Workplace Health & Safety

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

WHS in sport clubs & Associations

Since the Commonwealth’s Work Health and Safety ACT 2012 came in Sporting Clubs and sport club workers and volunteers are protected by Australian workplace laws.   Most clubs and associations already have safety policies and practices in place, however under the WHS laws, some sport clubs may need to implement new actions to comply with the WHS Act and the NSW WHS Codes of Conduct and Regulations.

The ASC “Sporting Clubs guide to a Safe Workplace” and other WHS resources are designed to assist clubs understand and action WHS and Risk Management within their organisation.

Risk Management

Risk management is the course of action your club takes to reduce the likelihood of injury, damage or loss to person or property and to reduce potential legal liability and is a key component of workplace health and safety.

For further information:

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.