Member Recognition - LSV Club Support Manual

Recognition is genuinely valuing the contributions of members. Recognition assists with member retention by providing a feeling of being valued and by identifying their achievements.

Everyone deserves some form of recognition even if it is a simple ‘thank you’ for helping out.

Members who feel recognised and rewarded for their efforts are more likely to be retained by their club.

a) Guidelines for member recognition

Be immediate (recognise effort as soon as it has taken place)
Be specific (give personal recognition)
Be consistent (recognise everyone’s contribution)
Be sincere (mean what you are saying)
Be enthusiastic (having a positive attitude will encourage it in others)

b) Ways to recognise members

Encouraging member participation in team planning
Encouraging member participation in planning that effects their work
Giving additional responsibility (when desired)
Enabling members to develop skills and grow on the job
Involving members in special events
Recommending members to prospective employers and provide letters of reference
Taking the time to listen to members ideas and concerns
Recognising personal needs
Celebrating achievements and efforts
Keeping members informed via newsletter and email
Allocating notice board space to applaud member achievement and accomplishment
Organising medals, certificates or plaques to recognise achievements and contributions
Celebrating National Volunteer Week and National Youth Week

c) Club Awards

It is suggested that the following SLSA and SLSNSW awards and selection criteria are replicated at a club. This assists in the progression of winners and reduces the amount of paperwork and re-wording often required to submit nominations at further levels.

d) LSV Specific Awards

LSV specific awards are those that are recognised at the LSV Valuing Volunteers Evening (VVE) or at the Awards of Excellence and do not progress to a national level.

Specific selection criteria and further information about the awards may be found on the LSV Members Recognition Manual , the LSV website and detailed within the Valuing Volunteers Evening or the Awards of Excellence circulars.

e) SLSA Core Awards

SLSA Core Awards are those that are recognised at the SLSNSW Awards of Excellence with award winners progressing to represent SLSNSW at a national level.

Surf Lifesaver of the Year
Volunteer of the Year
Club of the Year
Lifeguard of the Year
Official of the Year
Athlete of the Year
Young Athlete of the Year (U/19)
Coach of the Year
Assessor of the Year
Trainer of the Year
Community Education Program of the Year

f) SLSA Recognition Awards

As a means of valuing the contributions of our members a range of surf lifesaving awards targeting all levels have been developed.

These include:

Life Membership distinguished service, available at club, state and national levels
President’s Medal significant and outstanding service
Sustained Service Certificate sustained and committed service
Long Service Awards for sustained membership of surf lifesaving
National Patrol Service Awards for long service to lifesaving patrols
Officiating Service Certificate for long service to officiating
Assessing Service Certificate for long service to assessing/examining
Coaching Service Certificate for long service to coaching
Meritorious Awards for outstanding deeds of bravery performed in surf lifesaving operations
Commendation, recognising exceptional rescues
National Medal recognises long service in organisations that protect life and property at some risk to their members
The Order of Surf Life Saving available to individuals or corporations in recognition of their contributions as benefactors
Australian Council Certificate for outstanding service or support at a national level ‘By Resolution of the Australian Council’
Certificate of Appreciation recognises outstanding service or support that is beyond that which is to be expected of a member, non-member, company or group
SLSA Hall of Fame – recognising contributions of members in Lifesaving, Administration and Sport
National Innovation Award – recognition of the development of initiatives that improve any facet of surf lifesaving in Australia
ILS Citations person who has contributed to the furtherance of lifesaving and the goals of ILS in a manner of enduring, global importance