Skip to content
site search

Removing barriers to volunteering

Understanding the barriers to volunteering, and proactively reducing the barriers will encourage more people to volunteer.

Check out some of the reasons why people may not volunteer, and some tips on how to overcome them.

Lack of time

Lack of time is one of the highest reported reasons for not volunteering. With competing demands and busy schedules, many cannot find the time to commit to traditional roles.

To support someone who has limited time consider:

  • Smaller bite sized tasks and one-off activities e.g a job on a roster
  • Tasks that can be done away from the club e.g online tasks such as social media, website, newsletter
  • Job share. Find a friend who can assist in lightening the load and reduce the pressure to be at the club all the time e.g joint coaches or team managers
  • Project based roles and tasks. Short term commitments where the project has a clear purpose and end date e.g special event, team photos

They haven't been asked

The number one way to recruit volunteers is to personally ask them. Many people will connect with the person asking them.

Make sure to:

  • Get all club leaders (committee, coaches, players) to connect with their networks and ask people personally
  • Know what you need help with before asking for help
  • Support the person through any barriers they may have to volunteering
  • Connect the opportunity to their motivation for being at the club
  • Provide any support they may need to undertake the task
  • Get people to ask their friends

Not knowing what opportunities exist

Many people report they simply don't know what opportunities exist for them to help with. Once you have your list of tasks and roles identified by your Volunteer Coordinator and committee, find ways to communicate the opportunities to your networks.

Promote opportunities through:

  • Newsletter, social media and website
  • Club leaders can engage new members and identify potential matches
  • Create rosters for team activities such as scoring, timing, canteen and speak to parents about putting their name down against a date and time that works for them

TIP: Make sure you advertise by showcasing the value to the volunteer not just that a role needs filling. Highlight the community, friendships or skills they may gain by taking on the role and how they are contributing to the broader organisation.

Not skilled enough / assume sport specific knowledge is required

Many people believe they do not have the knowledge or skills required to undertake a role or task, especially if they have not grown up with or played the sport.

Ways to support:

  • Offer to provide a buddy or someone to help them get the hang of the task/role
  • Make sure you communicate your roles in a way that is simple and easy to understand. Use of sport jargon can put people off who may not have been involved before
  • Regular check ins to ensure the person feels supported and has a place to go for help
  • Start with small tasks
  • Introduce the helper to key volunteers and show them the task clearly e.g not every person has worked in a canteen before

Lack confidence or fear of being criticised

Some people may want to help but lack confidence or have a fear of being criticised.

Ways to support:

  • Provide a buddy system to help them feel confident in their role
  • Create a dual role so there is less pressure
  • Start with a small task where they can gain confidence
  • Provide training and support until they get the hang of the activity
  • Consider having them supported by a friend
  • Introduce to the wider club network
Return to top