Responsibility is important to sports clubs – support wanted for practical work

The survey presented various measures to promote responsibility and accessibility, and respondents were asked to assess which of these measures are being implemented by their club or association. The measures were divided into five categories: good governance, safe operating environment, equality and non-discrimination, environment and climate, and fair competition. The survey also charted the views of clubs and associations on promoting responsibility and accessibility, as well as their potential support needs.

The results show that clubs and associations in Helsinki regard the promotion of responsibility as important and are already carrying out responsibility work quite well in many areas. Responsibility measures are widely implemented in the field of sports clubs and associations, but there is still room for improvement. According to the survey, responsibility is seen first and foremost as activities that are safe and equal and support wellbeing.

Based on the survey responses, half (50%) of the 42 measures related to responsibility and accessibility had been implemented on average. There was variation in the realisation of responsibility and accessibility between the different categories. Measures related to good governance and fair competition were implemented the most. The categories identified as having the most room for improvement were equality and non-discrimination, and environment and climate. Table 1 illustrates the proportion of measures implemented in each category of measures, based on the responses of all respondents.

Table 1. Proportion of responsibility and accessibility measures implemented, by category of measures.

Clubs and associations regarded responsibility and accessibility, and the promotion thereof, as very important. Respondents were asked to rate the following question on a scale of 1–5 (5 = very important, 1 = not at all important):“How important do you consider the promotion of responsibility to be in the activities of your club or association?” The average of the ratings given in the responses was 4.38. Of the respondents, 58% selected answer option 5 and 28% selected 4.

There is still room for improvement in the implementation of minimum criteria 

The survey also examined the extent to which the minimum criteria regarding responsibility and accessibility set for the general grant for sport, set to come into force in 2027, were being met.

Many of the minimum criteria were already being met to a high standard by the clubs. The areas identified to have the most room for improvement were the checking of criminal records, the free-of-charge participation of assistants of people with functional impairments, and keeping participants informed about data protection practices.

During the autumn, Sports Services will organise training courses for clubs and associations, focusing on the themes of responsibility and accessibility related to the grant reform.

Significant variation between associations

Based on the survey, there was considerable variation between individual associations in the implementation of responsibility measures. The majority of exercise and sports clubs, as well as other associations promoting physical activity, scored at an average level in the results. However, there were also associations in which almost all of the measures examined were implemented, as well as associations in which only a few measures were implemented.

On average, the largest clubs and associations employing staff met the responsibility criteria slightly better than smaller clubs. However, the implementation of the measures was not directly linked to the size of the association. The differences appear to be related most prominently to the amount of resources available, as opposed to attitudes towards responsibility.

When comparing exercise and sports clubs and other associations that promote physical activity, there were only minor differences between these two groups in terms of the implementation of responsibility measures. Measures were implemented at a slightly higher rate by exercise and sports clubs than by other associations that organise exercise activities.

The importance of responsibility is recognised by clubs and associations

For the most part, the respondents had a very positive attitude towards responsibility. On average, the importance of responsibility was rated as very high, and in the open responses it was regarded as an essential part of high-quality operations. Many respondents said that the survey provided them with new ideas and development suggestions regarding responsibility work and making it visible.

The responses also included a few critical views on the promotion of responsibility. Furthermore, the responses showed concerns about excessive bureaucracy and written plans, the preparation of which requires resources. Associations run entirely by volunteers, in particular, found the aforementioned to be a burden and felt that responsibility work takes resources away from practical sports activities. On the other hand, many brought up a need to document and communicate about their responsibility work more efficiently, establishing common practices and making responsibility work visible.

Clubs and associations would like to receive practical support

Clubs and associations were particularly keen to receive practical support for developing their responsibility work. The forms of support that were brought up the most were training courses, ready-made materials and templates, clear guidelines and easily accessible advisory services. Smaller volunteer-run clubs in particular emphasised that responsibility work should run as smoothly as possible and not cause an unreasonable administrative burden.

Respondents reported having received support for promoting responsibility from their own sports federation or other umbrella organisation (42%), the City of Helsinki (22%), the Olympic Committee (20%) and the Sports Federation of Southern Finland (19%). 44% of respondents had not received any support or did not find it to be necessary.

The promotion of responsibility work is a joint effort

The results of the survey will be used in the provision of support measures related to the reform of sports grants and the development of club activities.

During 2026, the City of Helsinki will provide clubs with training courses and support, particularly with regard to meeting the minimum criteria for responsibility and accessibility. The aim is to ensure that all associations applying for general sports grants are well placed to meet the eligibility criteria in 2027. Training courses are planned to be held in September, October and November. Please keep an eye on the City’s communication channels to make sure that you are informed of upcoming training courses. You can subscribe to Sports Services’ partner newsletter via the link at the bottom of this article.

A warm thank you to all the clubs and associations that responded to the survey. Your responses provide valuable insights into how we can work together to develop responsible, safe and accessible sport and club activities.