Post by grahampearce on Oct 9, 2006 11:03:01 GMT 12
RECRUITING TOP PLAYERS (ATHLETES)
1. Most top players have a support group around them. That group can include coach, trainer, partner, parents, agent (IMG etc) and major sponsors. All of these can have an influence on deciding where a player prefers to go (play/compete). While you will probably be dealing through their agent, some prior research and contact with other influential parties (and the player themselves of course) can be beneficial.
2. Also important for us at Auckland Tennis is trying to replicate as close as possible the conditions of the next big events, in our case the Australian Open (same court surface and speed, balls, court colour etc). A track record of top players going on to do well at subsequent events is good word of mouth publicity for your event.
3. It goes without saying of course, that you go the extra mile to look after top players from when they arrive at the airport (meet personally etc) until when they depart. Again, positive word of mouth encourages others to try our events (the ASB Classic for women and Heineken Open for men, both featuring the Sovereign Singles and Doubles Titles) and of course, repeat visits.
RECRUITING VOLUNTEERS FOR BIG EVENTS
4. We have a large group of volunteers to help our two big international tournaments. Without those volunteers the tournaments would not be held. We are in our 53rd consecutive year so our prime objective has been to build up a great team of volunteers that stay on for a number of years (one has just decided to take a rest after 42 years!). You do not want to be recruiting / retraining every 12 months.
5. It is very important to build the team approach (full time / paid workers together with volunteers) and to really recognise the work of volunteers. At the end of the tennis we always hold a big get together on-site, with plenty of good food, drink etc and make a point of moving around and individually recognising and thanking every volunteer. We also often hold a mid-year get together, often supported by a sponsor.
6. Volunteers do not come with a demanding attitude but they really appreciate:
a) Being recognised for the great job they do.
b) Properly resourced (and trained if necessary) to do the
tasks they are asked to perform.
c) Not asked to “do the impossible”.
d) Well fed and watered as appropriate.
e) Have a car park close to the event.
f) Get appropriate free clothing – nice polo shirt etc.
g) Able at some stage to socialise together.
h) Have the opportunity to watch the event they are
helping at.
1. Most top players have a support group around them. That group can include coach, trainer, partner, parents, agent (IMG etc) and major sponsors. All of these can have an influence on deciding where a player prefers to go (play/compete). While you will probably be dealing through their agent, some prior research and contact with other influential parties (and the player themselves of course) can be beneficial.
2. Also important for us at Auckland Tennis is trying to replicate as close as possible the conditions of the next big events, in our case the Australian Open (same court surface and speed, balls, court colour etc). A track record of top players going on to do well at subsequent events is good word of mouth publicity for your event.
3. It goes without saying of course, that you go the extra mile to look after top players from when they arrive at the airport (meet personally etc) until when they depart. Again, positive word of mouth encourages others to try our events (the ASB Classic for women and Heineken Open for men, both featuring the Sovereign Singles and Doubles Titles) and of course, repeat visits.
RECRUITING VOLUNTEERS FOR BIG EVENTS
4. We have a large group of volunteers to help our two big international tournaments. Without those volunteers the tournaments would not be held. We are in our 53rd consecutive year so our prime objective has been to build up a great team of volunteers that stay on for a number of years (one has just decided to take a rest after 42 years!). You do not want to be recruiting / retraining every 12 months.
5. It is very important to build the team approach (full time / paid workers together with volunteers) and to really recognise the work of volunteers. At the end of the tennis we always hold a big get together on-site, with plenty of good food, drink etc and make a point of moving around and individually recognising and thanking every volunteer. We also often hold a mid-year get together, often supported by a sponsor.
6. Volunteers do not come with a demanding attitude but they really appreciate:
a) Being recognised for the great job they do.
b) Properly resourced (and trained if necessary) to do the
tasks they are asked to perform.
c) Not asked to “do the impossible”.
d) Well fed and watered as appropriate.
e) Have a car park close to the event.
f) Get appropriate free clothing – nice polo shirt etc.
g) Able at some stage to socialise together.
h) Have the opportunity to watch the event they are
helping at.