Volunteers (Champion Club Guide)

Volunteers are the heart and soul of any club. Volunteering is an opportunity for family members to become involved with their child’s sporting club, or alternatively for anyone to feel a part of a community. Without volunteers there would be no clubs, no teams, no coaches, (and no oranges at half-time!).

The following are some key tips for all clubs.

Finding volunteers

• Develop role/position descriptions, including the estimated time required to fill the position
• Provide new members with information on the way they can be involved as a volunteer
• Think outside the box when recruiting your volunteers. High Schools/Universities – students looking for experience, Senior Centres - older members of community with valuable skills and time
• Advertise your volunteer positions on the club’s website and/or social media channels and with your State Sporting Organisation.

Retaining volunteers

• Use their time productively and make sure they are valued and needed
• Ensure clarity of role with adequate training and support, followed up with appropriate recognitions
• Allow them to find enjoyment in their role
• Create succession pathways for them
• Make them identifiable on game days e.g. volunteer t-shirts, volunteers’ lanyards.

Recognising your volunteers

• Say thank you
• Celebrate their contributions and dedication  
• Acknowledge and profile volunteers in newsletters and/or on social media
• Award life memberships for long-serving volunteers.

Delegation

Too often we hear the words “I’m too busy” or “I have so much on my plate at the moment”. Delegation is an essential part of time management, succession planning, and developing leadership skills. 

Why delegate?

• To get the work done
• To share the work load
• To grow the club and grow the individuals that are a part of the club.

What should I delegate?​

• Jobs or responsibilities that someone can do better than you
• Jobs that someone can do instead of you
• Jobs that someone can do with better timing
• Any job that will help the club and/or the individual grow and develop.

Steps to delegating:

1. Give a precise task
2. What is the achievable outcome/result you want
3. Pick the right person for the task
4. Give a timeframe for completing the task
5. Keep your eyes open – encourage a progress report
6. Review and reward – say thank you.

Volunteer Resource Centre

The Cockburn Volunteer Resource Centre (VRC) builds capacity and strengthens partnerships through promoting, supporting, and valuing volunteers and community groups.

The VRC can assist with:

• 500 free colour or black and white prints per month
• Volunteer position advertising on Seek, Go Volunteer, Volunteering WA
• Exclusive networking event invitations
• Volunteer recognition – Annual Inspirational Volunteer Awards
• VIV card registration – discounts from local businesses to Cockburn volunteers.