ENGLAND ATHLETICS

AFFILIATION FAQ

FAQ – Club Affiliation

Who are England Athletics?

England Athletics is the association formed post the “Foster Review” to govern athletics in England.

Why the change in the method of affiliation?

The Foster Review concluded that some of the services available to clubs should be brought closer to the point of delivery and that these should be more accessible to athletes – these are the Regions. These Regions should be administered by one single body ‘England Athletics’. Part of this process is the transfer of governance from the AAA of England to England Athletics. Clubs currently affiliate to the three territories, with the transfer of governance comes the transfer of affiliation to England Athletics. There is no governance requirement to officiate to any territory or any other association.

Why do we need to affiliate?

With affiliation comes the right to be recognised as a club/body able to compete under UKA:Rules and the right to access the services available through all our partners in the sport.

If we do not have any participating members do we need to affiliate (such as officials associations, leagues, etc)?

Technically no – however, it is hoped that organisations and bodies providing or offering services within or for the sport will see some advantage in affiliating. This might simply be to belong, to be able to exert influence and to be part of any debate. Importantly it also provides a channel to maintain effective communications. Affiliation provides clubs with opportunity to take part in the democratic process. However, if you are a competition provider or organiser then affiliation to the governing body is strongly recommended as it guarantees public liability insurance cover.

What does affiliation provide?

An affiliated club or organisation can access all the competition and services available in their region and in England (subject to UKA:Rules and any conditions laid down by the competition or service provider).

The Regions will have their own squads and squad training sessions and will be responsible for the education, training and recruitment of officials and coaches. One of the key objectives of England Athletics is to increase participation at all levels as well as improving standards through the “Power of 10”. Clubs are key to the success of this and a successful partnership between clubs, Regions and England is our aim.

Do we have to affiliate to anyone else – such as UKA, the Territories (SEAA, NoEAA, MCAA), Counties, Cross Country, Fell Running, Race Walking, Road Running, Leagues etc.?

You are not required to affiliate to any one else as governance is a single one line process. However, you may wish to affiliate to other bodies who offer competition and or services – e.g. Midland Counties AA, Southern Track and Field League, the Fell Running Association or Hertfordshire County AA. This will be a decision for each club to consider at the appropriate time.

Do we have to pay different levels of affiliation – e.g. size of club, different disciplines?

No – it is a single level of fee – we do not intend penalising clubs for having more members as this is one of our key objectives, equally we wish to encourage all clubs to take part in all aspects and disciplines of the sport.

When is affiliation due?

Your fee of £50 (plus the individual affiliation fees as currently paid in two of the Territories) is due on or before the 1^st April 2007. A renewal reminder will be sent to clubs with a request to pay these fees.

Will we have to renew affiliation each year?

Yes, your reminder to affiliate will be sent with a request for payment of the due fees.

Do we get insurance (public liability) cover if we affiliate?

Yes, one of the key aspects of governance is the insurance cover provided through the UK:A insurance scheme. The public liability cover is clearly set out and can be obtained from your Regional Managers or by accessing the web site by using the link below.

http://www.theovalgroup.com/main.asp?id=631_2391_29910&tid

What is the process for Discipline and Grievance?

This will change slightly. Initially club, then Region, England and UK:Athletics. The transfer through the management line will depend on the specifics and the needs of each case. If necessary, the final step in all cases is UK:Athletics as they are recognised by the IAAF as the national body responsible for athletics in the UK.

What other services and advantages are there in affiliating to England Athletics?

This is as long as it is wide and many of the advantages will only become apparent as the Regions and England expand their involvement. As mentioned previously the Regions will develop squad training sessions, coaches’ and officials’ education and training courses, and will contribute towards the development and improvement of clubs in their Region. England will maintain the tradition of championships and will provide international kit to teams in all disciplines.

What are the disadvantages of not affiliating?

You are basically cutting yourself off from the body responsible for the sport in England. Your members will not be able to access the development opportunities provided by your Region and much of the competition provided in the UK. Some of your members may find it necessary to join another club for first claim membership and affiliation or pay unattached levies for any competition they enter. You will be required to access public liability and insurance cover through another body or take out your own cover.

Where will the fee from affiliation go and what will they be used for?

It is intended that money from affiliation will provide EXTRA income for the Regions. This will enable the Regional Managers, in consultation with the elected Council, to fund and support development projects within the Region. The money will be spent on the sport and in particular the grass roots.

Will there be any increase in affiliation fees?

Any increase in affiliation fee will not happen without the full approval of the elected England Council. The elected England Council are the volunteer representatives of the sport.

INDIVIDUAL AFFILIATIONS

Which of our members will have to affiliate?

All participating athletes, that is athletes who intend to compete in any competition organised under UK:A Rules. This will apply to all athletes who are aged 11 and over. Members joining for training only, or your officials, coaches and volunteers will not be expected to affiliate.

If members belong to more than one club will they have to affiliate with each club?

Affiliation is through your first claim club only. Athletes can belong to as many clubs as they wish and will affiliate only once.

Who are non participating athletes?

Those who do not intend competing in competition organised under UK:A Rules. This includes athletes who join for training, social athletes, and all voluntary members – coaches, officials, etc.

Do non participating club members have to affiliate?

No – as mentioned above, only those intend to compete.

How much do we pay for each athlete?

The first year, that is on 1^st April 2007, each athlete will need to pay an affiliation fee of three pounds, and this will increase to five pounds on 1^st April 2008.

When is affiliation for athletes due?

1^st April of each year.

What happens to athletes who join the club after this date?

There will be a mechanism for immediate affiliation, this will be in the details coming to clubs in the New Year.

What happens to club members who are not affiliated or who do not pay their fee?

They will not be able to compete in club and open competition organised under UK:A Rules unless there is a mechanism in that competition for unattached runners. If there is a mechanism for unattached runners then there will have to be the appropriate levy

Who will be responsible for collecting the fee?

This is a task that we devolve to the clubs similar to the system currently operated by both the Midland Counties AA and the North of England AA.

Is there any intention to expand affiliation to non-competing members?

Any affiliation for non-competing members will be purely voluntary.

What is the purpose of affiliation?

All organisations that have some responsibility and administration expect its members to affiliate. The first stage is the club and then the individual.

With affiliation comes a sense of belonging and ownership and a corporate responsibility for the activities generated within the organisation.

However, more importantly than the above is one of control and regulation. Coupled with this is the simple task of tracking members through the sport and the ability to provide accurate numbers of participants involved in the sport to those providing government and legacy funding.

With affiliation comes an affiliation number. This number will be unique to a member and will stay with them throughout their pathway through the sport. In this day of computers and an IT driven society a simple number provided is a quicker and more accurate access to information.