The Good Sports double act taking action on illegal drugs

About to take over as president, Katie Martin already has a full plate at Onkaparinga. Because ‘Onkaparinga’ isn’t just a sporting club – it’s two sporting clubs – and Katie is currently the Vice President of one club, and the Secretary of the other. 

Katie’s also been the driving force behind both clubs joining the Good Sports program. Katie says it’s important that everyone knows both Onkaparinga Tennis Club and Onkaparinga Netball Club are both Good Sports clubs, because it goes hand-in-hand with what they represent to the people of Balhannah. 

Onkaparinga are now in their second ‘season’ as a Good Sports ‘double act’, with both the tennis and the netball club signed up to the program. Katie says the Good Sports team has been “so supportive, answering all our questions, no matter when or where they are”. The members have seen a change at the club too, noticing more proud displays of their status as a Good Sports club.

Meet the lady with a busy week and a passion for community sport

When it comes to Onkaparinga, Katie literally gives it everything she’s got in every way. When asked how she ended up assuming roles at both Onkaparinga Netball Club and Onkaparinga Tennis Club, Katie is endearingly self-deprecating in her response. “It fell into my lap really…it’s probably because I can use a computer,” she laughs. 

Katie is the absolute definition of an ‘all-rounder’ in the community sport game – she plays, she coaches, she referees netball matches, all while taking care of club business behind the scenes.

The heart of the community with a big responsibility

The club, as well as being a sports venue, is part of the community landscape – in more ways than one. 

Katie’s been with Onkaparinga since she was a junior player, so the club is truly part of her identity. It’s something she’s proud to be a part of, look after, and grow for the future generations. “It’s the heart of the community…it’s smack-bang in the middle of the town… It’s where everyone congregates”.

Like many Australian communities, Balhannah has a number of challenges to face. Katie says being part of the Good Sports program has played a big part in addressing these challenges. She says having plans in place that tackle issues like illegal drugs has been integral. 

By having these plans ready, they feel better able to maintain Onkaparinga as a place where everybody can come and feel at home. It’s a venue where a number of junior players and spectators spend time. For this and many other reasons, Onkaparinga takes their responsibility in being a healthy environment for their community very seriously.

Setting standards as a sports venue and a community hub 

Since Onkaparinga implemented an illegal drugs plan, it has helped them facilitate important conversations around the issue of illegal drugs, not just with members, but the community as a whole. 

It has also helped them with taking a proactive approach to setting standards for the club as a sports venue and a community environment. “When people see the Good Sports signs up, people know what we expect in terms of behaviour while they’re on club grounds.” 

Katie praises the policy for making it easier for Onkaparinga to maintain its place as a healthy, family-friendly venue where the locals can come together, play sport, have fun, and grow as an already strong community.

To find out more about Onkaparinga, check out the Onkaparinga Tennis Club website, and the Onkaparinga Netball Club website! You can also follow them on their Facebook, and the Onkaparinga Tennis Club on their Facebook!

Continue completing your action plan and get your policy signed on the Good Sports club portal.