Volunteer Management

A special factor in the case of non-profit organisations is the recruitment, training and management of volunteers. In the Sport and Recreation Industry, volunteers are the backbone of organisation. Sport and recreation cannot simply exist in its present form without the involvement of volunteers.

The management of volunteer requires special knowledge an understanding on the part of organisation managers. They should:

 Understand why people volunteer - what are their personal objectives in giving away their time

Ensure that volunteers are recognised for their efforts

Ensure that volunteers are not overworked

Ensure that volunteers are achieving self-development i.e. gaining important skills and experience

Provide volunteers with sufficient autonomy to get the job done

Give volunteers appropriate training for the tasks they are given

Give volunteers appropriate training for the tasks they are given

Give sufficient warning and notice when they are required for events

Select the right person for the right job

Managing volunteers on a day-to-day basis is generally the responsibility of the management structures of the organisation, that is the management committee and/or the salaried personnel. However it is also possible that a volunteer can be appointed someone to a position as "Co-ordinator of Volunteers" who may himself or herself be a volunteer. The creation of a position as "Co-ordinator of Volunteers may be an effective strategy where someone is needed to take responsibility for preparing and maintaining a roster of officials for events throughout the year.