Who’s Doing What? Why Roles and Decisions Can Make or Break Your Club
In community sport, passion is everywhere on the field, in the clubhouse, and around the committee table. But passion alone won’t keep a club running smoothly. At some point, someone has to ask the unglamorous but essential question:
“Who’s actually responsible for this?”
If your club has ever had moments of silence when that question comes up, you’re not alone.
When passion meets confusion
Too often, clubs fall into the trap of "all hands on deck" without a clear structure. A few familiar signs:
The President is approving canteen rosters and field bookings
The Secretary is taking minutes and running the junior program
The Treasurer is the only one with access to the bank account
Everyone is “kind of in charge” of decisions — and no one is quite sure who has the final say
This fuzzy structure creates stress, slows down decision-making, and burns out good people. And unfortunately, it’s one of the biggest reasons talented volunteers step away.
What good governance really looks like
Good governance isn’t about red tape or endless policies. At its heart, it’s about clarity:
Clear roles so everyone knows what they’re responsible for (and what they’re not)
Clear decisions so the right people can act confidently without needing a vote on every minor issue
Clear systems so tasks and actions don’t fall through the cracks
When roles and responsibilities are defined, decisions are mapped, and meetings are purposeful, clubs not only run better they feel better.
Start with these five questions
Want to get your club on the path to smarter structure? Try asking:
Do we have clear role descriptions for each committee position?
Are we confident in who has the authority to make different types of decisions?
Do we have a place to record responsibilities, actions, and outcomes that everyone can access?
Have we identified key risks and who is accountable for managing them?
Are our meetings focused, efficient, and resulting in action or just discussion?
You don’t need a complete overhaul to improve your club’s governance. Often, the biggest difference comes from a few conversations, a shared document, and a willingness to work a little smarter.
Final thought: Structure supports success
When structure is strong, people feel supported. They know what’s expected of them, where to go for answers, and how to contribute meaningfully.
The best-run clubs aren’t necessarily the ones with the most funding or flashiest programs. They’re the ones where everyone knows their role, trusts the process, and works together with purpose.