How to Manage a Booster Club

by Jim Connelly, founder of BoosterSpark

After establishing your booster club as a legal entity (usually a nonprofit corporation), managing a booster club successfully and effectively requires careful planning, organization, communication, and adherence to legal and ethical guidelines:

1. Establish a Clear Purpose and Mission Statement: Define the club's purpose and mission. Make sure all members understand the club's goals and objectives.
2. Create Bylaws: Develop a set of bylaws that outline the club's structure, roles and responsibilities, membership requirements, meeting procedures, and financial management guidelines. Bylaws help maintain consistency and prevent conflicts.
3. Elect Leadership: Hold elections for officers, such as a president, vice president, treasurer, secretary, and other necessary positions. Ensure that leaders are committed and have a clear understanding of their roles.
4. Recruit Members: Attract members who are passionate about the club's purpose. Consider involving parents, alumni, and community members. Membership fees may be necessary to fund club activities.
5. Financial Management: Establish a transparent and accountable financial system. Key steps include:
   • Opening a dedicated bank account for the club.
   • Maintaining accurate financial records.
   • Developing an annual budget that aligns with the club's goals.
   • Implementing a system for tracking income and expenses.
   • Ensuring financial transactions are approved by the executive board.
6. Fundraising: Plan and execute fundraising activities to generate revenue for the club's initiatives. Be creative and consider various fundraising options, such as membership, sponsorship, or any of these fundraising ideas.
7. Regular Meetings: Schedule regular meetings to keep members informed and engaged. Follow the bylaws for meeting frequency and procedures. Provide minutes of meetings to keep members informed.
8. Communication: Establish effective communication channels, such as a website, email list, social media, and newsletters, to keep members and stakeholders informed about club activities and updates.
9. Compliance: Ensure the club complies with all local, state, and federal laws and regulations, including tax reporting requirements for nonprofit organizations (if applicable). Seek legal advice if necessary.
10. Transparency: Maintain transparency in all club operations, including financial transactions. Share financial reports with members regularly.
11. Volunteer Management: Recruit and manage volunteers to assist with club activities. Clearly define volunteer roles and responsibilities.
12. Accountability: Hold leaders and members accountable for their responsibilities and actions. Address conflicts or issues promptly and fairly.
13. Annual Review: Conduct an annual review of the club's activities, finances, and goals. Adjust the club's plans and strategies as needed.
14. Support and Recognition: Acknowledge and appreciate the contributions of members, volunteers, and sponsors. Recognition can boost morale and encourage continued support.
15. Long-Term Planning: Develop a strategic plan for the booster club to outline long-term goals and strategies for achieving them.

It is advisable to seek guidance from experienced booster club leaders. Consult legal and financial professionals when necessary.