CSA and Grassroots Development

[Rolling Stone]

As a spinoff from the CSA Communications thread https://community.bikehub.co.za/topic/178653-csa-communications/

I have started this Grassroots Development thread

What is Grassroots development exactly?

What is your region or club doing with regards to development?

What works and what does not work?

Share your success stories?

How  can we club together, share info and resources and get more bang for our money?

What Roll should Schools cycling play in cycling development?

 

Share your stories and keep in mind that not everyone is following your personal or club facebook page.

[Rolling Stone]

From KZN Track cycling Facebook page

 

KZN Development trust has managed to do so much for Grassroots Development

 

The activities and training on the track are certainly gaining momentum and there is a real sense of purpose in the track commission as well as the young riders that have been identified to be involved in this difficult and technical discipline. Specialised locales, bikes and equipment means that the groups that can be worked with are not huge, but over the last months, some fantastic young riders have been identified and this track HP group is training regularly and also competing in preparations for the SA Track Championships at the end of the year. The weekend of the 11th & 12th August saw the KZN Grand Prix and also the Interprovincial race meetings taking place at the Cyril Geoghegan Track in Durban. Our top young riders were well represented at the event and all did exceptionally well – the group that are involved are all strong, talented riders of which really good things are expected going forward with most of the riders getting onto the podium in their various age categories. For youngsters that have only been exposed to track racing since September 2017, the progress being made is remarkable.

 

https://www.facebook.com/KZNCyclingDevelopmentTrust/photos/pcb.457073338147395/457073124814083/?type=3&theater

[shaper]

Before you try to get into the nitty gritty of grass routes you need to know where you are starting from.  That being the CSA Constitution

 

https://static1.squarespace.com/static/53f5fb7ce4b0cab4a7fe8561/t/5a9952a753450af631604da4/1519997608538/20180302_Constitution+-+Cycling+SA++18.02.17+%28Adopted%29.pdf

 

And the powers that CSA have to carry out the objectives of the constitution https://static1.squarespace.com/static/53f5fb7ce4b0cab4a7fe8561/t/5a995b398165f5fba858a2ad/1519999802421/20180302_Constitution+-+Cycling+SA+%28Annexure+A+-+Powers+Cycling+SA%29+18.02.17+%28Adopted%29+.pdf

 

And starting there, I see the constitution states a minimum of 7 on the EXCO plus anyone else co-opted.  Then there is the MANCO which seems to leave the door open to invite anyone.

 

The current financial statment https://static1.squarespace.com/static/53f5fb7ce4b0cab4a7fe8561/t/5b1fd50a1ae6cf7caecbf7c2/1528812818398/20180608_Cycling+SA+-+2017+Signed.pdf has 23 trustees!!

 

Considering the lack of membership and the lack of investment at grass routes level in certain disciplines.... 23 trustees to do what???

 

In comparison, Cycling UK has a board of 11 and a management team of 5 https://www.britishcycling.org.uk/ and a membership of 136,000

 

By comparison and based on the last financial statement 2017 of membership fees collected of R325,000 at R250/member that equates to 1300 paid up members, which will be even less as I have not taken into account those who pay for a racing licence at R450 as the audited accounts do not break down fees into licence and membership.

 

So my opinion before you even start looking at grass routes development, do we really need 23 EXCO and MANCO to manage 1300 members whereas cycling uk which has been pretty successful over the last 8-10 years can do it with 17 to manage 100 fold the numbers of members?

 

Too many chiefs doing too little work....and incompetent in the work that they do!

[gtr1]

And let's understand that British cycling has some sponsorship.

[Patchelicious]

And let's understand that British cycling has some sponsorship.

That’s what competent management can accomplish.

[gtr1]

Most grassroots development boils down to 1, or a few, individuals with a passion to do something for development. Like Hylton in KZN. In most cases nothing to do with official structures.

[shaper]

And let's understand that British cycling has some sponsorship.

As Patch said, get the management right and the development structures in place and the sponsorship will come!!

 

At this moment it time, no one knows what the management do apart from sanction a race, turn up at races to ensure compliance and provide a commissioner??

 

I talk below of road racing as MTB seem to have decent grass root leagues and structures in place

 

As for raod races, currently races are organised by individuals, event companies or businesses.  Where is CSA in putting together a race calendar whether regional or national apart from the likes of once a year provincial and national TT and road race?

 

If there was a league of sorts within these races, then clubs could enter racing teams, rather than just individuals turning up to races wearing a club kit, or a club just riding as a club during races to improve their club members as individuals.

 

Would it be that difficult to have a list of sanctioned races (not too difficult to do as we have a list of qualifying races for the likes of 94.7 and CTCT) and then promote a race within a race of club teams?  It gives a competitive edge to your club over other clubs.  It will perhaps grow numbers at race as you may have a club which has 3 teams.... and it should possibly highlight individuals who can grow from grass routes through a race team structure.  It could possibly grow clubs with people wanting to join and race as part of a team.

 

With CSA actually getting involved, sponsorship of Club teams and CSA will likely happen!!

 

CSA management currently do nothing!!  They lost lotto funding, if you read the accounts they have received funding from sports and recreation and rather than spend it (like to assist our cyclists at Worlds) they roll it over every year.... what for?  So are likely to loose the sports and recreation funding too!!

 

We have a constitution, we have an EXCO and MANCO which is way way too top heavy for the number of members of CSA,  So as my first post, before any grass roots development can happen, the management needs to take a good look in the mirror!!

 

Else it will be up to individuals outside of the system whether as an individual chasing their dreams or a company investing sponsorship in an individual.

[Danger Dassie]

Asked and answered, Shaper summed it up to a T. 

Don't even raise the issue of grass roots development until the root admin issues are resolved, until then there will be no attraction of private sponsorships. 

The opportunities are there, ABSA - DMA, RMB Change a Life, Exxaro and so forth.

[Patchelicious]

Asked and answered, Shaper summed it up to a T.

 

Don't even raise the issue of grass roots development until the root admin issues are resolved, until then there will be no attraction of private sponsorships.

 

The opportunities are there, ABSA - DMA, RMB Change a Life, Exxaro and so forth.

I think some passionate parents could and should get involved in grassroots stuff. They can do this at the same time as admin being fixed.

 

That might help avoid a vacuum of talent in a few years.

 

But to be honest. Spur is doing a great job in MTB, we will surely see our MTB scene getting stronger because of it. Go buy a burger and tweet them that it is in support of their MTB drive. Give sponsors recognistion and they are more likely to come back.

[nickc]

I think some passionate parents could and should get involved in grassroots stuff. They can do this at the same time as admin being fixed.

 

That might help avoid a vacuum of talent in a few years.

 

But to be honest. Spur is doing a great job in MTB, we will surely see our MTB scene getting stronger because of it. Go buy a burger and tweet them that it is in support of their MTB drive. Give sponsors recognistion and they are more likely to come back.

 

Spur High Schools MTB Series is the best thing that has happened to MTB from a grassroots point of view.

 

Passionate parents, enthusiastic teachers and school sport staff all contribute to an exciting an enjoyable experience for the participants - many of them displaying huge talent and potential for the future.

[Patchelicious]

Spur High Schools MTB Series is the best thing that has happened to MTB from a grassroots point of view.

 

Passionate parents, enthusiastic teachers and school sport staff all contribute to an exciting an enjoyable experience for the participants - many of them displaying huge talent and potential for the future.

Could not agree more. So let’s do what we can do and keep Spur involved. Keeping sponsors is lot easier than finding new ones.

[Rolling Stone]

Before you try to get into the nitty gritty of grass routes you need to know where you are starting from.  That being the CSA Constitution

 

https://static1.squarespace.com/static/53f5fb7ce4b0cab4a7fe8561/t/5a9952a753450af631604da4/1519997608538/20180302_Constitution+-+Cycling+SA++18.02.17+%28Adopted%29.pdf

 

And the powers that CSA have to carry out the objectives of the constitution https://static1.squarespace.com/static/53f5fb7ce4b0cab4a7fe8561/t/5a995b398165f5fba858a2ad/1519999802421/20180302_Constitution+-+Cycling+SA+%28Annexure+A+-+Powers+Cycling+SA%29+18.02.17+%28Adopted%29+.pdf

 

And starting there, I see the constitution states a minimum of 7 on the EXCO plus anyone else co-opted.  Then there is the MANCO which seems to leave the door open to invite anyone.

 

The current financial statment https://static1.squarespace.com/static/53f5fb7ce4b0cab4a7fe8561/t/5b1fd50a1ae6cf7caecbf7c2/1528812818398/20180608_Cycling+SA+-+2017+Signed.pdf has 23 trustees!!

 

Considering the lack of membership and the lack of investment at grass routes level in certain disciplines.... 23 trustees to do what???

 

In comparison, Cycling UK has a board of 11 and a management team of 5 https://www.britishcycling.org.uk/ and a membership of 136,000

 

By comparison and based on the last financial statement 2017 of membership fees collected of R325,000 at R250/member that equates to 1300 paid up members, which will be even less as I have not taken into account those who pay for a racing licence at R450 as the audited accounts do not break down fees into licence and membership.

 

So my opinion before you even start looking at grass routes development, do we really need 23 EXCO and MANCO to manage 1300 members whereas cycling uk which has been pretty successful over the last 8-10 years can do it with 17 to manage 100 fold the numbers of members?

 

Too many chiefs doing too little work....and incompetent in the work that they do!

Not Sure about the rest of the country, but currently our Gauteng membership looks like this.

Active members 5941

Racing License 898

Club membership indicated 23%

 

I would have to guess what the membership looks like in the other regions. My guess would be between 10000 and 12000 nationally.  Non Licensed members do not need to fill in their club at registration, but I would guess that club membership is below 30% and that  for me is concerning.

[Rolling Stone]

Could not agree more. So let’s do what we can do and keep Spur involved. Keeping sponsors is lot easier than finding new ones.

I believe that our hope for the future lies with Schools Cycling.

Hopefully we will soon se Schools BMX, Crit's and Track cycling. It should be a natural progression. 

[ChrisF]

I think some passionate parents could and should get involved in grassroots stuff. They can do this at the same time as admin being fixed.

 

That might help avoid a vacuum of talent in a few years.

 

But to be honest. Spur is doing a great job in MTB, we will surely see our MTB scene getting stronger because of it. Go buy a burger and tweet them that it is in support of their MTB drive. Give sponsors recognistion and they are more likely to come back.

 

WELL SAID !!

 

 

 

but then again ... so much easier to just point fingers at yesterdays messes .... why support the new crew ....

[ChrisF]

Spur High Schools MTB Series is the best thing that has happened to MTB from a grassroots point of view.

 

Passionate parents, enthusiastic teachers and school sport staff all contribute to an exciting an enjoyable experience for the participants - many of them displaying huge talent and potential for the future.

 

In the Western Cape we are very fortunate that MICHELLE of AMARIDER arranges the SPUR events.  This lady is a GEM !!

 

We are even more fortunate that the SPUR days include both primary and high school kids.

 

 

Our humble contribution:

- Arranged with the school and Amarider, and added our school to the list.

- got three kids involved in 2018, doing basic skills sessions with the kids before they ride in the SPUR series.

- photos and videos are shared with the school and placed on their facebook page

- 2019 we will be offering more skills sessions at the school, and will try to get more kids involved.

 

PS - when I refer to "our school", it is the school where our godson goes to.  Normal government school, with no funds or cycling teachers to promote this amongst the kids.

[Zeffer]

Could not agree more. So let’s do what we can do and keep Spur involved. Keeping sponsors is lot easier than finding new ones.

 

It is and I also dont disagree. Again 800 kids at this weekends event in Pta. Awesome!!! Maybe then this is exactly what is needed at grassloots level.

 

My concern would be: If at grassroots level this done, where are these kids feeding into adult cycling?

 

[OK, Alan was a product of Spur schools. Great. Or is it? Are we satisfied that we push a 1000 kids on one provincial meet thus 5000 nationally and then get 1 at top level? Terrible odds]

 

The rest of these riders? What happens to them. Do they become the mass social riders?

 

Are we doing something similar for road? Track?

 

Do we have a proper strategy or are we happy to just let it be?

 

#lovetheSpurseries for what it is doing for youngsters but it must not end there