Governance principles
The Australian Sports Commission’s Sports Governance Principles assists
members of boards and management to develop, implement and maintain a
robust system of governance that fits the particular circumstances of
their sport.
The following principles are beneficial for clubs, regional and state associations to implement:
Induction
The board should ensure all new directors undergo an appropriate induction process.
This should include a clear understanding of an organisations business
operations, financial circumstances, strategy and direction and what is
expected of the director in their role.
Clear outline of board roles and responsibilities
Outlines the fiduciary duty and legal duty of individual directors,
code of conduct specifying expected behaviour of directors, conflict of
interest provision and the responsibilities of directors to complete an
induction program.
Board charter
The board and each committee established by the
board should have a terms of reference or charter. This should outline
the purpose, delegated authority, composition including the appointment
of a chair, reporting requirements and delineation of the role of the
board/committee.
Board calendar
Outlines major annual activities for the board and distributed annually to all directors.
Risk management strategy and process
The board should have in place an effective risk management strategy
and process. This will require the board to take actions to identify key
risks facing organisations and ensure that management strategies are
developed and actioned.
Monitor the boards performance
The board should regularly review and assess its own performance and the performance of individual directors.
The Department can assist State Sporting Associations to undertake
the Australian Sports Commissions Board Evaluation Tool. To undertake an
evaluation contact your relevant sports consultant.
Officers and directors insurance
The board should ensure its officers
and directors have appropriate insurance cover as once an organisation
starts incurring debts and liabilities, directors are potentially liable
to provide for any losses incurred.
Considering becoming a board member?
If you are considering joining a board or committee, it is
recommended that you do your due diligence and see the constitution,
review the last three years of financial statements, talk to the
chairperson and make sure the organisation has directors and officers
insurance (may also be known as Professional Indemnity Insurance).