16 November 2006
A Monash University study into the accounting practices of country football clubs has found club treasurers play a vital role in their success.
More than 250 football clubs from across Victoria, including some based in Bendigo, Ballarat, the Mornington Peninsula and La Trobe Valley, participated in the study run by Dr Abdel Halabi, a senior lecturer in the Department of Accounting and Finance at Monash University's Gippsland campus.
One of the key findings of the research was the crucial role treasurers play in the success of clubs.
"The survey found that many treasurers spend more than 10 hours per week during the football season on the finances of many major and district league football clubs, and between two and 10 hours in the off-season," Dr Halabi said.
A former country football player and administrator for more than 25 years, Dr Halabi said he was particularly interested in the accounting reports and work undertaken by country football club treasurers.
"Only since the 1980s has Australian sport been examined from a business or management perspective," he said.
"While a growing number of studies have been conducted on large football clubs, little empirical evidence has linked country football clubs with accounting and accountability related issues."
Dr Halabi said his research indicated that many country football clubs would benefit from going more high-tech in their accounting procedures.
"Further research would look into the setting out of actual accounting reports, and whether templates or software could be developed that would standardise much of the reporting by country clubs," he said.
For further information contact Dr Abdel Halabi on 9902 6646 or Ms Penny Fannin, Media Communications, on 9905 5828 or 0417 125 700.
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