WA Football Commission builds strong culture through Top ClubTuesday, November 17, 2015 - 10:50 AM

The WA Football Commission, the WA Sports Federation, Department of Sport and Recreation and another seven of Western Australia’s largest sporting associations have been supporting sporting clubs around the State with tools to develop a strong culture.

The ‘Changing Attitudes to Alcohol through Sport’ (CAATS) project commenced in 2012 to encourage clubs to recognise, adopt and live by responsible and appropriate behaviours through successful planning.

CAATS has introduced an online planning tool called Top Club that has seen over 259 (95 metropolitan and 164 regional) clubs throughout Western Australia participate in facilitated sessions.

In addition, as part of the CAATS project, over 363 club and association representatives have attended Liquor Licence Refresher workshops.

The WA Football Commission has been part of the development and implementation of the CAATS project, which is successfully preparing clubs to develop strong values based on a strong culture.

“Strong culture is more important than on field success within our club,” said President of East Fremantle Women’s Club and former WA, Western Bulldogs and Melbourne Demons women’s team player, Stephanie Walding.

“We subscribe to the theory of ensuring we have a positive culture/environment for all members then that will filter down into on field success. 

“From this we breed better people, not just players, across our club and the sport.”

The WA Sports Federation leads the CAATS initiative, which has brought sport together for a common goal.

“Sporting clubs are the fabric of our communities and it’s become ever more important for clubs to live their values,” said WA Sports Federation Chief Executive Officer, Rob Thompson.

“The best thing about the CAATS project is that it brings together club administration, players and officials, who are often all volunteers, and encourages positive conversations around effective planning.

“It’s testament to the Western Australian sporting community that eight of the biggest sports have come together to develop this project that assists in establishing good club culture.”

The Top Club facilitated sessions have been popular with the WA Football Commission’s clubs, including Dalyellup Dockers Football Club, who have impressed members with the implementation of good culture through the club.

“Our members were impressed that we had identified inappropriate behaviours. We have used that to guide our code of conduct and in observing poor behaviours whilst playing the sport,” said President, Neville Walsh.

“I believe we have seen a marked difference in the behaviours of our volunteers and membership.

“It’s always difficult in a contact sport but people have now thought about how they behave and treat themselves as lighthouses – meaning everyone is looking at them when the light is shining.”

With RAC’s support, the CAATS project, including Top Club, will continue to be implemented through the Wheatbelt and across Western Australia, for the rest of 2015.

Clubs that would like to be involved in the project and use Top Club can contact the WA Football Commission on 9381 5599 or email jbowler@wafc.com.au