Sport Governance

Running an effective organisation means being able to undertake a wide range of functions, including finance and people management, marketing, operating a board and risk management. It requires good governance.

All sporting organisations are responsible and accountable for their governance. Good governance is an ongoing commitment to strong leadership, sound systems and continuous improvement. 

Leaders play a critical role in shaping governance through their behaviour, oversight and dedication to continual development.  

The Australian Sports Commission (ASC) co-designed the Sport Governance Principles through a whole-of-sector approach with State and Territory sport and recreation agencies. These Principles provide a national framework of good governance and are supported education, ,resources and practical tools to help organisation put them into practice. 

In addition to ASC’s national resources, our department provides support to those who govern sport within Western Australian including state sporting associations, state active recreation organisations, peak bodies, associations and clubs. This support includes focused advice, training opportunities and access to high-quality governance materials.   

Sport Governance — Australian Sports Commission

  • Sport Governance Principles
    • Outline of the key 9 principles of sports governance to provide overarching guidance for governing bodies on what good governance looks like.
  • Sport Governance Standards
    • Provides measurable criteria against the key 9 principals to evaluate whether governance is effective. 

Education

ASC developed educational opportunities and resources to build the skills and knowledge leaders need to meet the principals and standards.

 

    CITS guidance

    Resources

    Page reviewed 18 March 2026