Support to Recreation and Sports Organizations
TMS Sports Strategies is a subsidiary of the The Municipal Services Group that specializes in supporting recreation and sports organizations. Whether you are a golf club, a minor sports organization, or a special event to name a few, TMS Sports Strategies works with a variety of non profit organizations to assist non profits in the following key areas:
Board Orientations
Strategic Planning
A proper orientation of your board members is critical to not only getting off on the right foot after appointment, but in developing a sense of team and cohesiveness. Often times, new board members will feel as though they have some "catch up" to do and get up to speed with the rest of the board members. A quality orientation will allow as much as possible, all board members to work with the same level of knowledge and contribute to effective decision-making. Some examples of topics included in a Board orientation are:
Roles and Responsibilities
Board and CEO/ED relations
Strategic Planning
Political Advocacy
Order and Decorum
Policy Development
Codes of Conduct
Effective Meetings
Fiscal Responsibilities
Operational Updates
Financial Planning and Risk Management
How much money should we have in the bank? Do we need to start saving for extra projects? What sources of funds are there to help us with our plans? Are our finances safe from fraud?
Many sports and recreation boards are made of volunteers who dedicate much time and effort to their favorite pass time. Unfortunately many of these boards- with the best of intentions- lack the expertise to ensure their financial position is strong for the long term and it is protected from risk. It is not your fault- and more common than you know! Whether it is planning for the long term, or developing checks and balances that protect the board and its volunteers, the TMS Group has the answers.
Strategic Planning is seen as a variety of things to different people. In a nutshell, it is a process whereby a Board will set a longer term plan for the future of the organization. It is not a short term plan focusing on financials, projects, or operations (although they are part of the bigger plan). It is a high level plan that will guide decision making well into the future and act as a guide when making shorter term decisions. The activities of the organization (operations) should help the Board achieve its long term goals (Strategic priorities)
There are many ways to go about this. And of course, the process is dictated by time, money, and the nature of the organization. Generally, The Municipal Services Group will facilitate discussion in a variety of areas including:
“Where are we now?”, “Where should we be going?” and “How do we get there?”;
Developing a road map for long- term decision making which will provide a means for staff and board to focus its efforts;
Using the road map as a compass by which the Board makes its decisions;
Matching the organization's activities with the long- term plan; and,
Aligning Club finances with the activities.