Club administration

It is common for clubs to run a number of teams so there is a considerable administrative workload to keep the club running well. Each club will generally have a committee of volunteers who take on this task. Some of the key roles are:

Chairman – Running what will probably be monthly committee meetings and an AGM will just be the tip of the iceberg for the Chairman. The role entails having responsibility for the entire club and making sure it all happens. The more teams there are the more there can be to do, so you need to be able to wear a number of hats!

Vice-Chairman – Help out as needs be. It is helpful if this position can be filled by someone who would be Chairman-Elect. This potentially provides for continuity when the time comes for a new Chairman.

Secretary – This is a key position as the job carries the most important administrative role. Everything involved in the general running of the club involves the secretary from taking and circulating meeting notes to attending League meetings on the club's behalf.

Treasurer – Looking after the club's finances is a key task, particularly budgeting. The Treasurer will need to steer the club through the season, ensuring that there is enough cash to deal with all eventualities. Much of a club's expenditure comes before the start of a new season as new kit and equipment is purchased; this often happens before new season money starts to come in from registrations and subscriptions. The treasurer must literally be able to balance the books…..and probably throw in a couple of juggling acts as well!

Child Welfare Officer – Quite rightly child protection measures are very stringent. It is important that the club has a CWO that is right up-to-date with current practice and will ensure that CRB checks are done on all those who have a close involvement with the children as a matter of course.

Club Development – There may need to be a number of individuals involved in club development dependent on what the club needs to achieve. It might require a proper coaching structure to be planned and implemented or need to apply for grant funding or be seeking to raise capital itself. Other tasks like raising the profile of the club in the media or finding new pitches for a growing club will require people with different skills.