Understanding Designations
viaSport works in partnership and in collaboration with many amateur sport organizations and the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport, to elevate and grow the reach and impact of amateur sport. Through this collaboration, viaSport has established a framework to strengthen the quality of amateur sport and to steward the Government’s investment in it.
The viaSport Designation Program
To strengthen the quality of amateur sport and to steward the Government’s investment in it, a framework was established to identify the minimum quality standards required for eligibility in the viaSport Designation Program.
The viaSport Designation Program has three categories that set specific minimum standards for each level depending on the size and reach of the sport as well as the maturity of the organization. Qualifying for a viaSport designation holds each sport organization and their board of directors accountable to these standards.
These standards include: upholding the BC Societies Act as a non-profit entity, achieving specific targets for sport participation reach and inclusivity, ensuring Board and operational policies and practices are in place, and implementing development programs for coaches and officials as well as high-performance athletes.
viaSport Designations in BC
There are three viaSport designation categories: Accredited, Recognized, and Affiliated.
To receive a designation and the use of a viaSport logo mean an organization is reputable, trustworthy, and committed to operational excellence.
Not all sport organizations apply, meet, nor receive, this designation. Once a designation is achieved, the sport organization and their board are responsible for compliance, evidenced through annual reporting and reviews, as well as evaluations conducted every three years. If minimum standards are not met, viaSport follows its Funding, Suspension, and Termination policy.
Accredited organizations are a sport or sport discipline’s authoritative body, operating in at least five regions in BC, and with responsibility for oversight, growth, and development.
Recognized organizations are a sport or sport discipline’s authoritative body, operating in at least three regions in BC, and with responsibility for oversight, growth, and development.
Affiliated organizations are a sport or sport discipline’s authoritative body, serving demographic, regional, or sport-specific needs that other organizations do not meet.
