Date: May 6th 2009

Since the announcement of the volunteer requirement policy I have received many e-mails from parents who are opposed to the policy for one reason or another, so I felt that explaining why I personally proposed the policy and feel that it is required to keep this club running.

Why a volunteer Policy

I understand working full time and trying to get some family time makes’ it difficult to commit to a few hours over the season.

Over the years, it has always been a problem getting volunteers and those few that do volunteer find they have to do a lot more than what they committed to doing.

When I took on the position of the President, I did not sign up to be responsible for coaching, reffing coordinator, field lining, or many of the other positions that remain unfilled. I am stuck with doing those jobs because no one steps up to fill those positions.

We all pay to have our children play. The money from the fees goes to the cost of refs, equipment, insurance, paint for the fields, new goals, porta potties, OYSA fees, bank fees, advertising, equipment for the coaches, web hosting fees, scheduling fees, storage fees, coaches background checks, and other smaller various costs. All the work for this club is done by volunteers, the only people who are paid are the refs.

I have seen coaches setting up goals (instead of coaching the kids) before games, while capable parents sat and watched. And many coaches (or their wives) are left with the task of managing year end parties, snacks, and other team parent responsibilities.

We would like people to volunteer rather than have to bill them. The west side and other large clubs charge more in order to pay people because they did not have the volunteers. All that is required is to volunteer 5 hours over the next 6 months, that's only 1 hour per month. Is that really too much to ask to make your soccer club run better and more efficient? The club, by having more volunteers, will be stronger and run a lot better and more efficient.

I personally proposed this policy because of the many e-mails I have sent as a PTA president and Soccer Club president asking for help without any response. This policy is copied from the David Douglas Swim Club. Most of the swimmer’s parents are required to volunteer 10 hours or pay $10 per hour.

I have struggled with other solutions, and if anyone has a solution that would get all of the jobs and responsibilities of operating a soccer club done without leaving it on the back of a few volunteers, I am open to listening to the idea.

I realize that at first we may loose a few parents because of this policy, but the club cannot continue to survive and be strong without it.

Sincerely

Jim Braet
President
David Douglas Soccer Club