A recent Fair Work Commission decision in a dispute between the coach of a children’s sporting team and a state sporting organisation has led to some analysis on the important distinction between employee and volunteer relationships at sporting organisations.
It is important for sporting organisations to be aware of these differences to avoid problems or unexpected consequences if the Fair Work Commission or a court characterises the relationship as one of employee and not volunteer.
The decision is a useful reminder of the factors that are relevant in determining whether a person is engaged as a volunteer or employee, in the context of a sporting organisation.
To read about the case click here.