The 7 biggest leadership mistakes in sports clubs – and how to avoid them

3. Mistake: Doing everything yourself

“Before I spend ages explaining it, I'd rather do it myself.” We all know that phrase. But what is well-intentioned often ends in overload, chaos and micromanagement. Because it is simply not possible to take on and control everything. If a few people do everything, they will eventually burn out. The club becomes dependent on individual people – a major risk that can be solved with trust and delegation.

Delegating does not mean losing control, but trusting others to take on tasks. People grow with responsibility. Taking on tasks independently and responsibly strengthens motivation. And it relieves the pressure on you as a club board member if you can rely on your members. 

Our practical tip: Create clear roles and responsibilities – preferably in writing. Distribute tasks so that competencies are utilised. And even more importantly: Let the people work independently. This open and trust-based leadership culture motivates and conserves your resources.

4. Mistake: Avoiding conflicts

Conflicts are part of life – and club life too. Different opinions, feelings, expectations – a board member must be able to endure and manage this. It only becomes problematic when those in charge avoid issues. Because what is not spoken about simmers in the background. People gossip, members lose trust, volunteers drop out. Pre-empt this and face the conflict before it smoulders for a long time. 

Offer a discussion in a neutral environment and with constructive conflict resolution. Think of clear rules for the discussion and let everyone involved have their say. The most important thing: look for solutions instead of culprits. 

Difficult case? Deadlocked situations can often be solved better if a neutral person moderates – for instance from within the club environment or externally. Click here for our tips on the right conflict management

Our practical tip: Don't let conflicts arise in the first place by ensuring understanding early on. If you know that a decision could be critical, speak to the affected groups or people beforehand. Explain reasons, goals and backgrounds – this prevents ill-feeling.

5. Mistake: Lack of transparency regarding finances

Finances are just as important a topic as they are difficult. Lack of transparency creates mistrust: Are the funds being used correctly? Why is the youth section receiving less money this year than last year? Even if there is nothing to hide, mistrust can arise.

First off: Transparency when it comes to finances is incredibly important, because members and partners want to know what their membership fees or donations are being used for. The more openly you communicate, the less room there is for speculation and resentment. 

Our practical tip: Publish an annual financial report or a financial overview for members. This creates trust – and prevents rumours. Use the annual general meeting: here, every club member has the chance to get informed. Communicate there openly and in an easy-to-understand way about income and expenditure, changes to membership fees and the plans for the next budget.

6. Mistake: Not having an open ear for members

Nothing happens without members! They are the foundation of the club, they know where the problems lie and where action is needed. As a board member, having an open ear for members at all times is therefore super relevant. People want to be heard. If someone is not asked what they think, they do not feel included. It is just as annoying in the long run not to get an answer. Long-term, this leads to lower motivation and declining loyalty to the club. By the way, this applies to volunteers just as much as to athletes, parents, coaches and passive members. However, thanks to online tools, avoiding this mistake is quite simple and time-saving to implement.

Our practical tip: Show your face regularly at events and help out actively, for instance on match days or at events. Integrate feedback sessions (for example after a big event) or digital surveys (perhaps regularly every few months). This way, you can not only measure the mood in the club, but also capture important ideas and feedback from members. You quickly understand where there is friction, can take counter-measures in good time and even recognise developments. At the same time, this type of involvement shows appreciation towards the members – so feedback is a real win-win!

7. Mistake: No succession planning

Yes, failing to plan for succession is also a leadership failure! Clubs often only address this topic when it is almost too late: For example, you announce shortly before the AGM that you are not standing again, or you can suddenly no longer fulfil your position for personal reasons. And what now? If succession planning is missing, gaps, chaos and, in the worst case, an inability to function loom.

Changes in leadership are part of every club; very few board members are in office for decades – especially today in fast-moving times. If your club spreads the load across many shoulders – including in the second tier – this is not a problem, but a strength. 

One thing is clear: Recruiting young talent and volunteers is a permanent task nowadays. If your club has gained young, committed people, involve them early on. Many are motivated, but they need clear tasks, feedback and trust. Here we show how more young people can get involved in your club:  

Our practical tip: Give younger volunteers concrete areas of responsibility, such as social media, event teams or youth projects. Take their feedback and opinion seriously and, over time, integrate them into board tasks and major decisions too. This way, they grow into leadership roles – and the club secures its future.

Conclusion: Good leadership can be learned!

Good leadership in a sports club does not mean doing everything yourself, but bringing others along with you. Anyone who shares responsibility, places trust in others and creates an appreciative environment promotes motivation, cohesion and club loyalty. This is how you establish an open and motivating leadership culture. The basis for this is open communication, transparency as well as a shared vision with clear goals.

Leadership can be learned – and our tips are a first step towards this. No one is born a perfect leader – but everyone can develop into one. 

If you want to further develop your skills or are looking for concrete tips, you will find many practical tools and tips in the spized Club Academy that support you in your club work.