20 points

Description:
This exercise is designed to allow you to describe, analyze and make recommendations on various programming elements related to an existing recreational sports program. The intent of the exercise is to "bring to life" some of the concepts related to programming that we have been discussing in class, by seeing how these concepts are actually used in a "real" program.

Instructions:
Pick any recreational sports program that you are interested in. You could pick a single program (ex: intramural basketball at SDSU; adult golf instruction at a golf course; teen step aerobics at BPR) or you could pick a unit to analyze (indoor informal sports at the SRSC, informal sport program through Wellness). Your job is to collect information regarding the program that you are analyzing and provide a description, analysis and recommendations for those elements that you feel are most important for the programming of the event/program you are examining. You should be BRIEF in your analysis - there is no need to provide long descriptions that come out of program brochures. Briefly describe how the program handles various programming responsibilities, provide a brief analysis (does the way they handle the element make sense?), and provide a brief recommendation for how YOU would address that element of programming if you were to run the program. You may not find information on ALL of the necessary programming elements and may need to talk to someone in the agency in person or by phone. If you feel something is important to the operation of the program (say, risk management/safety for little league baseball) and you cannot find information for how the program handles that issue, provide your own recommendation or analysis for how you would address the element in your program.

In your report, include the following:

- Source/s of information - internet, program brochures
- Type of program/event - ex: intramural basketball program at SDSU; adult fitness program at Brookings Park Recreation program

Format for Report: For each category noted below:
A. How the program addresses each of these areas.
B. Your analysis of this information. Do you agree? Disagree?
C. Your recommendation for how you would address that responsibility or change how the agency addresses it.
 
 

Some examples of important programming elements to consider when completing your report (you may not use all of these, as some may not be applicable for your program). Consider other areas that may be important to your specific program that might not be included on this list, as well.

- Eligibility - who is eligible to participate in the program?

- Clientele - who is the primary clientele for the program?

- Budget - how budget intensive is the program? What are some of the expenses that should be accounted for?

- Cost or fees - how much of the cost do participants pay? Is the program subsidized (taxes, student activity fees, etc.)

- Policy/procedures/rules - what are some of the basic policies and procedures that are part of the program? How are these communicated to participants?

- Membership benefits - what do participants "get" for registering?

- Facility needs/concerns - what are the facility needs of the program? Are they adequate?

- Scheduling - when is the program offered? Do participants have a choice of times for participation? What type of schedule is being utilized?

- Personnel/staff - who is running the program? What are the different staff positions associated with the program? What types of qualifications do/should these staff members have?

- Safety/risk management - how is this being handled? What are the possible safety risks for participation?

- Marketing/promotions - how does the program seek participants? What are the marketing strategies of the program?

- Evaluation/assessment - does the program use participant evaluation? How is this accomplished? How do they use results to improve performance?

- Governance - does the program utilize a participant board for policy recommendations?

- Accommodation - how well does the program accommodate the needs of its participants? How does the program balance customer service vs. reliance on policies and procedures?