At the end of last year, the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) issued civil penalty proceedings in the Federal Court of Australia against Harold Mitchell and Stephen Healy, two former directors of Tennis Australia Limited.

Last month, France claimed its second World Cup since its inception by defeating the fairytale story of the tournament, Croatia, 4-2 in an action-packed final. The match was filled with drama, with an own-goal, pitch invaders and heavy rain, but the outstanding display of sporting brilliance shone through.

LeBron to LABron – in the biggest off-season news in the NBA, the league’s pre-eminent player, ‘King James’, last week announced that he had agreed to a lucrative deal to play for its most famous franchise, the Los Angeles Lakers.

Player safety, fairness, and the integrity and composition of sport are all vital factors to consider in the creation and implementation of effective sport policies and procedures. Clear policies as part of a club’s governance framework provide a club, association or sport generally with guidelines to decision-making, and are an important step to mitigating potential risks that may arise.

In the growing world of online marketing, and with the increased public profile and popularity of our athletes, there is increased value and interest in the name and image of professional sportspeople.

The demands of playing professional sport, particularly in the AFL, have never been higher. The rigours athletes put their body through on the field are compounded with the intense scrutiny they receive off it from media and fans alike.

Whilst still trying to claim a foothold in a highly-populated sports market, the Melbourne Rebels have gradually set about establishing a lasting foundation for rugby union in Victoria since its establishment in 2010.  

Any sports club, large or small, faces the prospect of a troublesome member, or members, threatening the reputation and standing of the club in the community, or interfering with other members’ quite enjoyment.

Monday afternoon’s (AEST) Super Bowl LI has already been described as the “greatest of all time” by many experts, with the New England Patriots pulling off an extraordinary come from behind performance to defeat the Atlanta Falcons, 34-28.

As has become tradition, particularly in the United States, sports leagues and clubs have been busy unveiling their 2016 Christmas Day uniforms ahead of the festive season. 

Whilst the A-League, NBL and WNBL are in the early stages of their new seasons, the AFL and NRL have wound down for the next 5 months. This means that the players, who have slogged away during the winter months in the chase for a premiership, are enjoying holidays and resting their bodies before the commencement of another arduous pre-season.

It’s FOOTY FINALS TIME!  With the two Sydney teams, Sydney Swans and GWS Giants, doing battle with Geelong and the Western Bulldogs respectively in this weekend’s preliminary finals, fans will be flocking to both the MCG and Spotless Stadium tonight and tomorrow for the big games

Sporting clubs and incorporated associations need to make sure that paid workers and volunteers who engage in “child-related” work have a valid Working with Children Check. 

Rio 2016 began with a typically extravagant opening ceremony on Saturday morning AEST. Unfortunately however, according to the Sydney Morning Herald, Channel Seven's 9.00am broadcast of the event averaged only 2.25 million regional & metropolitan viewers, the lowest rating opening ceremony since 2001 when the OzTam rating system began.

A sporting club may handle a considerable amount of money in a single financial year. Whether it be membership revenue, ground maintenance costs or even the weekly sausage sizzle intake – everything adds up!

On 15 June 2016, the AFL made the historic announcement that eight clubs would compete in the inaugural season of the women’s national league in 2017. During February and March next year, Adelaide, Brisbane, Carlton, Collingwood, Fremantle, Greater Western Sydney, Melbourne and the Western Bulldogs will participate in six home-and-away rounds, with the top four playing two semi-finals and a Grand Final. 

Incorporated sporting clubs and associations have distinct obligations to fulfil as a legal entity. Committee members, directors, coaches and volunteers each have a role to play in the team and it is vital that all involved understand the different policies that are applicable to the club and its members. Here are just two policy considerations for ensuring “good play” in your local sporting organisation.

Yes, the team with the best single-season record in NBA history just got better…Kevin Durant, the 2014 Most Valuable Player, 7-time NBA All Star, 5-time All-NBA First Team member and 4-time scoring champion, has agreed to sign with the Golden State Warriors.