From welcome to conclusion – procedures for participation and engagement
Feeling welcomed, seen, and involved from the start can lay the foundation for a long relationship with the association. IFK Umeå’s survey shows that the association needs to create more pathways to participation and engagement. Research also shows that the decision to quit a sport can develop over a long time – often without the association being aware of it.
An ending does not have to be a failure. Children and youth may want to switch sports, develop other interests, or choose to get involved in a new way. What matters is that the association asks, listens, and tries to understand. That’s why procedures are needed for the entire journey through the association – from a good welcome and opportunities to influence and get involved, to ongoing dialogue and a good conclusion. This way, the association can identify needs earlier and use children and youth’s experiences to develop the organization.
When new members join
- Provide early information about the association, different roles, and opportunities to influence and get involved, for example through a welcome email.
- Ensure representatives from the association management are visible and accessible in the activities, so that children, youth, and adults know who they can turn to.
During the season
- Highlight different ways to participate and get involved – as an active member, coach, official, in councils, or in other ways (IFK Umeå has chosen to show this on social media and on IFK Umeå’s website).
- Have clear and easily accessible information on the website about how to influence and get involved.
- Create recurring opportunities where representatives from the association management meet children, youth, coaches, and parents in the activities.
- Regularly ask how children and youth experience the activities – don’t wait for them to take the initiative themselves.
Identify early thoughts about quitting
Research shows that an ending can be a process that goes on for a long time. That’s why it’s important to try to capture children and youth’s experiences before a decision has already been made.
- Follow up on attendance, well-being, and participation, including through coaches and well-being parents.
- Ask how the child or young person experiences their sport and if there is anything they would like to change.
- Pass on feedback when needed and report back on what happens with what has been raised.
Upon termination
- Make personal contact and offer the opportunity for conversation and feedback.
- Respect the child’s or young person’s decision – the goal is not for someone to stay at any cost.
- Share information about other opportunities if the person wants to continue their relationship with the association, for example through another sport or as a young coach, referee, or official.
- Send an exit survey to those who choose to end their sporting activities or involvement.
- Make use of the experiences and use them to develop the organization.
A good termination is also part of a good association. By listening to those who join, those who stay, and those who choose to leave, the association gains knowledge that can improve its activities for the next child or youth.
