Confederation of Australian Sport looks to industry unity and revival of advocacy role

Ned Coten, President of the Confederation of Australian Sport (CAS) has issued a call for unity in the sport industry - suggesting that a revived CAS might provide a cohesive voice as a unifying and transformative force.

in a wide ranging feature in the latest issue of Australasian Leisure Management in which he charts his career in sport administration, Coten, a former President and Chair of the Board at Basketball Australia and current Executive Chair and President at sports tech business EngageRM, highlights that all involved in sport management - from grassroots to the elite - are hindered by work in silos.

Coten states “the Australian Olympic Committee, Australian Paralympic Committee, Commonwealth Games Australia and other organisations are also doing incredible work for their constituents. “However, there is not a group providing comprehensive, independent representation for the entire sector.

“This fragmentation limits the industry’s ability to advocate for consistent policies, funding, and initiatives that benefit all stakeholders. The organisations above and the larger sports in particular (under the Coalition of Major Professional and Participation Sports [COMPPS] model) receive government and other funds from many private and business sources and I applaud them for this work. However, it’s my view that under a more collaborative model, there would be more for all.”

Comparing sport to other industries such as healthcare, transport, and finance, Coten notes “these sectors benefit from unified industry bodies that advocate effectively for their collective interests, while the industry of sport struggles to present a consistent and organised voice to governments and stakeholders.

“This fragmentation has significant consequences, with governments often perceiving the sports sector as disorganised and reactive.”

Advising that he is “passionate about addressing this gap, envisioning a united sports industry that could advocate cohesively and strategically for its collective growth”, Coten notes “this vision led me to CAS, where I saw an opportunity to build on its proud history and bring the sports community together.”

Founded in 1976, to advocate for the Australian sports community, CAS aimed to provide a unified voice in discussions with governments and key stakeholders over almost three decades, facilitating public policy outcomes, representing the collective views of the sector and working to raise the profile of community sports organisations.

However, facing declining membership in 2009 it stepped back from its role as an advocate and peak body for the industry.

In steeping into the role of CAS President, Coten is focussed, as he says “on building a better future for Australian sport”.

A Vision for Unity
Coten (pictured) argues “a unified, independent organisation that represents all NSOs and stakeholders could align strategies, streamline advocacy, and present a cohesive voice to government and other stakeholders.”

Coten also acknowledges “while CAS is well-positioned to lead this effort, the ultimate goal is alignment - whether through CAS or another body.”

He suggests “the Brisbane 2032 Games are a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to showcase the power of sport to unite and inspire. But to seize this moment, the industry must work together. The time has come for NSOs and stakeholders to set aside differences and focus on what we can achieve as a collective, with a true approach to collaboration.

“Sport is one of the backbones of Australian society. It unites us, inspires us, and contributes to our physical and emotional well-being. But without a truly independent, collaborative, and well-supported industry body, it cannot perform to its full potential.

“Let us create a future where Australian sport is as strong and cohesive off the field as it is on it. By uniting behind a single voice, we can build a legacy of collaboration, growth, and success for generations to come. Together, we can ensure that Australian sport continues to thrive and inspire pride in our nation.”

Ned Coten can be contacted at ned.coten@engagerm.com

Click here to read the article in the latest issue of the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine.