Sports clubs development

The Clearinghouse for Sport serves as a central hub for sharing news, research, and resources about sports and active recreation in Australia. Managed by the Australian Sports Commission, it connects government, academia, and sporting organisations with valuable insights and evidence on sport and human performance. The Clearinghouse is a trusted source for professionals seeking information on topics such as governance, participation trends, and athlete development.

To find more, visit Clearinghouse for Sport

Club Respect equips sports clubs with tools and resources to create positive, safe, and inclusive environments. Through education and practical advice, the program addresses issues like conflict resolution, discrimination, and toxic culture. Clubs can use the platform’s guidelines and templates to foster respectful behaviour among members, players, and supporters.

To find out more, visit Club Respect

The eSafety Commissioner’s Sports Hub provides resources to help sports organisations address online safety concerns. The platform includes tools for tackling cyberbullying, managing social media risks, and promoting positive online behaviour. Clubs can access training materials, guides, and templates to create a safer digital environment for players, volunteers, and supporters.

To find out more, visit Sports hub | eSafety Commissioner

Game Plan is a free online platform by the Australian Sports Commission (ASC) that allows sporting clubs of all sizes to get insights into their current capability in key areas of club administration, then supports ongoing club development with a suite of tools.

To find out more, visit Australian Sports Commission — club development

Good Sports is Australia’s largest community health sports program, helping clubs create safer, healthier, and more inclusive environments. By becoming a Good Sports club, organisations commit to best practices in areas such as alcohol management, smoking regulations, mental health support, and fostering respectful behaviour. Clubs progress through three program levels, each offering practical tools and guidance to build stronger connections with their communities while promoting health and well-being. Good Sports is free to join and open to all community sporting clubs.

To find our more, visit Good Sports

The Healthy Sports Clubs program offers practical resources and guidance to help clubs promote healthy lifestyles. With a focus on nutrition, mental well-being, and active living, the program includes introductory materials and templates for building supportive, health-focused environments. It empowers clubs to become leaders in community health through incremental, sustainable changes.

Download:

• Better Health Network — Club Support (PDF)
• Healthy Sports Clubs — Monash Health A framework for sports clubs to create healthy change (PDF)

To find out more, visit Better Health Network

_{Note: Healthy Sports Clubs has been developed and piloted by Monash Health in partnership with Cardinia Shire Council, City of Casey Council and City of Greater Dandenong Council.}

Play by the Rules is a national initiative that supports inclusive, safe, and fair participation in sport. It provides free resources, training, and templates to help clubs address issues like harassment, discrimination, and child safety. The platform’s interactive modules and practical tools empower clubs to uphold ethical practices and foster a culture of fairness and respect.

To find out more, visit Play by the Rules — making sport inclusive, safe and fair

Proud2Play is a community organisation centred around fostering an inclusive and welcoming sporting environment and increasing LGBTQI+ engagement in sport, exercise, and active recreation. Their Sports Club Hub is a free resource for sports clubs looking to create a more inclusive and welcoming environment for the LGBTIQ+ community. It offers a range of resources, including information on education sessions, the Rainbow Roadmap program, and how to be listed in the Proud 2 Play LGBTIQ+ Friendly Sporting Club Directory.

To find out more, visit Proud2Play

The Sport4All program gives community sport clubs and schools support to give people with disability the opportunity to participate in sport, at both a club and school level, when, where, and how they choose. Sport4All has been developed, designed, and is delivered by people with disability and lived experience. 

To find out more, visit Sport4All

Sport and Recreation Victoria (SRV) supports the health and safety of community sport through policies and programs that promote inclusivity, safety, and fairness.

Key initiatives include:

• Fair Play Code
  A set of guiding principles that promote integrity, respect, responsibility, fairness, and safety in sport.

• Safe and Inclusive Sport: Preventing gender-based violence
  A program focused on preventing gender-based violence and creating environments where everyone feels valued and secure.

To find out more, visit Sport and Recreation Victoria — Resources

Vic Kids Eat Well supports sports clubs in creating healthier food environments for young participants. The program encourages clubs to offer nutritious options at canteens and events, helping kids make better food choices. Through step-by-step guidance and resources, Vic Kids Eat Well ensures clubs can make small, manageable changes that promote the health and well-being of their communities.

To find out more, visit Vic Kids Eat Well — Sports Clubs

The Club in a Box program, run by etrainu empowers presidents, treasurers, secretaries and every member of sporting club committees to master club management and unlock success. It provides high-quality training on volunteer, event, and financial management, ensuring you have the confidence to lead your club to success.

To find out more, visit Club in a Box

The Institute of Community Directors Australia (ICDA) is an independent social enterprise, dedicated solely to serving our community. As a purpose-built governance network, we cater to the unique needs of not-for-profits and social enterprises.

To find out more visit:

• Tools and resources
• Good Governance for Community Sports

VicSport is the peak body for sport and active recreation in Victoria, dedicated to helping community sports clubs thrive. By collaborating with clubs, associations, and government agencies, VicSport provides tools, resources, and advocacy to tackle challenges such as inclusivity, governance, and volunteer retention. Whether fostering a welcoming atmosphere, ensuring child safety, or acknowledging the contributions of volunteers, VicSport empowers clubs to create strong, sustainable communities. Its programs and initiatives aim to support clubs in developing safe, inclusive, and enjoyable environments for all participants.

Healthy and Welcoming Sport
This program equips clubs with resources and workshops to build inclusive cultures and foster stronger community connections.

Child Safe Sport
VicSport offers templates, training, and policies to ensure clubs meet child safety standards and provide secure environments for young participants.

To find out more, visit VicSport

Volunteering Victoria have partnered with Vicsport and Regional Sport Victoria to create sporting club focused resources. These resources aim to support and assist local and community sporting clubs in their strategies and practices around volunteers.

To find out more, visit Volunteering Victoria