Sport and Recreation Management

What is an Association?

An Association is a group of people (called Members) who come together for a common purpose.

The motive for people to come together is to combine their energy and share resources to create or provide services and programs which they desire for themselves or to give to others. Thus, people who come together in a sport Association do so to create an environment which will provide themselves and others with coaching, competition organisation, sporting facilities and equipment, fundraising, learning and fun.

Associations are managed by an elected committee or board, the head of which is usually called the President. Members of the board or committee are usually unpaid volunteers.

Associations when they become Incorporated must follow a system of rules which is called the Constitution. Non-profit Associations can make a profit but this profit is never distributed to the members.

If the Association is "wound up", that is ceases to exist, any surplus funds must be given away. Non-profit Associations predominate in the sport and community recreation sectors of the industry.