Strategic Plan 2020-2025 Draft v1.2 21 April 2020

This draft is prepared for consultation with members of Quidditch , and is not for general distribution.

Quidditch Australia Inc Draft Strategic Plan V1.2_ 21 April 2020 1 Introducing Australian quidditch

Australian quidditch is a relatively young sport – first introduced here in 2010 and played competitively from 2011.

Initially inspired by JK Rowling’s best-selling Harry Potter series and adapted in the United States in 2005, quidditch attracts people who are seeking a new experience that is interesting, strategic and fun to play, athletes and competitive sportspeople seeking new challenges and experiences, as well as fans of the series.

Quidditch is the leading gender-integrated , uniquely recognising gender diversity in its rules and values. The sense of community is a strong feature of and friendships develop across teams, states and internationally.

Our people are our greatest asset – volunteers who make things happen, govern our sport, plan and run our events, play, referee and coach.

Highlight achievements:  Over 30 competitive teams  XXX qualified/certified referees  World Champions 2016 – the Dropbears – Team Australia  Video series for referee training  New website https://www.quidditchaustralia.org/ launched February 2020  etc

Why a strategic plan?

Preparing Quidditch Australia to meet the needs of quidditch in Australia and advancing quidditch in Australia in the next 5 years, this strategic plan lays out Quidditch Australia’s vision, mission, values, strategic priorities and goals. It will guide decision-making for the national Board and state organisations, inform the development of more detailed and specific annual strategies and action items, and be held as a document of accountability that reflects the aspirations and interests of Quidditch Australia’s members.

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Our vision:

A sport for everyone – your goals, your place, your people Our mission:

Enable quidditch related activities, recreational or competitive, for the growth and wellbeing of individuals and the sport in Australia Our values:

● Player growth and wellbeing

We support individuals to achieve their goals and sense of wellbeing, whether this is the ability to play competitively, become and keep fit in a supportive environment, personal improvement, knowledge and skills, mental health and social wellbeing. We provide opportunities and support for people to take on leadership and roles they may not have envisaged.

● Inclusivity

In our rules and attitudes, we are inclusive of gender, diversity and different skill levels. Our sport recognises and welcomes all genders and abilities. We can accommodate people with differing skills and personal goals.

● Player safety

We promote an environment where everyone, regardless of gender, is comfortable engaging in a full contact sport. We offer skill development and encourage safe practices.

● Quidditch spirit

We encourage a spirit of collaboration on and off pitch, respect, honesty and friendship. We provide opportunities for members to contribute to the development of quidditch.

● Affordability and accessibility

We value participation in fitness, sport and our quidditch community and consider the affordability and accessibility of our activities.

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Our strategic priorities:

Enablers Collaboration Consistency Culture Everyone working together to Leadership, policies and actions Championing our quidditch spirit deliver outcomes consistent that align with our strategic of diversity through sport, being with our values and priorities vision, values and priorities an inclusive and welcoming community for all genders, backgrounds and abilities

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Quidditch Australia Inc Draft Strategic Plan V1.2_ 21 April 2020 4 Our goals and outcomes:

Goals Outcomes (NB measureable targets eg numbers may be added to some outcomes)

 Increase participation of school  Kidditch is supported and recognised aged children and develop a as an alternative sport and fun activity youth league for all

and

 Provide opportunities for adults  Youth league is launched in each state not previously involved in  Increased number of people who have quidditch to participate

ment experienced quidditch ention  Strengthen links between  Increased number of people who ret university, graduate and continue to participate in quidditch community teams across their life stage

Recruit  Increase the geographical spread  Increased quidditch activity in rural and of quidditch across Australia regional areas, within and across states

 Develop coaching skills and  Safe and motivational skill techniques development  Improve referee’s practical skills  Increased competency and capability and confidence  Reduced burnout  Further opportunities for people  Trust and confidence in the Board, to engage and learn in administration and event management administrative roles  Take affirmative action for  Increased number of women actively developing women in sport and participating at all levels of competition and leadership roles

Developing our people leadership roles

 Provide clubs with resources to  Successful grant applications support grant applications  Equitable distribution of available  Investigate options for sourcing funds and distributing funds across  “Startup” clubs supported with clubs resources, mentoring and grants  Seek recognition of quidditch as a  recognises Quidditch sport Australia as a National Sporting  Improve communication tools Organisation and marketing  Timely, accessible and clear communication

esources and funding R  Increased visibility of the quidditch “brand“

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What do we do? (Add photo/s to this page)

Quidditch Australia Incorporated (QA) is a not for profit organisation formed in 2011 and registered as an incorporated organisation, as are each of its state members. Currently, QA hosts two events each year - an interstate representative competition where state teams compete for the State Shield and the QUAFL Cup (a multi-day national championships where club teams come from across the country). QA also provides referee and snitch mentorship and certification, event sanctioning, insurance cover for members, grants for team improvement as well as organisational and administrative support to state and club members.

Regular leagues are run by the , Victorian, Queensland and Western Australian state bodies amongst numerous open game and social events. Clubs offer social activities, as well as fitness, skills development and participation in competition leagues and events.

Quidditch Australia Inc Draft Strategic Plan V1.2_ 21 April 2020 6 How will we improve on this?

Building on what we do, we will seek to meet our goals by exploring and encouraging initiatives that have been suggested by our members through our planning processes. Examples of these are listed against our goals below.

Recruitment and Retention Increase participation of school aged children and develop a youth league

Initiatives:

 Online resource guide for teachers to run quidditch skills and modified games, including equipment information and how to build hoops  Members apply for Working for Children checks  Birthday parties with fee  Fun competition for teachers – 8 weeks or at development day  Youth league  Exhibition match at NQL with spectator commentary  Local council advocacy to provide hoops in parks  On-line presence

Provide opportunities for adults not previously involved in quidditch to participate

Initiatives:

 Corporate team building sessions  Join existing events eg Mardi Gras, local Council events  Simplified version for work lunchtime/after work activity/Christmas parties  Partner with clubs, businesses, schools, public service departments for recruitment  Demonstrations and guidelines to social sports associations and community organisations  Branding created, marketed and lived in each club, state and national

Strengthen links between university, graduate and community teams

Initiatives:

 Orientation stalls and events maintained at all universities  University teams mentored and aided in recruitment by graduates  Alumni system  Events and media promoting social connectedncrness across teams  Pathways open to engage in different community teams  Quidcamp revived

Quidditch Australia Inc Draft Strategic Plan V1.2_ 21 April 2020 7 Increase the geographical spread of quidditch across Australia

Initiatives:

 Administrative and organisational resources for newly established clubs  Support club and state members’ recruitment activities  Outreach to regional and rural areas

Developing our people Develop coaching skills and techniques

Initiatives:

 Source coach-the-coach resources from other teams and other sports to provide skill building workshops  Regular workshops and information on drills and coaching tips

Improve referee’s practical skills and confidence

Initiatives:

 Formalised structure for shadow refereeing  Better system of referee and snitch referee certification incorporating practical and theory  Referees recognised at peak games (eg medals were provided at World Cup)  Rookie Referee of the Year Award  Lead assistant referee role trialled on sideline to assist Head Referee  Training modules eg vocalisation and confidence building following from Nat’s Webinars  Co-Head Referee at Fantasy tournaments

Further opportunities for people to engage and learn in administrative roles

Initiatives:

 Resources and mentors on how to run a club well  Standing Committees with entry level volunteer opportunities  Annual strategic forum alongside Quidcamp  Every board member has an assistant nominated  Engagement with international initiatives eg Q Consultancy

Quidditch Australia Inc Draft Strategic Plan V1.2_ 21 April 2020 8 Take affirmative action for developing women in sport and leadership roles

Initiatives:

 Quidditch Australia Gender Engagement Committee  Fantasy tournaments with female players in key roles  Video-based skills, drills, and strategy/practical manual on techniques for smaller-bodied players  Development workshops  Marketing of women in sport

Resources and funding Provide clubs with resources to support grant applications

Initiatives:

 Directory of grant opportunities  Guideline on how to apply for a grant  Successful grant applications shared

Investigate options for sourcing and distributing funds across clubs

Initiatives:

 Partnerships between university and community teams  Tiered fee system  Equipment contribution to emerging clubs  Grant opportunities across local regions

Seek recognition of quidditch as a sport

Initiatives:

 Sports Association engagement at local or regional level  Ratified new Quidditch Australia constitution that reflects vision for the development and governance of quidditch in Australia and the requirements of the current Corporations Act and Sport Australia  Potential to transfer Quidditch Australia Incorporated to a Company Limited by Guarantee in accordance with the Corporation Act (2001)  Recognition of Quidditch Australia by Sport Australia as a National Sports Organisation  Continuous improvement in our corporate governance  Alignment with Sport Australia’s risk minimisation best practice to enhance future funding prospects and provide safe, welcoming environments  Recognisable brands of Quidditch Australia and quidditch as a sport through considered and strategic marketing

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Improve communication tools and marketing

Initiatives:

 Exhibition matches advertised for spectator engagement  Published annual membership and participation information to support decision-making and marketing • Consistent branding, showcasing our professionalism  Marketing Strategy developed and implemented

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Quidditch Australia Inc Draft Strategic Plan V1.2_ 21 April 2020 10 How did this plan come about?

A member of Quidditch Australia identified and promoted the need for a Strategic Plan, engaging the interest of the Board. With the agreement of the Board, a small working group of three was formed to support this member who then led the working group. The working group included two directors of the Board and a member’s parent with expertise in developing and writing strategic plans.

This plan was developed over several months, and is the result of ideas generated by active participation:

 13 people participated in a two day Strategic Forum held in and online in February 2020. Visioning, Open Space Technology technique, analysis of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats, and ideas generation occurred.  XXXX people participated in focus groups across Australia  XXXX people responded to an online survey  XXX interviews  The first draft of this plan was distributed via……. to……....  Etc

Planning commenced in the month prior to the emergence of COVID-19 in Australia and the nationwide government regulated restrictions on travel, events, sporting activities and gatherings. All quidditch games were cancelled from March 2020. This has meant that forums that were proposed to occur aligned with quidditch games and events to seek input to the Strategic Plan could not occur. Alternatively, online participation was planned.

Thankyou for participating in this process

Version Control:

1.1 18 April 2020 First Draft Alison Newton 1.2 19 April 2020: Amended following E.Leopardi feedback: Alison Newton Added goal, outcomes and initiatives re geographic spread; removed “our teams” from vision; replaced achieving goals with knowledge and skills in value “player growth and wellbeing”; added ability to value “inclusivity”; changed associated state organisations to state members. 1.2 21 April 2020: Amended to 2010 date introduced with Alison Newton 2011 played competitively

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