Recruiting Coaches, Referees and Team Parents
When it comes to recruiting volunteers for the Region, everyone should play a role in encouraging parents to become involved in the program and contribute in any way possible. No matter how little time they may have, if everyone takes one task, in the end, it means less work for someone else. “The more, the merrier” should be the philosophy of recruiting volunteers.
It is also helpful to understand some of the reasons why people may want to volunteer:
- For the love of soccer or the Game.
- Wanting to help children have a positive experience.
- Volunteered by a spouse.
- Love dealing with problems.
- Friends are involved.
- Real job is boring.
- Team would be dissolved if someone didn’t step up.
- Thought they could do a better job.
- Want to contribute to the community.
- Just want to help.
- Someone just quit.
- Want to be a role model for kids.
- Believe in AYSO’s Philosophies.
Appealing to these possible motivations or needs, can be a way of gaining someone’s support for helping out. Remember, it’s easier to encourage people to lend a hand in a small way to start. If they have a positive experience, they may be called upon later to help in a larger way.
One key to a successful division is determining how many volunteers are needed early in the process. Division Coordinators should attend Registration events and work with the Registrar to keep tabs on the number of players registered in the division. Why? Registration events are generally the single most important way to meet potential volunteers. The number of players determines the number of teams and the number of teams determines the number of Team Coaches, Assistant Coaches and Team Parents that will be needed. The number of teams will also determine the number of games and the number of referees needed.
One way to track recruiting is to start a chart of volunteers recruited/needed for each team.
Division Coordinators should share recommendations for volunteers, especially coaches, with other Division Coordinators for other age groups. Coach evaluations and notations on Safe Haven compliance can be extremely valuable for the next playing season.
Division Coordinators have a unique opportunity to recruit new volunteers. Interacting with parents on a weekly basis, they can observe who is most involved and offer them the opportunity to step up and volunteer their time as a referee, coach, assistant coach or even a board member. Encourage them by pointing out they are already volunteering by being at their child’s practices and games. Make the most of this opportunity and recruit someone new each week. More ideas can be found under Marketing.
