Lexi Webster
Australia's national governing sports bodies are supported by the Australian Sports Commission (ASC), which was established in 1985 to improve the Australian government's administration of sport in terms of funding, participation, and elite sport. The ASC recognizes eligible National Sporting Organizations (NSOs) and National Sporting Organizations for People with Disabilities (NSODs), which are assessed based on their standing, governance, and role as the pre-eminent body for their respective sports. These NSOs and NSODs are pivotal in delivering sports and receive support and funding from the government, which also plays a leading role in maintaining sports-related infrastructure and sponsoring major sports events.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Role | To increase involvement in sport and enable international success |
| Established | 1984 |
| Operation | Under the Australian Sports Commission Act 1989 |
| Governance | Board of commissioners appointed by the Australian Government |
| Board responsibilities | Determining direction, allocating resources, deciding on policy, and being accountable to the Minister for Sport and the Australian Parliament |
| National Sporting Organisations (NSOs) | Recognised by the ASC and listed in the Australian Sports Directory |
| National Sporting Organisations for People with Disability (NSODs) | Recognised by the ASC and listed in the Australian Sports Directory |
| Peak bodies | Australian Olympic Committee, Paralympics Australia, and Commonwealth Games Australia |
| State Divisions | Assist in raising funds for Commonwealth Games teams and promote the movement in their state/territory |
| State and Territory governments | Provide assistance to state sports organisations, develop and manage facilities, provide financial assistance for events, and develop policies |
| Institutes/academies | Established in each state/territory, working together through the National Institutes Network and the National Elite Sports Council |
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What You'll Learn
The role of the Australian Sports Commission (ASC)
The Australian Sports Commission (ASC) was established in 1985 to improve the Australian Government's administration of sport in terms of funding, participation, and elite sport. The ASC operates under the Australian Sports Commission Act 1989 and is governed by a board of commissioners appointed by the Australian Government.
The role of the ASC is to increase involvement in sport and enable continued international sporting success through leadership and development of the sports sector, targeted financial support, and the operation of the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS). The AIS was set up to improve Australia's performance in international sports, which had started to decline in the 1960s and 1970s. The ASC achieves its objectives by working in partnership with National Sporting Organisations (NSOs), the National Institute Network (NIN), and peak bodies such as the Australian Olympic Committee, Paralympics Australia, and Commonwealth Games Australia.
The ASC recognises eligible NSOs and National Sporting Organisations for People with Disability (NSODs) and provides support to help them achieve the Australian Government's sporting objectives. The recognition criteria are designed to assess whether an organisation is the pre-eminent body for the sport they represent in Australia, has sufficient standing within its sport, and has adequate governance. Recognised NSO/NSODs are listed on the Australian Sports Directory and can access a range of benefits, including the use of ASC logos, grant programs, and invitations to ASC forums.
The Sport Governance and Organisational Enhancement team within the ASC provides advisory support to the boards of NSOs and NSODs, helping them develop contemporary sport governance practices, business models, and guidelines to improve organisational capability. The ASC also works to improve the capability of sporting organisations to create an effective and sustainable national sport sector, with a focus on good governance and organisational enhancement.
Overall, the ASC plays a crucial role in Australia's sports sector by providing leadership, financial support, and governance guidance to sporting organisations, with the aim of increasing sports participation and achieving international success.
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National Sporting Organisations (NSOs) and their recognition
Sport in Australia is supported by various organisations, from government departments to universities and advocacy groups. The Australian Government plays a leading role in delivering sport and sports-related policies and programs, including providing funding and support to sporting organisations, clubs, and individuals.
The Australian Sports Commission (ASC) is a key body that operates under the Australian Sports Commission Act 1989. The ASC recognises eligible National Sporting Organisations (NSOs) and National Sporting Organisations for People with Disabilities (NSODs). The ASC's role is to increase involvement in sport and enable international success through leadership, targeted financial support, and the operation of the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS). The AIS was established in 1981 to improve Australia's performance in international sports and works in partnership with NSOs, the National Institute Network (NIN), and peak bodies such as the Australian Olympic Committee and Paralympics Australia.
The recognition criteria for NSOs and NSODs are designed to assess whether an organisation is considered the pre-eminent body for the sport it represents in Australia, has sufficient standing within its sport, and has adequate governance. Recognised organisations can access benefits such as the use of ASC logos, entry in the ASC's Australian Sports Directory, and eligibility for grant programs. The ASC periodically reviews and updates the recognition criteria to ensure they remain relevant.
Paralympics Australia (PA) is an example of an NSO that helps Australians with disabilities participate in sports and compete at the Paralympic Games. PA works with governments, businesses, and the community to promote inclusive sports and assists athletes with funding for coaching, equipment, and travel.
Another NSO is Commonwealth Games Australia (CGA), which administers, controls, and coordinates the participation of Australian athletes and officials in the Commonwealth Games. CGA is represented at the state and territory levels by State Divisions, which assist in fundraising and promoting the Commonwealth Games movement.
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NSOs' relationship with the ASC
The Australian Sports Commission (ASC) recognises eligible National Sporting Organisations (NSOs) and National Sporting Organisations for People with Disabilities (NSODs). The ASC was established in 1985 to improve the Australian government's administration of sport in terms of funding, participation, and elite sport. It operates under the Australian Sports Commission Act 1989 and is governed by a board of commissioners appointed by the Australian government. The ASC's role is to increase involvement in sport and enable continued international sporting success through leadership and development of the sports sector, targeted financial support, and the operation of the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS).
The recognition criteria against which the eligibility of all NSOs/NSODs is assessed are designed to assist the ASC in determining 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 periodically reviews and may update the recognition criteria and the supporting process to ensure each remains relevant and contemporary. 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.
Recognised NSO and NSODs are listed on the Australian Sports Directory and can access a range of benefits. These include the right to be referred to as an NSO/NSOD recognised by the ASC and to use ASC logos, the opportunity to apply to use the Commonwealth Coat of Arms on playing and dress uniforms, eligibility to apply to grant programs, and invitations to attend workshops, seminars, and other ASC forums conducted for NSOs/NSODs.
The Sport Governance and Organisational Enhancement team provides advisory support to the boards of NSOs/NSODs, supporting them to develop contemporary sport governance practices and processes, business models, guidelines, tools, and resources to improve organisational capability. The team also offers the Start Line – Sport Governance Foundations course, which assists board and committee members in understanding their duties and responsibilities.
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Paralympics Australia (PA) and its work
Paralympics Australia (PA) was established in 1990 and is the national governing body for Paralympic sports in Australia. It is responsible for selecting and preparing Australian Paralympic teams for the Summer and Winter Paralympic Games. PA works with National Federation partners to identify potential Paralympians and assists athletes in their preparation for the Games by providing funding for coaching, equipment, and travel.
PA has played a crucial role in promoting and developing Paralympic sports in Australia, fostering partnerships with governments, businesses, sporting bodies, and the community. It strongly advocates for the idea that participation in sports offers people with disabilities not just competitive opportunities but also positive social and physical benefits. PA has been instrumental in changing community perceptions of people with disabilities through its work.
PA has had several notable achievements over the years. In 2001, it established the AIS/APC Alpine Ski Program, the first single-sport AIS program for athletes with disabilities. In 2002, PA adopted a policy of mainstreaming, making national sports organisations responsible for preparing their athletes for the Paralympics. That same year, Australia achieved its best performance at the Winter Paralympics, winning six gold and one bronze medal. In 2005, PA established the Paralympic Search Program to identify people with disabilities with the athletic potential to represent Australia at the Paralympic level.
PA has also been actively involved in various initiatives to enhance Paralympic sports in Australia. In 2009, it jointly submitted a National High-Performance Plan for Olympic and Paralympic Sports in Australia with the Australian Olympic Committee. In 2010, PA and the Australian Defence Force launched the ADF Paralympic Sport Program, which aimed to direct ADF members who acquired disabilities during their employment into Paralympic sports. PA also established the Australian Paralympic Hall of Fame in 2011 and engaged the University of Queensland and the University of Canberra to document the History of the Paralympic Movement in Australia.
PA's work has been integral in Australia's Paralympic success, with the country having officially participated in every Paralympic Games since 1960, except for the 1976 Winter Paralympics. Australia has consistently ranked high in the medal tally, with its most successful Summer Paralympics to date being the 2000 Sydney Games, where the country topped the medal table with 149 medals.
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Commonwealth Games Australia (CGA)
The CGA receives no federal government funding and is instead supported by its members and state divisions. The organisation has a long-term vision of how sports can help power Australia's future and has launched a national strategy to build success towards Brisbane 2032 and beyond, known as Australia's High Performance 2032+ Sport Strategy.
The CGA has also implemented the Green2Gold2Great (G2G2G) Program, which aims to enhance the preparation and performance capabilities of Australian athletes ahead of the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. The Seven Network has been announced as the official broadcast media partner for the games.
The CGA recognises accomplished athletes and emerging talent, with javelin star Lianna Davidson named the Emerging Athlete of the Month for March 2025. The CGA also welcomed the appointment of Mark Arbib as the new Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Olympic Committee (AOC).
The CGA has a strong history of participation in the Commonwealth Games, with Australia being one of only six countries to have sent athletes to every Commonwealth Games since its inception in 1930. Australia has placed first in 13 out of 21 games and has hosted the event five times, most recently on the Gold Coast in 2018.
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Frequently asked questions
The ASC was established in 1985 to improve the Australian government's administration of sport in terms of funding, participation and elite sport. It recognises eligible National Sporting Organisations (NSOs) and National Sporting Organisations for People with Disability (NSODs). The ASC's role is to increase involvement in sport and enable continued international sporting success through leadership and development of the sports sector, targeted financial support, and the operation of the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS).
Some examples of NSOs in Australia include Commonwealth Games Australia (CGA), Paralympics Australia (PA), and the Australian Olympic Committee.
The CASRO assists the Meeting of Sport and Recreation Ministers by working cooperatively on issues such as match fixing, sport participation, and water safety.
