Athletics NSW is an incorporated company limited by guarantee. It is recognised by the Australian Sports Commission and the NSW Department of Sport and Recreation as the State Sporting Organisation (SSO) for athletics within NSW.

Athletics NSW is one of the eight Member Associations (MA) of Athletics Australia, which is recognised by the Australian Sports Commission as the National Sporting Organisation (NSO) for athletics within Australia. Athletics Australia is one of 213 member federations of the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF), the body responsible for athletics at a global level.

Athletics NSW is comprised of its affiliated clubs, who are its members as per the Articles of Association. There are currently 88 affiliated member clubs of Athletics NSW. An elected Board of Directors set policy and direction for the organisation, which is implemented by the management staff.

Athletes, coaches and officials generally participate in the sport through registration with Athletics NSW via our affiliated clubs.