Sports Vouchers

What is the Sports Voucher?

The Sports Vouchers program is an SA Government initiative that assists families in meeting the costs of their children’s sports and recreation activities. When used with Scouts, the voucher aims to make Scouting more accessible and affordable for everyone by contributing $100 to the Branch membership fee. 

All children living in South Australia from Reception to Year 9 are eligible for a Sports Voucher each calendar year. Please note that once a Sports Voucher has been redeemed, the voucher value cannot be reimbursed as cash, nor can it be transferred to another child. The voucher cannot be refunded. 

How does it work?

Parents apply for the Sports Voucher on behalf of their child. The voucher is specifically intended to assist with the Branch membership fee. Scouts SA Head Office staff manage the application and voucher approval process with Sports Vouchers directly. Once approved, the voucher will be applied to the next round of Branch membership fees due for the child. 

Nb. Claims can take up to 15 days to be processed and approved. 

Responsibility of Scout Groups

Scout groups are expected to pass the savings directly to the families when the Sports Voucher is applied to the Branch membership fee. This ensures that the voucher’s financial benefits reach the families directly. Since each group manages its fees differently, it will be up to each group to examine how it charges fees and determine the best way to pass on savings. 

Essentially, when the Sports Voucher is redeemed, $100 less should be charged on the fee that your Scout Group (on behalf of the member) pays to Head Office. 

Support with Reckon One

Scout groups can contact BC Finance for assistance or more information regarding the Sports Vouchers process within Reckon One. Reckon One, Scouts SA’s recommended financial software solution, can help streamline and support the voucher application and management process.  

If you have any questions or concerns or need assistance, please contact BC Finance at bc.finance@sa.scouts.com.au for expert guidance on utilising Reckon One to make the Sports Vouchers process smoother and more efficient. 

What does the Branch membership fee cover?

The Branch membership fee covers a portion of the cost of essential services and behind-the-scenes operations to ensure members can enjoy Scouting now and into the future. The fee provides services such as volunteer support and administration for members and properties across all Scout Districts. The fee also covers the provision of services such as youth safety, risk management, member services, grant facilitation and processing, training administration, accounting services, financial and statutory compliance, lease management and property compliance, marketing and communication activities, and the management and upgrading of IT systems such as MyScout, our membership system. Furthermore, the fee includes the cost of association fees from the World Organization of the Scout Movement (WOSM) and Scouts Australia levy, and public liability and workers’ compensation for all youth and adult members. 

What does the Group term fee cover?

The Group term fee covers a range of essential elements crucial for the Scout Group’s smooth functioning and sustainability. This fee incorporates hall rental fees (where required), support cleaning and maintenance services, and utility and insurance costs. Additionally, achievement pathway badges to recognise and celebrate the achievements of our youth members are included in this fee, along with the activity resources required to deliver an exciting and interesting program each term.