AFFILIATED versus UNAFFILIATED clubs… what’s the difference?

It’s actually a very simple question to answer. At the British Sleddog Sports Federation, we strive to raise standards and as such have put in place a simple guide to the difference between the two.

Affiliated Clubs vs Unaffiliated Clubs

Understanding the Difference

The British Sleddog Sports Federation (BSSF) recognises that clubs and training groups within dog-powered sports operate in a variety of ways. Before joining any club, we encourage individuals to understand how that organisation is structured, governed, and managed.

BSSF Affiliated Clubs

A BSSF Affiliated Club is an independently operated, not-for-profit organisation that has chosen to affiliate with the Federation and meets the standards required for affiliation.

Typically, an affiliated club will:

• Operate as a formally constituted club or association.

• Have an elected committee, including at minimum:

  • Chairperson

  • Secretary

  • Treasurer

• Have documented policies and procedures in place.

• Hold appropriate safeguarding responsibilities and identify a designated safeguarding lead or officer.

• Demonstrate good governance and transparent decision-making.

• Maintain appropriate insurance arrangements for its activities and members.

• Be capable of organising training sessions, competitions, social activities, and events in accordance with its own rules and policies.

• Operate on a not-for-profit basis for the benefit of its members and the wider sport.

Affiliation demonstrates a commitment to recognised standards of governance, welfare, safety, and accountability within dog-powered sports.

Unaffiliated Clubs and Training Groups

An unaffiliated club may take many forms.

Some unaffiliated clubs may operate to a very high standard and simply have not chosen to affiliate with the BSSF. Others may be informal groups, commercial businesses, professional trainers, or individuals who organise activities and use the term “club” to describe their group.

Unaffiliated organisations may:

• Be operated by a single individual.

• Be run as a commercial business.

• Have varying levels of governance and documentation.

• Have different approaches to insurance, safeguarding, welfare policies, and member protections.

• Operate entirely independently of the BSSF.

The BSSF recognises that these organisations exist and may provide opportunities for people to participate in dog-powered sports. However, unaffiliated status means they have not been assessed against the Federation’s affiliation requirements.

Choosing the Right Club

When considering joining any club or training group, we recommend that prospective members ask questions such as:

• Is the organisation insured?

• Are there written welfare and safeguarding policies?

• Who is responsible for governance and decision-making?

• Is the organisation not-for-profit or commercially operated?

• How are complaints or disputes managed?

• What experience and qualifications do organisers hold?

• Does the club promote safe and responsible participation for both dogs and handlers?

The answers to these questions will help you determine whether a club is the right fit for you and your dog.

Disclaimer

The British Sleddog Sports Federation provides information on both affiliated and unaffiliated clubs for the purpose of helping participants locate opportunities to take part in dog-powered sports.

Inclusion within the BSSF club directory does not constitute endorsement, accreditation, recommendation, approval, or certification of any unaffiliated organisation, business, group, instructor, or individual.

While affiliated clubs have met the Federation’s affiliation requirements, the BSSF does not routinely inspect, monitor, audit, or oversee the day-to-day activities of any club listed within its directory.

Prospective members remain responsible for carrying out their own enquiries and assessments before participating in any activity. The BSSF accepts no liability for the actions, omissions, standards, policies, welfare practices, insurance arrangements, advice, training methods, or conduct of any unaffiliated organisation, business, group, instructor, or individual listed within the directory.

Participation in any club, training group, event, or activity is undertaken entirely at the individual’s own discretion and risk.