A constitution sets out the rules of your organisation, helping to ensure stability by making sure that staff and volunteers know how things are done and how decisions are made.
Rules provide guidelines for resolving conflict and minimising risk. However, even if an association has a constitution, it does not exist under law unless it is
incorporated.
All incorporated organisations are required by law to have a constitution. A constitution can also be referred to as:
- rules
- Articles of Incorporation
- Articles of Association
Model rules (or a general constitution) that can be adapted to suit your organisation are available from the Office for Consumer and Business Affairs (OCBA). These model rules apply to groups with a general membership and a committee structure.
There are also
constitution templates specifically for sporting organisations. These have been developed by the Office for Recreation and Sport (ORS). Registering for downloads will allow the ORS to contact you with updates to these documents and assist you if necessary.
More information
On this site
Resources for community organisations
Managing a community organisation
Aboriginal community organisations
Frequently asked questions about community organisations
Other websites
Rules for your incorporated association - the Office for Consumer and Business Affairs
Constitutions - Our Community