Local Governments across the country are getting behind two very practical programs designed to help local clubs and associations run more effectively. The Volunteer Management Program (VMP) and Club/Association Management Program (CAMP) have been designed by experts in the club development field at the Australian Sports Commission (ASC) in conjunction with industry. They are both presented in a module style format that is easy for presenters to deliver and for clubs and associations to understand and apply.
The VMP aims to develop excellence in volunteer management policies and practices in sporting clubs and organisations. It adopts a human resource management approach to recruiting and retaining volunteers and encourages organisations at all levels of sport to take a strategic and long term perspective in the management of their most valuable assets. The program focuses on good practice across a range of volunteer management issues that if applied will help to enhance the value of volunteers in a range of key areas in sport and recreation organisations. Improving the environments in which sport services are delivered is a challenge for any local organisation with limited access to modern facilities and resources.
The CAMP program offers a range of strategies designed to encourage sporting organisations to examine how they currently deliver their services and how they can further improve their operations within their current constraints. The program demonstrates how improvements in community sport environments can be made through better organised and managed sport clubs; and more and better trained volunteers who stay involved longer.
Wollongong City Council (WCC) has identified the strong link between prioritising facility development for Council funding and assisting sporting groups to be better managed. Better managed clubs have a stronger strategic and business approach to their operations which in turn assists in developing facilities that meet local sport and community needs. WCC, in partnership with the NSW Department of Sport and Recreation’s South Coast Regional Office, has developed the Sports Administration Scholarship Program (SAS). The successful program is in its second year, with strong interest being shown by local sport and recreation clubs.
For more information on these programs, visit the ASC’s websites at www.activeaustralia.org/camp or www.activeaustralia.org/vmp
The Australian Sports Commission’s revised Provider Club Development program is also assisting many clubs to improve their operations to provide the best possible service to their current members and be more attractive to future members. Local Government can benefit from having better managed clubs in its region. Stronger clubs are less reliant on Local Government assistance and establish themselves as integral parts of any vibrant and robust community.
To access membership brochures and an information pack on the Commission’s Provider Club Development program, contact Diana on 1300 130 121.
