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 (as set out in section 4).

After receiving the application, the ASC will contact the applicant organisation to outline the process for assessing the application. If further information is required, the ASC will liaise directly with the applicant organisation’s designated contact.

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

Application for renewal of recognition status

Three months prior to the end of the recognition period specified in recognition agreements, the ASC will notify currently recognised NSO/NSODs of the need to reapply for recognition.

Currently recognised NSOs/NSODs will be asked by the ASC to provide evidence for the renewal of their recognition status. The ASC may exercise discretion to assist currently recognised NSO/NSODs in completing their application for renewal.

All applications will be reviewed by the ASC and assessed against the recognition criteria. Assessments will be conducted by a panel of assessors, with expertise from across the ASC.

Following receipt of an application or during the assessment process, the ASC may request additional information in relation to the applicant organisation’s compliance with any criteria.

If the ASC is satisfied that the applicant meets all of recognition criteria 1 to 7, Sport Integrity Australia will be notified by the ASC. Sport Integrity Australia will then assist the applicant to adopt the required integrity and anti-doping policies and education plans necessary to meet recognition criterion 8. Applicants will not be eligible to be offered recognition until recognition criterion 8 is met.

Discretion

While the ASC expects applicants for recognition to be able to satisfy each part of all recognition criteria, the ASC may apply its discretion in determining recognition. This may include offering recognition where an organisation can demonstrate substantial compliance with a criterion or determining that an organisation is significantly progressed towards meeting a criterion and is expected to be compliant in the near future. Such discretion will only be applied in exceptional circumstances.

Decision

Once the assessment of the application has been completed, a recommendation will be made to the ASC Executive General Manager responsible for overseeing the NSO/NSOD recognition process. The recommendation may be that the Executive General Manager:

1. approve the application for recognition, or
2. refuse the application for recognition.

The Executive General Manager will make the decision as to recognition in their discretion after considering the recommendation.

Approval

Approval If recognition is approved, the organisation will be notified in writing and granted recognition, subject to executing the ASC recognition agreement setting out the benefits and obligations associated with recognition.

The ASC may publicly announce organisations which are recognised as NSO/NSODs.

Refusal

If an application is refused, the ASC will provide written notification to the organisation advising of the refusal and which recognition criterion was not satisfied. The applicant organisation will be granted an opportunity to submit any additional information to the ASC (within a nominated period specified by the ASC) that:

1. is relevant for the ASC to consider in connection with the application, or
2. explains how the organisation satisfies the recognition criterion.

Applicant organisations which seek feedback on any decision made under this recognition criteria document may request a meeting with relevant representatives of the ASC. The ASC reserves its discretion to decline to meet with an applicant organisation.

The ASC will not recognise more than one NSO 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.

From time to time the ASC may elect to review whether a recognised NSO still complies with the recognition criteria or with the obligations under its recognition agreement. The ASC maintains a right under the recognition agreements with NSOs to withdraw recognition at any time, including, but not limited to, circumstances where an organisation is in breach of its recognition agreement.

A recognised NSO is required under its recognition agreement to advise the ASC of any matter that might affect its entitlement to recognition, following which the ASC may initiate a review as to whether to withdraw its recognition.

An organisation that ceases to be recognised as an NSO may re-apply for recognition. Organisations that reapply are expected to satisfy each part of all recognition criteria. The ASC may also request further information which addresses any known issues relating to an applicant organisation (such as the reasons for withdrawal of past recognition).