Northop Hall Hockey Club – Volunteer Policy
Introduction
Northop Hall Hockey Club (NHHC, the “Club”) is a large and successful hockey club with 5 senior men’s teams, a youth team (“Beavers” and ”Badgers”) and a number of junior teams across all age ranges from under 11 to under 18. Other than through the provision of professional coaching, the Club is managed and governed on a voluntary basis by its members.
Volunteers in NHHC
There are a number of volunteer positions within NHHC, most notably the Committee, the coaching team, and the team captains.
- The Committee comprises elected officers of the Club who meet on a monthly basis to discuss matters arising and to make decisions on behalf of the Club members.
- The coaching team provide coaching to all members, in particular to the junior section, under the guidance and supervision of the professional Club Coach.
- The team captains are responsible for selecting and notifying players, communicating with opposition and umpires, and arranging post-match hospitality for visiting teams and officials.
- Umpires officiate games for senior teams and may also officiate neutral fixtures should they progress in standard to North Hockey League of above.
Recognising
Volunteers
Volunteering in NHHC is widely encouraged as an opportunity to contribute to the running of a large and successful sports club. This is encouraged from an early age, with older members of the junior section encouraged to participate in coaching of younger teams.
The “Mark Edwards Memorial Trophy” is an award given at the Annual General Meeting for “Young Clubman of the Year” and is used to recognise a young volunteer who has contributed a significant amount of time and effort to the Club.
Expenses
NHHC value our volunteers and want to ensure that there are no barriers to volunteer involvement. All out-of-pocket expenses, if required, will be reimbursed, including expenses for travel, meals and training. In order to claim expenses, a detail of the expenses, including receipts, must be provided to the Treasurer.
Support
The Chairman will offer support to the volunteers on the Committee. Actions and updates will be communicated at the monthly Committee Meeting on the first Monday of each month.
The Club Coach will support the volunteer coaches through provision of coaching plans and mentoring during training sessions.
The Director of Hockey and Chairman of Selection will both offer support to the Team Captains and to the Umpires.
Training
Volunteer coaches and umpires will have the opportunity to gain qualification for coaching or umpiring through approved training courses at the discretion of the Committee and the Club Coach or Director of Hockey. These will typically be courses offered by the Welsh Hockey Union (WHU).
Insurance
All volunteer coaches are covered under the insurance policy of the Club Coach providing they are coaching a session at which the Club Coach is in attendance. Any volunteers where this is not practical (including managers of junior sides) may seek insurance at the expense of the Club, subject to approval by the Committee. This will typically be arranged by the Club on behalf of the volunteer.
Confidentiality
All volunteers and officials of the Club are expected to adhere to confidentiality standards. Any infringement of these may result in the volunteer being asked to discontinue their post.
Resolving Problems
The relationship between the Club and its volunteers is entirely voluntary and does not imply any contract. However, it is important that the Club is able to maintain its ability to serve its members, and it is also important that volunteers should enjoy making their contribution to this service.
If your role as a volunteer does not meet with the organisation’s standards, here is how it will be dealt with:
- Discussion with the Chairman (or Club Coach, or Director of Hockey) who will explain the concerns.
- If this does not resolve the concern then this will be discussed at a Committee Meeting.
- If your involvement still does not meet with our standards then we shall have to stop using your services.
If you are dissatisfied with any aspect of your work you should:
- Initially explain your dissatisfaction with the Chairman (or Club Coach, or Director of Hockey).
- If that does not resolve the concern then this will be discussed at a Committee Meeting.
- If after this, your dissatisfaction remains unresolved, and we are unable to resolve your grievance, then it would be inappropriate for you to continue to be a volunteer.