The CASRO Research Group (CRG) is a sub-committee of the Committee of Australian Sport and Recreation Officials (CASRO), consisting of representatives from each of the following:

• Department of Regional Australia, Local Government, Arts and Sport
• Australian Sports Commission
• State and Territory Departments of Sport and Recreation

The CRG's role is to improve the range and quality of information about sport and recreation including data and research on physical activity trends, sport and recreation participation, economic impacts and social benefits.

ERASS

The Exercise, Recreation and Sport Survey (ERASS) was a joint initiative of the Australian Sports Commission and State and Territory Departments of Sport and Recreation, conducted on an annual basis between 2001 and 2010. The ERASS collected information on the frequency, nature and type of activities participated in by persons aged 15 years and over for exercise, recreation or sport during the 12 months prior to interview. The ERASS ceased operation following the release of its 2010 Annual Report.

ABS/CRG Partnership

CASRO is now partnering with the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) to collect data on sport participation among persons aged 15 years and over, through the biennial adult physical activity survey, a module of the ABS’ Multi-Purpose Household Survey (MPHS).  Data collection for the 2011-12 MPHS is currently underway, with a report to be released by the ABS in December 2012.

CASRO has a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the ABS, through the National Centre for Culture and Recreation Statistics (NCCRS). An indicative three-year ABS/CRG Work Plan, covering the period 1 July 2010 to 30 June 2013, currently guides the research activities of the CRG and the ABS through the NCCRS.

Published CRG Research

Previous research published by CASRO and the ABS can be accessed at Publications and Reports.