Many clubs reported that finding new people willing to serve in governance roles was a challenge.

While it is clear from the data that enthusiastic, long-serving volunteers are the life-blood of many of the country’s sport clubs, new people and ideas are vital to protect against stagnation.

Results suggested that the optimal tenure for board/committee members in a sport club is no more than 5 years.

Many clubs report having people in leadership roles for much longer.

At 43%, there were more women involved in club governance than at higher levels within the sector, but in some of New Zealand’s most visible sports (such as Cricket and Rugby Union), there were very few women involved.

Just 9% of those volunteering as board or committee members at a sport club are less than 30 years old.