Club Politics

Apologies, this is a mixture of venting and disbelief.

I've been a member of my running club for about 2 1/2 years now, and love it to bits

Was voted into the committee of my club this year as PR coordinator, and have put myself forwards for going on a UKA Coaching assistent course in October.

Considering we are a small, not that serious, not that competetive club, I have never dealt with such resistance to change, suggestions for coaching batted back and barriers put in the way for enthusing new members.

We currently have 2 coaches have the UKA qualification and CRB check who will happily tell anyone, including me, who are trying to help new people - that we aren't helping them, don't have the qualifications, and are doing it all wrong.

It doesn't surprise me that we have a lack of young people in athletics, and it worries me how we will create any kind of legacy if this is what enthusiastic youngsters may be thown in to.

"We currently have 2 coaches have the UKA qualification and CRB check who will happily tell anyone, including me, who are trying to help new people - that we aren't helping them, don't have the qualifications, and are doing it all wrong."

Um, perhaps, as you don't yet have any qualifications (and they do), they may be right?

In black and white principles, yes - that's correct, but there are ways to do things, and ways to maybe not do things.. maybe a reactive /  adaptive / inclusive way to work in new / aspiring coaches working towards a qualification.