Contracts and pledges are important documents in setting expectations and upholding the culture of your organization. They signal to people what's important and what you value. They are also useful when conflicts arise, because they can be referenced as the originally agreed upon standards.

As with parents, coaches and athletes, it's helpful to ensure that each board member understands his or her role as a leader in the organization. By asking each member to sign a contract, everyone will be clear on what the expectations are, and what he or she will be asked to do on the board of directors

The sample contract found below will help you implement your own set of rules and expectations. As you’ll see from the example, you might include expectations around board meeting attendance, completion of assigned board duties, participation in league fundraisers and/or events, and knowledge of league news and policies.