A good coach, instructor or mentor can be a valuable asset to a Rec Club in terms of providing mature judgment and advice based on experience and insight into the club’s activity, league and community. Fundamentally, the volunteer(s) will help provide this leadership without usurping the authority of the student leadership. The primary goal of clubs is always on student development, therefore, the volunteer(s) should encourage this, and allow students to make their own decisions with limited guidance.
Volunteer Expectations
1. The volunteer should play an active role in the on-field/in-play decisions of the club.
2. The volunteer should provide guidance in the development of student leadership and responsibility of club members.
3. The volunteer should provide guidance, along with student officers, to the club in ensuring that all club activities are within UW, UW Recreation, outside league and governing body guidelines. The volunteer should not take an off-the-field leadership role or unilaterally make decisions on behalf of the club.
4. Student members MUST handle all club business matters (hosting games/tournaments, soliciting practice times, submitting administrative forms, requesting equipment) with the volunteer serving strictly in a limited advisory capacity.
5. The volunteer may not submit documents or forms on behalf of the club, nor should they submit requests to the UW Recreation Department or Rec Clubs Office. When representing the club in any capacity (marketing, fundraising, scheduling, meeting with league executives, etc.), a student club officer must always be the lead, but may be accompanied by a volunteer.
6. Volunteer(s) serve at the discretion of the club, and specifically student club officers. Any decisions to bring on a new volunteer or remove an volunteer from their position should be discussed with the Rec Clubs Office, in conjunction with all student club officers.
7. Volunteers should provide an organized and safe environment for the instruction and training for participants of various skill levels. The health and welfare of the student participants should always take precedence over the value of an individual practice, game or competition outcome.
8. Volunteers must promote good sportsmanship at all times. Individuals, including volunteers, must always conduct themselves in a manner that does not detract from the reputation of the University of Washington or UW Recreation. This includes behavior in practice and game situations, contact with other teams and interaction with event staff. When involved in off-campus events or when traveling, be aware that even as a volunteer you are representing the University of Washington.
9. Volunteers have a responsibility to address any misconduct and/or unsportsmanlike behavior. volunteers are required to immediately notify the Rec Clubs Office of any situation that may violate the Rec Clubs or University of Washington Student Code of Conduct.
10. The volunteer understands and agrees to refrain from any form of physical, mental, or emotional abuse and/or hazing of players, consistent with the guidelines and standards set by the University of Washington. The volunteer must also immediately notify the Rec Clubs Office if hazing activity amongst club members is suspected/reported.
11. Participation in the Rec Clubs Program is completely voluntary, therefore rewards, monetary or otherwise, or scholarships shall not be promised or given to any member or prospective member.