Policies, programs, and supporting structures

The Australian Sports Commission (ASC) is committed to supporting the sport sector to enable more people to volunteer in sport and to enhance the sport volunteering experience.

• Sport Volunteer Coalition (launched December 2021). Formed to provide expert advice and guidance in the development of a four-year action plan.
• Sport Volunteer Coalition Action Plan, (launched September 2022). Through the Action Plan, the ASC and Sport Volunteer Coalition will showcase the benefits of volunteering in sport for individuals and communities. The ASC invites organisations from across the sport sector to read and digest the Action Plan and reach out regarding opportunities to work together to continue to enhance the volunteer experience and encourage new volunteers to join their sport.
• Sport Volunteering National Plan, (2021). The National Sport Volunteering Plan outlines the ASC’s role in leading and supporting sport to navigate the evolving volunteer landscape. The impact of the national plan will be assessed annually over an initial four-year period.
• The future of sport volunteering: insights report, (April 2021). This document provides a series of actionable insights and tools that can bring about immediate, and long-term change across the sector. The tools are designed with both a short- and long-term view. In the short term, you have a range of actions that can be implemented immediately. In the long term, you can use the tools to stretch your thinking and discover new ideas.

Other research and resources

• Volunteer Resource Hub, (launched August 2023). A one-stop-shop, designed to bring together useful resources, tools and practical tips and tricks in one place. These resources will assist you to attract, retain and celebrate volunteers at the heart of your club and community sport more broadly.
• Volunteer stories, (accessed 17 August 2023). Video stories from various volunteers in different roles and sports across the sector.
• Game Plan, (accessed 12 September 2023). Volunteers are the heart of every club. Game Plan is a free online platform that makes it easy for club leaders to assess and analyse information about holistic club operations, to make good immediate decisions whilst developing clear plans for the club’s future.
• Market Segmentation Study for Volunteers, (2014). This research identified segments of the Australian community with the greatest potential for recruitment as sports volunteers and assesses the best practices and strategies for recruiting and retaining current volunteers. The study also provides key insights for the sport sector to better understand their volunteer workforce and how they might need to manage them into the future.
• The economic contribution of sport to Australia, Frontier Economics report to the Australian Sports Commission, (2010). There are three main ways in which sport delivers economic benefits to society: (1) promoting physical activity for public health benefit delivers an estimated saving of $12 billion in health care costs; (2) labour input of volunteers is valued at around $4 billion; and (3) the international success of elite Australian sportspeople is one of the most significant, measurable positive impacts on social well-being; with a value that is likely to exceed the current annual budget for elite sports.

Volunteering Australia is the national peak body working to advance volunteering in the Australian community. Its role is to represent the diverse views and needs of the volunteering sector while promoting the activity of volunteering as one of enduring social, cultural, and economic value.

• National Strategy for Volunteering 2023-2033, Volunteering Australia, (2023). The National Strategy for Volunteering sets out the desired outcomes for volunteering in Australia over the next ten years. It provides a clear and compelling case, underpinned by robust data and evidence, for targeted and sufficient investment in volunteering and celebration of the role it plays in creating thriving communities.
  • The most common types of organisations volunteered for are sport and recreation (25%), community services, welfare, and homelessness (22%), and religious, faith-based, and spiritual (20%).
  • Examining the data by sector, organisations from the Emergency Services / Disaster Relief and Sport / Recreation sectors were more likely to report rising community expectations as a driver of change.
• Volunteering Research Papers Initiative, Volunteering Australia, (2022-2023). The Volunteering Research Papers aimed to capture evidence on a wide range of topics related to volunteering and outline key insights for policy and practice. The 21 Volunteering Research Papers are peer reviewed, and insights will directly inform the development of the National Strategy for Volunteering.
• Volunteering in Australia 2022: The Volunteer Perspective, Biddle, N., Boyer, C., Gray, M., et al., Volunteering Australia, (2022). As part of the Volunteering in Australia research, this report provides an important contribution to the evidence base informing the National Strategy for Volunteering. The focus of this report is the organisational perspective. We explore the characteristics of volunteer involving organisations and the challenges they are facing. The research draws on a literature review and several data sources. New data collection was undertaken through a survey and focus groups during May-June 2022.
• Volunteering in Australia 2022: The Organisation Perspective, Holmes, K., Dunlop, P. D., Lockstone-Binney, L., et al., Volunteering Australia, (2022). As part of the Volunteering in Australia research, this report provides an important contribution to the evidence base informing the National Strategy for Volunteering. The focus of this report is the organisational perspective. We explore the characteristics of volunteer involving organisations and the challenges they are facing. The research draws on a literature review and several data sources. New data collection was undertaken through a survey and focus groups during May-June 2022.
• Fact Sheets about Volunteering in Australia, Volunteering Australia, (accessed 23 August 2023). Volunteering Australia has a number of different information sheets outlining key facts, statistics, policy stances or common language used in the volunteering sector.
• Research, Volunteering Australia, (accessed 23 August 2023). Volunteering Australia’s priorities, decisions, policies, and activities are informed by evidence and research, and we actively seek to support the research that is needed to advance volunteering policy and practice.
• State of Volunteering in Australia report, Volunteering Australia/PWC, (April 2016). Volunteering Australia and PwC conducted a survey to analyse the current state of volunteering in Australia, and to identify opportunities to maximise the potential of the volunteer workforce.
• The National Standards for Volunteer Involvement, Volunteering Australia, (May 2015). The new Standards incorporate significant changes to the original standards in order to reflect best practice in volunteer management in Australia’s current work environment. The Standards provide a sound framework for supporting the volunteer sector in Australia. The Standards adaptable to different organisation types and different forms of volunteering which reflect the diversity of this growing sector.

Go Volunteer is an initiative of Volunteering Australia. It provides a national database that aims to match people who are interested in volunteering with appropriate opportunities. Volunteering Australia also provides volunteer resources and maintains State Volunteer Centres.

Volunteering ACT is the peak body for volunteering and community information services in the Canberra region. The organisation provides a variety of resources and services for organisations that manage volunteers and for individual volunteers.

Volunteers, NSW Government, Office of Sport, (accessed 12 September 2023). Online resources for clubs.

NSW Volunteering Strategy 2020-2030, NSW Government, (July 2020). The Strategy sets out a ten year plan for the NSW volunteering sector, with a focus on growing, valuing and investing in the future of volunteering. In NSW it is estimated that there are over 2 million people who volunteer their time to help others, contributing at least 240 million hours. Their presence and efforts increase social inclusion, and deliver a range of important or essential services to those living in NSW. The Strategy also highlights 'sport based volunteering; as a major avenue for members of the community to get involved in community life. Volunteering in sport can build local connections, increase physical activity, improve health and wellbeing, and reduce social isolation.

• NSW Volunteering, NSW Government website, (accessed 12 September 2023). Online resources for finding volunteering and training opportunities, as well as resources for organisations, state of volunteering report and stories from volunteers.

The Centre for Volunteering NSW. The Centre for Volunteering is the peak body in NSW promoting and supporting volunteering and community participation. The Centre also has a service-delivery arm, the School of Volunteer Management, which is a registered training organisation. The Centre connects people and organisations through referral, training, resource development, information and education services.

NSW State of Volunteering Report, Institute of Project Management for NSW Government and The Centre for Volunteering, (July 2021). This in-depth analysis showcases the characteristics of volunteers, volunteering and volunteer-involving organisations. It produces a detailed cost-benefit analysis of the social, cultural and economic impacts of volunteering on communities in NSW. Some of the key findings include:

• Volunteers contributed over 1.5 billion hours in 2020, with individuals volunteering for an average of 5.6 hours every week.Approximately 4.4 million NSW residents also gave of their time ‘informally’ to other, non-household or non-family members in 2020, through acts such as domestic work, transport and child-care.
• New South Wales volunteers on average pay over $1,900 a year to volunteer. On average, only 20.2% of volunteers are reimbursed approximately 38.7% of their outof-pocket expenses. This means on top of their valuable time and skills, volunteers themselves are donating approximately $5.56 per hour to volunteer.
• Ultimately, across the 12 months of 2020, the value of volunteering to New South Wales was approximately $127 billion. This is the sum of commercial benefits worth $53.1 billion and civic benefits valued at $74.1 billion. This figure includes the $64.8 billion it would cost to replace the labour that volunteers contribute to New South Wales and represents a net return of approximately $3.30 on every dollar invested by all stakeholders.

Volunteering SA & NT is a not for profit organisation and peak body for volunteering, leading the sector in South Australia and the Northern Territory. It produces a number of resources and services that sports organisations may fund useful.

Northern Territory Sport Volunteer Action Plan 2023-2025, Northern Territory Government, Territory Families, Housing and Communities, (accessed 9 November 2023). In recognition of the importance of sport volunteers, the focus will be on supporting the volunteer workforce strategies of peak sporting bodies and active recreation organisations in the Territory through three key workforce development programs:

• Workforce Promotion Program - promotion of sport volunteer roles, benefits, resources and achievements.
• Workforce Support Program - development and delivery of volunteer involvement-related resources and activities.
• Workforce Grant Program - administration of annual volunteer development grants.

Volunteering Queensland is a non-government organisation that actively advocates for a strong and sustainable volunteering sector in Queensland. It produces a number of resources that sports organisations may find useful.

State of Volunteering in Queensland 2021 Report, Volunteering Queensland, (2021). Over 3.0 million (or 75.7% of) Queenslanders over 18 years of age volunteered in 2020. This includes people who volunteered formally with organisations, as well as those who do not have an affiliation with an organisation but contributed informally to their communities. Some key findings included:

• Volunteers contributed over 900 million hours in 2020 and individuals volunteered for an average of 5.7 hours every week. Across the twelve months of 2020, the value of volunteering to Queensland was almost $84 billion. This is the sum of commercial benefits worth $41.8 billion and civic benefits valued at $42.2 billion. These figures include the $37.1 billion it would cost to replace the labour that volunteers contribute to Queensland as well as $6.3 billion in contributions to Queensland’s Gross State Product. This represents a return of approximately $4.10 on every dollar invested.
• Queensland volunteers on average over $1,600 a year to volunteer. On average, volunteer-involving organisations are reimbursing only 11.4%, or $182, to volunteers. This means on top of their valuable time and skills, volunteers themselves are donating nearly $4.76 per hour to volunteer. It is noted that this ‘hidden’ cost has the potential to exclude many who cannot afford the act of volunteering.
• The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly disrupted volunteer patterns in Queensland. For instance, volunteers noted an increase of 15.2% in online/at home volunteering from 2019 to 2020.

Non profit organisations and volunteers, Queensland Government, WorkSafe, (accessed 31 May 2023).

Supporting Volunteers, Queensland Government, (accessed 12 September 2023). Provides resources for clubs, linking services. and stories from volunteers.

Volunteers, Office of Recreation, Sport and Racing, (accessed 12 September 2023). Online resources for clubs and volunteers.

Volunteering SA&NT is a not for profit organisation and peak body for volunteering, leading the sector in South Australia and the Northern Territory. It produces a number of resources and services that sports organisations may fund useful.

Volunteering Strategy 2021-2027, Government of South Australia, Volunteering SA&NT, Local Government Association of South Australia, Business SA, (May 2021). The Strategy aims to improve the experience of volunteers, enhance outcomes for volunteering involving organisations and supports our state to reach a high volunteer participation rate. Four focus areas: invest in the foundations of volunteering; Communicate the benefits of volunteering; Implement leading practice and high quality standards; Continuous improvement.

Volunteering Tasmania is a a not-for-profit organisation that aims to represent the interests of all Tasmanians involved in volunteering through research, consultation, policy development and community relationships.

• The state of volunteering report Tasmania 2019, Volunteering Tasmania, (2019). There are 68.6% (or 297,000) Tasmanians over 15 years of age who volunteer in Tasmania. This report gives us a snapshot of the findings and highlights from the 2019 research. Detailed findings, including the survey tools used, are available in the full State of Volunteering in Tasmania report.
• Leading and Managing in Tasmania’s Volunteer Sector Volunteer, Dr Toby Newstead, Dr Gemma Lewis, and the Volunteer Leadership Research Group, UTAS in partnership with Volunteering Tasmania, (2021). This report distils the findings of a study that sought to assess the current challenges, strengths, and opportunities to better support volunteer coordinators in their efforts to lead and manage within Tasmania’s Volunteer sector. Almost 300,000 Tasmanians volunteer. Approximately 200,000 of these are termed formal volunteers, in that they volunteer within an organisation. The remainder are informal volunteers who give their time in more self-organised community activities. This report focuses on formal volunteers. The findings of this study, coupled with leadership and management research, point to two key recommendations:
  • Invest in providing and developing good leadership and management in the volunteer sector;
  • Conduct further research to examine the challenges, strengths, and opportunities of volunteer leadership and management from volunteers’ perspectives.

The Government of Tasmania, Active Tasmania, provides information about managing people (members and volunteers).

Volunteering Victoria is a non-government peak body for volunteering in Victoria that seeks to promote and build a vibrant, prosperous and strong volunteering community. It produces a number of resources and services that sports organisations may fund useful.

• Position statement: Volunteering in a Digital World: Opportunities and Risk of Exclusion, Volunteering Victoria, (2021). While the ongoing digital revolution provides the volunteering sector with tremendous opportunities for growth, there remains a real risk of perpetuating the exclusion of many Victorians or leaving smaller volunteer involving organisations (VIO) unable to benefit from the digital reach. At Volunteering Victoria, we believe everyone should be able to access the health, social and connective value that being a volunteer gives to individuals and communities. We are committed to this vision of the future, and we look forward to working with all levels of governments and partners to making it a reality.
• State of volunteering in Victoria, Victorian Government, Institute of Project Management, Volunteering Victoria, (2020). This report showcases the characteristics of volunteers, volunteering and volunteer-involving organisations (VIOs), and applies the cost-benefit methodology to describe the social, cultural and economic value of volunteering in Victoria.
• Volunteer Management Toolkit, (2020). The toolkit is simple, easy to use and provides guidance for volunteer managers at each stage of the volunteering life cycle. It also includes: hints and tips for best practice; useful links; and downloadable templates.

Volunteer.vic, Victoria State Government, (accessed 12 September 2023). The Department provides a number of resources for organisations that use, support, or manage volunteers.

• Volunteers in Victoria, State of Victoria, Ministerial Council for Volunteers, (June 2017). [Download link] This report was developed to provide a contemporary narrative for volunteering. It also provides a summary of the known social benefits, economic value and current trends. Findings from this report highlight key trends, challenges and opportunities for volunteering, and have informed the development of strategic priorities to strengthen and support the volunteer sector in Victoria.
• Leadership in volunteering survey, State of Victoria, Ministerial Council for Volunteers, (June 2017). [Download link] The Ministerial Council for Volunteers (the Council) conducted a survey late to seek the views of those who lead or coordinate volunteers. Findings from this survey helped to inform key points on strengthening and supporting volunteer leadership in Victoria. Key points identified by the survey for organisations were: valuing/recognition of volunteers; training/education; and, investing in efficiency and competitiveness.
• Economic Value of Volunteering in Victoria, Duncan Ironmonger, University of Melbourne, Victorian Government, Department of Planning and Community Development, (December 2012). This report estimated that by adding the value of organised, unorganised and travel together, volunteering was worth about $7.1 billion to the Victorian economy in 1992, growing to $16.4 billion in 2006. Volunteers also provided a volume of work equivalent to 260,500 jobs in 1992 rising to 359,100 in 2006. This is equivalent to an additional 13.4 per cent of the paid number of people employed in Victoria 1992 and 14.2 per cent in 2006.

Volunteering is Catching: a study into young people's volunteering in Victoria, Wynne C, Youth Affairs Council of Victoria, (2011). This study draws on a contemporary understanding of volunteering that captures both the informal and formal volunteering activities of young people and defines youth volunteering as an activity where young people (aged 12 to 25) freely give their time and energy to benefit another individual, group or community. This report aims to understand the contemporary experience of volunteering for Victoria’s young people.

Volunteer tips and support, Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries, (accessed 31 May 2023). Put in place a simple plan and support structure to create a volunteer friendly environment. Resources include:

• Volunteer Management Guide: A guide to better recruiting, retaining and managing volunteers within sport and recreation organisations, WA Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries, (November 2019). This guide has been developed to improve the recruitment, retention and management of volunteers in volunteer-run State Sporting Associations. The guide is also relevant to sport and recreation clubs. The guide assumes that organisations accessing the information do not have internal human resource or volunteer coordination expertise and support. The guide provides practical advice that will support the development and implementation of policies and procedures for effective volunteer management.
• Grassroots The secret life of sport and recreation, Department of Sport and Recreation, Western Australia, (May 2017). In this book you’ll meet more than 40 Western Australians who reveal why they continue to be involved in sport and recreation and what keeps them coming back every game, every week and every season. Conceived and created by Western Australia’s Department of Sport and Recreation, this book advocates for the power of sport to enrich and change lives. It shows no matter your age, ability or background, everyone can contribute to our sporting system. Through inspiring stories and photos it invites you to become part of the sport and recreation family – and be active while doing it.
• Position statement on volunteers, WA Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries, (endorsed February 2015). The Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries recognises that sport and recreation volunteers are the backbone of the industry and an enormous source of social capital. Organisations must support and recognise volunteers so they feel valued and are able to fulfill the position they have been given.

Volunteering WA makes a difference by connecting thousands of volunteers to many community organisations. We aim to build strong communities through volunteering and provide a range of resources, services and support so that people in Western Australia are aware of, and understand, the nature and scope of volunteer activity.

• Grants and funding programs, (accessed 9 November 2023). There are several opportunities throughout the year to apply for grants or scholarships and we encourage you to check our website regularly or subscribe to our monthly sector newsletter.
• Volunteer benefits calculator, (accessed 31 May 2023). The replacement cost of a volunteer is calculated using the average hourly part-time wage of a person of their age in their State of residence, plus 15% employer on-costs (inclusive of superannuation, payroll tax and administration expenses)
• The social and economic sustainability of WA’s rural volunteer workforce, Holmes K, Davies A, Lockstone-Binney L, et.al., Research Report No. 22/19, Bankwest Curtin Economics Centre, (Feburary 2019). Our study identified how rural communities in WA are addressing the challenges of recruiting and retaining volunteers. We identified the critical role of volunteering in creating a sense of community wellbeing and delivering essential services in rural areas. We also present the strategies volunteers and voluntary organisations are using to sustain the rural volunteer workforce. The two areas that had the most number of volunteer groups were sport (35) and emergency services (32).
• Policies and procedures handbook, Volunteering WA, (2019). A sample Policies and Procedures handbook, which can be used as a basis for developing detailed procedures for Not-for-Profit organisations.
• The Economic, Social, and Cultural Value of Volunteering to Western Australia, Institute of Project Management for Volunteering WA, (May 2015). The socio-economic and cultural value of volunteering to Western Australia in 2015 is conservatively estimated to be $39.0 billion. This figure is much greater than previous estimates based on price or economic impact alone, yet is likely to be a significant underestimate given the limitations of the available data and analytic techniques.

Club Help, Australian Football League, (accessed 12 September 2023). Provides information for club administrators to help manage volunteers, including AFL Award categories, tips on recognising, retaining, and recruiting volunteers, and club job descriptions.

Volunteer, Basketball Australia, (accessed 12 September 2023). In this section, we celebrate the efforts of these unsung heroes, provide information on how you can get involved and make a difference in your local basketball community, and provide resources to help you ensure your club has a healthy and enthusiastic band of volunteers in various roles for many years to come. Includes template position descriptions and other resources.

• Volunteer Management, Basketball Australia, (July 2023). Growth in volunteering in sport + recreation must be grounded in asking prospective volunteers why, how and how often they'd like to help - not simply listing the jobs to be done.

Volunteer Handbook, Bowls Western Australia, (June 2020). Bowls WA has created the Volunteer Handbook for clubs. This is a valuable resource to be used around your club and may help in the recruitment and retention of volunteers as well as provide new ideas and methods when it comes to volunteering.

Position descriptions: Volunteer Coordinator, Bowls Australia, (September 2018). The key function of the role is to coordinate all elements of volunteering within their club. Volunteer coordinators liaise with all areas of the club to determine their volunteer needs and then recruit volunteers to each of the roles. Another important function of a volunteer coordinator is to ensure that all volunteers have the knowledge, training and support required to undertake their nominated roles.

Volunteering and Officiating, Paddle Australia, (accessed 13 September 2023). Provides information on how someone can become involved as a volunteer with Paddle Australia.

Consultation and research findings, (May 2022). The research and findings in this report aim to inform the overall strategy to improve recruitment, recognition and retention of volunteers in the sport. the report provides a breakdown of surveys of member (433 respondents) and club (57 responses), as well as summaries of thoughts and experiences from interviews and focus groups with Paddle Australia Board members and staff, Executive officers and Presidents from state associations, Representatives from six technical committees, and interviews with the CEOs of international federations. Of the 433 survey responses recieved from members:

• 44% had been on a club, state or national committee in the last 5 years. Of those who had undertaken such a role:
  • 31% felt frustrated it is always the same people; 57% enjoyed it, but do it to help out, 26% absolutely love it; 44% thought they would be volunteering in 2 years; 63% felt appreciated.
  • 19% of people not currently volunteering on club committees indicated they would if they were asked (an additional 57% stated they might do so). 21% stated they would consider going on the committee if more resources and training were available (54% would consider it).
  • When those had not been on a committee were asked for reasons why they didn’t volunteer only 4% stated they had a lack of interest or didn't want to: 43% cited lack of time; 20% not being asked; 15% fear of being overloaded with work; 13% lack of confidence; 12% not knowing what roles there are/no position descriptions or training available.
• 28% had undertaken coaching/instructing at a club, state or national level in the last 5 years. 73% had been coaching for over 4 years.
  • 62% of coaches indicated they “Absolutely love it” while 36% “enjoy it but really do it to help out”. Comparative to the
    club based volunteer positions only 4% “feel frustrated that it is always the same people”, and 76% felt appreciated.
  • 54% of coaches and instructors did not believe the development pathways are clear and there is very strong support for the development and provision of more training and support resources.
• 44% had undertaken a technical official or event volunteer role at a club, state or national level in the last 5 years. 58% had been undertaking their role for over 4 years with.
  • 31% of technical officials and event volunteers indicated they “Absolutely love it” while 57% “enjoy it but really do it to help out”. 14% “feel frustrated that it is always the same people”. 74% felt they are appreciated.
  • 68% stated they did not believe developmental pathways were clear. Again, there is very strong support for the development and provision of more training and support resources .
• Of the 57 survey responses from clubs, no club indicated they had more than enough volunteers for any function and most had “not enough” or “just enough” volunteers for each of the functions.
  • 58% of clubs stated it was “Difficult” or “Extremely Difficult” to recruit coaches and 44% answered the same when asked about their experiences recruiting technical officials.
  • Recruitment main strategy used by clubs was to “tap on the shoulder/personal recruitment”. Emails, social media and websites were used to varying degrees but there was almost no attempt to recruit from outside each clubs' community.
  • The majority of clubs provided “on the job training”. A small number offered formal induction training and only the coaches, instructors and official were offered formal training courses.
  • Only 4 of the responding clubs believed there were enough resources and formal training courses.
  • Clubs felt that the major barriers to attracting new volunteers were lack of personal time/other commitments (91%); fear of being overloaded with work (78%); lack of confidence (73%); increasing expectations of compliance (71%); lack of interest/ don't want to (71%); not being asked (44%).

Play Cricket, Cricket Australia, (accessed 12 September 2023). The site provides information and templates for all clubs and associations to help recruit and manage volunteers.

• Recruit and Manage Volunteers, (accessed 12 September 2023). Volunteer Management Framework - Use this framework to set your club up to be best positioned to recruit, manage, recognise and succession plan when it comes to your volunteers.
• Club Webinar: Buidling your volunteer community [video; 55:28mins], (28 July 2021). Join Australian Cricketer and 7 presenter Holly Ferling, to learn how to manage volunteers through the entirety of the volunteer life cycle.
• Club Webinar: Great coaching at your club [video; 57:38mins], (15 August 2021). Great coaches create great environments. How can we recruit, retain, and grow great coaches?
• Club Webinar: More! Building your volunteering community [video; 54:24mins], (20 September 2021). Back by popular demand, Join Fox Sport Presenter Mel Jones, to learn how to manage volunteers through the entirety of the volunteer life cycle.

Module 3 BMXA - Volunteers and Club Management [video], BMX Australia, YouTube, (30 April 2020). The third module of the BMXA club committee governance project takes a look at volunteers and club management.

Volunteer with us — Disability Sports Australia Volunteer with Disability Sports Australia, Disability Sports Australia, (accessed 13 September 2023). Provides information to volunteers on how they can become involved.

Volunteer Management Toolkit, Equestrian Victoria, (2015). This Toolkit is your easy to use and access guide to Volunteer Management. It is designed as your one stop shop and will provide you with easy to use tips and strategies to help you with recruiting, training, managing and retaining your volunteers. It can be used by any Volunteer Co-ordinator whether you are a volunteer yourself, managing a team of volunteers or part of a larger volunteer workforce.

The Australian Flying Disc Association (AFDA) recognises the need for a volunteer management program to focus on creating a supportive environment to address the issue of recruiting and retaining volunteers.

• REAP Volunteer Management Program (VMP): Recruit, Educate, Acknowledge and Preserve (2014).

Become a volunteer, Play Football, (accessed 12 September 2023). Provides information to volunteers on how they can become involved with a club.

FIFA launches new global volunteer programme, FIFA.com, (5 December 2020). FIFA Volunteer will provide a single, dedicated platform for people interested in volunteering at FIFA tournaments and events, as well as serving as a registration and application portal going forward. As part of the new programme, fans aged 18 and over will be able to register on the FIFA Volunteer Platform to receive the latest news and updates about volunteering at upcoming FIFA events. Fans and members of the public interested in volunteering at FIFA tournaments, including the FIFA World Cup™, will also be able to apply to become a FIFA Volunteer via the platform.

Volunteers, Golf Australia, (accessed 12 September 2023). Provides information to volunteers on what events they can be involved with.

People Management, Golf Australia, (accessed 12 September 2023). These resources will assist you and your club in managing volunteers and employees.

• Volunteer Guide and Handbook: Managing volunteers at your golf club, Golf Australia, (accessed 12 September 2023). Adapted from resources provided by Justice Connect - nfplaw.org.au.

Volunteering, Gridiron Australia, (accessed 13 September 2023). Provides information to volunteers on how they can become involved through a club or on game day.

Become a volunteer, Kiteboarding Australia, (accessed 13 September 2023). Within Kiteboarding Australia there are a large amount of volunteering opportunities, spanning across different organisational areas and disciplines. Page provides information on how someone can become involved as a volunteer.

Club Management Handbook Chapter 9 – Volunteer Officials, Confederation of Australian Motor Sport, (2015). The handbook covers club membership and outlines recruitment, retention, mentoring and recognising members. This section of the handbook is aimed specifically at volunteers who can assist with social and competition activities and events.

Officials, Motorsport Australia, (accessed 12 September 2023). Guide on how someone can become a volunteer official.

Volunteering, Riding for the Disabled, (accessed 9 October 2023). Volunteers are the life blood of any nonprofit organisation. RDA volunteers are no exception; we rely heavily on our volunteers to deliver our services.

• Training. All new volunteers will receive induction training on their first day. This will include a tour of the facilities and an introduction to RDA. Each State/Territory has a procedure for Volunteers to undergo a Police Clearance or Working With Children Clearance. RDA Australia and our Program Delivery Consultative Committees have developed a number of resources to help with your training. Volunteer Information Booklet – available at your centre.

Assist - volunteer at your club, Play Rugby League, (accessed 13 September 2023). Information and resources on becoming and supporting different volunteer roles including - Coach, Trainer, Referee.

Club Volunteers, Rugby Australia, (accessed 9 October 2023). Volunteers are a vital part of running a club and as such recruiting and retaining volunteers is key to your club’s success. Information and resources on becoming and supporting Coaches and Referees.

Officials, Australian Sailing, (accessed 9 October 2023). Want to become a volunteer but don’t know where to start? The simplest way is to get in touch with your local club and let them know you are keen to get involved. Information and resources on becoming and supporting different volunteer roles:

• Officiating. In this volunteer role you will contribute to the fair and safe running of sailing competition and Australian Sailing has a National Officiating Program covering all the following roles: Race Officers, Judges, Umpires, Measurers, Equipment Auditors.
• Instructors. Qualification Pathway includes, Assistant Instructor, Instructor, Senior Instructor.
• Coaches. Australian Sailing has a range of learning options to develop coaching skills. The Foundation Coach and Sailing Coach courses provide options depending on your interests, aspirations, and experience in sailing.
• e-Learning Courses. The Australian Sailing myLearning portal has a catalogue of free and useful online courses created by Australian Sailing and Sport Integrity Australia that could benefit clubs, members, volunteers, administrators and instructors.

Volunteers, Shooting Australia, (accessed 13 September 2023). Page provides brief information and access to a form for individuals to register interest in becoming a volunteer at events and competitions. Some member organisations have developed specific resources for coaching and officiating in different shooting sports, examples include:

• Coaching, Sporting Clays Australia, (accessed 9 October 2023). Information about available training and accreditation available to members.
• Pathways Coaching and Officiating, Target Rifle Australia, (2022).
  • Coach Education, (accessed 9 October 2023).
  • Technical Officials, (accessed 9 October 2023).

Get involved, Special Olypics Australia, (accessed 9 October 2023). If you want to experience joy you can volunteer. If you love sports you can become a coach.

• Volunteer Expression of Interest. Allows individuals to sign up to become a volunteer at Special Olympics Australia.
• Coaching. An important part of the Coach Development Framework is the Participant Development Pathway. The pathway shows the non-linear progression available for coaches within the Special Olympics community through the Explore, Participate, and Develop phases.
• The Inclusive Sport Academy. Courses and content in the Inclusive Sport Academy provide students with the basic principles, techniques and tools to effectively coach, teach and guide people with intellectual disabilities or autism.

“Our club, is your club” – New recruitment campaign from Surf Life Saving designed to bring volunteers back to local clubs, Surf Life Saving Australia, (10 November 2020). The campaign released today is designed to remind Aussies of the benefits of volunteering and the benefits that their local Surf Life Saving Clubs offers to them. The recruitment campaign will be launched nationwide with Surf Life Saving Australia and all states and territories collaborating to achieve one common goal – to bring our members new and old back home.

• Our Club is Your Club [campaign video], Surf Life Saving Australia, YouTube, (10 November 2020).

Become An Official, Swimming Australia, (accessed 9 October 2023). Swimming relies heavily on volunteers. Competitions and events are important to the development of our athletes and technical officials are critical for their delivery. All technical official information is now available via our dedicated hub.

Coaching Hub, Swimming Australia, (accessed 9 October 2023). The role of the coach is fundamental to the positive experience of swimmers at every level. Coaching is a rich and rewarding experience helping others develop and achieve their personal aspirations.

Volunteers, Tennis Australia, (accessed 9 October 2023). This section provides detailed information for clubs around Workforce, Volunteer management, Recruiting, and Recognition.

• Recruiting. Recruitment is the process of attracting new volunteers to sport and recreation organisations.
• Coordinating. The design and implementation of a human resource plan for volunteers is more likely to occur in sport and recreation organisations that have taken the time to select a motivated and suitably qualified Volunteer Coordinator.
• Volunteer Rights. While volunteers are not covered by the same as paid staff, they still have rights as defined by volunteering organisations.
• Recognise. There are many ways to recognise your volunteers and something that should be encouraged to demonstrate the importance of volunteering, as volunteers are generously donating their skills, time and effort.

TBA Volunteer Support Program, Tenpin Bowling Australia, (accessed 31 May 2023). The 'TBA Volunteer Support Program' aims to acknowledge and reward those in the bowling community who provide volunteer commitment and expertise to better the sport.

Volunteer, Touch Football, (accessed 31 May 2023). There are many different ways to get involved in the Touch Football community, including as a coach, referee, administrator, sporting schools officer or school ambassador.

Volunteers, (accessed 31 May 2023). Volleyball Australia seeks to enhance our volunteer engagement and has designed an interactive online module to provide up-to-date volunteer information for all those wishing to volunteer with Volleyball Australia Events and Programs. The Online Volunteer Training has been created in conjunction with Victoria University (VU) and can be found on their Course Hive website.

Event Experience – Volleyball Australia Volunteers, Volleyball Australia, (accessed 13 September 2023). Volleyball Australia seeks to enhance our volunteer engagement and has designed an interactive online module to provide up-to-date volunteer information for all those wishing to volunteer with Volleyball Australia Events and Programs.

DWA Volunteer Membership and Benefits, Disabled Wintersport Australia, (accessed 12 September 2023). DWA offers a range of volunteer opportunities, ranging from adaptive snowsport guides, to board and committee members, and a range of other roles aimed to harness the skills and experiences of our volunteers to support our programs.

• DWA Volunteers Portal, Disabled Wintersport Australia, (accessed 12 September 2023). Information on benefits of being an associate member (volunteer), as well as the Supported Guide Program, and DWA Insurance and Incident Forms.
• Supported Guide Program, Disabled Wintersport Australia, (accessed 12 September 2023). As part of the development pathway for our volunteer guides, DWA now offers this program for our experienced guides who volunteer for 15 days or more of on snow volunteering.

Sport in Canada relies on a strong club system to support lifelong participation. Volunteers contribute to the effectiveness of grassroots sports organisations. Accordingly, strategies for developing, promoting and encouraging volunteers are embedded in the Canadian sport sector.

• Sport for Life Long-Term Officials Development Guide, (accessed 10 May 2022). Sport for Life’s new ‘LTOD’ page is a practical web resource to support the development of quality official’s programs.
• Canadian Code for Volunteer Involvement, Volunteering Canada, (2017). Volunteer Canada created the Canadian Code for Volunteer Involvement (CCVI) to support organizations that engage volunteers. The CCVI is a guide for involving volunteers in all levels of an organization. The CCVI clearly states the values and benefits of volunteer involvement. It provides a framework for discussion and decision-making within organizations. It also promotes meaningful volunteer involvement that meets the needs of both the organization and its volunteers.

Sport New Zealand estimates that in 2013/14 there were 41,000 people paid to work in sport in New Zealand, but close to 1 million people volunteering. 28.1% of adults had volunteered at least once over the previous year and these volunteers contributed 67.7 million hours of volunteered time over 12 months, with an estimated market value of NZ$1.031b.

• Recruit and manage volunteers, Sport NZ, (accessed 10 May 2022). Information from Sport NZ aims to help organisations understand volunteers' motivations for becoming involved and keep them at the heart of the sector.
  • Aktive Volunteer Management Toolkit, (September 2019). The purpose of the Toolkit is to provide information, insights and ideas that will assist organisations to find and look after volunteers who can help to deliver their sport or activity.
• Value of Sport, Sport NZ, (March 2018). A study exploring the value of sport to New Zealanders, their communities and our country. The Value of Sport is based on extensive research, including a survey of around 2,000 New Zealanders and a review of previous studies from here and around the world. Active NZ in 2013/14 estimated that 28.1% of adults had volunteered at least once over the previous year, and these volunteers contributed 67.7 million hours of volunteered time over 12 months with an estimated market value of NZ$1.031b. 35% of volunteers state that their reason for volunteering is to contribute to their community. 25% of volunteers are also motivated by the opportunity to gain new skills (and improve employment opportunities).
• Volunteering Insights Report, Gemba for Sport New Zealand, (2015). This report had three objectives: (1) understanding the underlying drivers and the level of engagement; (2) viewing sport as seen by its consumers; and (3) providing detailed analysis of key measures. Data was weighted by age, gender and location according to the latest New Zealand Census. Key insights provided in this report follow:
  • The recruitment of volunteers at an early age is critical. Volunteers begin their service at an early age (16-24 years old) and are likely to serve for a significant period of time.
  • Sport volunteers are also participants of their respective sports. On average, 54% of sports volunteers have participated in that sport in the last 12 months. Those participating in the sport will be most effective and will help to drive sustainable levels of volunteers.
  • The motivations of volunteers are selfless. They serve for the enjoyment achieved from giving back to their community and/or sport, and care little about the rewards they receive in return. The majority of participants intend to continue volunteering, and could be incentivised by more training and development, and better support from clubs and parents.
  • The intrinsic rewards (doing something worthwhile and contributing to their community) that motivate volunteers mean that their rationale for giving up volunteering are due to time restraints or other commitments, rather than a lack of appreciation.
  • Older (45 to 64 year old) volunteer coaches are the most qualified and engaged coaches. When compared with younger coaches, older coaches are the most likely to have received coaching development or to have achieved a coaching qualification.
  • Older coaches have more experience and are likely to be working at all levels of sport; 60% have coached for six years or more. Older coaches are also the most likely to coach at a diverse range of coaching locations.
• Rugby World Cup 2011 volunteering resources. Sport NZ, (2011). The 2011 Rugby World Cup was supported by New Zealand's biggest ever volunteer effort. Officially called the Rugby World Cup 2011 Volunteer Programme, it saw an unpaid workforce of more than 5000 play a crucial role in the delivery of a great sporting event. This resource covers planning, recruitment, training, volunteer compliance, uniform distribution, scheduling, reward and recognition, research and reporting.

Volunteering in an Active Nation: Strategy 2017-2021, Sport England, (2017). By investing in volunteering, measuring the benefits (to volunteers as well as the community), and using the knowledge we gain to fulfil volunteers’ expectations, we’ll be able to tap even more of the country’s vast volunteering potential. From 2021 to 2025 Sport England's focus will expand to involving a larger proportion of the population in engaging and helping out in sport and physical activity. Additional resources developed include: Volunteering project evaluation toolkit; Volunteer survey guidance; volunteering Q&A; club matters; and a major event volunteer fund.

Active Lives: Adult Survey, May 2020/21 Report, Sport England, (October 2021). Volunteer frequency and demographic data will be updated in the November 2021 Active Lives report. However, this report highlights some of the mental health and wellbeing impacts of volunteering in sport. Overall they found positive correlations for individual wellbeing, individual development, and social and community development. Individual wellbeing and development benefits were higher for those who participated more frequently, while the social and community development benefits didn't show any strong differences across different rates of volunteering.

Active Lives: Adult Survey, November 2019/20 Report, Sport England, (April 2021). 4.9% (2.2 million) adults volunteered at least once a week throughout the year. Men continue to be much more likely to volunteer in sport and activity (64% male; 36% female). This has previously been noted as in contrast to more general volunteering, where men and women are more equally represented. Women were much less likely to referee or umpire, or coach or instruct, compared to men. Conversely, women are more likely to organise fundraising for sport and provide other help. The greatest shares of regular volunteers come from the 16-24, 35- 44 and 45-54 age groups. The report also found that people from lower socio-economic groups were less likely to volunteer (making up only 11% of volunteers, although they make up 31% of the population), and people with a disability, who make up 21% of the population, account for only 14% of volunteers. Updated statistics on volunteering continue to reported in later Active Lives reports.

Sport + Recreation Alliance, (accessed 10 May 2022). Provides information and resources about recruiting, rewarding and retaining volunteers and includes registers for volunteer opportunities and organisations looking for volunteers.

• Hidden diamonds: Uncovering the true value of sport volunteers, Join in, (2014). Going beyond traditional valuation methods, which use the cost-replacement model, the research investigated the true value of sports volunteering to personal wellbeing and happiness of the volunteers themselves, plus the wider benefit to their communities.
• Givers: Recruit, manage and retain your volunteers more effectively, Join in, Sport + Recreation Alliance, Simetrica, (April 2017). For the first time, groundbreaking behavioural science research, has given us new evidence and insight into what drives people to volunteer, and what keeps them from doing so. We’ve distilled these insights into a simple framework to help grassroots clubs and organisations recruit, retain and realise the potential of volunteers. We call this GIVERS. It stands for: Growth; Impact: Voice: Ease and Experience; Recognition; Social.
• Join In. Join In matches people to volunteering opportunities at clubs in their area.

The Youth Sport Trust (YST) is an independent charity, established in 1994, that aims to help all young people achieve their full potential in life by delivering high quality physical education and sport opportunities. Promoting ‘volunteering’ is an important part of YST leadership programs and workforce development. The Youth Sport Trust runs a variety of programs to encourage and promote volunteering in sport and physical education.