Description of the Tool
On The Move (OTM) (On the Move: Increasing Participation of Girls and Women in Recreational Sport and Physical Activity CAAWS www.caaws.ca or Promotion Plus www.promotionplus.org Aussi disponible en français) is a national initiative designed to encourage the participation of girls and young women, ages 9 - 18, across Canada. The OTM Top 10 Success Factors are based on OTM network experiences and academic research about programming for girls and young women. These success factors assist in the planning and design of programs for girls and young women and increase a programs ability to attract and retain participants.

When to Use it?

Format
This tool is contained within the OTM Handbook, a resource for practitioners in the sport, physical activity, education and health fields interested in increasing the physical activity of girls and young women. Here it is designed as information for the programmer and can be used as a checklist for design or a simple guide for new programmes.

Tool

Top Ten OTM Success Factors in Designing a Program for Girls and Young Women

1. Fun

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Fun Programming Tips

• Perks and incentives for everyone - certificates, t-shirts, posters, group photos, ribbons, buttons, stickers, team banners, headbands, gym bags, memberships.
• Wacky awards for teams and individuals - biggest smiles, strongest handshake, most improved, most enthusiastic, most consistent, best problem-solver, best player to music.
• Parties - theme nights, music, dancing, videos, food, dress-up, baking. lnvite celebrities and local female athletes
• Special events - symposiums and conferences, carnivals, sport challenge, photo exhibition, mini-Olympics, bowling, "road trips"
• Healthy lifestyles - market FUN program opportunities for social interaction and learning. Offer guest speakers on active living, nutrition, body image, smoking, etc.

2. A Mix of Physical and Social Activities

3. Input into Program Design

• Girls and young women are not a homogenous group. What works for one age group in one community may not work with another age group or community - ask participants what they want to do.
• Girls and young women may need some suggestions about possible activities, since their experiences may be limited. Provide parameters of choice so as to not disappoint the group.

4. Girls and Young Women Only

• Both the research and OTM experiences strongly advocate female-only programming.
• Girls and young women need an opportunity to participate in physical activity in their own way. Often the presence of males changes how girls and young women participate and therefore alters their experience.

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5. A Safe and Supportive Environment

• A safe and supportive environment is crucial, especially to those girls and young women with low participation rates because they may:o Lack skillso Lack positive experiences with physical activity and sport
  o Lack self-confidence with respect to participating in physical activity/sport
  o Lack regular leisure time hours
  o Have to deal with cultural, transportation or safety barriers
  o Dislike competition
  o Be self-conscious about their bodies.
• Talk about respect and inclusivity with the group. Brainstorm a list of acceptable and unacceptable behaviours.
• Use this safe environment to provide participants with an experience where:
  o It is OK to make mistakes
  o They are accepted for who they are
  o They know there is someone there to support and encourage them.

6. Peer Age Groupings

• Girls and young women like to be with their peers and OTM programs that have offered too broad an age range have experienced the challenge of trying to meet needs that are very diverse.
• Use older participants as volunteers/leaders for the younger-aged programs, to provide leadership opportunities and positive role models.

7. Basic Skill Learning

• Instruction on the basics will allow participants to develop skills, leading to greater confidence while participating in many different activities.
• Girls and young women like playing games they can participate in fully and without competition. Try modified rules and equipment, and remember to focus on fun rather than a score.
• As confidence and skill level build, some girls and young women may want to increase the competitiveness of the program. Talk to participants and find out what they think and/or promote other sport and physical activity opportunities in your community.

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8. Role Model Leader

• It is important to place a high value on the quality of the leader chosen to lead the program.
• Leaders should be female, enthusiastic, positive, encouraging, accepting.
• Provide program leaders with appropriate training, and ensure they are capable of responding to the myriad of issues and concerns the girls have with a balance of education, awareness and positive feedback.

9. Food

10. Choice of Clothing and Music

• Girls and young women are often self-conscious about their bodies and can suffer from a negative body image - let them choose their own clothing.
• Many girls and young women have had poor experiences in physical education, and do not want to be reminded of gym class.
• As girls and young women's comfort increases, they will begin to dress more appropriately to increase their ease in participating.
• Music adds to creating an appealing environment and reduces tension levels.
  
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