What is a Governing Body?
Governing bodies are an essential element of sport. A National Governing Body (NGB) is an organisation that governs and administers a sport on a national basis, whether that is for the whole of the United Kingdom (i.e. England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales), for Great Britain (i.e. England, Scotland and Wales) or for one of the Home Countries individually. An NGB operating in Northern Ireland may operate on an All-Ireland or Ulster Provincial basis. Traditionally NGBs are viewed as the custodians and guardians of their sport.
An NGB would be expected to deliver the following functions within its area of jurisdiction:
- Control and regulate the environment of its sport.
- Administer the practice and participation of its sport.
- Develop its sport.
- Influence both its members and organisations of which it is a member (for example, international bodies).
To be able to deliver the functions, a Recognised NGB is likely to undertake the following activities:
- Prepare and implement a vision and strategic plan for its sport and determine how it will be implemented nationally, regionally and locally.
- Promote its sport.
- Manage the rules and regulations of its sport, including anti-doping, child protection and equality.
- Implement a governance framework for its sport.
- Administer officials of its sport.
- Establish and maintain links with the UK/Ireland and the international governing body / federation.
- Encourage and grow participation.
- Develop coaches, athletes, officials and participants.
- Organise and host competitions.
