Sporting Schools offers grant opportunities for primary schools, and targeted grant opportunities for secondary schools in relation to year 7 and 8 students. Grants support the delivery of sport-based programs to help students build the confidence and capability to be active for life. Sport Australia has partnered with more than 35 national sporting organisations (NSOs) to facilitate delivery of Sporting Schools programs.
The objectives of Sporting Schools are to:
improve children’s fundamental movement skills to encourage lifelong participation in physical activity
increase the awareness of the value of sport in schools
engage children in high quality sporting programs
connect children with sport in their local communities
develop the capability and capacity of sport to drive nationwide participation growth.
Please note: Term 4 2021 grants closed on 27 August 2021
Primary school grant program
Sporting Schools funding is available to primary schools to deliver free Sporting Schools programs before, during or after school, using one of our NSO partners.
Grants of between $1,000 and $3,600 (GST exclusive) are available per primary school for each term. This comprises:
a base funding amount determined by the total number of students enrolled in years P-6 at the school (as provided in the grant application);
an incentive funding amount for expected overall participant numbers (as provided in the grant application); and
a potential, additional ‘Special Circumstances’ funding amount of $500 (GST exclusive) to assist eligible schools with additional costs due to location or demographics. To be eligible for Special Circumstances funding, schools need to satisfy at least one of the criteria below:
Be a special school
Have students enrolled with special needs
Be located in an Indigenous community
Have students enrolled that identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander
Be located in a regional or remote location, as determined by the Accessibility and Remoteness Index of Australia (ARIA) category classification.
The basis for calculating the base and incentive funding amounts is further detailed below.
Primary school funding
School population (years P-6)
Base funding (GST exclusive)
1 to 150
$500
151 to 300
$700
301 to 800
$900
801+
$1,000
Participants per term
Incentive funding (GST exclusive)
10 to 30
$500
31 to 60
$800
61 to 120
$1,200
121 to 200
$1,500
201 to 300
$1,800
301+
$2,000
Special Circumstances
$500
Assessment criteria
To ensure equal access to primary school funding, applications are prioritised for funding by applying the assessment criteria. Applications are then ranked and may be recommended for funding (subject to availability).
In the event that (as anticipated), applications exceed the level of available funding, applications will be ranked in order of priority for funding, by applying each of the following criteria in order:
schools which have received the least number of Sporting Schools grants over the past four terms will be given priority
schools which propose engaging a higher proportion of their school population will be given priority
schools which submit their application earlier in the application period will be given priority over later applications.
Secondary school grant program
Sporting Schools funding is available to secondary schools to deliver free Sporting Schools programs before, during or after school to students, using one of our NSO partners. The targeted program for students in years 7 and 8 is offered to address the barriers that prevent teenagers from participating in sport.
The objectives for the targeted, secondary schools component of Sporting Schools (for students in years 7 and 8) are to:
Tackle the decline in sport participation that occurs during adolescence. We seek to do this by targeting secondary students aged 12-14, particularly girls, encouraging long-lasting relationships with sport.
Increase physical activity in areas with large cohorts of inactive students. National data tells us that only one in ten Australian secondary school students get the recommended 60 minutes of physical activity every day of the week. The targeted secondary schools (years 7 and 8) program provides sporting activities designed to motivate and spark the interest of these students.
Provide access to tailored resources for schools where there is evidence of disadvantage. Studies show that areas of social disadvantage can often link to large groups of inactive youth. By providing funding and additional resources, the program aims to reduce the barriers these schools face.
Grants of between $1,000 and $2,500 (GST exclusive) are available per secondary school for each term. The funding amount is based on the expected participant numbers (as provided in the grant application) as outlined in the table below.
Participants per term
Funding (GST exclusive)
10 to 30
$1,000
31 to 60
$1,750
61+
$2,500
Assessment criteria and selection
Secondary school applications are assessed through a competitive process. The assessment panel will consider each application on its merits based on how well it satisfies the assessment criteria. Applications are then ranked and may be recommended for funding (subject to availability).
Schools must address the following two criteria in their application. Applications will be assessed based on the weighting given to each criteria.
Criteria 1 – Reaching the Target Demographic (50%)
This will be demonstrated by:
planning to deliver a targeted program for secondary schools that provides access to tailored resources and support for students in years 7 and 8
planning to deliver a program focused on girls, which addresses the barriers preventing teenagers from participating in sport.
Criteria 2 – Meeting Program Goals (50%)
This will be demonstrated by:
tackling the decline in sports participation that occurs during adolescence, targeting secondary students aged 12-14, particularly girls, encouraging long-lasting relationships with sport
increasing physical activity in areas with large cohorts of inactive students.
motivating and sparking the interest of year 7 and 8 students
providing access to tailored resources for schools where there is evidence of disadvantage. Studies show that areas of social disadvantage can often link to large groups of inactive youth.
Eligibility
We cannot consider your application if your school does not satisfy all the eligibility criteria.
Who is eligible to apply for a grant?
Any Australian school registered with their respective state or territory school registration authority, which has an Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA) ID listed on the Australian Schools List website, can register with Sporting Schools.
To be eligible to apply for a Sporting Schools grant, a school must:
be registered with Sporting Schools;
provide valid bank details (name, account name, BSB and account number). Note, Account details can refer to the registered school’s general account or a department of education account in the event of a shared service arrangement (such as those currently in place for NSW and WA Department of Education schools);
have no outstanding debts with Sport Australia, whether in relation to Sporting Schools or otherwise;
to submit a primary school grant application - be registered as a primary, combined, or special school with enrolled primary school-aged students (from years P-6); and/or
to submit a secondary school grant application - be registered as a secondary, combined, or special school with enrolled secondary school-aged students in years 7 and/or 8.
how schools are notified and receive grant payments
how schools will be monitored and evaluated
responsibilities and expectations in relation to the opportunity.
This grant program and process will be administered by the Australian Sports Commission (referred to in these guidelines as Sport Australia).
Parameters
Schools are required to use the grant only for permitted activities (e.g. program delivery and associated costs) within the approved funding period under Sporting Schools and for no other purpose. Expenditure of funds or program delivery cannot be rolled over to another school term (funding period).
The parameters help to describe the characteristics of required activities for schools participating in Sporting Schools. All schools which receive Sporting Schools funding are required to comply with the following parameters*:
Provide Sporting Schools programs as a free service. Schools must not request payment from children or families to participate in activities under Sporting Schools
Provide Sporting Schools programs as complementary to existing sport and physical education curriculum delivery
Deliver a Sporting Schools partner sport program, with a minimum of four sessions, which apply the Playing for Life key principles:
Each session must:
have the same participants taking part
have a minimum of 10 participants
engage participants of all abilities; and
actively engage participants for the duration of the session (i.e. 45 – 60 minutes of activity).
Ensure active supervision is provided for activities under Sporting Schools in addition to the coach
Deliver activities under Sporting Schools to the number of participants identified in the approved grant application
Spend funding on Sporting Schools activities and supported costs only within the approved funding period (school term)
Deliver the program before, during or after school, during the nominated funding period (school term)
Comply with Sport Australia’s financial declaration (acquittal) and reporting requirements.
Sport Australia has partnered with more than 35 NSOs to deliver Sporting Schools programs across Australia. Our partner NSOs offer developmentally appropriate and curriculum-aligned programs for children designed specifically for the school environment. They also provide quality delivery resources and professional development for teachers to support teacher delivery.
Schools can use their site account to login to the online Sporting Schools portal to access coach and teacher-delivered sport packages in the booking system, and make bookings with partner NSOs and their approved organisations. Each sport package on offer meets the minimum number of sessions and participants required by Sporting Schools and each coach accessible through the booking system meets all coaching requirements, including a valid working with children check.
* Note that schools with less than 10 students can still apply. Delivery equivalent to 3-4 hours per participant is supported where school or program delivery location requires intensive delivery.
Due to exceptional circumstances (such as the Covid-19 pandemic resulting in extended school closure or other circumstances approved by Sport Australia), schools may have an Exceptional Circumstances Activity Plan approved if they are unable to deliver a program within the funding period.
How to apply
Before applying, you must read and understand the:
be a nominated contact on the school’s site account with a registered individual username and password
login to complete the online Sporting Schools application form via the Sporting Schools portal
submit your application prior to the closing date
agree to the terms and conditions.
Schools can submit one application each term for the grant type they are eligible for. Combined schools and special schools may apply for a primary and secondary school grant each term if they meet the eligibility criteria.
Schools must apply for a grant using the Sporting Schools portal via the Schools Login on the Sporting Schools website. No applications can be submitted in any other form.
On submission of your application, you will receive an email confirming your application has been submitted successfully and a summary of your application.
Schools are able to edit their application after submission during the application open period. Applications cannot be changed after the closing date and time.
You are responsible for ensuring that your application is complete and accurate. Giving false or misleading information is a serious offence under the Criminal Code 1995 and we will investigate any false or misleading information and may exclude your application from further consideration.
If an error is found or information is missing, Sport Australia may ask for clarification or additional information from you that will not change the nature of your application.
If you need further guidance around the application process, contact the Sporting Schools Client Support Centre at info@sportingschools.gov.au or by calling 1300 785 707.
Timelines
You must submit an application between the published opening and closing dates. We will not accept late applications.
All grant applicants will be notified of the outcome of their application within 15 working days from the closing date.
Questions during the application process
If you have any questions during the application period, please contact the Sporting Schools Client Support Centre at info@sportingschools.gov.au or by calling 1300 785 707.
The Sporting Schools Client Support Centre will respond to enquiries within three working days.
Book a program
Schools can use their funding to select from a range of sports packages on offer from our NSO partner sports.
All bookings are made via our online booking system. There are a range of packages available for primary and secondary schools, including options for teacher delivery or coach delivery.
Once your school has an approved funding application, booking is easy.
Schools are required to complete an online acquittal process, including providing evidence of expenditure and program delivery data to Sporting Schools by the nominated due dates. Find more information about the acquittal process on our Help Centre.
Acquittal dates
Term 1, 2021 Open: 18 March 2021 Close: 14 May 2021
Term 2, 2021 Open: 7 June 2021 Close: 23 July 2021
Term 3, 2021 Open: 30 August 2021 Close: 15 October 2021
Term 4, 2021 Open: 22 November 2021 Close:18 February 2022
1. These terms and conditions apply to all Schools registering, applying for funding or conducting activities under the Program.
2. The Australian Sports Commission (referred to here as ‘Sport Australia’) may at any time by notice to the School vary these terms and conditions.
3. These terms and conditions apply without limitation to or from the User Terms and Conditions applicable to users of the Site.
Definitions
4. In these terms and conditions:
‘Acquittal’ means a financial declaration completed by a School at the end of a Funding period reconciling financial expenditure of a Grant;
‘Child-Related Personnel’ means officers, employees, contractors, agents and volunteers of the School (including Teachers and Coaches), involved with the Program who as part of that involvement may interact with children;
‘Coach’ means an individual (being an employee, contractor or volunteer of an Organisation) nominated by an Organisation to deliver activities under the Program, excluding Teachers;
‘Exceptional Circumstances’ means the Covid-19 pandemic or other circumstances defined as such in the Program Parameters ;
‘Exceptional Circumstances Activity Plan’ means a plan approved by Sport Australia in accordance with clause 8(c) and 8(d), that enables a School affected by Exceptional Circumstances to conduct certain amended activities under the Program.
‘Funding period’ means the time period specified by Sport Australia within which a School may use a Grant to deliver activities under the Program;
‘Grant’ means funding allocated to a School by Sport Australia to support the delivery of activities under the Program;
‘NSO’ means a national sporting organisation accepted by Sport Australia as a partner sport in the Program;
‘NSO-nominated provider’ means a provider approved by an NSO to deliver activities under the Program with respect to the NSO’s sport;
‘Organisation’ means an NSO, SSO or NSO-nominated provider;
‘Participant’ means an individual who takes part in Program sessions;
‘Program’ means Sport Australia's Sporting Schools program, and its associated Club Connect program component (as applicable), which are designed to help primary and secondary schools increase children’s participation in sport, and are delivered in partnership with NSOs;
‘Program Parameters’ means the requirements for conduct of the applicable component of the Program (as updated from time to time);
‘Registration’ means the creation of a Site account for the School and verification of School details;
‘Relevant Legislation’means any legislation of the Commonwealth, State or Territory that applies in the jurisdiction where activities are being delivered under the Program;
‘School’ means an educational establishment whose major activity is the provision of full-time primary or secondary education, accepted by Sport Australia to conduct activities under the Program;
‘Site’ means the Program website;
‘Site account’ means an account established for use of the Site by a School or Organisation that intends to participate in the Program, accessed via a registered individual username and password for an employee of the School or an employee, contractor or volunteer of a relevant Organisation;
‘Sport package’ means an eligible, NSO-approved sporting product delivered under the Program;
‘SSO’ means a state sporting organisation approved by an NSO to deliver activities under the Program with respect to the NSO’s sport;
‘Teacher’ means an individual (being an employee of the School, that has a valid State and/or Territory teacher registration) nominated by a School to deliver activities under the Program;
‘Working With Children Check’ or ‘WWCC’ means the process in place under Relevant Legislation to screen an individual for fitness to work with children.
Acknowledgements
5. The School acknowledges and agrees that:
Sport Australia may accept or reject a School’s Registration in its absolute discretion;
acceptance by Sport Australia of a School’s Registration or funding application or its participation in the Program imposes no obligations on Sport Australia;
it must be Registered to be eligible to apply for funding to have activities under the Program delivered at its nominated location(s);
Sport Australia may accept (including by making a Grant of a lesser amount than that requested) or reject a School’s funding application in its absolute discretion;
any Registration and/or funding is subject to the Program being funded by Sport Australia;
its status as a funded School of the Program only remains valid whilst the School is Registered;
at no time will the School or its Teachers or other employees, be employees, contractors, partners or agents of Sport Australia in relation to the Program; and
Organisations and Coaches are not employees, contractors, partners or agents of Sport Australia.
Grant obligations
6. If Sport Australia decides to accept a School’s funding application:
Sport Australia will send written notice to the School advising the amount of the Grant;
subject to clause 7 below, (and unless otherwise agreed) Sport Australia will pay the Grant directly to the bank account nominated by the School, which must be either: i. in the School’s name, which they solely control; or ii. an account otherwise approved by Sport Australia, and be with an authorised deposit-taking institution authorised under the Banking Act 1959 (Cth) to carry on banking business in Australia;
the Grant will be made subject to these terms and conditions;
Sport Australia will not be responsible for the provision of additional funding to meet any expenditure in excess of the total amount of the Grant, regardless of the actual expenditure by the School; and
an enforceable agreement between Sport Australia and the School comprising these terms and conditions, the funding application form and the applicable Program Parameters will take effect upon Sport Australia approving the Grant.
7. If the School is required to be registered for GST, and is not a government related entity as defined in the A New Tax System (Goods and Services Tax) Act 1999 (Cth):
the Grant will be increased by the prevailing rate of GST; and
the School declares that it and Sport Australia are parties to a Recipient Created Tax Invoice (RCTI) Agreement. By doing so, the School is authorising Sport Australia to issue a tax invoice with respect to the Grant on the School’s behalf.
8. The School must:
use the Grant only for the eligible costs of activities under the Program and for no other purpose ;
unless clause 8(d) applies, conduct the eligible activities identified in the approved funding application during the Funding period in accordance with the Program Parameters and these terms and conditions;
promptly notify Sport Australia if Exceptional Circumstances affecting the School, are reasonably likely to prevent the School from conducting the activities in accordance with clause 8(b) above. Sport Australia may, at its discretion, approve the School to conduct alternative activities (with all or part of the Grant) under an Exceptional Circumstances Activity Plan;
if approved in writing by Sport Australia for an Exceptional Circumstances Activity Plan – conduct the eligible activities during the Funding period and in accordance with the Program Parameters and these terms and conditions;
complete an Acquittal provided by Sport Australia for the Funding period, demonstrating: i. the School has conducted activities under the Program in accordance with these terms and conditions; ii. the expenses incurred by the School to deliver the Program (which Sport Australia may reject in its sole and absolute discretion); iii. whether there is any unspent portion of the Grant; and iv. return the Acquittal by the set due date;
return any unused portion of the Grant or rejected expenses, when invoiced by Sport Australia after the end of the Funding period;
conduct the activities under the Program itself and not seek to transfer responsibility to any third parties (including any Out of School Hour Care Service), and must not transfer the Grant to any other person or organisation, unless approved in writing by Sport Australia (any such approval may be conditional upon the return to Sport Australia of part or all of the Grant);
maintain complete and accurate records and accounts detailing the receipt, use and expenditure of the Grant, and upon request, submit them to Sport Australia to verify expenditure as recorded on the Acquittal for the Funding period;
provide Sport Australia, or its authorised representatives, access to the School’s records and accounts at any time during or after the Funding period for the purpose of copying the records and auditing the School’s use and expenditure of the Grant; and
advise Sport Australia immediately if it becomes aware of any breach of these terms and conditions.
9. During and after the Funding period, Sport Australia reserves the right to publicise and report on the award of the Grant to the School, including publishing the School’s name and location, the amount of the Grant, and a description of the Program activities.
10. Without limitation to any other rights of Sport Australia, if Sport Australia reasonably believes, at any time during or after the Funding period, that the School:
has provided false or misleading information;
has ceased to operate;
has not performed, or will not perform, the required Program activities for the entire duration of the Funding period; or
has otherwise breached any of its obligations set out in these terms and conditions, then Sport Australia may, by written notice, require the School to repay Sport Australia, at Sport Australia's absolute discretion, all or part of the Grant, and/or decline future funding applications submitted by the School. The amount notified becomes repayable within 30 days of any such notice.
Program bookings
11. The School acknowledges and agrees that:
it must have a Site account to participate in the Program. Use of the Site is subject to the User Terms and Conditions;
bookings with Organisations for the purpose of the Program must be made in accordance with the applicable Program Parameters;
by making a booking through its Site account, the School enters into a direct relationship with the relevant Organisation;
the cost of any booking made through its Site account will be payable by the School;
Delivery
12. The School must ensure that:
it offers the activities under the Program at no cost to Participants;
the activities under the Program are complementary to existing sport and physical education activities; and
the activities (where delivered to Participants in person) are delivered before, during or after school as per the applicable Program Parameters.
13. The School must:
comply with all Relevant Legislation relating to the employment or engagement of Child-Related Personnel in relation to the Program, including obtaining all necessary Working With Children Checks (WWCC) however described; and
ensure that WWCC remain current and that Child-Related Personnel continue to comply with all Relevant Legislation for the duration of their involvement in the Program.
14. In delivering Program activities the School agrees to:
ensure that all Child-Related Personnel implement the National Principles for Child Safe Organisations;
complete and update, at least annually, a risk assessment to identify the level of responsibility for children and the level of risk of harm or abuse to children;
put into place and update, at least annually, an appropriate risk management strategy to manage the risks identified through the risk assessment required by clause 14(c);
provide training and establish a compliance regime to ensure that all related Personnel are aware of, and comply with:
(ii) the School’s risk management strategy required by clause 14(d);
(iii) Relevant Legislation relating to requirements for working with children (including WWCC), and mandatory reporting of suspected child abuse or neglect, however described;
if requested, provide Sport Australia with an annual statement of compliance with clause 14 and 15, in such form as may be specified by Sport Australia; and
notify Sport Australia of any failure to comply with clause 13 or 14;
co-operate with Sport Australia in any review conducted by Sport Australia of the School’s implementation of the National Principles for Child Safe Organisations or compliance with clause 13 or 14; and
promptly take all action necessary to rectify any failure to implement the National Principles for Child Safe Organisations or any other failure to comply with clause 13 or 14.
15. In relation to activities under the Program delivered by its Teachers, the School must ensure that the Teachers:
are employed by the School;
have valid State and/or Territory teacher registrations;
are appropriately insured, including if delivering before or after School hours; and
have and maintain valid industry qualifications, training and expertise to deliver the relevant activities.
16. In relation to activities under the Program delivered by Coaches:
the School must ensure such individuals have and maintain valid industry qualifications, training and expertise to deliver the relevant activities;
the School must supervise such individuals in delivering the activities; and
the School acknowledges that it will not be relieved of any of its obligations under these terms and conditions.
17. In relation to activities under the Program, the School must ensure that Coaches and Teachers delivering the activities:
comply with any relevant Organisation’s requirements for delivery of the activities;
comply with all applicable policies of the School, NSO and Organisation;
maintain a high standard of personal behaviour and integrity, not bring the Teacher, Coach, the NSO, the Organisation or the School into disrepute, and comply with any applicable School, NSO or Organisation Coach Code of Behaviour;
without limitation to the above, follow appropriate work health and safety and risk management policies and practices;
without limitation to the above, deliver sessions safely and comply with supervision ratios in accordance with applicable School, NSO and Organisation policies and procedures; and
use appropriate facilities and equipment.
General
18. The School must provide any information and reporting regarding its activities under the Program as required by Sport Australia. Sport Australia may also conduct reasonable site visits to observe the conduct of the Program activities.
19. If requested at any time (including after the completion of its activities under the Program), the School must participate in research and evaluation undertaken by Sport Australia or its contractors in relation to the Program.
20. The School consents to receive information, including marketing and promotional material, from Sport Australia in relation to the Program.
21. The School must comply with any reasonable request or direction from Sport Australia in relation to the Program, including specified measures to deal with an event or circumstance that has, or is likely to have, an adverse effect on the health or safety of persons.
22. The School must not, without the prior written approval of Sport Australia, publish, distribute or communicate any material relating to the Program, whether developed by the School or otherwise, including any publicity materials, sponsorship messages or participant handouts intended for distribution to children, parents or other third parties.
23. The School must not, without the prior written approval of Sport Australia, use the name or logo of Sport Australia, the Australian Institute of Sport or the Program.
24. The School must notify Sport Australia promptly of any actual, perceived or potential conflicts of interest which could affect the performance of its obligations under these terms and conditions.
Personal information
25. Sport Australia collects personal information in the course of administering and promoting the Program and may disclose the information provided by the School to any or all of the following:
Organisations and Coaches for the purpose of prospective, or confirmed, delivery to the School of activities under the Program;
Sport Australia contractors for the purpose of Program delivery and administration;
researchers engaged by Sport Australia for the purpose of undertaking Program research and evaluation; and
other Australian Government agencies for their relevant purposes such as to improve the effective administration, monitoring and evaluation of Australian Government programs, for research, and to announce grant recipients.
Further information about the way in which Sport Australia manages personal information is available in the Sport Australia Privacy Policy.
26. When dealing with personal information in carrying out the activities under the Program, the School agrees not to do anything which, if done by Sport Australia, would be a breach of the Privacy Act 1988.
Insurance and liability
27. The School will conduct activities under the Program entirely at its own risk.
28. The School acknowledges and agrees that it is:
not covered by any Sport Australia insurance, and that Teachers, Coaches and Organisations engaged by the School for the purpose of the Program, will not be covered by any Sport Australia insurance;
responsible for enquiring as to the insurance carried by, or covering, each Teacher, Coach and Organisation, in connection with the Program activities conducted at the School; and
responsible for ensuring the adequacy and validity of the insurance carried by or covering the School and Teachers.
29. The School indemnifies Sport Australia, its officers and employees against all loss, damage, claims and expenses arising out of, relating to or in connection with:
the performance of any activities under the Program by the School or its Teachers, officers, employees, agents or contractors;
any negligent, wrongful or unlawful act or omission of the School or its Teachers, officers, employees, agents or contractors in connection with the Program; or
any breach of any of these terms and conditions by the School, except to the extent that such loss, damage, claims and expenses are caused by the negligent, wrongful or unlawful acts or omissions of Sport Australia, its officers or employees.
30. The School releases Sport Australia and its officers, employees and agents from any liability arising out of, relating to or in connection with:
any loss of or damage to any property of the School or its Teachers, officers, employees, agents or contractors, or any property for which the School or its Teachers, officers, employees, agents or contractors is responsible; or
any injury or illness to, or death of, any of the School’s Teachers, officers, employees, agents or contractors, arising out of or in connection with the Program.
31. The obligations to indemnify and release set out in clauses 29 and 30 survive the expiry or termination of the School’s participation in the Program.
Termination
32. Sport Australia may at any time by notice, at its absolute discretion, terminate the participation of the School in the Program.
33. Without limitation to clause 32, where the School breaches any of these terms and conditions, Sport Australia may, at its absolute discretion, terminate the participation of the School in the Program.
Miscellaneous
35. If any of these terms and conditions is held to be invalid, unenforceable or illegal for any reason, the remaining terms and conditions will continue in full force.
36. These terms and conditions are governed by the laws of the Australian Capital Territory and the School agrees to submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of the Australian Capital Territory.
