Club committee roles and responsibilities

A club’s management committee is the elected group responsible for governing the club on behalf of its members.

This is where ideas are generated, strategic direction is set, and decisions are made.

The club will also involve other volunteers and sometimes staff members to help with the day-to-day tasks.

By involving non-committee volunteers and staff, the management committee gains more time to engage with members, oversee strategic goals, and lead the club to success.

Committees should include a diverse mix of individuals with the necessary skills and experience to guide the club to achieve its objectives and meet its legal obligations.

Resources

Structure and responsibilities

The management committee forms the backbone of the club’s operations, playing a leading role in decision-making and strategic planning. An incorporated association requires a minimum of 3 members, often the president, secretary and treasurer. If the secretary is appointed but not a member of the management committee, another elected position is necessary, such as a vice president or general committee member.

Committee members have responsibilities as club leaders under the Associations Incorporation Act. It's important to know these duties and rights. The committee responsibilities (PDF, 1.3 MB) offers an introduction to these topics.

Position descriptions

President

The leader of the committee is the president. The main roles of the president are to:

  • be an ambassador and spokesperson for the club
  • chair meetings
  • be the regular connection between the committee and the club’s stakeholders.

View the role of the president  (PDF, 139.5 KB) .

Vice president

Some clubs include the position of vice president, whose role is often to understudy the president and provide additional support as requested by the committee.

View the role of the vice president  (PDF, 136.9 KB) .

Secretary

The role of secretary may be filled by a staff member, or your secretary may be an elected member of the committee. The main roles of the secretary are to:

  • prepare for and manage meetings (e.g. preparing agendas and minutes)
  • manage the club’s compliance and reporting obligations.

View the role of the secretary (PDF, 131.1 KB) .

Treasurer

While accountability for financial management rests with the entire committee, the treasurer typically has the responsibility for preparing financial reports and budgets and presenting them to the rest of the committee.

View the role of the treasurer (PDF, 147 KB) .

More information

  • Read the Office of Fair Trading's information on starting and operating an incorporated association in Queensland.
  • Create a free account to access the Australian Sport’s Commission Game Plan online platform of resources, for sporting clubs of all sizes, designed to support club development.
  • Contact your state or national sporting organisation for more information about specific position descriptions or refer to your club by-laws/rules.

Sport HQ resources

View and download the Sport HQ modules including support videos, guidelines and templates. Module topics:

  • Governance
  • Financial management
  • Volunteer management
  • Planning