Propuesta de mejora para incrementar eficiencia operativa

The experiences of league participants are a primary consideration in learn-to-curl leagues. This thesis presents an in-depth exploration of two adult introductory sport programs. Namely, the thesis explores the experiences of league participants, the organization of these leagues, and the extent to which these leagues are leveraging initiatives. A qualitative case study methodology was employed to unpack the rich and multi-layered insights within the learn-to-curl leagues at two specific central Canadian curling clubs: the Redwood Curling Club and the Shaw Curling Club (Lincoln & Guba, 2000). Multiple research methods were used to uncover the various forms of data. These methods included photo elicitation interviews (PEIs) with four league participants, and in-depth qualitative interviews with various league participants,

organizers, and instructors, as well as curling administrators. It also included my observations of the league participants, memos to myself, and reflexive journaling. Additionally, preliminary document analyses of two Curling Canada publications; Getting Started for Adults: A

comprehensive curling club program to build membership through superior customer service and Growing the sport of curling: Leveraging 2014 were conducted for background. Through the process of crystallization (Richardson, 2000), multiple data sources were brought together during the data analysis process resulting in the emergence of nuanced and layered findings (Yin, 2009).

The following three themes arose from the data analysis process: experiencing the leagues; structuring the leagues; and leveraging the leagues. These three perspectives enrich our understanding of the complexity within these learn-to-curl leagues. Also, experiential

considerations inform how the leagues and relevant leveraging initiatives are structured.

Moreover, these findings address three prominent research gaps. Namely, contributions are made to adult introductory sport, organizational capacity and leveraging literature. First, this study

provides insights about the experiences of participants in adult introductory sport programs. Three core essences of the experience were uncovered including: bridging and expanding social connections, acquiring and improving skills, and belonging as a curler? These essences illustrate what new curlers are in search of and value during their learn-to-curl league participation. Second, this project builds on existing organizational capacity research targeting community sport clubs (Doherty et al., 2014; Misener & Doherty, 2009). Specifically, infrastructure and process capacity, relationship and network capacity, and human resources capacity considerations inform the development and existence of the leagues in both clubs. Third, various leveraging contributions emerge from this study. Leveraging contributions include providing empirical data from the leveraging initiatives at both clubs, increasing our understanding of the multiple

influences shaping how people enter new sports (beyond being inspired by sport mega-event television coverage), and uncovering the potential of televised major curling events to contribute to leveraging initiatives. Hence, this study makes diverse contributions to academic literature.

Prominent insights emerge from this project. For instance, adults flourish in introductory sport programs, albeit under certain conditions. These conditions include fostering a positive and inclusive space where adults can cultivate and nurture relationships through social experiences, acquiring and improving new skills, and adopting and strengthening a sense of belonging to their curling club. Experiential considerations are also significant and inform how leagues and

leveraging initiatives are structured. However, a disconnect exists in these leagues. Both leagues are moving towards standardization, mainly through incorporating uniform instructional

experiences for all participants. While organizers support standardization, new curlers instead espouse valuing diverse league experiences. Hence, a balance must be struck between creating uniform league experiences and meeting the diverse intended experiences (social, skill

Moreover, learn-to-curl leagues are not considered leveraging initiatives. Instead, these leagues are components of the larger membership recruitment strategies employed at both clubs. Despite this distinction, learn-to-curl leagues and leveraging initiatives both strive to attract new sport participants. Yet, this thesis illustrates how the need to foster inclusive, social spaces where participants become competent and foster a sense of belonging also applies to strengthening leveraging efforts by enriching the new sport experiences of adults. The leveraging initiatives used by both clubs (the Shaw’s spring Try Curling session and the Redwood’s condensed learn- to-curl league) also fit into their membership recruitment strategies. Thus, the leveraging efforts and learn-to-curl leagues are related, yet separate club entities. Building from Chalip’s (2014) work, effective leveraging initiatives contribute to sport participation growth when integrated into existing programs, in this case, learn-to-curl leagues. Overall, these two learn-to-curl leagues are significant entities in the lives of the adult sport participants.

As this thesis draws to a close, I find myself reflecting on how my thinking has evolved regarding the sport of curling, sport participation, and my future research journey. Nearly 16 months ago, I began conceptualizing this study of new curlers having no idea how adults encounter trying a sport for the first time. Personally, I have never tried a new sport as an adult. Despite lacking any personal reference point, my passion for the sport of curling and genuine curiosity of the topic spurred me on. Through the last year of field research, data analysis, and thesis writing, I have come to appreciate the complexity of the introductory curling experience for adults at both study sites. Moreover, I recognize the challenge league organizers face in providing structured programming to meet the diverse expectations of all participants. Namely, specific concerns must be addressed in both leagues to improve the quality of programming moving forward. I will continue exploring these concerns in future research projects.

As the Canadian population ages, concerns about the health and well-being of our society will surely increase in importance. My thesis builds from Leipert et al. (2014) and Mair’s (2009, 2014) research arguing that curling contributes to the physical, mental, emotional, and social health of individuals across their lifespan. Namely, well-designed learn-to-curl leagues can (and already do) introduce new adult curlers to this vital community and health-care service. Through my future research and sport-specific involvement (e.g., prospective curling administrative work), I aim to better understand and disseminate the role curling plays in ensuring healthy and active Canadian communities.

Further research involving introductory sport programs is needed. Beginning in

September, my work in this topic will continue at the University of Calgary. Specifically, I will be working under Dr. William Bridel, in partnership with Hockey Canada and Skate Canada, to develop a national learn-to-skate pilot program for ethnically and culturally diverse Canadians. This project will build from my thesis research by creating and evaluating inclusive introductory sport programming for all ages. Furthermore, the experiences of introductory sport participants will be framed through the lenses of diversity, belonging, and inclusion. In the last two years, I have progressed to viewing experiences of introductory sport program participants as a primary consideration for sport practitioners and policy makers. Effective introductory sport programs are key to increasing sport participation, making sport more accessible to all Canadians, and

enhancing the profile of sport as an essential health-care service moving forward.