Starting a New Club: What You Need From Day One

Before You Do Anything Else

You have a group of people who want to form a club. That is the easy part. Here is everything else.

Step 1: Decide on a Structure

Most clubs in Australia incorporate as an association under their state's Associations Incorporation Act. This gives the club a legal identity separate from its members, which protects committee members from personal liability.

Check your state's requirements. In most states, you need a minimum number of founding members (typically 5-7), a constitution, and a committee.

Step 2: Write a Constitution

Your state's consumer affairs or fair trading body usually provides a model constitution. Use it. Customising every clause is unnecessary and creates confusion when your committee changes.

The constitution covers: the club's purpose, membership categories, committee structure, meeting procedures, financial management, and dissolution.

Step 3: Incorporate

Lodge the incorporation application with your state authority. This costs $50-150 depending on the state. You will receive an incorporation number that you use for official purposes.

Step 4: Get Insurance

Public liability insurance is essential if your club uses any shared facility, runs events, or has any interaction with the public. Your governing body may provide coverage through affiliation. If not, get a standalone policy.

Volunteer insurance covers committee members for injury during club activities. Worth the investment.

Step 5: Open a Bank Account

Open a dedicated club bank account. Not someone's personal account with "club funds" in it. A proper account in the club's incorporated name with at least two signatories.

Step 6: Set Up Membership

Decide your membership tiers and fees. Set up a membership management platform - even if you start with 20 members. A clean database from day one saves reconstruction later.

TidyHQ's Starter plan handles everything a new club needs: member database, online payments, event management, and committee workspace. $99 per month AUD.

Step 7: Affiliate with Your Governing Body

If your club plays a sport, join the relevant state body. Affiliation gives you access to competitions, insurance, coaching resources, and credibility with members.

Step 8: Hold Your First AGM

Even if it is just the founding committee sitting around a kitchen table, document it. Elect positions formally. Record minutes. This is where your governance record starts.

Step 9: Communicate

Set up role-based email addresses. Create a Facebook page or website. Let people know you exist and how to join.

The First Year

Focus on three things: building membership, running a few good events, and establishing governance habits. Do not try to do everything. A club that does three things well in its first year builds a foundation for decades.

References

• Australian Sports Commission - National resources for starting a community sport club, including incorporation, governance, and affiliation guidance
• Play by the Rules - Compliance essentials for new clubs including insurance, safeguarding, and codes of conduct
• Australian Sports Foundation - Funding and grant opportunities available to newly established grassroots sport organisations
• Sport Integrity Australia - Governance and integrity frameworks that new clubs should adopt from day one
• TidyHQ - Club management platform for new clubs to set up membership, payments, events, and committee workspace from day one