AFL Masters WA (Incorporated) Governance Policy

AFL Masters WA (Incorporated) Governance Policy

TABLE OF CONTENTS Table of Contents... 2 Introduction... 3 Board Policy Governance... 3 The Goals and Corporate Culture... 4 Roles of AFL Masters WA... 5 Specific Roles of the AFL Masters WA Members... 5 2

Introduction The Australian Sports Commission, Governance: Principles of Best Practice have been used as a guide in the development of this policy. In summary, this document lists five principles of best practice, which the AFL Masters WA (Incorporated) ( AFL Masters WA ) aims to focus on. These are: Clear delineation of governance roles Effective governance processes Effective governance controls Governance improvement Member responsiveness AFL Masters WA is governed by a Board of Directors, managed by its General Manager and Executive (President, Vice President and Finance Director) and is responsible to its Members as provided in the Constitution. It is the sole governing body of AFL Masters Australian Rules Football in Western Australia and its primary affiliation is with and shall remain with the Western Australian Football Commission (WAFC) and through that body with the AFL. The elected Board shall be responsible for determining and implementing policies to achieve the strategic goals of AFL Masters WA. To achieve these goals, the Board may elect or appoint Committees and employ such persons as deemed necessary. The owners of AFL Masters WA are its Members as provided in the Constitution. The Members have the power inter alia to make changes to the Constitution and to elect members to the Board. Board Policy - Governance AFL Masters WA s Governance Policy for its Board is driven and controlled by the following guidelines:- The President is the accountable and responsible person for the efficient control of the Board. Planning; solving issues and determining the direction of AFL Masters WA. The direction of the Board being governance driven and strategic. Strategic thinking and risk analysis The make-up of the Board s members being diverse both in interests and also in background. The Board consisting of the best possible people available. Board Members having a sense of ownership and contribution: Board members being aware that they act on behalf of the AFL Masters WA community at large; not for themselves or their own local constituents. The Board having a Duty of Care that involves compliance monitoring. Having the power to appoint committees with Terms of Reference that report to the Board on a regular basis. 3

The Goals and Corporate Culture In pursuing its Goals and Objectives AFL Masters WA shall:- Maintain and nurture its good relationships with the Western Australian Football Commission and the AFL and ensure that its affiliation with the Western Australian Football Commission remains its Principle Affiliation. Abide by the terms and conditions of its Affiliation Agreement with the Western Australian Football Commission Maintain its role as the sole body for the promotion of AFL Masters Football in Western Australia and any other areas approved by the Board. Remain a financially viable and fiscally responsible organisation whilst at all times employing best business practices and good governance procedures. Manage, market, promote and develop all facets of the sport in accordance with sound business principles. Enter into commercial undertakings and sponsorships. Develop marketing and sponsorship programs for the benefit and growth of AFL Masters WA. Represent the interests of Members to government and other agencies. Remain progressive, pro-active, innovative, forward thinking, ethical, dynamic and decisive in meeting its member s needs and in its dealings with all. Provide appropriate services and remain responsible to its Members as defined in the Constitution. Ensure that there are clear and equal opportunities for players and officials to participate in all AFL Masters WA endorsed AFL Masters Football Carnivals regardless of their talent or ability Remain the sole body in Western Australia responsible for the compiling and preparation of State Representative Teams for National Carnivals or any other AFL Masters WA sanctioned event. Ensure that it is and remains the sole public face of AFL Masters Football in Western Australia. Promote the establishment and participation of AFL Masters Football Clubs, players, officials and supporters and further the development of AFL Masters Football in Western Australia. Undertake all possible measures to grow the game of AFL Masters in Western Australia. Provide direction for the development and promotion of AFL Masters Football in Western Australia. Appoint, oversee and manage committees. Ensure safe and enjoyable levels of competition and the participation of players, officials and supporters. Facilitate avenues to support coaches, umpires and supporters. Provide access and opportunity for the maximum satisfaction and enjoyment for the playing of the game. Develop programs to nurture the interests of age eligible players in AFL Masters Football. Build and maintain a strong profile in the community as a popular and successful sport for participants 35 years of age and older. Promote dialogue with kindred organisations to ensure the best interests of the game of Australian Rules Football are maintained. 4

Roles of AFL Masters WA (Incorporated) These roles are to: Establish and maintain financial security. Provide leadership. Provide Governance of AFL Masters Football in Western Australia. Oversee promotion and marketing. Regulate the sport. Represent AFL Masters WA in all official capacities. Prepare and manage all Western Australia teams at all levels of participation. Prepare and co-ordinate all events and championships. Facilitate all aspects of the sport. Educate and train officials, umpires, coaches and athletes. Communicate widely and effectively. Develop the profile of the sport. Provide opportunities to maximise outputs from Members. Promote and demonstrate the ethos of Football for Kicks throughout all AFL Masters WA sanctioned activities. Specific Roles of the AFL Masters WA Members (Clubs) The AFL Masters WA members specific roles are to: Establish and maintain financial security Establish and use best business practices and good governance procedures. Abide by any sponsorship arrangements that from time to time might be entered into by the Board. Promote player, volunteer and officiating recruitment. Conduct AFL Masters Football competitions. Actively promote AFL Masters Football in WA for players 35 years of age and over. Facilitate the sport at all levels. Work with AFL Masters WA Board to implement State strategies. Implement Club Policies that will ensure that their players understand the ethos of AFL Masters WA Football, its rules and policies. Rigorously manage their players on field behavior and adherence to the philosophy and rules of the game. 5