Yes
Depends on the position and the “portfolio” chosen. Some of the portfolios take significant time but only for a short duration (e.g. the board member responsible for “Merchandising” is busy for about 6 weeks at the beginning of the season and then there is very little to do for the rest of the season). The time required to do the other portfolios are spread out more evenly over the year (e.g. the board member responsible for “Marketing/Promotion” requires an hour of time every couple of months throughout the season). The President and Treasurer positions take the most time of all the positions. Time is also required to attend meetings every couple of months (see question #3).
Generally the board meets five to six times a year for a meeting that is typically 2 to 3 hours long.
This depends on the role that you take. The Executive Committee consists of the President, Vice-President, Treasurer and Secretary. The President, when present, presides at all meetings of the Association and of the Board. This person also represents CMBA at Calgary Minor Basketball Association meetings which generally occur 3 times a year (on Sunday evenings). The Vice President in the absence of the President presides at meetings of the Association and of the Board. The Secretary’s primary task is to record and keep the minutes of Association meetings. The Treasurer must properly account for the funds of the Association and present a full detailed account of receipts and disbursements to the Board. He/she prepares a statement of the financial position of the Association for submission at the Annual Meeting and any other regulatory bodies that request it. Other Board Members choose to take on one or more portfolios/tasks, depending on the need for the current term. They may be asked to assist with registration night(s). Examples of potential portfolios include: Merchandising, Marketing/Promotion, Grant Proposals, Criminal Record Checks, By-laws Review, Complaints/Concerns, Policy Development/Review, Resource Development/Review, Website Liaison and Board Recruitment/Orientation
We ask that a board member commit to a minimum of one year. Board members can be re-elected for more than one term.
This is determined at the end of each meeting and attempts are made to choose a day that works for everyone. Typically, the board meets Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday. Meetings are always held in Cochrane.
Issues that pertain to the organization that cannot be resolved at the administrator or President’s level. These issues can be brought forward/generated from coaches, parents, contract administrator, board members or Calgary Minor Basketball. Examples of recent issues include amendments to game rules, the pre-season evaluation process, selection of players to teams, and the complaint/discipline process/policy. We also spend time on developing new policies/procedures and reviewing current policies/procedures, reviewing feedback from the coaches and parents at the end of a season, and implementing actions based on the discussion.
Yes. The policy is renewed every year (in April) for $2 million.
Generally it is encouraged that an individual spend one year as a board member in another capacity before committing to the position of President. Ideally the person should fulfill the position of Vice-President before becoming President. However, depending on the vacancies/demand, this is not always what happens.
Knowledge of basketball can be helpful in some of the discussions but it is not necessary. Most of what is discussed at meetings is not concerning basketball jargon and rules. Rather discussions focus on topics that are not specific to a particular sports organization. The board’s aim is to use the skill set of its board members in a way that can be applied to its purpose. These skills are not usually dependent on one’s knowledge of basketball.
The board consists of an Executive Committee (President, Vice-President, Treasurer and Secretary). The remaining board members assist with completing the other duties of the board.
CMBA has a contract administrator. This person is not a staff person but rather a contractor. His/her role is to support CMBA and the board in ensuring the basketball program runs more smoothly and efficiently. This person provides such functions as answering questions from interested parents and members, handling registrations, arranging practice times and gyms for teams, addressing concerns of coaches, and communicating with members.
We have developed a board member orientation package that consists of FAQs, the budget for the current year, the bylaws, and the minutes to the last 3 to 4 board meetings.