Becoming incorporated
The City recommends that clubs become incorporated. Incorporating establishes an organisation as separate legal entity, which allows your association to:
- Gain benefits for limited liability
- Apply for Government grants
- Enter into enforceable contracts
- Buy and sell property
- Continue regardless of changes to membership
- Accept gifts & bequests
For more information on incorporation and how to write a constitution visit the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (DMIRS) website.
State Sporting Association Affiliation
State sporting organisations aim to promote, develop, and support their sport within WA. They ensure their sport is properly administered and plan to grow participation by enhancing the quality of sport delivery.
Affiliation allows a sporting club to be involved in SSA run competitions, provides access to insurance for participants, as well as providing support for club development.
More information on your state sporting information can be found via the Department of Local Government, Sport, and Authorities (DLGSC).
State Sporting Associations - DLGSC
Committees
Committees form the backbone of club governance and play an important role in the running of your club. Your constitution should outline how many committee members you will have and each of the roles that require filling. Examples of committee role descriptions and tips for running productive committee meetings can be found via the Department of Local Government, Sport, and Authorities (DLGSC).
Risk Management
Risk management is a process by which possible risks are assessed and a response is created to mitigate the risks which may be associated with your sporting club. A risk manager should be appointed and a risk management register kept to help with effective risk management within your club. Risks come in many forms including; physical, financial, sustainability, and others.
There are 5 steps to risk management:
- Identify potential risks
- Measure the frequency and severity
- Examine solutions
- Implement a chosen solution
- Monitor the results
It is important to note that the risk management process is continuous and circular.
More information is available via the DLGSC.
Risky Business - A club guide to risk management
Liquor Licences
Racing, Gaming and Liquor (RGL) issue liquor licences for clubs. You will need to obtain a letter of support from the City before you apply for a licence directly with RGL. The City has a legal obligation to report any unauthorised sale of alcohol within its facilities. For more information visit the Liquor Licensing website.
Working with Children check
The Working with Children Check is a criminal record check required for those who work with children in Western Australia. Click below for more information.
Working with Children Check - Western Australia
Planning and Sustainability
Strategic planning is a way to analyse the mission of your club, develop strategies, and appropriately allocate resources as a way to achieve long term success. These plans should include input from key stakeholders and clearly outline who is responsible for each area.
An evaluation should take place prior to creating a plan to outline opportunities for development and areas that need improvement. Once an evaluation is complete the strategic plan should be produced and include realistic goals, an outline of how these will be achieved, key performance indicators, and an allocation of resources for each goal.
For information on planning for your club’s future, visit the Every Club Hub.
Finances
Most of the time club finances are handled by volunteers and as a result should be kept as simple and straightforward as possible. The DLGSC outlines some helpful tips for club treasurers when it comes to managing a club’s finances.
Show me the money – A guide for the club treasurer
Marketing and Communication
Marketing and communication are tools that can be used to attract members and sponsors to your club, and promote your club’s inclusive practices. Through developing clear communication channels and assigning a committee member to be responsible for communicating club information you are more likely to be effective in attracting new members and sponsors, increasing awareness of your club, and helping to build a stronger and healthier community.
Social media can be a valuable tool when communicating information to members as well as promoting your club to the wider community. When using social media it is important to utilise multiple platforms, maintain a clear brand image across each platform, and keep information up to date.
For guidance on promoting your club and engaging with sponsors, visit the Every Club Hub.
Volunteers
Volunteers play a very important role in the running of your club. It is important to make sure they are recognised to keep existing volunteers involved and help attract new volunteers to the club. This can be done by providing volunteers with the support and training they need to fulfil their role and celebrating their commitment.
The Every Club Hub provides clubs with tips and supporting resources to help ensure you are supporting and encouraging volunteers as best as you can.