From Chaos to Clarity: Why Every Soccer Organization Needs a Board Policy Manual

By Forza Advisory

Intro

Most organizations have bylaws—but few have a functioning Board Policy Manual (Policy Manual). Bylaws are legally required, but a Policy Manual is operationally essential. It bridges the gap between high-level legal documents and the real-life practices that make your club run smoothly. A good Policy Manual removes ambiguity, provides consistency across board transitions, and ensures all board members are playing by the same rules. This is true for Clubs, Leagues, and Organizations of all sizes whether you are not-for-profit or for profit.

Let’s break down why this document matters and what it should include.

1. What is a Board Policy Manual (Policy Manual)?

A Policy Manual is a living document that outlines your board’s operating rules, expectations, and procedures. It clarifies how decisions are made, how conflicts are handled, and how responsibilities are divided.  It clarifies roles and responsibilities, not just for the Board, but for employees, contractors and volunteers.It’s not legally binding like your bylaws—but it’s what most boards rely on day to day.

2. Why Bylaws Aren’t Enough?

Bylaws outline the legal structure of your club, but they rarely go into the detail needed for real-world governance. They won’t tell you how to run a meeting, how to evaluate your executive director, or how to onboard new board members.That’s the Policy Manual’s job.

3. What Should You Include in Your Policy Manual?

A strong Policy Manual typically includes:- Board member roles and responsibilities- Officer descriptions- Meeting structure and expectations- Conflict of interest and ethics policies- Board recruitment and onboarding process- Evaluation procedures for staff and board performance- Document retention, whistleblower, and other compliance itemsIt should be written in plain English, easy to update, and accessible to all board members.

4. How Does A Policy Manual Protect Your Organization?

Without a Policy Manual, your club is vulnerable to inconsistency, confusion, and liability. A Policy Manual:- Ensures continuity during board transitions- Minimizes disputes between board members- Strengthens transparency and trust- Helps onboard new members faster- Documents your commitment to good governance.

5. How to Get Started

If you don’t have a Policy Manual, start by reviewing your bylaws and identifying what’s missing. Then build a working draft with your board, using templates or outside advisory support.Review and update your Policy Manual annually—or anytime there’s a major shift in leadership or policy.

Good Governance = Competitive Advantage

Clubs that run well behind the scenes tend to succeed on the field. A Board Policy Manual isn’t a luxury—it’s a leadership essential.

Need help creating a Board Policy Manual or strengthening your governance documents?

Forza Advisory helps soccer clubs operate with clarity and confidence.📩 Contact us today or explore our membership options.