UPDATE FOR STATES - AUGUST 2011

Tackers Summary - August 2011YA preferred national junior sailing programMajor component of YA funding from ASC for

Participation 2011-2014Four years of development and piloting in

Victoria 2007-11YA now rolling out with initial States/Clubs

The objective of the “Tackers” program is to attract a significantly increased number of primary school age children to sailing, especially those who would not otherwise, and have them participate in an initial “fun” sailing experience before progressing on a pathway, to a full learn to sail course over 3 levels, then non competitive participation, and long term club membership.

Why ? Victoria 2005• Stagnant (at best) participation in sailing –

declining youth and junior • Over 70 competitor sports - many with strong

junior programs. Plenty of other leisure options • Fragmented approach – few clubs with junior

programs and limited consistency or marketing.• Club junior programs generally not based on

research or a sound child based strategy• Clubs said juniors and youth were highest priority

How ? Tackers Development to date • Methodology

– Research with other sports, & overseas– Piloting of concepts and ideas – Initial 3 locations now 10 – continuous improvement – Latest version will be completed with ASC funding– Eight guiding values – see next slide

• Funding – VicHealth - $300k +– ASC, ASF, Several private donors & YV - $100k +

Tackers - 8 Guiding Principles / Values

1. Kid centric – recognizes kids’ learning styles and behaviors are different to adults

2. Non competitive – fun and social

3. Professional young instructors

4. Program delivery consistent at every location

5. Branded modern presentation – in all regards

6. Targets kids outside existing club membership

7. Value for money relative to other sports – all inclusive fee

8. Graduated pathway over several steps & seasons – fundamental skills foundations and enthusiasm for long term participation

What is Tackers ? • Different to other junior learn to sail programs

– Targets younger – 7 yo for Tackers 1 (Kids Centric))– Games based learning (Fun) – Young professional instructors (Fun) – Contemporary presentation and branding (Fun)

• Similar to YA Get into Small Boat sailing – Must be a YA Training Centre– Core syllabus = YA Small Boat (GISBS)– Multiple levels - Pathway based, Tackers 1,2 and 3 –

each 20 hours leading to Green Fleet

Ozi Optimist is the preferred boat but It’s not about the boat !

For Non sailors its like Ikea - out of the box Affordable – inexpensive ! Colorful – no white sails ! No Maintenance – bullet proof Universal – identical for everyone International - Provides a pathway to Optimist Australian Made Modified to suit the program – 20% < sail and 20%

more hull weight than Optimist, modified to fit 2 + kids

The Victorian experience YV Tackers Numbers – Pilot Program  

2007-083 ClubsTotal (Av)

2008-095 ClubsTotal (Av)

2009-107 ClubsTotal (Av)

2010-11 10 Clubs

Total (Av)

Tackers 1(Fun)

286 (95) 292 (58) 694 (99) 884 (84)

Tackers 2(Tricks)

40 (13) 30 (6) 245 (41) 356 (36)

Tackers 3(Fast)

- - 110 (18) 158 (16)

TOTAL 326 (109) 322 (64) 1049 (175) 1398 (140)

Add for 2010-11 Little Tackers Pilot (4-6yo ) = 73Tackers Introduction = 2579

Note the Boat Shed incl . Mobile = 50% = 663

Where to after Tackers = The Pathway • Ideally start at 7 y.o. (no later than 12)• Clearly defined & well communicated pathway • Kids progress at own pace – one year per level • During Tackers kids practice with Tackers Fleet • Green Fleet (level 4) - After Tackers 3 & before Club

Racing (ISAF Modified Rules for introductory racing - No Blue Book)

• After Green Fleet = recreational sailing or club racing (level 5) in any class of boat

Tackers – other points • Tackers 1 Having Fun is 2 kids per boat • Tackers 2 Tricks & Techniques and Tackers 3 Sailing

Fast is 1 kid per boat• There is a Tackers Introduction Session of 2.5hrs

– Has been trialed with Australian Sports Commission for their Active After School Program

• Club expected to supply boats right up to club racing • Retail Price seems to be $300 (+/- $50). In Vic survey

of customers 95% said this was good value

What do Tacker’s Clubs Commit to ?• Following the Tackers guidelines – strictly

• Being a Yachting Australia Training Centre and following the requirements – strictly

• Funding instructor training & uniforms

• Providing the resources and infrastructure – including all boats, facilities organisation etc

• Appointing a Tackers Leader

• Free Club Membership Category = Tacker

• At least 100 students per year

YATC Guidelines • Risk Management and Insurance • Safety and safety boats • Qualified (including Assistant) Instructors • MyCentre – entry of all students and issue of

merchandise and certificates • The YA Small Boat (GISBS) syllabus

Fees & Costs to Clubs • Supply of Ozi - Opti’s - minimum 6 ideally 10 or more

• Supply of Safety Boats – fuel etc

• Instructor Training

• Instructor Uniforms

• Tacker’s Fees to YA for 2011-12.– Tackers 1 = $80, Tackers 2 and 3 = $75 plus gst

– Includes for kid - cap, bottle, t-shirt etc

– Includes for Club promo materials such as posters, banners, activity sheets etc

– 5% on line enrollment fee (optional)

–

What do Instructors Commit to ?• Having Fun • The mantra “I want kids to come back”• Tackers guidelines (Instructor Manual) • Completing the Tackers Induction • YATC requirements • Tackers advocates and ambassadors • Wearing the Tackers outfit & Having a nickname !• (Victoria has inducted over 80 young instructors

and helped retain them in sailing)

Parents & families

• Tackers is about attracting families to clubs • Parents are not encouraged to be directly

involved– Possible involvement and qualification as

Assistant Instructors or Coordinators – Provide a social viewing environment – at least an

expresso machine– If they want “kid” sitting – provide it

• School holiday programs are imporant

The YA Roll out

• States will have to sign a Tackers Agreement with YA ( as Clubs have to with States)

• There will need to be a passionate Tackers Leader in each state (as at each club)

• The values and guidelines will not be compromised but will be continually improved.

Next Developments • All current materials being updated for YA• More guidelines on Green Fleet• Better IT support as part of MyCentre

– On line entry – Customer surveying & research – On Line Shop for all materials and merchandise

• Increased marketing – National plan materials & website

• Little Tackers - 4-6 yo

More Information ?

• See Club Information and Application Guide Booklet 2011-12

• Email tackers@yachting.org.au