Governance
Good governance is the foundation of a successful community club. Whether you're a volunteer, committee member, or administrator, understanding governance principles helps ensure your club is well-managed, sustainable, and accountable.
Unsure if You Have Effective Governance?
A great place to start is by evaluating your current practices. Register for Game Plan and complete the Governance Module to identify where your club is excelling and where you can improve.
What is Governance?
Governance refers to the systems, processes, and rules by which clubs are directed and controlled. It outlines how decisions are made, who holds responsibility, and how the club’s mission and values are upheld. For sporting clubs, governance also ensures legal compliance and builds trust with members, volunteers, and external stakeholders.
Why is Good Governance Important?
Effective governance helps community clubs:
- Comply with laws and regulations
- Provide clear roles and responsibilities
- Manage risks and conflicts of interest
- Make strategic, ethical, and transparent decisions
- Ensure long-term sustainability and member trust
What Does Good Governance Look Like?
Good governance in a community club involves:
- A clearly defined constitution or set of rules
- A skilled and accountable committee or board
- Transparent financial management
- Strong risk management and compliance processes
- Inclusive, fair, and ethical decision-making
- Effective communication with members and stakeholders
State and Territory Governance/ Incorporation Resources
Governance legislation is managed differently across states and territories. Click below to access your local body for club incorporation and governance support:
- ACT – Access Canberra – Incorporated Associations
- NSW – NSW Fair Trading – Associations
- NT – Licensing NT – Associations
- QLD – Queensland Government – Incorporating an Association
- SA – Consumer and Business Services SA – Associations
- TAS – Consumer, Building and Occupational Services Tasmania – Associations
- VIC – Consumer Affairs Victoria – Incorporated Associations
- WA – Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety WA – Associations
Additional Support Resources
Here are some additional resources to support your club’s governance journey:
- Sports Governance – Play by the Rules: Information, case studies, and tools to help create fair, safe and inclusive environments.
- Sport Governance and Organisational Enhancement – Australian Sports Commission: National principles and practical guides for sport organisations of all sizes.
