Do you want to:
- Support your kids?
- Give something back to the game?
- Contribute to your local community?
- Enhance your work prospects?
- Help others succeed?
- Develop skills such as leadership, communication and teamwork?
- Do something rewarding while spending time with friends?
Frequently Asked Questions
What do Netball Volunteers do?
Many volunteers coach, manage or umpire for a club or school team. Other volunteers are involved in running our sport by working in administrative or governance roles. Still others are involved in specific projects or helping out with one off events or tournaments.
Where will I volunteer?
Most volunteers work in the area local to where they live or study but there are also opportunities to volunteer at events further away.
How many hours will I need to volunteer?
This depends on you; most of our volunteers give 2-4 hours a week. Although it tends to be the case that the more you put in the more you'll get out! Sometimes its more about the quality of the time you put in than the overall amount.
Why should I get involved?
Not only will you make a valuable contribution to the local community in which you live in but you will gain valuable career and personal skills. Not to mention making friendships that can last a lifetime.
How much will volunteering cost me?
Usually nothing. As often as is possible your local club will pay your out of pocket expenses. In addition when funds allow they will pay for coach or umpire training.
Do I have to be good at sport or have played Netball?
No, often only a basic level of knowledge of the game is needed and we'll help you get up to speed with the game if you want to be an administrator or coach, manage or umpire a team. Volunteers need to be enthusiastic, good at communicating and enjoy working in a team.
What are the benefits?
While volunteering for Netball is great for your community and makes the world a better place there can be some really positive outcomes for you as a Netball volunteer as well:
Boost your career options:
A survey by Timebank found that:
- 73% of employers would recruit a candidate with volunteering experience over one without;
- 94% of employers believe that volunteering can add to skills;
- 58% say that voluntary work experience can actually be more valuable than experience gained in paid employment;
- 94% of employees who volunteered to learn new skills had benefited either by getting their first job, improving their salary or being promoted.
In addition, volunteering for Netball helps you find out what you like to do and what you're good at.
As up to 60% of job vacancies are not advertised and end up being filled through external networking, Netball volunteers represent a unique network including all kinds of professionals and people from all walks of life.
Make new friends:
Netball volunteers are by and large a friendly bunch and there's no better place to make new friends than working alongside like-minded people. Often our volunteers end up staying in touch long after they stop volunteering with us.
Build your confidence:
Volunteering for Netball gives you an opportunity to develop new skills such as understanding people better, motivating others, communication skills and dealing with difficult situations. All these skills can increase your confidence in dealing with the challenges we all face in daily life.
Have fun:
One of the most surprising outcomes for many of our volunteers is how much fun they have helping others to succeed. Not every volunteer's experience is the same, but when you find a role that suits your interests you have a good chance of having fun while giving the gift of your time.
Get that glowing feeling:
No one likes to talk about it but one of the fundamental needs we have as human beings is to make a contribution. Volunteering for Netball gives you an opportunity to do just that and to get that glowing feeling that comes when you share your experience and skills and know that your efforts have made a real difference.
How can I find out more?
In the first instance you can contact your local Netball Club or Centre. You'll find a map and a list of contact details for all our Netball Regions, by scrolling down and clicking on the region nearest to you. Alternatively you can email us and we will forward it to the Netball Centre or Region nearest to you. Don't forget that if you have a child at school, go to the school and let them know that you are interested in volunteering your time to assist with the school's netball team(s).
Quotes
"I had (and continue to) volunteered at my local netball centre for 7 years prior to securing full time employment with Netball New Zealand. Much of my experience in the netball community as a volunteer, coupled with my previous work experience in the sports industry, enabled me to transfer those learned skills to my new role at Netball New Zealand".
Briar Martindale, Netball Development Manager, Netball New Zealand
"I volunteer for netball because I love the sport and I'm following in my Mother's footsteps (she was President of this Netball Centre as well), and I enjoy the company of the other volunteers".
Raewyn Mills, President, Papakura Netball Centre
"I love the sport, and I like to be able to provide opportunities for people in our community through netball. I can share the netball skills and talent that I have with others, as well as for my children to be part of their sporting career and a good role model and supporter".
Stacey Te Moananui - Tumuaki (Principal), Te Kura Akonga o Manurewa
"I volunteer for netball because my children play the game and I do love the sport, I particularly enjoy watching the game"!
Tracey Cooper - Team Manager, Aztec Sports Club
"I volunteer for netball, because I like the sport and because I really enjoyed the sport to start with and then I got stuck as I got more and more involved in volunteering my time - and so I've just continued!"
Allison Crann, Umpire & Executive, Papakura Netball Centre
"I love the time I spend with my netball team and club members - they are like my second family. If ever I need anything - I know that my team and club will always be there to help if they can ......................"
"I volunteer my time for netball because I have always enjoyed the game and now that my children have grown up, it provides me with an opportunity to interact with others regularly and continue to utilise the skills that I have which can support the netball centre i.e. administration and financial reporting experience etc................................."
Netball Volunteering Strategy, June 2010