TOOLS FOR CHANGING ORGANIZATIONS, SYSTEMS AND STRUCTURES

12. Terms of Reference for a Women and Sport Committee

Description of the Tool

This tool provides a template for developing a Terms of Reference for a Women and Sport Committee and two different examples of Terms of References.

Note: One of the first strategies implemented by organisations is establishment of a Women and Sport Committee. Although there is some concern that this may ‘marginalise’ women, in most organisations commitment to a committee on gender issues is a step forward.

When to Use it?

  • When you want to promote establishing a women and sport committee and need to clearly define its roles, responsibilities and accountabilities
  • When you have set up a committee and want to clarify its roles, responsibilities, accountabilities, and composition.

Format

The tool is a template for establishing a Terms of Reference for a committee. Although the examples are for a Women and Sport Committee, this template works with any committee

Tool

1.   Goal of Committee (what want to accomplish)

2.   Objectives (measurable steps)

3.   Anticipated Outcomes (what change in whom)

4.   Specific Responsibilities and Timelines (activities and timelines)

5.   Communication and Accountability (report to whom; communicate with whom?)

6.   Committee Specifics

      • Composition (membership)

      • Length of Term (defined number of years)

Example 1: Women and Sport Commission of Hong Kong, China

Terms of Reference defines the expected outcomes of the Committee

  1. To create awareness that sport activities are fundamental to ensure the physical well being and mental health of women.
  2. To encourage women's participation and involvement in physical activities and sports organisations.
  3. To strive for equal opportunities for women to participate in major sports competitions and Games.
  4. To publicize the achievements of women athletes.
  5. To organize one educational activity in relation to women and sport to address specific needs of women in sport.
  6. To urge the Sports Federation and Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China and its member associations to fill more of their decision-making positions with women in their organisations.
Example 2: Women and Sport Working Group of Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF)

Objectives

  • To develop manageable plans and priorities to implement change within the Commonwealth Games movement and to monitor progress
  • To advise the CGF on women’s issues and gender equity
  • To assist the CGF and Commonwealth Games in developing and maintaining a progressive and equitable approach and image

Specific Responsibilities 

  • Prepare an action plan to implement strategies in Gender Equity position paper
  • Maintain database on women in sport in the Commonwealth
  • Prepare a progress report on gender equity for each General Assembly
  • Prepare an annual progress report for the Executive Board of the CGF
  • Recommend appropriate representation of CGF at International women and sport conferences
  • Provide Commonwealth Games Associations (CGA) with advice, as requested, on adopting and implementing the Brighton Declaration, setting targets, and implementing strategies to improve sport for girls and women in their nations, and
  • Review bids, policies, procedures and appointments for gender equity.

Communication and Accountability

  • Reports, at a minimum annually, to Officers and the General Assembly
  • Works with Officers, Board, CGA and Organising Committees
  • Establishes formal links with International Working Group, IOC, Commonwealth Secretariat and CHOGM on women’s issues.

Workgroup Composition

  • A maximum of six people, including men and women, representing the regions of the Commonwealth, who correspond by mail, e-mail, and teleconference, and meet annually, in conjunction with the CGF General Assembly.
  • NOTE: the limit on number has been removed to allow all who want to contribute in this area an opportunity to participate on the working group. At the 2001 meeting, 47 people from 27 nations attended.