17th September 2026
Author: Maree DeGeorge
Melbourne, VICTORIA – Most governance problems do not begin with a major dispute.
They often start with a much simpler question: Who is responsible for making this decision?
As your association grows, its operations can become more complex. You may employ general managers, administrators and participation or competition staff, while continuing to rely heavily on volunteer board members and sub-committees.
This growth is positive, but it also makes clearly defined responsibilities increasingly important.
Your board’s role is to govern the association. This includes setting its strategic direction, overseeing finances and risk, monitoring performance and ensuring the association meets its legal and member obligations.
Your staff and operational volunteers are responsible for delivering the association’s day-to-day activities within the direction and authority approved by the board.
Every association is different, but problems can arise when these responsibilities become blurred.
Some common warning signs include:
- Board members becoming involved in individual team, competition or staffing decisions.
- Staff or volunteers making significant decisions without clear authority.
- Sub-committees operating without defined responsibilities.
- The same operational matters returning to every board meeting.
- Decisions relying on “the way we have always done it” rather than documented responsibilities.
This does not mean your board should be disconnected from the association. Strong board members stay informed, ask thoughtful questions and understand what is happening across the organisation.
However, being informed is different from personally managing every issue.
Clear position descriptions, sub-committee terms of reference and a documented delegations framework are practical places to start. These do not need to be complicated, they simply need to make it clear who is responsible, who has authority and who is accountable.
When everyone understands their role, your board can focus on the association’s future, while staff and volunteers can deliver their work with confidence.
Good governance is not about keeping people in separate corners. It is about helping everyone work together with greater clarity.
Need support?
If your association is experiencing uncertainty around board and operational responsibilities, speak to the team at Basketball Victoria and your Association Development Officer. They can help you review your current arrangements and identify where greater clarity may be needed.
You can also explore our Association Resources or visit our Together, We Raise the Game webpages for more practical support to help you build a safer, stronger and more positive basketball environment.
Next up: Better board meetings and minutes
In the next edition of Community Connect, we will look at how effective meetings and clear records can strengthen decision-making and accountability within your association.
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This article is part of Basketball Victoria’s Community Governance Series, providing practical information to help you strengthen the way your association operates.
