The Australian Sports Commission (ASC) today announced two additions to the list of national sporting organisations that will be recognised in the 2009–13 period.

'Oceania Muaythai Federation and Australian Baton Twirling Association were awarded NSO [national sporting organisation] status after the ASC’s quadrennial assessment process,' ASC Sport Performance and Development Director, Greg Nance, said.

'Having NSO status is mandatory to be eligible for ASC funding but does not automatically result in financial backing. Neither new NSO was allocated funding.'

High performance sport funding is also usually determined every four years, however this cycle has been delayed until after the Independent Sport Panel, headed by businessman David Crawford, completes its review of the Australian sports system.

In the interim, Sports Minister Kate Ellis announced $12.6 million funding in November last year, to provide high performance sport funding until June 2010. This additional support provides sports with security and certainty to plan for the 2009–10 financial year.

‘In addition to being eligible for ASC funding, recognised NSOs have the potential to receive ASC support,’ Mr Nance said.

‘This ranges from accessing national coaching and officiating schemes to seeking approval for displaying the Commonwealth Coat of Arms on national uniforms.’

Two other submissions for NSO status, from AikiKai Australia and Sports Shear Australia Association, did not meet the criteria.

The assessment process confirmed 91 NSOs, including eight for athletes with a disability. Recognition for Indoor Sports Australia was withdrawn due to the merger of indoor cricket operations with Cricket Australia.

‘NSO recognition means the organisation has pre-eminent responsibility for the development of the sport in Australia and is accountable for providing technically and ethically sound programs, policies and services,’ Mr Nance said.

‘The ASC requires NSOs to have a minimum three-year strategic plan plus compliant governance structures, anti-doping policies and member protection frameworks.’

New applications for NSO recognition are considered twice annually, with organisations that are accepted later in the four-year cycle receiving benefits for the balance of the period.