Sport in Western Australia
Sport plays an important role in society. This is perhaps not widely recognised or
understood.
Sport helps to build communities through social inclusion and a sense of connection. Sport and recreation helps to bind families through shared experiences and shared achievements. Through participation, sport helps address anti-social behaviour and can support education.
Sport contributes to economic growth through business investment and employment, and helps sustain the environment through protecting open space and natural areas. It also promotes the use of active modes of transport, such as cycling and walking.
The department seeks to raise the level of awareness so that the value of sport and recreation is better recognised, appreciated and understood, and is committed to developing a comprehensive, strong and diverse sporting and recreational system in Western Australia that is easily accessible, encourages maximum participation and develops talent.
Some of the major topics and areas we help develop include:
Representing Western Australia is an honor in any sporting or recreational field.
Combat sports are enjoying growth throughout Western Australia, with fight promotions featuring boxing, muaythai, MMA (mixed martial arts) and kickboxing bouts being held regularly in the metropolitan area.
Information about working with children
Good governance practices are essential for any organisation to be able to function effectively.
This guide has been prepared by the Department of Sport and Recreation to provide general information regarding the designing of, and marking out for, a range of sporting activities played in Western Australia.
The WA Sports Federation is the independent, peak industry body for sport in Western Australia. It represents over 130 State Sports Associations and related organisations, extending to over 600,000 people.
Play by the Rules provides information and online learning about how to prevent and deal with discrimination, harassment and child abuse for the sport and recreation industry.
Codes of conduct, or behaviour, give everyone a guide to what is expected of them if they are part of an organisation, are playing sport, or standing on the sideline cheering. They help us to behave ethically and professionally.
Western Australia is considered a leader in the field in the development and promotion of sports officials. The Department of Sport and Recreation coordinates a number of programs designed to help recruit, train, retain and recognise sports officials in Western Australia.
Coaches are critical to the success of individual athletes and teams. Good coaches ensure sporting participants have positive experiences and are therefore more likely to continue in their chosen sport.
The Western Australian Government is committed to creating a sports system that allows our athletes to achieve their ultimate potential in both national and international sport.
Funding and scholarships
Coach-in-Residence grants
The aim of the Country Sport Enrichment Scheme is to help country Western Australia experience and conduct major sporting events and sport development initiatives.
The State government, through the Department of Sport and Recreation (DSR), supports State sporting associations (SSAs) in their development and promotion of the sport in hosting national events in Western Australia. This support can be through consultancy advice and/or funding.
The Organisational Sustainability Program (OSP) was developed to refine the way in which the Department works with key organisations in the WA sport and recreation industry to enable them to meet the challenges they face.
The Western Australian State Government through the Department of Sport and Recreation and Lotterywest provides significant financial assistance to sport in Western Australia through the Sports Lotteries Account.
The State Government provides funding through the Sports Lottery Account Country Package for country sports organisations.
Facts sheets
Being physically active is important for the health and wellbeing of Australians.
Coaches are an integral part of sport. They are motivators, skill developers, guides, mentors and community role
models.
Western Australia has a proud sporting tradition with an outstanding array of high performance achievements.
Understanding Indigenous participation in sport and physical activity may help to identify ways to encourage Indigenous Australians to become more active.
Participation in sport and physical activity is fundamental to the health and development of our children and youth.
Participation in physical activity is important for the health and wellbeing of all Australians. It also provides a range
of social, environmental and economic benefits for individuals and communities.
It is important to understand why some people choose to be physically active and why others do not.
Sport and physical activities that are not conducted by a club, community club, recreation or fitness centre are known
as non-organised.
Organised sport and physical activity refers to sport and physical activities that are conducted in full or part by a club, community group, recreation or fitness centre.
Information on the exercise, recreation and sporting activities of Australians.
Participation in sport and physical activity is important for the health and wellbeing of seniors. Benefits for seniors include improved physical and mental health, reduced risk of disease, social interaction, increased self-esteem, lifelong independence and overall wellbeing.
Social trends in Australia and their impact on sport and recreation.
Social trends in Australia and their impact on sport and recreation.
Community sport and recreation relies on volunteers who give their time to community groups.
