ABSTRACT
This chapter describes the size and nature of the contribution of sport volunteers to the community sport systems that exist in a number of Commonwealth countries. Volunteers are a central feature of community life in most jurisdictions throughout the world. The literature reveals a number of different theoretical frameworks and constructs that have played some role in volunteer related research. In general terms, much of the earlier research concentrated on the motivations of volunteers and how the antecedents of volunteerism influenced volunteer retention: a perennial and central concern for organisations that rely on volunteer labour. The issues outlined briefly here indicate that while volunteers and volunteer-involving organisations have adapted to a variety of changing circumstances, they are also likely to continue to face many challenges in the future. In recognition of the efforts and contributions made by volunteers, governments, academics and peak organisations either individually or collaboratively regularly measure and monitor the nature and extent of volunteer work.
