Simple plan to tackle burnout
THE Mudgeeraba Redbacks have launched a stunningly simple approach to volunteer management that Rugby League Gold Coast says could reduce volunteer burnout across the Coast.
Instead of relying on small groups of dedicated volunteers to orchestrate club game days alone, Mudgeeraba has called for two nominations from every home team to volunteer for a one-hour service block under the supervision of experienced volunteers.
A rotating roster would ensure parents miss one home game from every seven while providing the club with a large volunteer base to enforce COVID-19 restrictions.
Rugby League Gold Coast views the initiative as a model that could be successfully applied across the region to minimise volunteer burnout.
Mudgeeraba president Alec Betham said the simple solution addressed the biggest problems volunteers faced. “There is always a core group of volunteers who come back week in, week out, because they understand what it takes to run the club,” Betham said.
“You lose volunteers through burnout and this is what we’re trying not to do. It takes manpower to set up the fields and run the canteen, but if you don’t provide new volunteers an insight into the work required they won’t (volunteer) because they don’t understand how much help is needed.
“We can’t force them, but what we should do when we need help is to ask for it.
“If there is any year we need everyone to help, this is the one. That will help reduce the pressure on normal volunteers who usually do everything.”
Under the guidance of experienced volunteers and a laminated checklist detailing responsibilities for their hour of service, dozens of volunteers will experience what goes on behind the scenes to make their time at the club a pleasant one.
Responsibilities will include checking on social distancing, serving as field marshals and meeting regulations to manage the club’s safe navigation through COVID-19.
Walkie-talkie equipment will be provided so help is never far away, Betham said.
Mudgeeraba has offered any club looking for solutions to its volunteer issues a blueprint for the model.