Committee Guidance
Committee members, the group of people who manage a club’s affairs, are a critical component of any thriving athletics club. A club’s success is largely down to the work of its committee who exist to serve the club and to ensure that its members receive the best possible service and experiences.
What does a committee member do?
The Management Committee of a sports club takes on the ultimate legal and financial responsibility for all the activities of the club. They maintain an overview of policy and strategic direction rather than being involved in day-to-day operations. A committee will make decisions on behalf of the club and will take on duties to ensure everything runs smoothly. Although the way a management committee members’ role is described may vary according to the size and nature of the organisation, all committee members should be individually committed to:
-
Upholding the values and objectives of the club.
-
Giving adequate time and energy to the duties of being a committee member
-
Acting with integrity and avoiding personal conflicts of interest, or declaring these where they arise
As a committee member, you will make decisions as part of a collective group and hold joint responsibility for decisions and actions taken by the management committee, even in your absence, and will be responsible for ensuring that all decisions are taken in the best interests of the organisation and that the committee’s role is carried out effectively. This is a mandatory requirement of everyone on the committee.
Specific Guidance
The Chairperson plays a pivotal role within the Management Committee and is ultimately responsible for its effective operation. The Chairperson is often the highest profile person in the club, leading on external-facing activities and relationships – the face and voice of the club to the outside world.
While the role can be demanding, it can also be rewarding, presenting the opportunity to bring about positive change and development.
Read our specific guidance for Chairs here.
The club treasurer manages the flow of money in a club and allocates how the money is spent for it to be run. Additionally, the treasurer is responsible for maintaining the club’s accounting records and ensures that the club meets its financial responsibilities, including identifying the need for increased financing if the club is operating at a deficit and eroding its reserves.
Read our specific guidance for Treasurers of clubs here.
The position of secretary is critical to the successful management of any club or organisation. The secretary is often the first point of contact for people interested in the club who need information or details about activities. An effective secretary also helps in coordinating club events such as meeting schedules, social activities, and fundraising activities. The Secretary is generally responsible for the administration of the club, arranging meetings (and taking and circulating the minutes for these), dealing with the observance of the club constitution and complying with any regulatory obligations.
Read our specific guidance for secretaries for sports clubs here.
It is the responsibility of all sports clubs providing activity for children and young people under 18 years of age to have a designated Club Welfare Officer (CWO) who holds primary responsibility for managing and reporting concerns about children and for putting into place procedures to safeguard children, young people and vulnerable adults in the club. All clubs have a duty of care to everyone who is affected by their activities. They need to ensure that U18s and Adults at Risk are in a safe, welcoming environment. Appointing a CWO means there is a dedicated individual who people can go to regarding a concern or worry.
Read our specific guidance for Welfare Officers here.