Good governance helps sporting clubs operate effectively, meet legal requirements and support long-term sustainability.
This page provides guidance and resources to help your club manage its governance responsibilities.
Becoming incorporated
The City recommends that clubs become incorporated. Incorporation establishes your organisation as a separate legal entity, allowing your association to:
- Gain the benefits of limited liability.
- Apply for government grants.
- Enter into enforceable contracts.
- Buy and sell property.
- Continue regardless of membership changes.
- Accept gifts and bequests.
For guidance visit the consumer protection website.
State Sporting Association affiliation
State sporting organisations promote, develop and support their sport across Western Australia. Affiliation with your State Sporting Association (SSA):
- Enables participation in SSA-run competitions.
- Provides access to insurance for participants.
- Connects your club with development support and resources.
View a list of sports and recreation associations in WA on the Department of Creative Industries, Tourism and Sport website.
Club committees and roles
Committees are central to club governance and play an important role in day-to-day operations.
Your constitution should outline:
- The number of committee members.
- Required roles.
- Responsibilities of each role.
View a list of Club roles on the Department of Creative Industries, Tourism and Sport website.
Club responsibilities
Risk management involves identifying, assessing and responding to risks that may affect your club. Risks can be physical, financial, environmental or operational. A risk manager should be appointed, and a risk register maintained.
The five steps of risk management are:
- Identify potential risks.
- Measure frequency and severity.
- Examine solutions.
- Implement the chosen solution.
- Monitor the results.
Risk management is a continuous and cyclical process.
For guidance visit the Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety website.
Liquor licences for clubs are issued by the WA Government. You will need a letter of support from the City before applying. The City is legally required to report any unauthorised sale of alcohol within its facilities.
To learn more about the requirements visit the Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety website.
To find out about obtaining a section 39 or 40 Certificate, visit the City’s Liquor licence page.
A Working with Children Check is required for people who work with children in Western Australia.
To find out how to apply visit the Department of Communities website.
Strategic planning helps your club analyse its mission, set long-term goals and allocate resources effectively. Plans should include input from key stakeholders and clearly outline who is responsible for each area.
Before creating a plan, an evaluation should be completed to identify opportunities for development and areas that need improvement. Once this evaluation is finished, your strategic plan should set out:
- Realistic goals.
- How these goals will be achieved.
- Key performance indicators.
- The resources allocated to each goal.
For guidance visit the Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety website.
Club finances are often managed by volunteers, so processes should be simple, transparent and well-documented.
For guidance visit the Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety website.
Marketing and communication help attract members and sponsors and promote your club’s inclusive practices.
Effective communication includes:
- Clear channels of communication.
- Assigning a committee member to manage communication.
- Keeping information accurate and up to date.
Social media can help promote your club. Use multiple platforms, maintain consistent branding and update content regularly.
For guidance visit the Department of Creative Industries, Tourism and Sport website.
Volunteers are essential to the running of community clubs. Supporting and recognising volunteers helps keep them engaged and encourages new volunteers to join.
Training, clear expectations and regular appreciation all contribute to a positive volunteer experience.
For guidance visit the Department of Creative Industries, Tourism and Sport website.
