Club Governance

Presenters/Facilitators

Session Structure 1.Introduction to Club Governance a) What does it mean? b)What constitutes sound Governance? c)What can be implemented at your Club/League? 2. Club Health Checks a)Shared past experiences with the Health Check. b)Moving forward – why are the Health Checks a valuable tool for the game? 3.Summary a)Operational and Strategic assistance from your Division.

Type of Governance For the most part the Operational entities (Leagues and Clubs) involved in Rugby League operate under Non-Profit Governance. Research (Hoye & Cuskelly 2007) tells us that the focus for Non-Profit entities traditionally includes: Reliance on volunteers Providing a community service and/or Raising funds to facilitate or increase participation in the activity

Changing Sporting Landscape Source: Australian Sports Commission: Sports Governance Principles

‘Sound Governance’ In March of 2012 the Australian Sports Commission (ASC) released Sports Governance Principles ernance_Principles.pdf This is a great starting point for Leagues/Clubs looking to review: Board composition, roles and powers Board processes Governance systems Board reporting and performance Stakeholder relationships Ethical and responsible decision making

Traditional v Contemporary Governance Traditional Governance Reactive decision making Function largely on ‘Operational’ level ‘Learn to live’ with issues/problems Contemporary Governance Forward long term planning Function at a ‘Strategic’ level Board members carry specific portfolio’s

Board Structures – Skills Based Balduck, Van Rossem and Buelens 2010 study in to competencies of volunteer board members suggests that board members with the necessary skills, knowledge and personality traits are often seen to be more effective. For a Rugby League Club this may include:

Governance – QRL Support Club Health Checks Uses IOS technology with the Operations Managers using Ipads to perform the Club Health Check on site in real time. Each club is visited twice a year. Reviewing and advising on; Governance processes (financial, club committee processes and rules), Participation ( player and volunteers), Compliance (licensing and rules), Strategic Measures, and Infrastructure and Planning.

Breakout Session – Club Health Checks Please break in to small groups. In your group ensure you have at least 1 person that have been through the process of a Club Health Check Operations Managers will lead this section and discuss the PLUS, MINUS and INTERESTING’s of the Health Check Process The focus of your discussion should be on Health Check components that provide data on Club Governance

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