We have compiled a list of 5 things your club/association can be doing now that could significantly improve governance and assist your organisation moving forward.
1. Engage your local community
During times of social isolation, it is important to find ways to socialise and engage with your members and local community. Whether you are a regional or metropolitan Club or Association, it is also important that you do not underestimate the influence you have on your local community.
Some examples of how you can keep your local community engaged are:
- Virtual catch ups at the time you would normally train and/or play
- "Nailed It" style baking challenges for individuals and/or households
- Positive Quote of the Week/Month selected from member submissions for Facebook and/or email communication
- Virtual group exercising sessions (including yoga and meditation) with a different person leading each time
- Connect with neighbouring sporting groups and challenge them to see who can do the best "trick shot"
2. Think strategic
Now is the perfect time to review or create a strategic/financial plan for your Club or Association. It is likely that COVID-19 is having an immediate financial impact on your organisation however, it is important to look at the 'big picture' and plan for seasons ahead. When doing this it is also important to factor in all aspects of your organisation to ensure you are set up for a future of long-term growth.
Suggested areas to focus on:
- Community
- Competition Performance
- Culture
- Managerial Performance
- Volunteers
- Finances
- Social
Netball SA (NSA) has partnered with Sports Community ('Club Spot') who has developed a detailed questionnaire that will assist in identifying priority areas specific to your organisation. This can be found by selecting the 'Strategic Planning Template' here.
3. Look after your stakeholders
Netball in SA has been impacted in different ways due to each Association having a slightly different timeline for the traditional winter season. Much like a business, your Club or Association is likely to still have expenses regardless of whether your season is played in full or is adjusted.
Stakeholders may include:
- Playing members
- Financial members (committee members)
- Sponsors/partners
- Local Council or other landowners (community groups)
- Supporters
- Neighbouring sporting bodies
It is important for your organisation to identify how your stakeholders may be impacted during this time and review options for both the short and long term, where possible. Starting these conversations early will have your organisation better placed and show you are being proactive.
Some examples are:
- Review organisation membership model to reflect the season specific to your Association but also factor in how any loss may be recouped over the following seasons
- Discuss options of extending sponsorship/partnerships to the 2021 season by recognising that your organisation may not be able to meet the set requirements for 2020. This may result in your organisation retaining sponsorship funds for 2020 assisting in cash flow but will also mean your relationship with these stakeholders remains intact
- Discuss options with your Local Council or landowner regarding any applicable fees due
- Connect with neighbouring sporting bodies to review how you can work together not only now but when the sport is back e.g. discussions regarding funds taken from gate entry, combined fundraising initiatives and opportunities to utilise any cooking facilities a club may have
4. Work through the STARCLUB Program
The STARCLUB - Club Development Program is a free online tool that will assist your organisation in providing the best environment possible for your members and the wider community. It has been designed for use by sport and active recreation clubs of all sizes with information in the program specific to current South Australian legislation.
The program is broken up into the following six parts:
- Well managed
- Coaches and Officials
- Volunteers Valued
- Positive and welcoming
- Safe for all
- Sustainability
NSA encourages your organisation to take this time to work through this program by accessing it here.
5. Explore and learn something new
There are several online resources that can assist your organisation now and into the future, some are as follows:
