Below are the key elements of running a successful club:

Club Management

Clubs that are well managed tend to be the clubs that are most successful. They have well-ordered finances and both members and volunteers are kept informed through good communication. The day-to-day running of the club is dealt with efficiently, and strong links are formed with external partners such as local authorities and have excellent school and community club links.

When considering changes to your club’s management philosophy and structure, there are several important areas you will need to consider. These include:

  • Making sure you have a Club Development Plan in place
  • Considering if your Club Structure is appropriate for your club’s needs now and in the future
  • Thinking about whether forming Partnerships could help your club operate more successfully
  • Checking you have the right Governance processes in place to help you to manage the club effectively
  • Ensuring you have access to the Facilities you need to run your club.

Club committee

A club committee is elected to run the club, with different people identified to take on different roles. It exists to serve the club and ensure the best possible service is given to its members.

A club committee must include:

President/Chair – Prepares agendas in consultation with the Secretary, conducts meetings to ensure everyone has their say, represents the club and keeps in contact with the club’s finances through the Treasurer.

Secretary – Ensures notices of meetings are drawn up and sent out in advance, takes and distributes minutes, deals with correspondence, be a main point of contact for other clubs and governing body.

Treasurer – Ensures all cash and cheques are deposited in the club bank account, records all transactions, provides financial reports, budgets for the club and arranges an annual audit.

Designated Safeguarding Officer – A Designated Safeguarding Officer must attend a Safeguarding & Protecting Children course. If the club provides opportunities for children and young people under the age of 18, it must comply with the Child Protection Policy and have a duty of care towards its members.

Other positions held within the committee must be included in the club constitution and may include:

  • Vice Chair
  • Head Coach
  • Coaches
  • Volunteer Coordinator
  • Publicity Officer

Constitution

This is a written document outlining the club’s principles. It also:

Sets out the functions of the club and its procedures for membership, meetings and committees.

Is a requirement of successfully securing a grant or applying for funding programmes.

Is essential for Clubmark.

Club Finances

You should have in place:

  • A bank account with 2 signatories but 3 is better.
  • Monthly or bi-monthly committee meetings should be minuted.
  • Accurate accounts.

Safeguarding the Well-being of its Members

Every boxing club should designate a person or persons with lead responsibility for promoting the welfare of children within the sport and dealing with any concerns about the protection of children.

Child Protection Officers must ensure that the club promotes and fulfils its responsibilities for child welfare and should take a key role in ensuring that child protection issues are addressed and discussed.

Club Protection Officers should:

  • Have an understanding of the issues affecting children and vulnerable adults and the sensitive way in which they must be managed.
  • Be able to communicate the implications of protecting children and vulnerable adults to all members.
  • Be able to communicate with children and vulnerable adults
  • Be fully conversant and supportive of the Safeguarding Young People in Boxing Policy, procedures and associated documents.
  • Be able to follow procedures and recognise when to seek advice and not rely solely on their own judgement.
  • Be willing to challenge members who do not comply with the IABAs Safeguarding Young People in Boxing Policy and procedures.

Vetting

All Coaches & Volunteers who will have regular unsupervised contact with young people within our boxing clubs must complete the relevant checks before they are active within your club.

Please use this link for full instructions on completing an AccessNI Check or Garda Vetting Check

For club management support contact Club Development Officer, Paddy Barnes on Patrick.barnes@iaba.ie or call 028 9038 3244