Compliance means your club is playing by the rules. It’s about meeting legal and regulatory requirements — not just once, but as part of an ongoing, proactive process.

Getting compliance right shows your members, funders and community that your club is ethical, accountable and sustainable. It also aligns with good governance principles like transparency, integrity, inclusiveness and effectiveness.

Failing to meet compliance obligations can lead to:

• suspended grants
• fines
• legal action against individuals or the club

What your club must comply with

Most clubs in Aotearoa New Zealand need to meet obligations under several laws and regulations. These include:

• Charities Act 2005 or Incorporated Societies Act 2022
• Accident Compensation Act 2001
• Health and Safety at Work Act 2015
• Privacy Act 2020 and Privacy Amendment Act 2025
• Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012

Key compliance areas

Your club may need to:

• submit annual returns to Charities Services or the Companies Office
• pay ACC levies for staff or contractors
• have health and safety policies — and audit them regularly
• meet privacy requirements when handling personal data
• follow liquor licensing rules if you sell or serve alcohol
• have sport-specific policies, such as concussion protocols

Why compliance matters

Being compliant helps your club:

• protect its reputation
• secure funding
• keep members safe
• meet legal obligations
• build trust with your community

What to do next

Use these resources to help your club stay compliant:

• https://sportnz.org.nz/resources/governance-regulation-and-compliance/ (link placeholder) 
• https://sportnz.org.nz/resources/risk-and-compliance-toolkit/ (link placeholder)

Need help?

If you're unsure what applies to your club, talk to your regional sports trust or national sporting organisation. You can also contact Sport NZ for guidance.