THE Olympic Federation of Ireland this week launched a publication designed to help board and committee members of sporting organisations understand, and address, governance issues. By the end of 2021 all entities funded by Sport Ireland will be required to comply with a code of governance adopted by the statutory body, so ”Sports Governance: A Guide for Sporting Entities” is destined to become essential reading for many.

Even those not involved directly often have questions about the way their sporting organisations are run. Author and financial expert Anne McFarland, who is well-known in equestrian circles as a breeder and former vice-chair of Dressage Ireland, says her book “isn’t written for the lawyers and professional administrators, it’s for everyone involved in sport on a day-to-day basis”.

Divided into three parts, with a synopsis of 10 key points at the end of each chapter, it begins with Governance itself. Many organisations are now companies, and there are legal duties and obligations imposed by the Companies Act. “Regardless of your role, if you are on the Board of a company you have legal liability.”

Next is the Boardroom. “If you agree to go on a Board, make sure you have the time to contribute because, if you don’t, that sport would be better off without you.” The role of the chair and CEO, how to be independent and ask questions, how to deal with conflict and the importance of maintaining a culture of positivity are all discussed. The third section looks at the role of the directors and examines strategy, risk, accountability and monitoring. “Unfettered power” is the greatest enemy, and other pitfalls include Board members pursuing personal interests. Beware, Anne says, “of large legacy boards of over 13 people.”

Sports Governance: A Guide for Sporting Entities will be distributed to constituents by the OFI and is available from Orpen Press, price €20.