“It is so hard to get people to volunteer or join the committee” is a common expression heard at many a club. Furthermore it is just as hard to keep them. Pouring over statistics pertaining to the EDFL between 2013 and 2017 reveal 67 people occupied the three key committee positions – President, Secretary and Treasurer – across the 10 current clubs in our league. There has been 24 different Presidents, 21 secretaries and 22 Treasurers over this five year period. Therefore the average tenure for one of these important roles is around two and half years. Too much turnover and subsequent instability.
This year is no different with six new presidents, three new secretaries and five new treasurers.
Why don’t people volunteer? Too often it is said much of your time and contribution is not recognised and too much work undertaken by volunteers is taken for granted. It does appear that many workers are working longer hours and possibly (with the dramatic population increase in the recent decade) taking longer to travel to and from their workplace. Therefore less spare time available would certainly deter quite a few potential volunteers. There may also be plenty of volunteer opportunities at your club that members are not aware of.
Also change. The new digital world, player point systems, salary caps, accreditation and the likes of working with children checks have been imposed on individuals by the controlling bodies. Credit to the volunteers that have been able to adapt to the changes and demands.
It is worth noting that the highest rates of volunteering are among people aged between 35 and 54, working full-time, with young children. Interestingly busy people are able to find the time to volunteer.
To cut the younger generation some slack it must also be stated that those that play sport are usually the ones that don’t occupy the voluntary positions yet may be better equipped to assist. Encouraging the next generation and getting youth involved is must for clubs to move forward.
On a positive note if you are contemplating volunteering but not quite sure please give thought to some of these great individual benefits.
· It can be personally rewarding.
· You are providing a social duty to the community as a part of a local sporting club.
· You are giving yourself benefits such as developing your personal skills.
· You are helping your club in a very positive way.
· You may gain experience and skill that could be applied to your future career.
· Improvement in social awareness.
You may be interested to know that AFL Vic have a Tackling Volunteers program to assist clubs struggling to work out what roles need to be filled at your club and what is required. The program is to aid recruitment and abet retention of volunteers. Refer to URL below:
http://aflvic.com.au/community/club-administration-support/tackling-volunteers/
Last Modified on 24/05/2018 17:35
