Volunteer Recognition

Recognise and reward volunteers to keep them involved in your club.  Ensure that their efforts do not go unnoticed. 

Help topics

• AFL State Volunteer of the Year
  • Nomination form
• AFL Merit Award Program
• Volunteer Recognition Program

Volunteers’ motivation for continuing their involvement depends on their feeling of value and accomplishment.  However, remember that some volunteers seek opportunities for public recognition and praise but others may feel uncomfortable under such circumstances.

Personally recognise their efforts, rather than just treating everyone in the same manner.  It will mean more to the volunteer. 

Recognise all volunteers but reward them based on the amount of effort their role requires.  This way volunteers who have contributed significantly do not feel aggrieved when others who have contributed less receive the same reward.

Ways that clubs can recognise volunteers

• Special awards for volunteers: volunteer of the month and of the year – presented at monthly meetings and the AGM or presentation nights.
• Articles on individual volunteers published in the club newsletter
• Articles in the local paper
• Providing volunteers with identification badges, pins, caps and T-shirts
• Get volunteers to train other volunteers
• Get teams to write thank-you notes to every volunteer
• Nominate your volunteers for local, state and national awards
• Hold social events at the beginning and end of each season for all volunteers
• Name an event or a new facility/building after a volunteer
• Name a part of the ground after a volunteer
• Reimburse volunteers for all ‘out of pocket’ expenses
• Provide recognition certificates to every volunteer.
• Acknowledge volunteers at all club meetings
• Provide letters of reference to volunteers
• Send birthday cards to volunteers or get-well cards when they are sick
• Hold a lunch or breakfast to formally recognise the efforts of every volunteer
• Participate in the AFL Volunteer Recognition Program and any state/territory football recognition programs
• Nominate exceptional volunteers as a potential AFL State Volunteer of the Year or an AFL Merit Award
• Reduce club membership fees for volunteers, depending on their level of involvement
• Pay for any coach/umpire/administration courses, providing that in return, coaches, umpires and other volunteers make a commitment to the club
• Recognise long service to the club by awarding exceptional volunteers with life membership
• Provide thank-you letters from the executive committee