Life membership is the highest accolade that ANZSLA may confer upon one of its members for "distinguished service to the Association over a period of at least 5 years." 

Such is the esteem that the award is held that ANZSLA has to date only three life members, being Mr Hayden Opie, Mr Brian Doyle and Mr Simon Rofe.  Hayden, Brian and Simon have all made enormous contributions to what ANZSLA is today.

In 1990 Hayden was the person who was most instrumental in the creation of ANZSLA by calling together sports lawyers from either side of the Tasman for a dinner at Melbourne University in 1990 and it was at that dinner that ANZSLA was born. Hayden served as President of ANZSLA and Editor of the ANZSLA Newsletter (as The Commentator then was known) for the first 8 years of ANZSLA's existence.  For a more detailed biography of Hayden click here.

Brian took over the reigns as ANZSLA President after Hayden retired from the position, having been a member of ANZSLA since shortly after its inception.  Brian's achievements in sports law are many and including as an adviser and advocate in numerous high profile sports law matters. For a brief over view of some of Brian's recent achievements go here.

Simon Rofe was ANZSLA's very influential President from 2002 to 2007 and during his reign, Simon made a significant impact on ANZSLA's success, increasing membership numbers and financial security.