Selection and screening
Selection involves choosing the individual who best meets the requirements of a position and any minimum or statutory requirements. The selection process will vary depending on the nature of the position. Volunteers can either be elected or appointed.
The selection process should involve a number of steps including:
- Reviewing CV’s
- Formal / Informal interviews
- Reference checks
For many Clubs, selecting volunteers is often unrealistic. It is rare for Clubs to have more volunteers than positions. As a result, selection processes are not considered. Selection is often about matching a volunteer’s skills with an appropriate position by comparing skills with position description.
Clubs also need to ensure that screening processes are in place to ensure that volunteers are suitable for the positions they fulfill. Clubs have the responsibility to provide a safe environment for players, coaches, referees and spectators, not only to reduce the potential for injury but also to meet legal requirements under ‘duty of care.’
By adhering to your relevant State child protection legislation and ARU Member Protection Policy, Clubs can ensure that volunteer screening measures are in place to protect the overall safety of all participants within their Club.
Click here for a link to ARU Member Protection Policy.
Safe steps screening
Safe steps screening provides an easy-to-use method for Clubs to ensure that their members and participants are safe. The 10 safe steps to screening are:
- Determine the risk
- Have clear position descriptions
- Establish formal recruitment process
- Use a volunteer application form
- Conduct interviews
- Follow up on references
- Request a police records check (if required for position)
- Provide an orientation
- Supervise and evaluate performance
- Maintain regular contact with participants and family members
Acknowledgements
Reproduced with permission from the Australian Sports Commission and the Department of Sport and Recreation Western Australia.
