 |
What different voluntary roles are there within a rugby club?
|
There are opportunities for people of all ages, levels of ability and experience to get involved in a local rugby club. The main voluntary areas are as follows:
|
| VOLUNTEER COACHES (Click Here for more information) |
| VOLUNTEER REFEREES (Click Here for more information) |
| VOLUNTEER FIRST-AIDERS (Click Here for more information) |
VOLUNTEER ADMINISTRATORS
Committee members, club / social / fixture secretaries, website designers, team managers, marketing and sponsorship officers; a voluntary administrator is someone who helps out behind the scenes doing tasks that the majority of club members are not aware of or think are done by magic! The work carried out, however, is often vital to the survival of the club. The completion of grant applications, insurance applications, financial management, membership collection and transportation booking are a few good examples of these. The skills and knowledge required for many of these roles often relate directly to an individual’s full-time profession. Therefore, if you have any of these valuable skills, make them known to the club so they can be utilised. |
VOLUNTEER CLUB HELPERS
There are many small jobs that will require the help of volunteers such as cleaning rugby kits, cleaning changing rooms or preparing the after-match meals. These voluntary roles may not be as time consuming as others, but are important nonetheless. They are great if you want to get involved in your local rugby club, but also have other commitments. |
VOLUNTEER GROUNDKEEPERS
Good quality pitches are imperative to the success of a club. A pitch that can better withstand adverse weather conditions and lots of usage will allow more teams to be established at the club. The maintenance of pitches is a skilled job and requires a great deal of effort. If you are a keen gardener or work in this area and would not mind helping out, make yourself known to your local club. |
Do I need any qualifications to volunteer?
|
Some roles such as coaching, refereeing and first-aid support require certain qualifications dependant on the level you are involved with. It is really important that you have up-to-date qualifications for safety, insurance validity and also ensuring players are developed to the best of their ability. More information can be found on our volunteer development section by clicking here. Other roles just require a lot of enthusiasm and an ability to learn on the job!
Whatever role you are involved in, especially if you are dealing directly with children, it is also important that you have a Criminal Record Bureau (CRB) number. More information about this can be found by clicking here.
|
What are the benefits of volunteering?
|
There are many benefits to volunteering and by getting involved you can:
- Have fun, make friends and help integrate into your local area
- Increase your confidence, self-esteem and personal pride
- Gain new experiences and skills for everyday life, which may benefit your career and personal development
- Help develop an important part of the local community and really feel like you are making a difference
- Keep your mind and body active
|
How much time will volunteering take up?
| This is entirely dependant on the time you have available and the role you take up within the club. Some positions require more time than others, so it is worth speaking to the club about time commitments before you accept. |
How can I offer my voluntary services to a club?
| By contacting your local club directly, or filling in the online application form by clicking here. |
How can I develop as a volunteer?
| There are many useful courses you can attend to develop as a volunteer, which can often be funded directly by the club. More information about this can be found by clicking here. |
I have never volunteered before, does that matter?
| Not at all! There are roles in rugby clubs for everyone, irrelevant of age or experience. |
How old do I have to be to volunteer?
| There is a minimum age of 16 in order to be eligible to attend qualifications for coaching and refereeing. Other roles do not have a minimum age limit, but it is vital that appropriate supervision is given. |
I am unhappy in my voluntary role, what should I do?
| If you are experiencing problems in your voluntary role, then speak to someone at the club that you can trust. Many of the issues should be able to be resolved pretty quickly and are worth talking to someone about. A lot of the time, the problem may not have been realised until it is brought to light and the club will really appreciate you doing so. If it still cannot be resolved or is more serious then seek advice from your Regional Community Rugby Manager, whose details can be found by clicking here. |
|
|
|
|
|
