The Association is open to all serving and retired members of the West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service and exists to alleviate distress amongst members and to promote and assist with participation in social events and a wide range of sporting activities. The Association is managed by an internal council which delegates functions to five district committees. Additionally, representatives from each fire station and administrative centre look after the welfare and other needs of personnel.

Station representatives play a vital role in the Association by maintaining contact with personnel who are off duty due to sickness or injury. Where appropriate, a small gift is made to individuals. Many retired personnel keep in touch with serving members and retired colleagues by attending the various social and sporting events that are held through the year. This contact culminates at the annual retired firefighters social evening, which is hosted at one of the stations' social clubs.

The Association is funded by subscriptions, social events, donations and a grant from the County Council. A percentage is passed to the District Committees for local use and the sports sections receive grants towards their costs.

The internal Council attends to insurance costs and the national affiliation fees. WSFRS members are encouraged to participate in the various sporting activities offered by the Association as this provides opportunities for maintaining fitness, teamwork and camaraderie, all essential qualities for fire service personnel.

Many of the sports in which our personnel participate are recognised by the Fire Services Sports and Athletics Association (FSSAA) , such as football, rugby, cricket, volleyball, squash, watersports, athletics and golf.

Members of the Sports and Welfare Association have the opportunity to participate in individual and team competitions held between stations and brigades, as well as nationally between European Countries.

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