Sporting club information updates

Changes to club's legal requirements

There has recently been changes to the Associations Incorporation Act will have implications for clubs that are Incorporated Associations - which nearly all clubs are. There are several changes, but the following is a snap shot of what changes will be most relevant on the day to day running of your club.  

Public Officer
The role of 'public officer'  and 'secretary' will be merged and replaced with 'Secretary' 

Meeting Minutes
- accurate minutes of all general and committee meetings must be prepared and kept
- provide members access to the general commitee minutes (including financial statements and accounting records)
- clarify whether members can have access to the minutes of the committee of managment - and if so, the terms and conditions of that access

Return of documents to the club
All office holders, former office holders or members must return any club documents to the club within 28 days if they cease to be office holders or a member of the club.
A failure to do so allows the club to apply to the Magistrates' Court to enforce compliance.

There are other important changes, as well as some that will apply immediately and others that will come into force at a later date.  To understand the fuller implications for your club please see the PILCH webpage for the further information.    

Football and netball lighting guidance
State government has released a Football and Netball Lighting Guide to assist sports clubs, organisations and councils in the planning, design, maintenance and operation of a range of lighting systems. The information also applies to sportsgrounds allocated for soccer, noting some differences in the sportsground dimensions, illuminance requirements and pole height and layout. Council permission is required for lighting projects undertaken on Council owned and managed land. Building permits are required for towers over eight metres in height.

Reminder on use of movable soccer goals 
Movable soccer goals are subject to a ban order issued through Consumer Affairs.  It is also a Football Federation Victoria and Council tenancy requirement that these goals meet the necessary standards. Please note that your club may still be able to use these types of goals but they must comply in accordance with the Consumer Affairs order. Due to the very serious incidents that have occurred it is vital that clubs ensure that the goals are safely used and stored.  Refer to the Consumer Affairs fact sheet for further guidance.