Champion volunteers

This article appears in the December 2009 edition of Sportshorts.

Profiling the efforts of sporting volunteers in NSW

Paul Walsh

Current club/association/ organisations:

• Barden Ridge Netball Club

Current volunteer role(s):

• Coach of 11A, 17A and senior B1 teams (in 2009)
• Grading committee

When did you get involved in volunteering?
My initial involvement with netball came 32 years ago at Deverall Park, the home of Bankstown Netball. My sister asked me to undertake fitness work with a team until they could find a coach. They never got a coach, so my life as a netball coach commenced. In 1988 I joined the Menai Hawks Netball Club, before moving to the newly formed Barden Ridge Club 10 years ago.

Why do you volunteer?
Solely because I enjoy it. I love the challenge that each season brings and the skills and personal traits that I have developed from this involvement. I have seen many of my players grow from nursery netball to professional women, some achieved success in netball including games with the AIS or Sydney Swifts.

I have enjoyed the friendships forged with both players and their parents. I’ve been blessed with some of the best managers, which has made the journey all the more fulfilling.

What’s the most important part of coaching?
To be a role model, to ensure that we strive to be the best we can, that we respect our team mates and opposition players and that at all times we play the game for enjoyment.

How many hours a week do you dedicate?
Approximately 25 hours a week during the season.

What’s been your most rewarding moment?
It would be an injustice to recall one moment. I’ve had some great teams, all of whom have achieved that little bit of history or who have won against the odds. Any A-grade premiership win in the strong Sutherland competition is in itself a rewarding experience. From a club perspective, the receipt of life membership was very humbling.

What’s not so good about volunteering?
Dealing with some administrators who lose sight of the fact it’s about the kids. I have no children and therefore make decisions without fear or favour, sometimes this causes conflict with others. It’s that old adage “you can’t please all of the people all of the time.”

What’s the key to getting new people to volunteer?
The personal touch, go up and ask. Most people respond to the call for help. Work with them to make their first taste rewarding and they will be with you for the majority of the trip.

How do you think sport could improve their volunteer management?
A number of factors help:

• Communication – keeping volunteers informed
• Positive reinforcement – acknowledging their efforts
• Seeking their views – especially in the formulation of club policy
• Make sure that all club administrators go out of their way to introduce themselves to provide a sense of belonging.

How important is the club and sport to you?
Sport has always been part of my life. You meet an amazing amount of great people. In times not so good, your involvement in sport means you have many people in your life helping you through it.

We want to hear from you!

Do you know a champion volunteer? We’re looking for champion volunteers to profile in upcoming issues of Sportshorts.

Volunteers can be ‘champions’ for all sorts of reasons – e.g. innovations and great ideas, hours dedicated, helping to grow your sport and making sport special for others. We want to hear about a range of volunteers.

Email your nomination and briefly (100 words) tell us why they’re a ‘champion volunteer’. Email Shannon Dixon.