What is a sports chaplain?
A sports chaplain is a volunteer people carer.
Why have a chaplain?
We often get asked this question. Why do we need a chaplain? Our answer is because of “pastoral care.”
Pastoral care is a form of practical, personal care for the emotional, physical and spiritual well being of a person (in context to community).
While performance is important in sport, pastoral care operates in the broader parts of a person’s (or community’s) life including family and relationships, the good times and tough times, the challenges and struggles a person may face.
It may be as simple as baking a Lasagne for a young mum who had a miscarriage or an encouraging SMS to an injured player helping them keep perspective. Sometimes it may be comforting a family through the loss of a loved-one or a prayer to open a race event. Pastoral care stays focused on caring for a person’s spirit, mind and body.
Is it all about religion?
Sports Chaplaincy is not about pushing religion. It is all about Pastoral Care in sports.
While all our Chaplains come from many different Christian faith communities (like, Baptist, Catholic, Uniting, Australia Christian Churches, etc) we are principally there to serve everyone in our club regardless of faith, or no faith, be they Catholic, Hindu, Jewish, Agnostic, Muslim or Atheist. We are there to provide the whole community with pastoral care.
Our men and women are deeply motivated by compassion – showing Christ’s grace and mercy to all – while at the same time being cared-for themselves by their faith community. A very important safety-net for volunteer people-carers.
Is there a charge for a Club Chaplain?
No. All chaplains are volunteers. Since we began in 1984 a key guiding principle of Sports Chaplaincy in Australia is that all Chaplains serve their clubs as volunteers. There is no direct cost for having your own chaplain.
However, some clubs have chosen to support their chaplains indirectly through the payment of dues, annual conference fees, professional development, access to games, etc. However, this is not expected.
ClubCare FAQ
What is ClubCare ACCESS?
ClubCare ACCESS is a critical incident response service for clubs.
When you or your members experience a critical or traumatic event like, on-field injury, off-field injury or death, suicide, the sickness of a key club person, corporate impact of drugs, in-fighting, sudden loss, etc, our ClubCare Team will manage a rapid care response for your club. See more here.
Is there a cost to recieve the ClubCare ACCESS service?
Yes. There is a $2 per member annual subscription fee. The ClubCare ACCESS program is usually subscribed by the League / Association for all the members of their clubs / groups. This would also include umpires / referees / officials.
For example, an Association may have 5,000 members including players, umpires and officials. They would pay 5,000 x $2 = $10,000 annual subscription fee. Please contact our ClubCare Team here.
Training FAQ
Do you provide training online?
We have always tried to get face to face with our training. However, starting in 2019 we will provide components of our training online to make it more accessible to remote locations and those in full-time employment. There will still be face to face required for those seeking accreditation as chaplains.
Other Questions? Here are some options:
Here are several ways to contact us