FAILING to plan is planning to fail.

It's a well-known saying that applies to all regional sporting clubs and organisations.

A strategic business plan is the summary and evaluation of the planning process and outlines where your club or association wants to go and the necessary steps to get there.

A strategic business plan describes:

• How your club fits together;
• Why your club is a vibrant sport that can meet its management goals and objectives; and
• The distinctive competencies of your club and its unique point of difference.

Planning your club or association's future will help you to:

1. Prioritise goals and objectives;

2. Establish performance and evaluation criteria;

3. Assess progress;

4. Ensure a professional approach;

5. Secure funding and win sponsorship deals;

6. Identify promotion and marketing strategies;

7. Allocate resources more efficiently;

8. Show what your club or association can offer potential new players/members; and

9. Help volunteers and staff better understand the business of running a club.

Barty's Fed Cup brilliance

IPSWICH'S Ash Barty made her sensational Federation Cup debut last week, winning her singles match against Swiss number two Stefanie Voegele, ranked 141 places higher.

With Sam Stosur winning both her singles matches, Australia took out the tie 3-1.

Barty was a late inclusion into the tie, after Australia's Jarmilla Gajdosova lost her first singles game and was replaced.

Ipswich has the opportunity to meet 17-year old Barty later this year when she receives the keys to the City from Mayor Paul Pisasale.

Win handy vouchers

TELL us why your club "rules" and win.

Don't forget to get your entry in before 11.59pm on Sunday for your chance to win either a $500 or $200 Amart All Sports voucher for your club.

Visit facebook.com/ipswichsportshouse, click on the 'Our Club Rules' tab and tell us in 25 words or less why your club rules.

Attach a club photo.

Share your views

LAST week we asked what your favourite breakthrough Australian sporting moment was.

It seems the punters are split between Adam Scott's US Masters victory and Cadel Evan's Tour de France triumph.

This week we want to know who you love (or used to love) playing with and why.

It doesn't matter if you played national level or D-grade, share which teammate never let you down and give them a wrap.

Check out the Facebook page for more info at facebook.com/ipswichsportshouse.