Become a Volunteer Leader
SPORTMEDBC INTRAINING: VOLUNTEER LEADER
Are you an avid runner or walker with the energy to motivate others and make a positive impact? Do you want to develop your leadership skills while helping new and experienced runners reach their goals? Join SportMedBC’s Volunteer Leader team! With clinics across British Columbia, volunteering with us offers numerous opportunities for personal growth and community involvement. We are currently preparing for our RunWalk InTraining Program and seeking passionate individuals with experience in health, fitness, wellness, organization, and leadership.
Volunteer Leader Role
As a Volunteer Leader, you will work alongside the RunWalk Coach to guide novice and experienced runners and walkers through the 13-week InTraining Program. You will help maintain consistency, safety, and a supportive environment throughout the program. Commitment involves an average of 1.5 hours per week.
Key Responsibilities:
- Assist the RunWalk Coach in delivering a safe and enjoyable experience for all participants.
- Notify the RunWalk Coach in advance if you will miss a session to allow alternate arrangements.
- Support the RunWalk Coach in identifying and managing potential hazards and initiating emergency action plans when necessary.
- Motivate participants and ensure they follow the prescribed workout plan. Remember: the focus is on the participants’ pacing, not your own.
- Stay informed by accessing weekly newsletters and relaying important updates to participants.
Volunteer Expectations:
Be Reliable:
- Attend all weekly training sessions at your designated clinic location. Participants rely on your presence and support.
- Attend any mandatory SportMedBC training sessions.
Communicate Effectively:
- Provide timely notice to the RunWalk Coach regarding any absences, illnesses, or schedule conflicts to ensure participant safety.
Follow the Training Plan:
- Ensure participants adhere to the carefully designed training schedule, which includes gradual increases in duration and intensity for walkers, joggers, and runners.
- Respect the pace and abilities of participants, focusing on their needs during sessions.
Prioritize Safety:
- Make sure all participants return safely to the host centre after each session.
- Familiarize yourself with routes and potential hazards before each session.
- Pay special attention to intersections, high-traffic areas, and weather conditions. Communicate safety considerations to participants.
Know Your Limits:
- Refer complex questions to the RunWalk Coach or SportMedBC staff if you are unsure of the answer.
Uphold SportMedBC Values:
- Represent SportMedBC’s mission, vision, and values. Help foster a welcoming, inclusive environment.
- Maintain respectful communication with participants, fellow volunteers, and your RunWalk Coach.
- Avoid any forms of harassment, discrimination, or inappropriate conduct.
Demonstrate Flexibility & Enthusiasm:
- Be open to working with participants of varying paces and abilities.
- Engage with different groups each week to provide support across the clinic.
- Create a friendly, fun, and motivational atmosphere to enhance the participant experience.
Provide Feedback:
- Complete the end-of-clinic feedback form to help improve future programs.
Qualifications & Requirements:
- Successful completion of a Criminal Record Check, as required by the Criminal Records Review Act and Sport Safe standards.
- 1–3 years of experience participating in a 10K event or the SportMedBC RunWalk InTraining Program.
- Strong interpersonal, communication, and problem-solving skills.
- Physically able to support participants without injury and maintain regular exercise leading up to the clinics.
- Experience in group running/walking settings with a basic understanding of running mechanics.
- Availability to attend mandatory pre-clinic meetings with the RunWalk Coach.
- Basic computer literacy to receive program communications and coaching resources.
Volunteer Benefits:
- SportMedBC InTraining “Thank You” Gift, volunteer letter, and eligibility for awards.
- Access to exclusive training and educational resources.
- Promotional discount codes and giveaways through SportMedBC partners and sponsors.
- $50 EverythingCard gift card as a token of appreciation.
- Full access to Perkopolis: Canada’s leading perks program offering discounts on entertainment, lifestyle, insurance, and more.
Join us and make a lasting impact on the lives of participants while enhancing your leadership skills!