Sport coaching is no longer based entirely on the time, effort, and work of purely volunteer coaches, but has changed into what is called a blended profession in which volunteer, part-time paid, and full-time paid coaches work side by side.

Payment costs might be the first issue that comes to mind when thinking about joining the Professional Coaches of Finland (SAVAL). However, because they are a union for coaches and sport professionals, they do offer different membership options depending on the current situation in life of their members or potential new ones.  

The benefits of being a member of the Professional Coaches of Finland (SAVAL) are manifold. From legal advice support, unemployment benefit through the KOKO unemployment fund, development opportunities and career support through YTY (at no extra charge!), offers on free-time and injury insurance, and other insurances, summer cottage rental, fuel discounts, reduced prices for car rental and cruises and ferry-crossing with several ferry operators, and much more.

So, already the direct return on investment is really great. So yes, it pays off to be or become a member.

However, the largest benefit of becoming a member of a union is not just based on the immediate advantages but comes through the union engagement in collective negotiations for the entire sector as well as lobbying work.

This past year has seen many coaches and other sport professionals struggling with furloughs, lay-offs and redundancy. SAVAL has supported an innumerable number of them through negotiations with the employers, legal advice, and has repeatedly stood its ground against all odds to negotiate the best for their members. One strong voice representing many voices.

SAVAL is actively involved in representing the needs of the employee when negotiating with employers on salaries, working conditions, benefits and other compensations and rights for the workers. That is collective bargaining in a nutshell.

Sport coaching is no longer based entirely on the time, effort, and work of purely volunteer coaches, but has changed into what is called a blended profession in which volunteer, part-time paid, and full-time paid coaches work side by side. And it is exactly because of this shift within sport coaching towards a fully recognized profession, why it is important that organizations such as SAVAL speak with one voice for the coaches. Through their work, SAVAL promotes the recognition of sport coaching as a fully recognized profession within society. Through their involvement in international projects such as, for example the Coach Force 21 Erasmus+ project, SAVAL supports and strengthens the professionalisation of coaches not only in Finland but also in Europe, which has as a direct effect on the recognition of coaching certificates across borders as well as an improved ability for mobility and employability. 

As a member, I can only speak in favour of SAVAL and the support I have received from them during the past years, ranging from advice and support on working contracts, salary levels and negotiations, as well as legal advice and support during lay-off negotiations.  

Immediate support and advice through e-mail and the phone.

There is no need to struggle alone.

Frauke Kubischta

Frauke Kubischta is an entrepreneur, coach, coach developer and mentor, with a keen interest in lifelong learning and development, not just of herself but everyone she gets to work with. Find out more about her: https://sportconsultingservices.fi/