Club Board & Club Council (if applicable)
A strong relationship between the Club Board and the Club Council is vital for effective governance, decision-making, and the overall success of the club. Both bodies have distinct roles but share a common goal: advancing the club’s mission and ensuring its sustainability. Understanding their interdependence and fostering a productive partnership can lead to better outcomes for the club and its members.
- Alignment of Goals: Ensures that the Council’s activities align with the Board’s strategic objectives.
- Improved Decision-Making: Facilitates informed decisions through diverse input and perspectives.
- Effective Execution: Ensures that strategic plans are translated into actionable and impactful activities.
- Member Satisfaction: Encourages a unified approach to member engagement and service delivery.
- Conflict Prevention: Reduces misunderstandings and potential disputes between governance and operational roles
The Relationship Between the Supporters Club and the Club (if applicable)
The relationship between a Supporters Club and the main Club is one cornerstone of financial stability, community engagement, and operational success. Both entities often share a symbiotic relationship, with the Supporters Club providing some financial and logistical support while the main Club focuses on its core mission and member services. Developing and nurturing this relationship is vital for achieving shared goals and ensuring the longevity of both club & Supporters Club.
Key Benefits of a Strong Relationship
- Financial Stability: Supporters Clubs often provide the funding necessary to sustain the main Club’s activities.
- Resource Sharing: Collaborative use of facilities, equipment, and resources maximizes efficiency and reduces costs.
- Community Engagement: A united front enhances visibility and attracts communities.
- Shared Success: Achievements by either the Supporters Club or the main Club reflect positively on the other.
- Conflict Minimisation: Clear communication and mutual understanding prevent misunderstandings or competition.
Strategies to Create and Foster a Strong Relationship
Establish Clear Roles and Responsibilities
- Ensure the role of each party is clearly defined in your Constitution and Regulations to ensure there is no overlap or confusion.
- If required, develop role descriptions that outline expectations and accountabilities.
Promote Open Communication
- Schedule joint meetings to share updates, discuss challenges, and align on goals.
- Encourage an open-door policy where both bodies can freely share ideas, concerns, or feedback.
Develop a Shared Vision
- Involve all parties in strategic planning sessions to foster ownership and buy-in.
- Emphasise the shared mission and objectives of the club to unite both groups under a common purpose.
Build Trust and Mutual Respect
- Recognise and value the unique contributions of all parties
- Encourage a culture of collaboration rather than competition or hierarchy.
Facilitate Regular Reporting
- Implement a reporting structure where all parties regularly update each other on activities
- Use clear, concise, and transparent reporting templates to streamline communication.
Encourage Joint Problem-Solving
*Approach challenges as a team, leveraging strategic perspectives and insights.
Use joint committees or working groups to address specific issues or projects.*
Celebrate Success Together
- Acknowledge and celebrate the achievements of all parties at events or meetings.
- Highlight how collaboration has contributed to the club’s success.
Address Conflicts Constructively
- Resolve disputes between parties, emphasising open dialogue and mutual respect.
- Focus on finding solutions that benefit the club rather than individual agendas.
Foster Member Involvement
- Encourage input from members to ensure that the activities and the decisions reflect their needs and interests.
- Use feedback mechanisms, such as surveys or forums, to gather insights from the membership base.
Who can help you
The Club President has a wide array of support resources, both internal and external. By leveraging these resources effectively, they can strengthen their leadership, address challenges, and ensure the club’s success while maintaining their own wellbeing.
Club level
- Club Board Members – Board members are available to assist with advice and support.
- Club Life Members – Life Members have a wealth of information to assist you to make informed decisions.
- Club Management Team Members – Work with your existing Club Management Team members. They can answer enquiries, assist with projects or point you in the right direction of where to find information
- Other Club Presidents in Your Region – You can also reach out to local Club Presidents to share some key learnings.
Branch Level
- Branch President – Your branch president will support, advise and guide you as a club president. They represent clubs in their branch and will be a great support to you in your role.
- Branch Administration – All branches have a team of regional staff to support you and your club. These staff can provide guidance, advice or connect you to relevant areas of SLS. Contact your Regional Manager to better understand the specific role and responsibilities of the regional staff.
State Level
- Regional Staff – act as a first line of support for clubs for anything Surf Life Saving related. They have a broad wealth of knowledge and awareness of what is happening across the organisation. If they cannot help you, they will point you in the direction of someone who can!
- The Lifesaving Team can answer lifesaving related enquiries, assist with projects or point you in the right direction of where to find information.
- The Training and Education Team can answer education and training related enquiries, assist with projects or point you in the right direction of where to find information.
- The Marketing & Media Team can answer enquiries, assist with projects or point you in the right direction of where to find information.
- Membership Team can answer enquiries, assist with projects or point you in the right direction of where to find information for Membership.
- Surf Sports Team can answer enquiries, assist with projects or point you in the right direction of where to find information.
*SLSA *
- The SLSA IT Helpdesk is available to support your committees with using SLS applications and systems, such as SurfGuard.
Log a support ticket or provide feedback at:http://support.sls.com.au
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