From the Trenches: Part 7
In this series, we dive into the various issues that athletic directors face and offer up strategies to thrive in the face of these challenges.
The Issues Facing Education Based Athletics & Strategies for Today's Athletic Administrators
By Brent Buttjer and Scott Garvis, CMAA, Bound AD in Residence
Part 7: Recruitment and Retention of Volunteers
One of the challenges that athletic directors face is finding event workers for games and tournaments. This can include scorekeepers, timekeepers, announcers, and other personnel.
- Create a list of reliable volunteers: Athletic directors can reach out to parents, alumni, and community members to create a list of reliable volunteers who can help with events. They can also advertise for volunteer positions on social media and other platforms to attract new volunteers.
- Provide training and support: Athletic directors can offer training sessions to volunteers to help them understand their roles and responsibilities. They can also provide support during events to ensure that volunteers have what they need to perform their duties.
- Offer incentives: Athletic directors can offer incentives such as free admission to games or other perks to volunteers who work a certain number of events. This can help motivate volunteers to continue helping out.
“Recruitment and retention of volunteers and event workers is essential to the success of our programs. It's not just about filling roles, but about building a community of dedicated and passionate individuals who share our vision and values. Let's work to create a culture of appreciation, recognition, and support for our volunteers and event workers. By nurturing these relationships, we can attract and retain the best talent, and ensure that our events are executed with excellence and impact."
~ Scott Garvis C.M.A.A.
About Scott Garvis, CMAA, Bound AD in Residence
Scott Garvis has been a leader and innovator in intercollegiate and interscholastic athletics development and fundraising for more than 25 years – as an athletics director, coach, association board member, adviser and editorial contributor.
Scott has a record of excellence as Athletics Director, Director of Activities and Assistant Principal, having led the athletics departments at six high schools or school districts in three states. He has achieved unparalleled success at all levels of high school athletics: large public school districts, a small public high school, a private school, and with state and national athletics administrator associations.
