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EVIDENCE BASE FOR SPORT

Volunteers in Sport

An estimated 3.2 million Australians participate in non-playing roles in the sport and active recreation sector each year. Over 90% of these participants (3 million) are volunteers.

Volunteers contribute to the social and economic value of sport, especially at the community level. Many sports and sporting organisations would not be able to run without volunteers who fill many critical roles, including coach, official, manager, administrator, board and committee member.

Volunteers also support major events, such as the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games.

Key messages

Volunteer participation

In 2021 over 3 million Australians donated their time and energy to community sport and recreation clubs. The value of labour input by sport sector volunteers in Australia has been estimated at up to $4 billion per year.
Personal benefits

Volunteering is linked to positive mental, social and physical benefits. Older volunteers in particular may experience less depression and greater life satisfaction than non-volunteers.
Workforce development

Providing ongoing education, training opportunities, positive recognition, and other support for volunteers dramatically improves volunteer recruitment and retention, and helps make Australian sport more sustainable.

Topic focus

What is volunteering and its role in the sport sector

Volunteers add great value to the sector by ensuring organised activities are affordable, well run and inclusive.
Benefits of volunteering

Volunteering provides substantial value to society and to the volunteers themselves, including mental, social, and physical benefits.
Statistics

Statistics and trends relating to volunteer participation in sport and recreation organisations.
Influencing and engaging volunteers

Research has identfied a number of factors that either motivate or provide barriers to volunteer participation.
Volunteer management

A planned approach to managing sport sector volunteers and their experiences will enhance satisfaction and improve retention.
Australian initiatives and examples

Australian initiatives to support and encourage volunteer opportunities in sport and recreation.
International practice

International strategies, policies, programs, reports, and research relating to volunteer participation.

Related Topics

Child Protection in Sport

Participation in sport

Reviewed by: Australasian Sport Information Network
Last updated: 15 June 2022
Content disclaimer: See Clearinghouse for Sport disclaimer

IS THIS INFORMATION COMPLETE?

The Clearinghouse for Sport is a sector-wide knowledge sharing initiative, and as such your contributions are encouraged and appreciated. If you would like to suggest a resource, submit a publication, or provide feedback on this topic, please contact us.

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