all volunteers came to minor hockey with such focus, determination, and joy, we wouldn’t have anything to talk about.
After mentioning Charles, I have to say that, as the former president of Hockey Calgary, countless volunteers give many, many hours to make the sport what it is. I have seen parents, coaches, and officials give of themselves generously in every possible situation. I absolutely don’t take that for granted, and I don’t think anyone does. But we need to do a better job of making sure that we don’t get complacent. The goal in any minor hockey organization is to get as many volunteers in this category as possible.
Volunteer #2: There for the badge of honor
Our second type of volunteer is the person who does everything for a reason. He wants to show everyone his badge of honor, and then, when it comes time to put work in, he conveniently disappears, allowing Volunteer #1 to do all of the hard work.
Let me tell a short story of a man I will call John. He was very pleased to be chosen as a member of Hockey Calgary’s Board.
I vividly remember a discussion I had with John at the very beginning, when he was talking about all of the wonderful things he was going to do, and all of the things he wanted to get involved with. We gave John (who seemed to be very excited) a prominent role on the Board based on his skills and competencies, but as the year progressed, we quickly realized that John was not really there.
In the first month, when we were just getting to know John, he seemed just like Ian (Volunteer #1). He spoke with us about how hard he was going to work, and how excited he was about his new role. He said all the right things.
Then, after the first month, John’s actions changed our perception of what he really intended to contribute. The grim reality was, John loved to wear the jacket, and he showed up at the annual general meeting, and every function that had a high profile, because he wanted to make sure he got his accolades (as a volunteer on the Board). But John never took on a single assignment. He gave no contribution to any of the extracurricular activity that all Board members are asked to take part in.
At the end of the year, we asked John to leave. All he had been was a warm body in a chair, and the rest of us had to pick up the slack where he didn’t pull his weight.
Whether or not “John” is fictional is not important. This type of volunteer is very real – avoid him like the plague. Nothing good will come from his involvement.
Volunteer #3: There for self-serving reasons
The third volunteer is the most damaging type of volunteer. I have many examples of this type of individual in the minor hockey system. He or she comes in many forms, not isolated to gender.
Volunteer #3 is in the system at every level, and is very good at disguising him- or herself, in order to infiltrate the organization. Once they are in, they find ways to get what they want, yet are like chameleons, always changing colours, making sure they don't get caught.
The one and only nice thing about Volunteer #3 is they are only there while their primary purpose in life is in the system, their child – so they won’t be around very long. Once their son or daughter has finished hockey, there is no reason for them to stay. Their mission is accomplished. Their mission is/was (only) to look after their child’s interest. How do they do this?
Volunteer #3 has only one motive. To advance his/her child's progress in the system, whether that means to a particular team, association, playing time or to the elite structure. When you see and identify this volunteer they will already be embedded in the system and their motives will become clearer and clearer. He/she can be found in any role, but the most prominent roles are those that have an impact on his/her son or daughter. I have found them to be coaches, evaluators, Board members, association presidents, and virtually every volunteer position that could have a
After mentioning Charles, I have to say that, as the former president of Hockey Calgary, countless volunteers give many, many hours to make the sport what it is. I have seen parents, coaches, and officials give of themselves generously in every possible situation. I absolutely don’t take that for granted, and I don’t think anyone does. But we need to do a better job of making sure that we don’t get complacent. The goal in any minor hockey organization is to get as many volunteers in this category as possible.
Volunteer #2: There for the badge of honor
Our second type of volunteer is the person who does everything for a reason. He wants to show everyone his badge of honor, and then, when it comes time to put work in, he conveniently disappears, allowing Volunteer #1 to do all of the hard work.
Let me tell a short story of a man I will call John. He was very pleased to be chosen as a member of Hockey Calgary’s Board.
I vividly remember a discussion I had with John at the very beginning, when he was talking about all of the wonderful things he was going to do, and all of the things he wanted to get involved with. We gave John (who seemed to be very excited) a prominent role on the Board based on his skills and competencies, but as the year progressed, we quickly realized that John was not really there.
In the first month, when we were just getting to know John, he seemed just like Ian (Volunteer #1). He spoke with us about how hard he was going to work, and how excited he was about his new role. He said all the right things.
Then, after the first month, John’s actions changed our perception of what he really intended to contribute. The grim reality was, John loved to wear the jacket, and he showed up at the annual general meeting, and every function that had a high profile, because he wanted to make sure he got his accolades (as a volunteer on the Board). But John never took on a single assignment. He gave no contribution to any of the extracurricular activity that all Board members are asked to take part in.
At the end of the year, we asked John to leave. All he had been was a warm body in a chair, and the rest of us had to pick up the slack where he didn’t pull his weight.
Whether or not “John” is fictional is not important. This type of volunteer is very real – avoid him like the plague. Nothing good will come from his involvement.
Volunteer #3: There for self-serving reasons
The third volunteer is the most damaging type of volunteer. I have many examples of this type of individual in the minor hockey system. He or she comes in many forms, not isolated to gender.
Volunteer #3 is in the system at every level, and is very good at disguising him- or herself, in order to infiltrate the organization. Once they are in, they find ways to get what they want, yet are like chameleons, always changing colours, making sure they don't get caught.
The one and only nice thing about Volunteer #3 is they are only there while their primary purpose in life is in the system, their child – so they won’t be around very long. Once their son or daughter has finished hockey, there is no reason for them to stay. Their mission is accomplished. Their mission is/was (only) to look after their child’s interest. How do they do this?
Volunteer #3 has only one motive. To advance his/her child's progress in the system, whether that means to a particular team, association, playing time or to the elite structure. When you see and identify this volunteer they will already be embedded in the system and their motives will become clearer and clearer. He/she can be found in any role, but the most prominent roles are those that have an impact on his/her son or daughter. I have found them to be coaches, evaluators, Board members, association presidents, and virtually every volunteer position that could have a
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