People management

Strong people management is key to the success of sport organisations. Whether your organisation relies on volunteers, paid staff, or both, clear roles and fair processes create a safe and positive environment.

Employment options

The employment options resource (PDF, 157.1 KB) helps organisations understand how to engage with employees, contractors, and volunteers. It highlights key points such as legal duties, costs, flexibility, and suitability for various work types. The guide helps organisations select fair and compliant employment arrangements that match their needs and resources.

Managing and paying staff

The managing and paying staff resource  (PDF, 185 KB) outlines key requirements for hiring paid staff in sport organisations. It covers awards, minimum wages, record keeping, superannuation, recruitment, contracts, and performance management. The resource also points out common pitfalls like misclassification, underpayment, and encourages organisations to think about outsourcing payroll or HR support to reduce risks and ease administrative tasks.

Volunteer position descriptions

Clear role descriptions help volunteers know what is expected of them. They also show how volunteers contribute to the organisation’s success. The volunteer position descriptions (DOCX, 2.4 MB) offer sample descriptions for common roles in sport organisations. This tool improves recruitment, accountability, and volunteer management. It outlines responsibilities, key tasks, and reporting relationships for each role.

Resolving conflict

Conflict is a natural part of teamwork. When handled well, it can spark valuable new ideas. The resolving conflict guide (PDF, 524.9 KB) and video give practical tips to help you manage conflict with fellow members. These resources promote understanding, respect, and a supportive environment.

More information

Play by the Rules offers resources, guidance, tools and free online training to empower administrators, coaches, officials, players, parents and spectators.

PBTR provides a fact sheet on the six steps to resolving complaints.

Sport Integrity Australia is a national agency dedicated to safeguarding Australian sport by addressing abuse, competition manipulation, harassment and prohibited substance use within sports environments. The National Integrity Framework outlines a set of standards that all members of a sport must adhere to regarding their behaviour and conduct within the sporting environment.

The NIF includes a Complaints, Disputes and Discipline Policy.

Full Complaints, Disputes and Discipline Policy may also be available from your sport’s national governing body.

See a list of sports signed up to the National Integrity Framework.

A Member Protection Information Officer in Australian sport serves as a neutral support person who provides information about rights, responsibilities and options to individuals raising concerns or complaints. They help guide people toward resolution pathways, but they do not manage complaints, investigate issues or mediate.

Training for Member Protection Information Officers includes a free online module (Part 1) and interactive workshop (Part 2), which can be attended in person or online through state or territory sporting organisations.

Sport HQ resources

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

  • Governance
  • Financial management
  • Volunteer management
  • Planning
  • Places and Spaces
  • Participation
  • Sport pathways
  • Racing.