Archived from the original CFFF/functionalfitnessfederation.ca site.
What is a Club?
A club is a group (various ages and genders) who train for the sport of functional fitness. The end goal is sport performance. The length of a club season varies with age and other sports of involvement, but we recommend a season from January until late summer — culminating at the National Championships each year (with the opportunity to qualify for the IF3 World Championships in the fall).
Our structure is similar to the club structure that exists in many other Canadian sports. Whether you were a weightlifter, volleyball player, hockey player or gymnast, you trained as a member of a registered club and represented that club at sanctioned events.
How to create a club
The following is an approach to starting a club with the federation, plus recommended best practices for club operation.
STEP 1 — PLAN
Determine how many participants and age groups you are willing to prepare for. Will you coach just individuals, or teams as well? This indicates the space, equipment, facility time, and coaches your club will need.
STEP 2 — PREPARE A BUDGET
Revenues: club fees, sponsorships, gaming money (bingos, casino, raffle), fundraisers.
Expenses: club registration ($100/yr), participant registration ($20/yr/participant), facility rental, first-aid supplies, coaches honorariums.
STEP 3 — SECURE
- Facility space for training. Contact local recreation centres, community gyms, or other suitable locations; negotiate an hourly or season fee. Request proof of the facility's insurance (they may request yours). Once registered with the federation, email info@functionalfitnessfederation.ca to request an insurance certificate.
- Coaches: certified coaches and/or individuals motivated to become certified — dedicated and enthusiastic toward athlete development. Coaches of youth athletes are encouraged to secure a police information check and a police vulnerable-sector check.
STEP 4 — REGISTER
- Read the latest edition of the safety standards, movement standards, and competition rulebook so you understand the regulations and coach appropriately.
- Register your club with the federation. Decide whether to be advertised under the Club Listings.
- All members of a registered club must become members themselves before any training or competition.
STEP 5 — ATHLETES, EQUIPMENT & VOLUNTEERS
- Decide on a selection/screening process if any.
- All athletes must complete and sign the waiver and code of conduct.
- Recruiting: local schools, community fitness facilities, strength & conditioning gyms, and other sport teams. You're not replacing a fitness membership — you're offering another sport experience.
- Review movement and safety standards to ensure you have equipment for all elements (and progressions). Keep a medical kit on hand.
- Parents/Volunteers can help with club administration, fundraising, sponsor acquisition, and a club committee (typically President, Secretary, Treasurer, Directors).
STEP 6 — COMPETE
Register for sanctioned events, national championships, and smaller competitions to build a season that fits your athletes' training.
Recommended practices
- Incorporate as a non-profit under your provincial societies act — especially if you'll own a facility and club. There are tax benefits; speak with an accountant fluent in non-profit activity.
- Create by-laws. Needed if you incorporate, and a good idea regardless. Decide your driving factors (participation, on-floor success, development…) and match by-laws/policy to them.
- Make connections with local businesses. Businesses often sponsor local sport clubs — especially when they share values, involve youth, promote health, and gain brand visibility.