Recognition of National Sporting Organisations

Recognised NSO/NSODs are eligible to access a range of benefits. Recognition does not automatically entitle the NSO/NSOD to receive ASC funding; however, a sporting organisation must be recognised to be eligible for ASC investment. Recognition also does not constitute an endorsement or accreditation of the quality of the organisation’s sport programs or its structures, policies or operations.

Recognised NSO/NSODs can access the following benefits:

• The right, subject to any directions or guidelines given by the Australian Sports Commission, to be referred to as an NSO/NSOD recognised by the ASC and to use ASC logos in accordance with usage guidelines.
• The opportunity to apply to use the Commonwealth Coat of Arms on playing and dress uniforms of Australian representative sports persons and accompanying officials.
• Entry in the ASC's online Australian Sports Directory as the recognised NSO/NSOD for the organisation's sport.
• Eligibility to apply to grant programs available to recognised NSOs/NSODs such as dAIS, Local Sporting Champions, Local Para Champions and Women Leaders in Sport.
• Invitations to attend workshops, seminars and other ASC forums conducted for NSOs/NSODs.
• Access to recognised NSO/NSOD services and information from the ASC Partner Portal, opens in a new tab and the Clearinghouse for Sport.

New applications for recognition

An organisation must submit an application to the ASC to be considered for recognition. The application must be in the form prescribed by the ASC and must include all necessary evidence to demonstrate satisfaction of the recognition criteria.

All evidence must be submitted electronically as advised by the ASC.

Applications for recognition are currently closed. If you would like to express your interest in the next recognition open period, please email recognition@ausport.gov.au

A sporting organisation must be assessed by the ASC before it may be recognised as an NSO/NSOD. The purpose of the assessment is to establish whether the organisation satisfies the recognition criteria.

The recognition process is detailed further below and involves:

1. application for recognition/renewal of recognition
2. assessment of application.

Recognition is for a defined recognition period determined during the recognition process and specified in the respective recognition agreement. Recognition is not permanent.

Securing recognition status does not mean that the ASC has approved the internal structures or policies of the organisation or takes any responsibility for its operations.

A sporting organisation can operate in Australia without being an ASC-recognised NSO/NSOD.

The ASC will not recognise more than one NSO/NSOD for a sport. Should two (or more) organisations assert influence within a sport in Australia, the ASC may elect not to recognise one or both or, alternatively, may propose a course of action or structure that allows the sport to operate under one entity that is supported by each of the organisations.

The recognition criteria against which the eligibility of all NSOs/NSODs is assessed are designed to assist the ASC to assess whether an organisation is considered the pre-eminent body for the sport they represent in Australia, has sufficient standing within its sport and has adequate governance.

The ASC may update the recognition criteria and the supporting process at any time to ensure each remains relevant and contemporary.

Periodically, an ASC working party reviews the recognition criteria. Such reviews encompass international benchmarking and wide consultation with Commonwealth and State/Territory stakeholders, including the relevant ASC business areas and Commonwealth/State/Territory sporting agencies.