1-15 Informal Sports - Concepts Self directed participation in cooperative/competitive play activity in the game form Biggest concern – facilities! Least amount of structure Involves the largest amount of participants Growth area – commercial and private sport facilities

2-15 Participation Factors Facilitate participation Priority – creating a positive, satisfying experience Why might this be difficult?

3-15 Participation Factors - List Membership services Facility availability Seasonal factors SchedulingConveniencesCleanlinessPersonnelCost

4-15 Membership Services Regardless of less structure, there should STILL be a focus on administrative support Incentives for participation (recognition, discounts, spontaneous structured events, other perks) Membership policy (Activity Fees, etc.) Eligibility (students, faculty/staff, public?)

5-15 Facility Availability Adequate number and variety of sport facilities Importance of trends, tradition, culture Location of facilities Scheduling based on client availability Access for people with disabilities – recent legislation (ADA) Available Times?

6-15 Seasonal Factors Association of activity with a season or time of the year Adjustment of fees Maintenance requirements and supervision may change What is the best time of the year to make available certain facilities?

7-15 Scheduling Critical! Remember, facilities are everything! Factors that influence scheduling include: –age, time required, needs of other programs, budget constraints, and popularity of a sport Communicate available facilities and times they are available

8-15 Types of Scheduling Block scheduling Short-term reservations reservations

9-15 Conveniences Equipment availability; check-out, rental or pro-shop Locker room and showers Adequate parking RestroomsSeating Food and vending servicesOthers?

10-15 Cleanliness Helps maintain a positive image for the facility Usually taken for granted Includes trash pick-up, bulletin boards, restrooms, floors, lights, backboards/rims, nets, water fountains, grass, etc. Poorly maintained facilities?

11-15 Personnel Vital in attracting and retaining participants Who? What? How? Competent in controlling safety hazards, facility misuse

12-15 Personnel Continued Sound knowledge of the operations Reliability of information provided to participants Must have good communication skills, conflict resolution skills, tact, maturity

13-15 Cost Cost for informal sport facility use can affect how much it is used Daily operational costs should be covered by user fees Types: user fees, charges, taxation, grants, gifts

14-15 Cost Continued Annual/daily user or membership fees Reservation/rental fees License and permit fees Other costs?

15-15 Group Exercise P. 91 Application Exercise