UCD Athletic Union Council Strategic Plan 2015 - 2019

Athletic Union Council

STRATEGIC PLAN2015-2019

Presentation for Sports GuideV2.indd 1 24/02/2016 15:50

I am very pleased to introduce the UCD Athletic Union Council (AUC) Strategic Plan for 2015-2019. Sport in UCD has a long and illustrious history as a core part of the holistic student experience since the foundation of the University in 1854 and the AUC has been privileged to manage the University’s sports clubs since 1909.

Today, the AUC supports and governs 56 clubs in UCD involving more than 8,300 members participating across a wide range of disciplines and at every level. We work closely with UCD Sport and UCD Sport and Fitness, who, at a non-academic level, lead the co-ordination of the University’s sporting offer to staff, students and the community. It is critical that over the period of this Strategic Plan that these very professional and positive relationships are further developed and grown as we embark on ambitious goals and targets on behalf of our clubs and their members.As part of the development of this strategy, the

AUC has sought the views of and consulted with our member clubs on their priorities to 2019. The process has been participative, instructive and helpful in determining the direction which the AUC should pursue during the duration of this Plan.Engagement in sport and physical activity activities at UCD is more than an optional add on to a student’s curriculum – it is an integral part of the student experience in the University and plays a central role in helping shape UCD students as individuals and citizens. The AUC is determined to play our part and, by working in partnership with our clubs and our colleagues in UCD Sport and UCD Sport and Fitness, we can fulfill our ambition to help our affiliated clubs meet the ever-changing needs and expectations of the student population. To realise this vision, we must continue to change and evolve and this Strategic Plan will guide us through the next four years in the best interest of all who have a passion for sport in our college.

Gerry HorkanPresident

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

1 | UCD Athletic Union Council Strategic Plan 2015-2019


They range from “serious” competitive clubs at national level to recreationally based clubs, which although not competing nationally, provide an important service for students in terms of their health, well-being, social advancement and student engagement. All sports clubs in UCD are affiliated to the AUC. The AUC Executive Committee is elected on an annual basis at the AUC’s AGM where all clubs are eligible to vote. The committee is made of the President, Vice President, Hon. Treasurer, Hon. Secretary and 13 representatives (one from each of the 13 constituencies of the AUC). In addition, the AUC Executive Secretary (who is the Sports Development Manager) and the Director of Sport also attend meetings. The day to day management of the AUC affairs rests with the Executive Secretary who carries out her role in accordance with the policies and procedures of the AUC. Annual accounts of the AUC are externally verified and presented at the AGM as well as an annual report.

Membership of sports clubs is open to UCD students, UCD staff and graduates of the University.

The AUC allocates funding to clubs on an annual basis subject to membership size, club requirements (e.g. large capital items of equipment or hiring of outside facilities), activity, coaching, competitive status etc. The AUC also pays certain costs centrally attributable to all clubs, for example public liability insurance, personal accident insurance and recruitment activities. In addition to AUC funding, certain sports also receive additional support from the University, these would usually be sports where the club is competing at the highest national level. For example in Athletics, Soccer, Gaelic Games, Rugby, Hockey and Swimming where full time or part-time staff have been employed to support these clubs activities and scholarships are usually awarded.

DESCRIPTION OF CLUB ACTIVITY:A description of the activity offered by all clubs and the level to which they compete is provided in Table 1**

In terms of participation and taking up a sport ab initio, with the exceptions of hurling, camogie and rugby, students can take up a sport in UCD as a complete beginner.

The AUC & Sport IN UCD

There are currently 56 clubs registered with the AUC with approximately 8,300 members.

UCD Athletic Union Council Strategic Plan 2015-2019 | 2


Club Officer Scholars/ Ad Astra Recreation/ Self Develop. Varsity Comp. County/ Provincial Comp. National Comp. Intl. Student Comp. Intl. Comp.

Aikido X

American Football X X X X

Archery X X X X Individuals Individuals

Athletics X X X X X X Individuals Individuals

Badminton X X X

Basketball Ladies X X X X

Basketball Men’s X X X X X

Boat Ladies X X X X X X/Individuals X/Individuals

Boat Men’s X X X X X X/Individuals X/Individuals

Boxing X X X Individuals

Camogie X X X X Individuals

Canoe X X Individuals Individuals Individuals

Capoeira X

Caving & Potholing X X

Cycling X X X X Individuals Individuals Individuals

Equestrian X X X Individuals Individuals Individuals

Fencing X X X X Individuals Individuals

Gaelic Football Ladies X X X X Individuals Individuals Individuals

Gaelic Football Men’s X X X X X X/Individuals Individuals

Golf X X X X X/Individuals Individuals Individuals

Handball X X X X X X Individuals Individuals

Hockey Ladies X X X X X X Individuals X Individuals

Hockey Men’s X X X X X X Individuals Individuals

Hurling X X X X X X/Individuals

Judo X X Individuals

Karate X X Individuals X/Individuals Individuals Individuals

Kite X X Individuals

Lacrosse X X X X X/Individuals Individuals

Lau Gar Kickboxing X X Individuals Individuals

Mountaineering X X X

Netball X X X Individuals Individuals

Ninjutsu X X

**Table 1: Description of Sports Club Activities




Club Officer Scholars/ Ad Astra Recreation/ Self Develop. Varsity Comp. County/ Provincial Comp. National Comp. Intl. Student Comp. Intl. Comp.

Olympic Handball X X X X Individuals Individuals

Orienteering X X X X

Pool & Snooker X X Individuals

Rifle X X X X Individuals Individuals

Rugby Ladies X X X

Rugby X X X X X X Individuals

Sailing X X X Individuals X/Individuals Individuals

Shaolin Kung Fu X Individuals

Snow Sports X X X

Soccer X X X X X X Individuals Individuals

Soccer Women’s X X X X X/Individuals X/Individuals

Softball X X X Individuals

Squash X X X Individuals

Sub Aqua X X

Surf X X Individuals

Swimming & Waterpolo X X X X X X/Individuals Individuals X/Individuals

Table Tennis X X X X Individuals

Tae Kwan Do X X X Individuals

Tennis X X X Individuals

Trampoline X X X X X Individuals

Ultimate X X X Individuals Individuals

Volleyball X X X X/Individuals Individuals

Windsurfing X X Individuals

Officer: Where a sports specific Development Officer is employed either by the University or the respective Club on a full or part-time basis.

Scholars: Where a sports scholarship or and Ad Astra scholarship award has been made in 2014/15.

Recreation & Self Develop: Recreational and self-development, where the club provides training for those who may wish to progress through a grading process or just want to play the sport on a casual basis rather than a competitive basis.

Varsity Comp: Where a club competes in Intervarsity / University Championship competition.

County / Provincial Comp: Where a club competes in non-University competitions / open competitions organised by the respective sports National Governing Body on a county or regional basis.

National Comp: where a club competes in non-University competitions / open competitions organised by the respective sports National Governing Body on a national basis.

Intl. Student Comp: Where a club or club members compete in international student competitions recognised by F.I.S.U. (International University Sports Federation) or E.U.S.A. (European University Sports Federation). Clubs and club members usually qualify or are selected to represent either UCD or Ireland in these events.

Intl. Comp: Where a club or club members compete in international competitions organised by the European or World Governing Body of the respective sport or event i.e. Olympics. Clubs and club members usually qualify or are selected to represent either UCD or Ireland in these events.

X: Where the item is relevant to that Club or a team (s) from that Club.

Individual: Where the item is relevant to individual members of a Club.




OUTDOOR FACILITIESOutdoor facilities include 17 pitches together with six five-a-side pitches. With utilisation intensity at its greatest during the busy September – March period, this produces an over reliance on natural grass surfaces. It is suggested that a 4G all weather pitch is a necessity given that over 900 students play soccer each week as part of club activity while, currently there are no facilities available for emerging sports such as Lacrosse, American Football and Softball. These sports are reliant on vacant green areas or use of soccer, gaelic or rugby pitches when not being used by these sports.

The Current Environment

SPORTS INFRASTRUCTUREThe sports infrastructure in UCD is good, with a range of facilitites for a wide spectrum of sports. In terms of indoor facilities, capacity limitations are impacting on club partcipation and membership growth in certain clubs as the demand exceeds the facility capacity. For certain clubs, this limitation also necessitates the hiring of facilities off campus while other clubs are using facilities which are not designed primarily for their activities – e.g. Martial Arts. A substantial refurbishment programme is also required on the indoor Sports Centre which was built in 1981 and an expansion of facilities would be required to meet the demand of clubs over the period of this plan.

The AUC is very conscious that the context in which this Strategic Plan is being developed is a changing one. The University has grown from a student base of 17,910 in 2000 to more than 24,000 in 2015. In tandem with this very healthy growth in student population, the level of participation in sport has also grown very positively while the delevelopment of the plan has also been influenced by a number of key economic and social factors.

In this context, it is important to consider the key internal and external environmental issues:



ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENTThe economic environment is showing signs of improvement after a period of sustained deterioration. This has impacted on participation levels – with more volunteering, more time for physical activity but with less money to fund it centrally and at an individual level. Students expectations in terms of “value for money” for their registration fee is also a factor as is a significant change in the profile of the UCD student body with more mature students returning to study due to the economic climate.

SOCIAL ENVIRONMENTThe social environment is more positive, with greater awareness levels of the importance of physical activity to health while the rising challenge of obesity and its personal societal cost is being highlighted by research and resonating publicly. It is certain that sport will have an increasingly important role to play during the coming years.

GLOBAL SPORTING LANDSCAPEOn the global sporting landscape, the ten most popular sports have been identified in the Irish Sports Monitor. The top physical activity is not club based and many of the top ten activities are individual rather than team based. However, the UCD situation does not reflect the national situation in terms of sporting preference with no falloff in team sport particpation. In this context, there is a need to recognise and address the changing preferences of Irish people towards individual pursuits. There are a considerable number of organisations, clubs and lesuire providers competing for those who are interested in physical activity. It is therefore important to highlight the unique benefits of being involved in a UCD club.

P.R. AND COMMUNICATIONSAdvancements in technology, particularly in relation to PR and communications have been significant in recent years. In particular e-mail, SMS, social networking sites and other forms of instant communications have resulted in much more efficient and effective means of information sharing. The internal advancements within UCD such as the UCD Connect Portal, the student SIS system, Banner, Events Calendar etc. have made it much easier to specifically target potential sports club members.

POLITICALLYPolitically, the main factor affecting clubs in recent years has been the decrease of funding available to sporting organisations and National Governing Bodies centrally. The net result has seen clubs and club members paying more for their activities. New policies and procedures have also come into effect in areas such as Health and Safety at grounds and the protection of children involved in sport. These have resulted in much stronger regulation of UCD clubs to ensure appropriate compliance. The AUC has a key role to play in supporting and advising sports clubs in these key areas of governance and risk management.



STUDENT ENGAGEMENTResearch clearly shows that institutions benefit from an engaged student population, through greater student satisfaction, which leads to greater retention, degree completion, employability and graduate affinity. The engaged student is also more employable as they have developed the softer skills required by employers. Hence, it is imperative that the AUC provides a wide range of development opportunities for its members and that its members are recognized and rewarded for their hard work and contributions to sport and student life at UCD.

“CONTRIBUTE TO THE FLOURISHING OF DUBLIN, IRELAND, EUROPE AND THE WORLD THROUGH THE EXCELLENCE AND IMPACT OF OUR RESEARCH AND SCHOLARSHIP, THE QUALITY OF OUR GRADUATES AND OUR GLOBAL ENGAGEMENT; PROVIDING A SUPPORTIVE COMMUNITY IN WHICH EVERY MEMBER OF THE UNIVERSITY IS ENABLED TO ACHIEVE THEIR FULL POTENTIAL”.

MISSIONUCD



STUDENT ENGAGEMENTResearch clearly shows that institutions benefit from an engaged student population, through greater student satisfaction, which leads to greater retention, degree completion, employability and graduate affinity. The engaged student is also more employable as they have developed the softer skills required by employers. Hence, it is imperative that the AUC provides a wide range of development opportunities for its members and that its members are recognized and rewarded for their hard work and contributions to sport and student life at UCD.

“ACT AS A REPRESENTATIVE AND SUPPORT BODY IN ASSISTING UCD CLUBS TO ENSURE THE HIGHEST QUALITY SPORTING OPPORTUNITIES FOR ALL STUDENTS TO ENGAGE IN SPORT AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AT THE LEVEL TO WHICH THEY ASPIRE WHILE ENABLING THEM TO ACHEIVE THEIR FULL POTENTIAL”

MISSIONAUC



As clubs provide a range of opportunities to train, play, compete, manage and coach in sport at all levels, the AUC will act as a key support and guidance resource for the clubs.

As the governing body for sports clubs the AUC will function as a lobbying, funding, arbitration and Colours awarding body.

It’s primary functions are:

• The allocation of capitation funds received annually from the University to UCD clubs.

• Act as a regulator ensuring that all clubs operate in accordance with the guidelines of the AUC, the University, National Governing Bodies and the Statutory Agencies.

• Provide a support and advisory function to clubs committees, covering governance issues including management training, organizational matters, event management, sponsorship, finance, safety and disciplinary issues.

• Manage and organise promotional and recruitment activities and events for UCD clubs

• Provide a support point of contact for all interested parties.

• Ensure an arbitration and disciplinary service is available to all UCD clubs when required.

• Award Colours.

FunctionAUC



“ALL UCD SPORTS CLUBS, BY BEING SUSTAINABLE, ACCESSIBLE AND EXCELLENT, WILL MEET THE CHANGING NEEDS AND EXPECTATIONS OF THE STUDENT POPULATION IN UCD.”

VISIONAUC



Informed by the values of the University i.e. excellence, integrity, collegiality, engagement and diversity, the AUC applies the following values to its activity and that of its affiliated clubs:

EQUALITYUCD clubs will be diverse and inclusive, encouraging engagement from all sections of the University population.

FAIRNESSUCD clubs will always have high ethical and professional standards applying to all aspects of running the club.

TRANSPARENCYUCD clubs will operate in an open manner, sharing knowledge and information and developing trust with its members and other stakeholders.

PARTNERSHIPUCD clubs will work in collaboration with all internal and external stakeholders to the benefit of the club and its members.

ValuesAUC



STRATEGIC PRIORITIESFollowing consultation with UCD Sports clubs through the AUC Executive committee

and in tandem with a review of the University’s strategic plan 2014-2019, the AUC will focus on the following strategic areas for the period of the plan:

REPRESENTATION

PARTICIPATION

VOLUNTEERISM AND SUPPORT SERVICES

GOVERNANCE

ELITE ATHLETE DEVELOPMENT



One the primary areas for the AUC in the period of the Plan is to represent the interests of affiliated clubs within UCD, the local community and nationally. Acting as the voice of sports clubs in UCD, the AUC’s lobbying efforts will be designed to use its influence in securing maximum funding and facility resources for its member clubs.

Recognising the University’s strategic initiative of Building Partnerships, the AUC believes that its clubs and club members have established and will continue to establish a range of effective partnerships with public and non-governmental agencies, educational institutions and community organizations to maximize our impact on society.

ACTIONS• Maintain and establish mutually beneficial partnerships with key

stakeholders in UCD (e.g. University Management Team, Student Experience Group, Students Union, Student Activities Committee, Centre for Sports Studies, UCD Foundation).

• Develop a communication strategy for the AUC.

• Maintain and establish mutually beneficial partnerships with key stakeholders in higher education sport and National Governing bodies. (e.g. Student Sport Ireland members, Local Sports Partnership, Irish Sports Council).

• Lobby Governing Authority and University Management to ensure funding levels are enhanced during the period of the Plan.

• Work with all stakeholders to progress a prioritized facility development plan to ensure adequate and appropriate facilities are available to sports clubs.

Representation



Participation

The AUC recognises the importance of sport in the lives of UCD students. The overall objective of increasing participation at a recreational and elite level can best be achieved by ensuring that clubs have appropriate support and guidance and that accessible pathways with excellent structures are in place. It is also imperative that the AUC identifies and tackles barriers to student participation in sport.

Furthermore, the AUC is cognizant of the University’s strategic initiative to Define Educational Excellence and believes that participation in club activities at both a participation and management level enables students to develop social, intercultural and generic skills, which will enable them to succeed in society.

ACTIONS• Develop an annual PR and Marketing plan with the members

clubs to encourage participation in sport.

• Maintain constant lines of communication with other Institutions Sports Officers, NGB’s and non-sporting bodies.

• Facilitate and co-fund participation in leagues and championships with the relevant National Governing bodies.

• Create a participation incentive scheme.

• Provide guidance and support on academic eligibility.

• Engage with relevant services and bodies promoting inclusiveness to identify participation opportunities for minority student groups (e.g. Mature, Disability, International and Access students).

• Support provision of academic flexibility for those representing the University at a high level.

• Monitor and evaluate participation levels, analyzing gaps in provision, identify barriers to participation and strive to overcome them.

• Organise, manage and promote recruitment events such as Sports Expo and Refreshers Day.

• Support the development of club leaders and volunteers to create an environment where students are encouraged, empowered and inspired to develop sport in UCD.

• Encourage staff and graduates to greater involvement in support of students’ participation in physical activity and sport.



The most important resource available to the AUC is its clubs and their membership, incorporating the professional staff employed by clubs, sports coaching personnel, and the voluntary contribution by students, staff and graduates. The continued development of professional practice through increased training provision and skill development across all of these sectors will further increase sporting opportunities available to UCD students while, also developing the skill set of the individual and citizen. The skills and expertise they develop as a consequence will not only benefit the operation of our clubs but also society at all levels. Students will be encouraged to use their expertise to engage in projects with the local community.

ACTIONS• Continue to develop and deliver training resources and

opportunities for volunteer club members to equip them with the skills and knowledge to lead sport in UCD.

• Recognise and acknowledge voluntary contribution of students, staff and graduates through a recognized scheme.

• Support the introduction of an academic credit scheme.

• Assist clubs in record retention and online membership (database management).

• Develop opportunities for club members to utilize their expertise and deliver sporting initiatives in the local community.

• Develop opportunities for students to take on voluntary internship posts in clubs as part of their academic course work. Opportunities to include administration, coaching and officiating.

• Promote the role and benefits of the AUC.

• Establish a fund for coaching courses, international competition and community initiatives.

• Assist clubs with management of their NGB relationships.

Volunteerism and Support Services



During the life time of this strategic plan the AUC will continue to put in place the necessary structures and systems to ensure that it is meeting its obligations and responsibilities to its member clubs, the University and statutory authorities. It will also work with to build capacity and optimize the delivery of sport at the University.

ACTIONS• Ensure an effective annual engagement process with clubs

regarding governance to maximize compliance by clubs with policies and procedures.

• Review the AUC’s Club Operations Manual to ensure that all policies listed comply with UCD’s policies and those of statutory authorities.

• Produce an annual report and statement of financial position.

• Seek official recognition by the University of the AUC and adoption of the new constitution.

• Review AUC Committee structures and representation model to enhance continuity and knowledge transfer effectiveness in the management of clubs.

• Foster a “team” ethos” amongst those involved in the delivery of sport across the University.

Governance and Management



Elite Athlete DevelopmentThe AUC recognises the importance of the holistic development of the student athlete and that academic and sporting achievement can complement each other with the right supports and structures. In terms of performance sport there are two main components, one the support of the individual athlete and the other, the support of particular sport club where those athletes train. The AUC strives with UCD Sport to make UCD clubs the clubs of choice for elite athletes in a limited number of focus sports.

In the case of the focus sports, these sports compete at the highest level nationally and in some cases internationally. They have an infrastructure in place to support and develop elite performance, the clubs generate funding to support the athletes and for the most part generate significant media exposure for the University. Important from the AUC perspective, these clubs also have a non-elite component and it is imperative that this continues to flourish.

It is important to note that the AUC believes that all clubs in the University are entitled to receive funding and the level of funding received will continue to be based on agreed criteria as administered through the grant application process.

ACTIONS• Provision of academic flexibility and mentoring for those

students representing the University at the highest level.

• Confirmation of the focus sports where scholarships may be awarded by the University based on fixed criteria agreed in consultation with the respective club.

• Provide funding for excellent coaching services to maximize the sports training experience.

• Foster the use of elite athletes in PR and Marketing campaigns to the benefit of the wider sports clubs in UCD and that of the University.



AUC Reporting Structure

University Management Team

UMT Student Experience Group

Student Activities Committee

AUC Executive Committee13 Constituency Representatives, President, Vice President, Hon. Secretary,

Hon. Treasurer. Ex-officio: Director of Sport & Executive Secretary/Sports Development Manager

56 Affiliated Sports Clubs (8,300 members)UCD Athletic Union Council Strategic Plan 2015-2019 | 18


UCD Athletic Union Council


UCD Athletic Union Council Strategic Plan 2015 - 2019

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Transcript of UCD Athletic Union Council Strategic Plan 2015 - 2019