Introduction
Every recreation and park agency, whatever its focus or its field of operation, is rightfully concerned with the efficiency and effectiveness of its operations. With the importance of recreation experiences to the quality of life, every agency has an essential responsibility in the lives of individuals. The appraisal of just how well an agency is doing operationally is indeed a difficult task. The Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA) has helped formalized standards in which one may evaluate an agency’s operation.
A standard is a statement of desirable practice as set forth by experienced and recognized professionals. Standards are an indirect measurement of effectiveness, using the cause and effect approach or perhaps more appropriately stated “IF … THEN,” If one acts in a certain way, THEN it is expected that there will be a certain result. Standards enable evaluation by comparison – comparing what is within an agency operation with what is accepted by professionals as desirable. Standards can be a dynamic force for change – stimulating park and recreation professionals and the corporate policy body toward better and safer services, programs and innovations.
Scope of Standards
• Agency Authority, Role and Responsibility
• Planning
• Organization and Administration
• Human Resources
• Finance (Fiscal Policy and Management)
• Program and Services Management
• Facility and Services Management
• Security and Public Safety
• Risk Management
• Evaluation and Research
| Thirty Six (36) Fundamental Standards (Richland County Recreation met all of these standards!) |
|
|---|---|
Source of Authority |
Fiscal Policy |
Mission |
Fiscal Management |
Goals and Objectives |
Auditing and Accountability |
Process for Formulating Policy |
Budget Preparation, Presentation and Adoption |
Relationships |
Programs/Services Determinants |
Community Planning |
Nature of Services/Programs Delivery |
Comprehensive Planning
|
Objectives |
Staff Organization |
Outreach |
Administrative Manual |
Scope of Program Opportunities |
Public Information, Community Relations & Marketing |
Selection of Program Content |
Management Information Systems |
Types of Participation |
Communications |
Maintenance of Operations and Management |
Chief Administrator |
Natural Resources Management |
Competent Staff |
Authority of Personnel |
Personnel Manual |
Law Enforcement Training Programs |
Job Analysis |
General Security Plan |
Code of Conduct (ethics) |
Risk Management Plan |
On-the-job-training |
Systematic Evaluation Program |
Requirement for Accreditation: 85% of 119 Other Standards
(Richland County Recreation scored 95%!)
The Accreditation Process
Phase I: Initial Application
Step 1: Agency (RCRC) Contacts Commission
Step 2: Commission (CAPRA) provides Materials
Step 3: Agency completes preliminary application, agency profile, and Pays preliminary application fee
Step 4: Agency attends visitor training workshop
Phase II: Self-Assessment
Step 5: Agency undertakes self-assessment study
Step 6: Agency submits self-assessment report with formal application and fee
Step 7: Liaison Commissioners and staff review report
Phase III: Evaluation
Step 8: Commission with Agency forms the on-site visitation team and establishes time schedule
Step 9: Team conducts on-site visitation and reports findings to Commission
Step 10: Commission reviews the findings of the on-site visitation team
Step 11: Commission sends the report to Agency for response
Step 12: Agency submits response to Commission
Phase IV: Formal Accreditation and Continuation of Accreditation
Step 13: Commission reviews agency response
Step 14: Commission formally acts
Step 15: Agency evaluates the process
Step 16: Agency submits annual status reports and pays annual fees
Step 17: Commission accredits for 5-year periods
Step 18: Agency applies to Commission for renewal of accreditation
Step 19: Commission publishes the list of accredited programs
