Acknowledge people for their contributions to club and culture. Acknowledgement gives us a sense of validation and belonging. The club acknowledging us makes us feel connected to it, more invested in it, and like we want to work harder for it.
We’ll be more likely to keep contributing positively, others will see the reward and decide to get on board.
Through the grapevine, people catch wind that at this club, people are recognised for their contributions and they feel valued. Membership and your volunteer pool swell.
Recognising people for actioning club values and helping to improve club culture, is in itself, an act that helps to improve club culture. Giving credit where credit is due is vital to morale, and to looking after your people. It’s a win-win.
Yes, everyone loves a winner, but a ‘win at all costs’ mantra comes at a cost.
It creates unease and distress, translating into:
A ‘win-only’ measure of success is a narrow lens through which to measure all the amazing things your club can achieve. When your club aspires to be a place of deep respect, safety and fair play, people are more likely to taste success both on and off the field. There are significant success outcomes for clubs which create a culture where people are encouraged to show positive regard for one another, prioritising community above all else.
These outcomes are:
These outcomes, and winning, are not mutually exclusive.
Develop your club success measures by considering the following:
Clubs which prioritise creating respectful culture also are more likely to achieve the on-field success sought by every club. Why?
They become a ‘destination club’; a place well known for connection, belonging, collaboration, safety, enjoyment and respect. One where people, including high-quality players, coaches, and volunteers, want to be. To translate this idea of success into reality:
Step 1 – Identify and articulate your club’s measures of success
Make sure that they sit comfortably with your club’s mission and values.
Step 2 – Promote them
Step 3 – Celebrate and reward success
When members achieve success, individually or as teams, celebrate and reward them!
There are so many achievements for clubs to celebrate that extend beyond simply winning the game.
Do an audit of all the activities in the club that could be celebrated, and how they could be celebrated.
Awards are always a great place to start.
Once you know what areas of success your club wants to recognise, develop simple criteria for selecting the winner(s).
Make sure you also decide on a fair, democratic system for choosing winners.
Below is a list to help you get the ball rolling. They might be weekly, monthly, or annually – whatever your club can manage.
Just keep in mind that consistency is key.
General
Weekly awards
Annual awards
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Our club has established documented success standards that are openly discussed and agreed upon by all members.
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While our club prioritises winning the right way, we have yet to formalise our success standards. Individual teams may develop their own standards, often guided by the coach.
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Our club believes in winning the right way, but it can be hard to uphold this principle when other clubs have a different perspective.
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Our club adopts a win-at-all-costs mentality, viewing fair play as a disadvantage.
