Team Manager

Are TMs volunteers?

TMs are volunteers. They are typically parents, guardians or family members of junior players or a member of the senior team who has decided to help manage that player’s team.

How long is a TM appointment?

Most TMs take on the role for up to 12 months which covers a WPV Summer and Winter Season. RWPC aims to rotate our volunteers on a regular basis to spread knowledge of our Club and sport, and share the load amongst our dedicated volunteers. In some cases, TMs continue in the role for more than 12 months where they enjoyed the role or have built up certain expertise.

Does RWPC cover expenses?

Whilst this role is voluntary, the Club will reimburse out of pocket expenses associated with the role on submission of a valid invoice / receipt.

How many hours per week does it take to be a TM?

Once up and running, TMs usually spend between 30 and 60 minutes per week on TM activities. This time may increase, for example, if the TM is organising and managing a team planning to attend a tournament.

What regular support do players need?

TMs support players by:

• providing fair and equal support to all players
• fostering team harmony
• ensuring the safety and well-being of all players and escalate any inappropriate behaviour to RWPC Committee
• organising a “get to know you” gathering early in the season and an “end of season” gathering
• acting as the contact person if players cannot make practice or games so that the Coach can be informed
• coordinating transport for players if required
• supporting RWPC and being a positive influence

What regular support does the Coach need?

TMs support coaches by:

• building team engagement
• notifying the team about training and team meeting times
• providing information on players and attending to any incidents during the game or training
• maintaining team equipment (caps and balls) and bringing them to games and training as necessary
• having the team ready for talks by the coach when required and starting training on time

What administrative tasks does a TM have?

TMs perform the following types of administrative tasks:

• complete the game-day card with all players’ names and WPV numbers, and ensure all players sign where required
• liaise with RWPC Committee as necessary
• organise volunteers for table duty (scoring and clock) for each game
• ensure players buy and wear RWPC bathers and applicable team uniform
• ensure teams have enough confirmed players prior to entry into tournaments / competitions
• assist RWPC Treasurer with unpaid fee reminders if necessary
• coordinate gift for coach at the end of the season

How does a TM communicate with the team?

RWPC has a Team App for club-related communication with teams and an up-to-date website with relevant information. Some TMs also use emails (OK for more formal communication) and WhatsApp (better for updates / informal comms) to communicate quickly with teams. The TM’s mobile phone number and email address will be provided to players and families.

What sort of person enjoys being a TM?

People typically enjoy being a TM if they like:

• Supporting players to do their best and have fun (including those who are not their own children!)
• Being organised and considerate of others
• People new to water polo who want to contribute to a team

What does RWPC look for in a TM?

• Working with children check
• Water Polo Victoria registration
• First-Aid qualifications are highly desirable
• Strong personal organisation and administration skills
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• TMs do not need previous water polo experience, however, TMs find it helpful to complete Water Polo Australia / WPV’s online courses
• Positive ambassador for RWPC
• Good judgement about when to escalate matters to the RWPC Committee
• Compliance with WPA’s guidelines and policies: waterpoloaustralia.com.au/infohub/policies-procedures, especially Think.Act.Play – Guidelines and Codes of Conduct
• Compliance with WPV’s Member Policies: vicwaterpolo.com.au/member-policies

How will RWPC support TMs?

• Provide a list of players and contact details
• Introduce new TMs to a TM mentor who has performed the role of TM for at least one team previously and is willing to act as a mentor for the new TM
• Manage any matters escalated by the TM in accordance with the applicable rules, policies and procedures.

What other support does a Team need?

• Based on consultation with the RWPC Committee, Coach, players and families, TMs may decide to enter a team in tournaments which may involve intrastate or interstate travel
• RWPC has prepared a separate detailed document to help support Coaches and TMs planning and entering these types of tournaments
• RWPC will provide a TM mentor for any TM entering a team in such a tournament for the first time

How can you promote the Team?

• Take and gather photos of the Team for Club’s website and other social media
• Write and circulate to players and families short written notes on team achievements from games, tournaments and competitions

Who is the TM responsible and accountable to?

TMs are responsible and accountable to the RWPC Committee.

Who can TMs consult if they have questions or concerns?

TMs should consult their TM mentor or the RWPC Committee if they have any questions or concerns. RWPC also provides information in the “Documents” section of Team App and on the RWPC website.