To be recognised, a State Sporting Association must demonstrate that it:

• is capable of representing all Victorians participating in the sport • is affiliated with the recognised national governing body for the sport
• has sound financial and governance policies and practices
• has policies and procedures in place to protect the integrity of the sport and implement Victorian government policy including the Victorian Code of Conduct for Community Sport
• is a legal, not-for-profit entity.

The National Sport and Active Recreation Policy Framework agreed by all Australian governments on 10 June 2011 defines sport as:

"A human activity involving physical exertion and skill as the primary focus of the activity, with elements of competition where rules and patterns of behaviour governing the activity exist formally through organisations and is generally recognised as a sport.

(Commonwealth of Australia National Sport and Active Recreation Policy Framework 2011)

A national governing body is the pre-eminent body in Australia recognised by the international federation for the sport. The national governing body is responsible for the development of the sport and is accountable at the national level for providing its members with technically and ethically sound sport programs, policies and services.

National sporting organisations are national governing bodies that have been recognised by the Australian Sports Commission.

For a current list of Australian Sports Commission recognised national sporting organisations view the Australian Sports Directory page on the Australian Sports Commission website.

• Recognised State Sporting Associations are eligible for funding from Sport and Recreation Victoria's funding programs. Please note that recognition as a State Sporting Associations does not imply an organisation will be funded by Sport and Recreation Victoria.
• Recognised State Sporting Associations are also invited to participate in regular networking and professional development opportunities and stakeholder consultations facilitated by Sport and Recreation Victoria.

If your organisation meets all of the recognition criteria and wants to be recognised as a State Sporting Association by Sport and Recreation Victoria:

Step 1

Complete the Victorian State Sporting Association Recognition Application Form (docx, 53kb)

Step 2

Send your application together with all relevant documentary evidence required.

Email: sport.programs@sport.vic.gov.au

Post:

Manager, Sport Industry Development
Sport and Recreation Victoria
Department of Health and Human Services
GPO BOX 4057
MELBOURNE VIC 3001

Step 3

SRV will contact you to arrange a meeting to discuss your application. Additional information and/or documentation may be requested from you prior to this meeting being scheduled.

Step 4

You will be advised in writing of the outcome of your application.

The Minister for Sport is the final authority on recognition.

If you require further information or have queries about the State Sporting Association recognition criteria and the process for recognition, please contact Sport Industry Development on telephone (03) 9096 9808 or email sport.programs@sport.vic.gov.au