Development of Evidence-Informed Recommendations for Training Disability Sport Event Volunteers
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Authors
Grimes, Alyssa
Date
Type
thesis
Language
eng
Keyword
Sport events , Disability , AGREE II , Volunteers , Training
Alternative Title
Abstract
Volunteers are essential for the successful delivery of disability sport events such as the Ontario Para Sport Games. Every year disability sport organizations recruit and train thousands of volunteers to assist with the delivery of both small and large-scale sport events. However, retaining volunteers for future events and ongoing community level programs continues to challenge the disability sport sector. Delivering effective yet enjoyable training to volunteers is a promising avenue to assist in facilitating the retention of volunteers for ongoing community engagement. According to published evidence, volunteer training programs frequently lack the efficient planning and management necessary to produce satisfactory program outcomes. In addition, much of the extant literature related to sport event volunteerism is concentrated on non-disability sport events wherein volunteers’ experiences are investigated as they assume their specific role during the event. As such, there is a dearth of evidence exploring the volunteer experience within the context of disability sport events and pre-event training. Given training is often the first experience volunteers have within an event; it is truly central to the overall volunteer experience. This research, therefore, sought to enhance the volunteer training experience and equip sport administrators with tools to successfully implement a volunteer training program within the context of a disability sport event. The purpose of this thesis is to describe the application of the Appraisal of Guidelines Research and Evaluation II (AGREE II) instrument to formulate evidence-informed recommendations for training disability sport event volunteers. Specially, the AGREE II was used as a systematic guide for the recommendation development process. Methods included (a) review of existing training resources (b) rapid evidence review, (c) qualitative inquiry, and (d) consensus panel deliberations with knowledge users in the disability sport community. Pilot tests with relevant knowledge users were conducted throughout. Results provide specific recommendations to inform the planning and delivery of a volunteer training program to assist in enhancing volunteer experiences and ultimately, the retention of volunteers following a disability sport event. This project provides support for the application of the AGREE II in formulating evidence-informed recommendations for practical use among disability sport organizations.
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Queen's University's Thesis/Dissertation Non-Exclusive License for Deposit to QSpace and Library and Archives Canada
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Copying and Preserving Your Thesis
This publication is made available by the authority of the copyright owner solely for the purpose of private study and research and may not be copied or reproduced except as permitted by the copyright laws without written authority from the copyright owner.
ProQuest PhD and Master's Theses International Dissemination Agreement
Intellectual Property Guidelines at Queen's University
Copying and Preserving Your Thesis
This publication is made available by the authority of the copyright owner solely for the purpose of private study and research and may not be copied or reproduced except as permitted by the copyright laws without written authority from the copyright owner.