PUBLISHER’S PERSPECTIVE

John G. Fornaro is the publisher/CEO of BoardRoom magazine, co-founder/CEO of Distinguished Clubs and the CEO of the Association of Private Club Directors (APCD). If you have comments on this article or suggestions for other topics, please contact John Fornaro at (949) 376-8889 or via email: johnf@apcd.com

What Are Club Committees Supposed to Do And How Do They Function?

Many private clubs across the country use a governance process involving committees, such as the finance, legal, strategic planning, house, membership, green, golf and racquets committees.

So, why are committees important at private clubs?

A committee makes decisions on behalf of the club and takes on duties to ensure everything runs smoothly. Its purpose is to serve the club members, meaning you need the right people with the right skills, the right experience and lots of enthusiasm.

Committees carry out their roles effectively and efficiently by ensuring that all decisions are taken in the organization’s best interests. Individual members should also demonstrate selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty, and leadership – attributes known as The Nolan Principles.

“Committees have defined parameters. Individuals should serve on only one committee to maximize the number of members participating in the club’s committee structure. Committee terms should be for one year at the pleasure of the club’s president, and members should be limited to three consecutive years of service on any committee for the sake of continuity but also to allow others to serve. Properly designed and implemented, the committee system is a critical component in the functioning of high-performing clubs. Like any other club asset, it must be continually evaluated, nurtured and enhanced to stay relevant and effective in a dynamic, ever-changing world.” Steve Mona, director of governance and leadership, Club Benchmarking

So, what are the benefits of committees in a private club?

“Committees and staff act as partners. Committees have no supervisory role or authority to become involved in the operations and management of the club. But committees and staff operate as partners in the development and implementation of policies and programs designed to meet the needs of the club’s members,” espoused Steve Mona, Club Benchmarking’s director of governance and leadership

“Committees provide an opportunity for members to become involved with their club. In addition, committee work is an important mechanism in developing and observing a broad cross-section of members from which new board members can be recruited,” Mona added.

“First and foremost, committees generate buy-in for the members,” commented Tom Wallace, partner with Kopplin Kuebler & Wallace, an industry consulting firm. They also give members a voice and the feeling that they can contribute and have input on the club and its future.

“Committees are beneficial because they act as a sounding board for the GM, department heads and the board. They also promote stronger communication at the club because they act as the vehicle through which GMs can get messages out to the membership advocating for important projects or initiatives such as passing a vote for a capital project or generating excitement for an upcoming tournament. Committees, when structured correctly, also help complete work for the board and the GM,” Wallace added.

But overall, the primary purpose of a club’s committee system is to assist the board of directors in the governance and club leadership. “The most important duty of the committee is to help the board understand members’ expectations and desires in the committee’s area of focus.

“The board establishes committees. Therefore, they derive their authority and scope of responsibility from the board as outlined in the club’s bylaws. Committees speak TO the board, not FOR the board,” he stressed.