Special Resoultion
Gender Equity Constitutional Change
Dear Members,
The Board of Snooker and Billiards NSW (SBNSW) is proposing an amendment to our Constitution to strengthen gender equity across all facets of our sport and secure its long-term future.
In line with the National Gender Equity in Sport Governance Policy introduced by the Australian Sports Commission, all funded sporting bodies must ensure that no one gender represents more than 50 per cent of their Board or leadership roles by 1 July 2027. This is now a requirement for continued government funding under the annual Organisation Support Program for peak sporting bodies.
I am pleased to report that over the past 12 months, the number of women on the SBNSW Board has grown from one to three. However, the proposed constitutional changes go further than simply achieving gender balance on the Board.
The SBNSW Board is confident that adopting this amendment will help to:
• Create a more inclusive and welcoming sport that attracts more women and girls to play snooker and billiards at all levels - particularly at junior and beginner levels where there is enormous opportunity to grow participation and membership.
• Align us with national best practice for good governance and gender equity in sport, and address an outdated imbalance that no longer reflects our values or serves our best interests.
• Ensure we remain eligible for government funding that supports the events and development programs we coordinate and deliver on behalf of all players and officials.
The proposed constitutional amendment will be put to members as a Special Resolution at the SBNSW Annual General Meeting on 10 December. Full details of the proposal and process are available below.
We appreciate your support as we take this important step to grow participation and safeguard the future of snooker and billiards in NSW.
Kind regards,
Board of Directors
Snooker & Billiards NSW (Inc)
