Everything You Need to Know About Becoming a Volunteer

From the coaches and officials out on the field to the administrators, committee members and fundraisers – Scottish Hockey relies on the continued willingness of volunteers to invest both their time and expertise to keep activities going at School, Club District and National Level.

When someone volunteers their time and skills it can appear like a one-way process – they offer themselves, their time to a Hockey Club producing the following benefits

  • Enabling more participation in hockey
  • Helping young people get involved and learn new skills
  • Offer different experience
  • Helping the club become better organised
  • Giving something back to the community
  • Helping others realise their potential
  • Develop the social side of the game

Equally as well as ‘giving’ to an organisation each volunteer will be getting something back – volunteering has many rewards and benefits for the individual

  • Gain experience in a sports and hockey environment
  • Develop new skills and attributes
  • Be part of a club or community sports organisation
  • Enhance you employability
  • Develop social networks
  • Keep ex-player involved
  • Providing opportunities for individual progression through training and development

Through coaching, umpiring, organising a team, supporting the social activities of the club, events management, marketing and many other areas, the hockey clubs and districts provides a wide variety of interesting and rewarding volunteering opportunities.

Potential types of volunteer roles:

  • Club (See Club Development section for more detail of roles)
    • Committee members
    • Coaches
    • Training organiser
    • Umpires
    • Social organiser
    • Fundraiser
    • Marketing and promotion
    • Child Protection Officer
  • District
    • Committee members
    • Coaches
    • Training organiser
    • Umpires
    • Fundraiser
    • Child Protection Officer
    • League organiser
    • Umpires cnvenor

 

Common questions

 

What can I do?


Most people think volunteering is just about coaching, and this is one area we could always use more volunteers, but clubs and districts need other volunteers as well. You can get involved in a wide variety of ways depending on your skills or interests. There are opportunities to coach, assist, organise events, fundraise, get involved in the committee.

 

Do I need to be fantastic at a sport?


No you simply need interest and enthusiasm!

 

Do I need coaching qualifications?


The Club or District should put you through any qualifications that you need to carry out your role. If funding is not available, it is possible to access funding. You may also get the opportunity to do other courses.

 

How much time do I need to have?


Most people volunteer on average 2-3 hours a week but there are also opportunities to volunteer more or less frequently.

 

Do I need a disclosure check?

The organisation will arrange to have a disclosure check done if you are in charge of children or vulnerable adults.

 

Do I have to be a certain age to volunteer?

No! Anyone of any age can volunteer. The hockey organisation will always be able to find something for you to do to help.

 

How do I get involved?

Contact your local club, district or the national office depending on what you want to do.

 

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