Club structure for the future
Posted: Tue Sep 10, 2013 3:50 pm
Im interested to know what other clubs have in place in terms of structure to maintain normal club function and also work towards encouraging new members and continue working with advancements in the sport such as ET's.
I dont think the time will be far away that state rifle associations will be looking after the clubs that are very proactive in promotion and development of the sport, so do we need take a step up on what is done currently?
My club runs with a president, secretary, treasurer and overall captain, with discipline captains as well. In this past this may have worked well but I feel that its starting to get behind the times and the few volunteers seem to be doing more work than they are enjoying themselves. In my club and local DRA the committee positions havent changed greatly in a number of years with only a few under the age of say 35 and most 50+years of age.
My opinion is that the following positions would be of benefit to clubs so they can maintain growth and performance into the future.
PR Officer- This person would be responsible for promoting the club through websites, social media and print media. They would also be someone who seeks and maintains sponsorships for the club for prize shoots and such.
ET Committee- With the developments of ET's into our shooting we need a few people within a club who are up to speed with aspects such as repairs, refurbishments, software maintenance and upgrades and general installation/storage/handling of ET's and associated equipment.
Development Officer/s- The main goal of this person is to welcome and coach new shooters so they arent given the old "point it at the target and pull the trigger and you will learn the rest in due time" treatment. That is a key thing I think that will reduce the number of lost new members. Nobody is willing to develop them because they dont get to spend as much time shooting. Things like learning how to adjust scopes correctly, technique, basic wind reading. There doesnt seem to be much in the way of solid work done at this level and average shooters who have the potential to be very competitive are often left to their own.
Safety/First Aid Officer- I know there are RO's and Safety Officers, but honestly havent seen much in the way of development for them. Lots of new people dont seem to understand the workings of a range. Also these days if you want a job, having first aid training is often a pre-requisite. Surely using firearms would be one hobby that having accredited first aid officers within a club would be of benefit. Not only in case of emergency too, if your club is working towards a grant, showing you have these sorts of things is a great asset.
Would love to hear peoples thoughts an opinions on the matter.
I dont think the time will be far away that state rifle associations will be looking after the clubs that are very proactive in promotion and development of the sport, so do we need take a step up on what is done currently?
My club runs with a president, secretary, treasurer and overall captain, with discipline captains as well. In this past this may have worked well but I feel that its starting to get behind the times and the few volunteers seem to be doing more work than they are enjoying themselves. In my club and local DRA the committee positions havent changed greatly in a number of years with only a few under the age of say 35 and most 50+years of age.
My opinion is that the following positions would be of benefit to clubs so they can maintain growth and performance into the future.
PR Officer- This person would be responsible for promoting the club through websites, social media and print media. They would also be someone who seeks and maintains sponsorships for the club for prize shoots and such.
ET Committee- With the developments of ET's into our shooting we need a few people within a club who are up to speed with aspects such as repairs, refurbishments, software maintenance and upgrades and general installation/storage/handling of ET's and associated equipment.
Development Officer/s- The main goal of this person is to welcome and coach new shooters so they arent given the old "point it at the target and pull the trigger and you will learn the rest in due time" treatment. That is a key thing I think that will reduce the number of lost new members. Nobody is willing to develop them because they dont get to spend as much time shooting. Things like learning how to adjust scopes correctly, technique, basic wind reading. There doesnt seem to be much in the way of solid work done at this level and average shooters who have the potential to be very competitive are often left to their own.
Safety/First Aid Officer- I know there are RO's and Safety Officers, but honestly havent seen much in the way of development for them. Lots of new people dont seem to understand the workings of a range. Also these days if you want a job, having first aid training is often a pre-requisite. Surely using firearms would be one hobby that having accredited first aid officers within a club would be of benefit. Not only in case of emergency too, if your club is working towards a grant, showing you have these sorts of things is a great asset.
Would love to hear peoples thoughts an opinions on the matter.
