Count: 66)

ACTION 6: Your club conducts an annualreview of your clubs efforts to increase theproportion of healthy food choices. Pleasesee the Healthy Club Canteens kit –Reviewing Progress, for guidance onperforming the following actions.

6.01: Conduct an annual review of your clubsHealthy Eating Action Plan (developed inAction 1), including your menu, operations,customers and finances (Count: 65)

2%

Clubs without canteen % completed

ACTION 1: Your club assesses its currentsituation in regards to Healthy Eating toidentify what improvements could be madeat your club.

1.01: Conduct Healthy Eating ClubAssessment and develop a Healthy EatingAction Plan, with the assistance of yourRegional Sports Assembly (Count: 68)

21%

ACTION 2: Your club meets therequirements of food handling and foodsafety legislation

2.01: Ensure compliance with current legalfood handling obligations (Count: 64) 12%

ACTION 3: Your club develops a healthyeating policy. Please see the Healthy ClubCanteens kit - Developing a Healthy EatingPolicy, for guidance on performing thefollowing actions.

3.01: Develop a healthy eating policy (Count:65) 4%

3.02: Consider implications beyond thecanteen (Count: 64) 5%

3.03: Get support for the healthy eatingpolicy from the committee (Count: 64) 4%

3.04: Promote your healthy eating policy(Count: 64) 4%

ACTION 4: Your club conducts an annualreview of your clubs efforts to increase theproportion of healthy food choices. Pleasesee the Healthy Club Canteens kit –Reviewing Progress, for guidance onperforming the following actions.

4.01: Conduct an annual review of your clubsHealthy Eating Action Plan (developed inAction 1), including your menu, operations,customers and finances (Count: 58)

3%

UV Protection

UV Protection % completed

ACTION 1: Your club assesses its currentsituation in regards to UV Protection toidentify what improvements could be madeat your club.

1.01: Conduct UV Protection ClubAssessment with the assistance of yourRegional Sports Assembly (Count: 170)

29%

ACTION 2: Your club seeks to minimiseharmful exposure to UV through schedules,fixtures and rule modifications

2.01: In conjunction with your local facility,league, association or governing body, ensuretraining, events and competitions arescheduled to minimise exposure to UV.(Count: 159)

18%

ACTION 3: Your club provides sufficienteducation and information to participantsregarding UV

3.01: The daily times when sun protection isrequired (as determined by the SunSmart UVAlert) are communicated to participants andspectators. This can be done via a UV Alertsign, the SunSmart UV Alert widget forwebsites, a notice board, PA messages,athlete briefing etc. (Count: 159)

17%

ACTION 4: Your club promotes the use ofSPF 30+ broad spectrum, water resistantsunscreen. Your club may even considerhaving a supply on site

4.01: SPF 30+ broad spectrum, waterresistant sunscreen is promoted and/orprovided to participants. It is not necessarilythe club’s responsibility to supply freesunscreen for everyone unless you choose to.Participants and spectators should bereminded to bring their own sunscreen butthere must (Count: 157)

17%


4.02: Participants are reminded to applysunscreen 20 minutes before training orplaying and to reapply every two hours orimmediately after swimming or toweling dry.(Count: 158)

12%

4.03: Sunscreen is to be stored below 30°cand replaced once it is past the use-by date.(Count: 157)

17%

ACTION 5: Your club plans and providesshade and encourages players andspectators to take advantage of naturalshade from buildings and trees

5.01: Shade is available for participants whenthey are not actively playing or betweenindividual events- this might be existing shadeat the venue such as buildings, trees andother structures or temporary shade suppliedby the club. (Count: 148)

16%

5.02: Where there is insufficient shade at thevenue for spectators, people are notified tobring their own temporary shade (e.g. tentsor umbrellas) (Count: 145)

12%

5.03 An assessment of existing shade isconducted (using the SunSmart shade auditresource) at commonly used outdoor venues.Where existing shade is found to beinsufficient, the club is working towardsimproving the shade available. The results ofa shade audit can be used to support grantapplicant (Count: 145)

9%

ACTION 6: Your club provides orencourages participants and officials towear sun protective clothing as part of theteam uniform and during training sessions

6.01: Where the competition uniform doesnot provide adequate sun protection,participants are reminded to apply SPF 30+sunscreen to all exposed skin and wearcovering clothing whilst not on the field.(Count: 148)

12%

6.02: Officials, coaches and senior membersact as role models by wearing sun-protectiveclothing and hats, applying sunscreen andusing shade wherever possible. (Count: 149)

10%

6.03: Wide-brimmed or bucket style hats areincluded as part of the on and off-fielduniform (even if they can't be worn in actualplay). Caps and visors are not included asthey do not provide adequate sun protectionto the face, ears and neck. (Count: 149)

10%

6.04: Sun-protective clothing is included aspart of the on field uniform and off-fielduniform for participants, officials andvolunteers. (Count: 149)

11%

6.05: Tops/jerseys are made from UPF (UVprotection factor) 50+ material, are loosefitting and lightweight, have long sleeves anda collar. (Count: 147)

12%

ACTION 7: Your club conducts an annualreview of your clubs efforts to ensure abalanced approach to ultraviolet (UV)radiation exposure

7.01: Conduct an annual review of your clubsUV Protection plan. (Count: 135) 3%


Tobacco % completed

ACTION 1: Your club assesses its currentsituation in regards to Reducing TobaccoUse to identify what improvements could be

1.01: Conduct Reducing Tobacco Use ClubAssessment with the assistance of yourRegional Sports Assembly (Count: 159)

26%


made at your club.

ACTION 2: Your club meets therequirements of current tobacco legislation

2.01: Compliance with current smokinglegislation (Count: 148) 20%

ACTION 3: Your club considers the benefitsof going smokefree and demonstratescommitment to moving towards asmokefree environment

3.01: Assess the current situation byconducting a club members survey (Count:147)

6%

3.02: Get the support of your managementcommittee (Count: 146) 10%

ACTION 4: Based on the results of your clubmember survey, your club determines astrategy that takes into account the needsof all members

4.01: Develop the smokefree policy using thesample smokefree policy (Count: 139) 10%

4.02: Develop a non-compliance strategy thatinforms people of what to do if someonesmokes in a smokefree area using the samplesmokefree policy (Count: 139)

5%

ACTION 5: Your club spreads the word tothe community and offers support to thosein need.

5.01: Promote the new smokefree policy toall members, patrons, supporters andspectators (Count: 130)

6%

5.02: Educate staff and volunteers about thesmokefree policy (Count: 130) 6%

5.03: Prepare your sports ground andfacilities (working with other keystakeholders) (Count: 130)

4%

5.04: Inform all user groups about the newsmokefree policy (Count: 131) 5%

5.05: Support members to quit smoking(Count: 131) 5%

ACTION 6: Your club conducts an annualreview of your clubs efforts to createsmokefree environments

6.01: Conduct an annual review of your clubsReducing Tobacco Use Action Plan(developed in Action 1). (Count: 127)

3%

Injury Management and Prevention

Injury Management and Prevention % completed

ACTION 1: Your club assesses its currentsituation in regards to Injury Prevention andManagement to identify what improvementscould be made at your club

1.01: Conduct Injury Prevention andManagement Club Assessment with theassistance of your Regional Sports Assembly(Count: 164)

29%

ACTION 2: Your club raises awareness of keyinjury prevention activities through the useof SmartPlay posters within your sportingclub

2.01: Fix Up: Guide to Injury Management(Count: 156) 22%

2.02: Warm Up: Guide to Warming Up(Count: 157) 22%

2.03: Gear Up: Guide to ProtectiveEquipment (Count: 156) 22%

2.04: Drink Up: Guide to Hydration (Count:156) 22%

ACTION 3: Based on your injury preventionand management club assessment, developand implement a sports safety plan for yourclub using the Smartplay Safe Club: Ideas forAction and Smartplay Club Action PlanningTemplate. This plan must initially include thefollowing 5 mandatory action items:

3.01: Have a person appointed as the club“safety coordinator” (Count: 153) 12%

3.02: Have a medical emergency plan(Count: 153) 10%

3.03: Have stocked first aid kits available attraining and games and a process forrestocking (Count: 153)

18%

3.04: Comply with sport specific safetyrequirements (i.e. ground checks/postpadding) (Count: 152)

16%

3.05: At least one person trained in firstaid/sports trainer available at training andgames (Count: 152)

16%

ACTION 4: Add an additional 15 injury 4.01: Keeping records (Count: 142) 8%


prevention action items to your club sportssafety plan based on results from theSmartplay Safe Club Assessment from acrossthe following areas

4.010: Clubs record their injuries usingSports Injury Trackerwww.sportsinjurytracker.com.au (Count:141)

1%

4.02: First Aid (Count: 141) 8%

4.03: Equipment (Count: 141) 8%

4.04: Facilities (Count: 142) 10%

4.05: Plans and Policies (Count: 142) 6%

4.06: Coaching (Count: 141) 8%

4.07: Hydration (Count: 141) 9%

4.08: Preventing Heat Illness (Count: 141) 9%

4.09: Safety Management (Count: 141) 6%

ACTION 5: Your club conducts an annualreview of your clubs efforts to ensure yourclub provides a safe sport environment forplayers, coaches, officials and spectators

5.01: Conduct an annual review of yourclubs Injury Prevention and Managementplan. (Count: 139)

1%


Inclusion, Safety and Support % completed

ACTION 1: Your club assesses its currentsituation in regards to Inclusion, Safety andSupport to identify what improvementscould be made at your club.

1.01: Conduct Inclusion, Safety and SupportClub Assessment with the assistance of yourRegional Sports Assembly (Count: 157)

27%

ACTION 2: Your club demonstratesleadership and commitment to creatingwelcoming and inclusive environments(Champions of change are active – Level 1)

2.01: Committee develops a visionstatement reflecting a commitment towelcoming and inclusive sportingenvironments. (Count: 150)

13%

2.02: Welcoming officer is appointed (eachclub to identify one person who function as‘club contacts’ responsible for leading thedevelopment of inclusive, safe andwelcoming club based experiences). (Count:150)

14%

2.03: Members are recruited for a ‘buddysystem’. (Count: 149) 8%

2.04: The club President or othersappointed by the Committee address issuesand concerns. (Count: 149)

14%

ACTION 3: Your club articulatesexpectations regarding behaviour throughclub policies and guidelines (Expectationsabout behaviour are met – Level 1)

3.01: Member protection policy or thesport’s welfare policy is adopted and placedon the club website. (Count: 140)

7%

3.02: Code of conduct is adopted, placed onthe club website and handed out onregistration day. (Count: 139)

14%

3.03: Guidelines are adopted that supportwelcoming and inclusive sportingenvironments. (Count: 139)

11%

3.04: Complaint resolution process isdeveloped and communicated to members.(Count: 139)

10%

3.05: Administrators and coaches completeonline Play by the Rules training indiscrimination and harassment. (Count:139)

6%


3.06: Women and girls are giveninformation about where to go for help ifthey are victims of violence (Count: 139)

10%

ACTION 4: Your club ensures facilities andactivities are accessible to all members ofthe community (Facilities and activities areaccessible – Level 1)

4.01: Equitable access is provided tofacilities, equipment and grounds regardlessof gender. (Count: 139)

17%

4.02: Action is taken to reduce the costs ofparticipation. (Count: 137) 16%

4.03: Action is taken to address transportbarriers. (Count: 137) 15%

ACTION 5: Your club raises awarenessregarding it’s activities and seeks toencourage new and existing members toparticipate in the club (Everyoneparticipates – Level 1)

5.01: Promotional material is welcomingand inclusive and members are recruitedbroadly within the community. (Count: 135)

12%

5.02: A ‘Come and Try Day’ is heldencouraging people to bring their family andfriends. Support is sought from communityorganisations as needed. (Count: 136)

13%

5.03: Social activities of the club areemphasised. (Count: 135) 15%

5.04: Parents are actively encouraged to beinvolved in the club. (Count: 135) 16%

ACTION 6: Your club continually seeks tocreate welcoming and inclusiveenvironments (Commitment throughongoing action – Level 1)

6.01: All members, their partners andfamilies are invited to social events. (Count:135)

15%

6.02: Messages about fair play and goodbehaviour are promoted throughout theseason. (Count: 135)

13%

ACTION 7: Your club conducts an annualreview of your clubs efforts to ensurewelcoming and inclusive environments

7.01: Conduct an annual review of yourclubs responsible use of Inclusion, Safetyand Support plan. (Count: 135)

2%

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