FAQs

Q: How do I start a club?

A: Starting a new club can be exciting and challenging. The key is to follow the right steps and set your club up properly through the correct channels. Most sports have ‘how to’ guides on setting up a new club on their NGB website. Our useful contacts page can help you find your local rep. Alternatively why not use our ‘Getting Started’ checklist in the resources section.

Q: Is there any funding?

A: Yes, funding is available locally, regionally and nationally. Be aware though that each funding opportunity will have specific criteria you will need to meet to be eligible for it. Some of the funding opportunities available are featured in the funding section. It is well worth looking at the advice section also.

Q: How do I set up a committee?

A: Setting up a club committee can be a very good process and best practice. Typically a basic committee is made up of a Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer. However a committee can also include such roles as Volunteer Coordinators and Child Welfare Officers. The key is recruiting volunteer’ to take up these positions, as this will ultimately dictate your committee size. The best thing to do if you’re a new club is to make sure you have established the core roles, as this will be a requirement of your sport and funding guidelines. The other key to having an effective committee is being clear about peoples’ roles. Most NGB sites have role descriptions you can use, either as they are or as a guideline. Alternatively there are some role descriptions you can download in the resources section.

Q: What is a constitution?

A: A constitution is a document or agreement of how a club will run and be managed. Typically it sets out how often the clubs committee meets, how and when members meet and how and when members can be elected or re-elected onto the committee. A constitution also sets out what will happen if things go wrong, such as disciplinary procedures, or if the club folds. The constitution also sets out details of membership and how to become a member of the club. A key thing to consider when setting out a constitution is that it’s inclusive to all your current and potential members and that the systems you put in place are fair and transparent. Again most NGBs can provide templates of constitutions there is also a generic constitution in the resources section.

Q: How do I get access to facilities?

A: Accessing facilities for training and playing can be achieved in a number of different way. Clubs can often access, Local Authority pitches, school facilities or Leisure Centre facilities. In most cases the best way to establish the availability and the cost is to make contact with different facility providers, either in person or via the phone or email. Most schools and leisure facilities will have an individual responsible for booking their facilities. Local facility sites will be managed by different individuals dependent on where the facility is based.

Q: What qualifications do I need?

A: There is no specific minimum qualification needed for setting up a club. However if you are engaged in coaching (especially if you’re coaching juniors) you will need a coaching qualification. Each NGB dictates the minimum qualifications a coach needs and what ages they can work with. There are also courses designed to help clubs operate safely such as Safeguarding and First-Aid. When starting out it is well worth finding out about the coaching requirements of your sport.

Q: How do I get volunteers?

A: Volunteers are the lifeblood of every community sports club and clubs would not work without them. Often, the best recruiting ground is with the parents of juniors, if you have junior sections. If you don’t, you may have playing members who may want to do a little extra. You could also get in touch with your local volunteer centre and see if they have volunteers who would help at your club. It also worth letting your NGB rep knowing what volunteers you need, as they may have contacts that can bring volunteers into your club.

Q: Do I need Insurance?

A: With all sports there is an inherent element of risk. With risk comes the chance of injury or people coming to harm. It is hugely important that sports clubs protect themselves from being liable if a member gets injured. All clubs need insurance, regardless of their sport. Most NGBs offer cover through membership schemes. However, if this is not the case, clubs can purchase their own cover. This is likely to expensive, so it always best to approach your sports governing body for advice.

Q: What is Safeguarding?

A: Safeguarding is an umbrella term which covers policies and processes designed to protect children, young people and vulnerable adults from abuse and harm. As a club, which is ultimately responsible for its own practice, you have a duty to safeguard your members from harm. Clubs engaged in good practice should have safeguarding policies and procedures in place and in some cases will have a Safeguarding or Welfare Officer who is responsible for enforcing these policies and who also deals with any breaches.

Q: What are CRBs? Do I need one?

A: CRB checks and certification are managed by the Criminal Records Bureau. The system was established following reviews into high-profile cases of abuse. The idea is that any individual who works , or comes into close sustained contact with, young people and vulnerable adults needs to be checked.

The CRB will inform employers whether that individual has had any criminal offences or convictions which may put others at risk. It is then at the discretion of the employer whether that person is suitable for that post. For further info please go to www.crb.homeoffice.gov.uk.