Compulsory? Volunteering

[Paul Frost]

It's worth looking at how ParkRun sell their volunteering on their website... "as a rough rule of thumb we ask our most regular runners to volunteer about three times a year"

But if there are 52 events a year then not being able to do 3 is not too onerous.

I've been wondering how triathlon clubs cope with this. Many of the clubs I've looked at only host one proper triathlon a year and helping out would prevent you taking part, so if you only get one chance a year to compete locally how do you get volunteers?

I'd echo Andrew's point about joining another sports club, I give so much time to orienteering, so if/when I join a triathlon club I'd not be able to commit even more of my time volunteering in that sport, I'd just want to train and compete, now I'm feeling guilty.

Does this mean it's not possible to belong to multiple sports clubs without being viewed as a parasite?

[MIE]

I belong to 2 running/athletics clubs and they "know" that
I am not normally available to volunteer.
I still get the occassional request to help but the
main organisers are "happy" when I say I'm not available
and close to ecstatic when I do offer my services
(but there is no accounting for folk ).

[AncientFootsteps]

Paul Frost wrote:-

"I've been wondering how triathlon clubs cope with this. Many of the clubs I've looked at only host one proper triathlon a year and helping out would prevent you taking part, so if you only get one chance a year to compete locally how do you get volunteers?"

My tri club organises two events per year. Our standing rule is that members are expected to help at our own events. Members are free to enter the event but only if they provide a substitute helper. Most members respect this rule.

Tri is different from O though - it would be difficult for a helper to also compete.

Also triathlon events tend to make money - so all club members have a vested interest in ensuring their smooth running. Our two events effectively subsidise each club member by £50 per year.

[Big Jon]

Our two events effectively subsidise each club member by £50 per year.

Wow the entry fees must be pretty extreme!

[Paul Frost]

My tri club organises two events per year. Our standing rule is that members are expected to help at our own events. Members are free to enter the event but only if they provide a substitute helper. Most members respect this rule.
Tri is different from O though - it would be difficult for a helper to also compete.

I realised that it would be impossible to compete which is why I wondered how smaller clubs that only put on one event year manage. There are not that many triathlons a year (compared to O events) so it seems like you train for 52 weeks a year locally and yet will have to travel vast distances to compete.

Given that it is not a requirement to belong to a club I wonder how many British Triathlon members don't, but just go to events and never help out?

[SeanC]

I had an interesting discussion about ParkRun last night ... have a think about this.

ParkRun isn't organised by running clubs, but by event organising groups. Because they're local and do the same thing every week the volunteering is easier. New things = unexpected things = stress. Same things every week = predictibility = less stress, possibly even fun. That makes running clubs more about training/socialising etc.

Orienteering clubs have been accused of being "event organising bodies" or such like rather than clubs in the way outsiders would expect.

[AndyC]

Orienteering clubs have been accused of being "event organising bodies" or such like rather than clubs in the way outsiders would expect.

is that not the reason for the initiative promoting Club Nights?

[Auntie Ange]

Our two events effectively subsidise each club member by £50 per year.

Wow the entry fees must be pretty extreme!

Or it's a very small club with not many members??

[Gross]

If I was asked to volunteer I'd just say 'no'. Don't do helping at events.

[Big Jon]

Gross - I wouldn't ask you......

[Big Jon]

.....I'd tell you