Ask an Expert - Trevor Nisbett

ClubsOnline was joined this month by the CEO of the West Coast Eagles, Trevor Nisbett, who shared his wisdom about running a successful sporting club. With more than 30 years of experience in sports administration, there are few people in WA who can boast the breadth of knowledge that Trevor has.

Thanks to West Coast for their assistance, and to Trevor for generously sharing his time with ClubsOnline.

Trevor Nisbett answers your questions.

1) In your experience, what are the most important factors in running a successful club?

Trevor Nisbett: Employing the right people and allowing the team to get on with their job.

2) As the club’s off-field leader, what do you consider your (West Coast’s) obligations to the club’s staff, fans and corporate partners, to be?

TN: To run the most efficient business and organisation we can, focusing on satisfaction and challenges for staff, satisfaction, entertainment and enjoyment for fans and being a true partner to our corporate members.

3) How do you keep all your supporters happy?

TN: Make them proud to be a member and supporter of the club. Provide a sense of belonging, strong player performance and behaviour.

4) Every club has a crisis at some point. What would you consider to be the key areas clubs should address in a crisis management policy?

TN: In a very public organisation, seek the truth and tell it as it is.

5) Many clubs have issues with controlling their finances. Do you have any pointers for them?

TN: There are no secrets to this. Live within your means. Budget effectively. Make the tough decisions.

6) West Coast deal with a lot of young men from outside of WA coming into the club. What programmes do you have in place to retain these teenagers?

TN: We have a development support group of four people and part of their roles is with our rookies. We source host families. We mentor, teach and provide them with great challenges and opportunities.

7) What do you do to get the right people around you? How do you develop your people? How do you go about getting the right balance on your committees?

TN: Appoint the best people available for each position available and conduct rigorous testing and induction processes. We have a personal development budget in all departments and we fast-track development when required. The secret to committees is diversity and restricting numbers.

8) What do you do as club ‘leader’ to create and maintain culture?

TN: We have core values that all of us have to live by. My aim is always to set an example and provide resources to instil and maintain our culture.

9) Your life has been dedicated to football for many years, from grassroots to elite level. What are your proudest moments?

TN: Watching people grow, develop and achieve in a very cut-throat, tough and public business. It’s not for everyone and most in the business are very disciplined. Seeing the joy of our members and supporters at what we do as a club and in the community. Seeing the game grow in Western Australia. Winning with a consistent culture.

10) What is the most rewarding aspect of the job?

TN: Achieving collective goals as a club. Making good decisions.

11) In your opinion, why should volunteers get involved in sports administration?

TN: One of the most rewarding things you can do is seeing young people develop and be successful. It is not just about the athletes’ performance. All athletes need support, assistance, guidance and direction before the achievement and recognition. Administrators provide that support and the satisfaction is enormous. The negative is that some athletes don’t appreciate that.

Trevor Nisbett's biography: Trevor commenced with the West Coast Eagles in 1989 as the club’s football manager, until 1999 when he moved to the position of chief executive officer. Trevor has been involved in the football industry for the last 37 years, with 32 years as an administrator. Trevor was appointed to the board of directors on November 1, 2003.