To keep these members and attract new club members it is vital that appropriate competitive opportunities are available to them. The word ‘appropriate’ here means that the competition is tailored to suit the needs of your members – you will need to consider their age and maturity, skills development, ability, attitude, and experience of the sport/activity.

If the competition is too hard then they are likely to lose confidence which may result in the club and the sport/activity losing a member forever. If the competition is too easy then he/she is likely to get bored or feel unchallenged and may again be lost to the sport/activity or move to another club.

What do you need to deliver an effective competition programme?

• enthusiasm and motivation;
• organised system;
• appropriate competition;
• suitable facilities;
• good quality coaching.

Your NGB should be able to provide further help about the suitable range of competitive opportunities that should be available to members as each sport/activity is different.