Information for clubs

Whether you’re opening a new club, or have an established club, this checklist includes mandatories for all clubs, as well as additional suggestions.

Mandatories

Business structure – Your club is a business, and its structure is up to you. Whether you operate as a sole trader, a company, an incorporated association or other type of entity, you must be in compliance with all requirements related to your business structure.

Child safety – Legislation passed in 2021 requires child-related organisations to implement the Child Safe Standards. To support you in strengthening your club’s implementation of the Child Safe Standards, there is a range of training and resources available which we recommend to you, including the Child safe self assessment from the Office of Children’s Guardian, tips from the Office of Sport, and eLearning from the Office of Children’s Guardian, and Sport Integrity Australia/PBTR.

WWCC – Unless exempt, everyone at your club who works with people aged under 18 years, including coaches, staff and volunteers, must have a Working With Children Check (WWCC). You must also verify online the WWCCs of your staff and volunteers.

Insurance – Some types of insurance are compulsory for your business.

Recommended

Member Protection Information Officer (MPIO) – This is an important role in your club – the MPIO is the first point of contact for members with any concerns. PBTR offers training for your MPIO.

ABN – Not all businesses are required to have an ABN, however it can be beneficial to have one as many grant providers require you to have one in order to apply for a grant.

Affiliation with NSW Fencing – Affiliation offers clubs many useful benefits, and is also a way to contribute to participation data which can be used to advocate for support for fencing in NSW.

Membership of Sport NSW – Sport NSW is the peak body for sport in the state, and offers a range of benefits to members, including webinars, training and awards.

Policies– Policies help everyone be clear about the practices and expectations at your club. Play By The Rules (PBTR) has a range of policy templates which you can use for your club.

Admin system – An admin system such as Assemble Sports, Revolutionise, or TidyHQ, connected with a payment gateway such as Stripe, can help you manage your club.

Website and social media – An online presence can help promote your club and help people find it. Consider having a website, as well as a facebook and Instagram account, and listing your club on Google.

Fundraising – There is support available which your club may be eligible for, including:

• https://www.communitygrants.gov.au/grants
• https://fundraise.sportsfoundation.org.au/grants
• https://www.sport.nsw.gov.au/grants/local-sport-grant-program
• https://www.sport.nsw.gov.au/grants
• Businesses in your local area may also be interested in sponsorship opportunities.

Competition software – Fencing Time is excellent for running comps of all sizes.

Additional resources

• AIS – local sporting champions – funding for athletes to attend competitions
• AIS – governance training
• AIS – grants, governance, operations, and research
• AIS – sport governance principles
• AIS – youth participation guidelines
• AIS – equity, diversity and inclusion
• Aust Govt, dept of Health and Aged Care – resources for sport
• ClubHelp – a VIC organisation but with a lot of great resources
• ‘Empowerment and participation: a guide for organisations working with children and young people’ – Office of Childrens’ Guardian
• eSafety Sports Hub – resources for staying safe online
• Game Plan – tool by the AIS to help clubs build capability
• Not-for-profit-Law (by Justice Connect) – a charity legal service with excellent resources on governance and operations if your club is not-for-profit
• NSW Office of Sport – grants, governance, operations, researc, information for running a sports club etc
• NSW Office of Sport – women and girls Innovation Hub
• NSW Office of Sport – emerging athletes toolkit
• Office of Children’s Guardian – training for people working or volunteering in child-related organisations in NSW
• Office of Children’s Guardian – resources for child safe sport, including recruitment and links
• Office of Children's Guardian – WWCC information
• Office of Children's Guardian – Child Safe Standards: Getting started in your organisation
• Our Community – governance, training, fundraising etc for not-for-profit clubs
• PBTR – involving children and young people in your club
• PBTR – child safe sport
• Pride in Sport – resources for LGBTQ inclusive sport
• Regional Academies of Sport – opportunities for athletes
• Sport Integrity Australia – information and resources
• Sport Integrity Australia – training in clean sport/anti-doping
• Sport Integrity Australia – LGBTQ+ Sport Integrity Guideline
• Supporting mental wellbeing in community sport – resources from Orygen