Snowmark
Snowmark is the snowsport specific Clubmark accreditation.
The Sport England Clubmark scheme is the only nationally recognised cross sport quality accreditation. It was developed to enable club outsiders with an interest in sport to recognise those clubs which are committed to providing a high quality experience. Whilst the scheme is focused on young people, it must be recognised that the criteria are also relevant for all clubs, whether they have young people or not, as the purpose is to create quality sports clubs across the spectrum.
Sport England Clubmark was taken by the National Governing Body (NBG), used as a guide and adapted to create its own Clubmark development accreditation scheme, Snowsport England’s one being called Snowmark. This recognises that snow sports have some characteristics which are unique to them and make them different to other sports. Clubs who attain Snowmark will automatically get Clubmark accreditation as well.
Who's A Snowmark Club?
Kendal Snowsports Club
Midland Ski Club
Norfolk Snowsports Club
North Staffs Ski Club
Peak Performance Snowsports Club
Pendle Ski Club
Sheffield Sharks Ski Club
Ski Club of Manchester
Suffolk Vikings
Torquay Alpine Ski Club
Why should we try and achieve this accreditation...?
Snowmark can be used as a tool to unify a club giving it direction, show up improvements that you never know were there and to ensure that your club is operating at the national minimum safety standards and not putting itself or its volunteers at risk. All whilst assisting your club in achieving its own aims and aspirations. There are also many tangible benefits such as;
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An increased and happier membership
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Volunteer and coach development
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Improved links with your facility
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May improve your success with funding applications, many now stating that applicants must be Clubmark accredited.
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Club profile is raised within the community; with schools, youth groups, local authority, county sport partnerships and with Snowsport England.
Please also see the Clubmark website www.clubmark.org.uk.
How to obtain Snowmark Accreditation?
To become a Snowmark accredited club you will need to show evidence that you meet the accreditation criteria in four areas;
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The Playing Programme
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Duty of Care and Safeguarding and Protecting Children and Young People
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Knowing your Club and its Community
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Club Management.
Please take a look at the Snowmark criteria found below, as well as the Club Mark resource pack.
The Snowmark criteria may differ slightly from the Club Mark criteria as Snowmark is the adapted version to make it snowsport relevant and to meet the needs of the sport.
Snowsport England believes that it is more than likely that your club will already have the majority of the evidence required and you are already very close to achieving this accreditation. Snowsport clubs generally are run very well within England, so it will just be pulling it together a few little tweaks and then you can start taking advantage of all the benefits that are bound to be just around the corner.
There is no reason not to be a Snowmark accredited club.
How do we get involved...?
If you have any questions about Snowmark please just ask, Snowsport England is always here to help.
If your club would like to start working toward Snowmark accreditation please select a Snowmark lead officer for your club and send an application form to your area's Snowsport England Sports Development Officer.
North – Jan Doyle: jan@snowsportengland.org.uk Tel: 07740 883 081
Central – Debbie Groom: debbie@snowsportengland.org.uk Tel: 07985 197 227
South – Susie Moore: susie@snowsportengland.org.uk Tel: 07891 622 648
You will then receive a welcome resource pack which will take you through the process. This resource pack sets out and explains the Snowmark criteria clubs must address and meet to gain Snowmark accreditation through Snowsport England. It should be read in conjunction with the Clubmark resource pack which will also be included and can be found on www.clubmark.org.uk.
Snowsport England will support you along your journey towards your accreditation, you will just need to speak with your area development officer.
