Information for presidents and committees

There are so many reasons to become your club’s next president

OK, being a club president can be challenging.

Most people who have never been in the role assume it can daunting. There is a notion that the President must be the hardest working person in the club, who is solely responsible for the success of the club.

The committee is responsible for all club activities. The key characteristic of successful Presidents and their committees is that they know exactly what the club is seeking to achieve. They have recruited people into each role. And, they are continually communicating with everybody to ensure the club is on track to achieve its goals. They are ready for any issues and challenges that may arise so that a resolution can be found as early as possible.

Presidents don’t have to be working the longest hours at the club but successful Presidents are definitely those who are the most informed!

Being a President, while having a commitment of time and energy (and let’s be honest, a lack of sleep), has so many positive aspects.

Creates long-lasting friendships

The characteristic of successful Presidents is that they know everybody and everything that happens in the club. This comes from talking to people and building quality relationships which, over time, inevitably turn into quality and lasting friendships.

Build your own leadership skills

The President is your club’s leader so it is a great opportunity to learn and practice leadership skills. A key function of leadership is the President’s ability to “influence the behaviour of others”. This is to help you achieve club goals, so it is always good to develop and practice these skills.

Great sense of satisfaction

As you progress through the year and achieve the goals of the club, this often creates a sense of achievement and personal satisfaction. Being club President gives you the opportunity to create a difference in your club. Creating a positive difference in people’s lives is very satisfying and rewarding

You are looked up to and admired by your members

Whether you realise it or not, Presidents are role models. It is amazing how many people we talk to who tell us that their club President has made such a big difference in their lives.

An opportunity to give back to your club and community

Joining a club committee and becoming club President is a great way to “give back” to the club that potentially has been your sporting home since you were a child.

If you have participated in a sports club activity, anywhere, then this was only made possible because somebody else did the work. At some stage everybody who has ever participated in a sports club activity should “give back”. What better way than club President?

A great way to build your skills

A club President is a great way to build both life and professional skills. You can apply these to many other areas of your life. Many people build up experience and expertise in their volunteer sports club roles, which they have then used as a basis for future job applications or a key feature of their resume.

So yes, the role of the President does take up a proportion of your time. You have to attend meetings on a regular basis. You will be answering phone calls from members at all times of the day and night. And yes, it will be hard work. But the role of the President is very rewarding and creates a lifetime experience that can’t be replicated anywhere else.