Starting a pickleball club can be a whirlwind between promotion, membership decisions, opening celebrations, etc. Eventually, it all evens out, and the club begins to hum along nicely and get into a sustainable rhythm. As the club and membership grow, new decisions arise, including how to handle scheduling issues, financial decisions, maintenance costs and determining the overall involvement of club members. When Tubac Pickleball Club in Tubac, Arizona, began experiencing these same issues, they decided it was time to form a board of directors.
The club offers four county-owned courts for its 150 members to play on year-round and is dedicated to creating an inclusive environment that promotes health, social interaction, good sportsmanship, and fun. While the county owns the courts, TPC is responsible for managing and maintaining them.
When the club developed the final two pickleball courts, they realized the expansion would require some changes to maintain consistency and clarity in policy going forward.
“Having a board of directors can solve a lot of issues, including discrepancies on how and when the courts can be used,” Paula Beemer, Vice-President of the Tubac Pickleball Club Board of Directors, says. “Our board works on rulings and policies in connection with the county and helps with the overall organization of the club.”
The TPC board consists of seven members who serve for two-year terms: president, vice-president, secretary, treasurer and members at large. Members at large have opinions and participate in board decisions, yet don’t have officer-related duties or responsibilities. Board members are staggered to ensure there are always experienced members serving. To be eligible for a position, board members must be full-time club members for at least six months and have strong ties to the Tubac community.
“Becoming a board member can be a difficult decision as there can be difficult decisions that need to be made, and it is a regular commitment,” says Paula. “Just in the past year, we offered complimentary memberships for board members, although many end up donating their dues to the club, so they are essentially volunteers.”
Many board members extend their board involvement for one or two terms and switch positions as well. Members typically volunteer for the board when they hear a position is open or inquire when one will be open soon.
If you are wondering if a board of directors would be an asset for your club, that might indicate it would be. And it is important to establish a board before a crisis or event creates a need for one. There are many benefits:
- Creates member involvement and engagement
- Can be a great connection between owners and members, providing a first-hand glimpse into the club’s climate and member feelings
- Buffer between club owners and members
- Establishes transparency which builds trust
- Way to create rules and governance for a rapidly expanding club
- For public clubs, establishes guidelines and parameters for finances, dues and how to spend funds i.e. maintenance etc.
For TPC, the board has proven valuable in assisting with governance and policy, event coordination, communication and financial stewardships including court resurfacing, net repairs, wind flags, barriers, informational boards and landscaping improvements.
Tubac has found their board has strengthened club volunteerism through organization and goal-setting.
President Katie Sayre says she thinks it is critical to have the nonprofit structure and Board of Directors to support the TPC mission and members while maintaining and improving the pickleball courts and encouraging healthy activity in the community.
“We just used funds to redo landscaping at the courts with as many as 20 members on one day raking, moving rocks and washing courts,” Paula says. “It made such a huge difference and now our courts are wheelchair accessible and it will be easier to see snakes when they are out during the summer.”
After three election cycles, it is clear the TPC board of directors is providing value and structure to the club and is a vital, and welcome part of the club’s success. Regardless of the size of your club, a governing structure that is established intentionally may be a great option to continue member engagement and the growth and success of your club.
