Local community hockey club

Players and parents of junior players, who pay yearly or seasonal membership fees. Local businesses may add sponsorship.

Membership and registration fees, plus canteen sales, uniform sales and local sponsors. Most of it covers pitch hire, affiliation fees, insurance and equipment, so surpluses are usually small and go back into the club.

• Organising people and schedules
• Coaching or access to qualified coaches
• Clear communication with parents and players

• Check your state's rules for incorporating an association versus running as a business, as most community clubs are not-for-profit
• Public liability and player injury insurance, often arranged through the state association
• Working with Children Checks for coaches and volunteers, with requirements varying by state
• Pitch hire costs and availability, which can be the biggest expense and limit your growth
• Depending on volunteers, so plan for committee members leaving
• Check whether GST or ABN registration applies to your structure

Startup costs are estimated at typically around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on your setup. Revenue is estimated at around $1,500 to $7,500 a month, depending on membership numbers and sponsorship. Pitch hire can be the biggest expense, so check costs early.

Check your state's rules for incorporating an association versus running as a business, as most community clubs are not-for-profit. Also check public liability and player injury insurance (often via the state association), Working with Children Checks for coaches and volunteers, and whether GST or ABN registration applies.

Plan on at least around 8 hours a week. Useful skills include organising people and schedules, coaching or access to qualified coaches, and clear communication with parents and players. Plan for committee members leaving, as clubs often depend on volunteers.