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Workplace Health & Safety

Everyone has a right to be safe when working or volunteering in sport. This information is provided to assist clubs incorporate risk management and WHS into their club operations and to understand and comply with relevant WHS requirements.

WHS in Clubs & Associations

Most clubs and associations already have safety policies and practices in place.  Under the Work Health and Safety Act (NSW), any organization or group that has workers, volunteers, or people participating in activities under its control has a duty to ensure, as far as reasonably practicable, the health and safety of everyone involved.

These resources are tailored to support clubs in effectively managing workplace health, safety, and overall risk within their organisation whether they are a volunteer organisation or a PCBU (Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking) – PCBU is a WHS term for an employer or business with 1 or more paid employees.

Volunteer Sport Clubs (no paid employees)

A not-for-profit volunteer sports club is generally not considered a PCBU (Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking) under WHS laws if it has no paid employees and is operated solely by volunteers.  However, if the club employs even one person – such as a paid coach, cleaner, or administrator – it becomes a PCBU and must comply with WHS laws.

PCBU (Employers & Businesses) (paid employees)

A sporting club is a PCBU (Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking) under Work Health & Safety laws (WHS) laws if it employs at least one paid worker, including casual staff, coaches, or administrators. As a PCBU, the club has a duty of care to ensure the safety of paid workers, volunteers, and participants, with responsibilities for safe systems, equipment, and training and is required by comply with WHS laws.

Providing a Safe Work and Sport environment

Football clubs deliver a wide range of activities from training sessions and matches to special events and facility operations, each of which carries inherent risks if not effectively managed. A structured approach to risk management is essential to ensure the safety of everyone involved. By adhering to health and safety regulations, clubs can maintain facilities to appropriate standards, ensure equipment is regularly inspected and fit for purpose, and implement measures to minimise the likelihood of accidents and injuries.  This also includes establishing clear protocols for emergency response and crowd management, helping to create a safe and well-managed football environment for all.

Risk Management

Venue Safety

No Smoking or Vaping at Sport Venues

Under the Smoke-free Environment Act 2000, smoking and vaping is prohibited in outdoor public areas, including:

  • Spectator areas at sports grounds used for organised sporting events
  • Within 10 metres of children’s play equipment in outdoor public places;
  • Public swimming pools
  • Public transport stations, bus stops, ferry wharves and taxi ranks;
  • Within 4 metres of an entry to a public building
  • Commercial outdoor dining areas

Individuals have an obligation to comply with this requirement at sport venues and be considerate of others. Clubs have a responsibility to provide a smoke-free workplace for workers and volunteers and should ensure that adequate No Smoking signage is in place and that every effort is made to maintain a smoke free environment at sport venues for players, officials, spectators and visitors

No Smoking & No Vaping Signage

Checklists & Policies

These Checklists are for use by Clubs and Associations for WHS compliance and to minimise risk and Public Liability claims exposure.

WHS Information

WHS First Aid