Sport and Recreation Victoria partners with a number of organisations to develop sport and recreation in Victoria on a state-wide or regional basis to increase participation, equity, diversity and inclusiveness.
These organisations are categorised into the following groups:
State Sporting Associations
A state sporting association is the governing body for a sport at state level. They represent affiliated member leagues, associations, clubs and participants. State sporting associations are responsible for the development of their sport within Victoria, from community participation through to high performance level and are capable of representing all Victorians participating in the sport.
For more information:
- Sport and Recreation Victoria recognised State Sporting Associations
- Recognition process for State Sporting Associations
State Sport and Recreation Bodies
State sport and active recreation bodies play an important role in the sector and make a significant contribution to creating opportunities for Victorians to participate in sport and active recreation. They have a state-wide, broad population or multi regional focus, with organisational strategic objectives that align with the following:
- delivers significant sport and/or active recreation outcomes for the sector
- provides or enables the delivery of sport and active recreation participation opportunities
- is the pre-immanent governing body for the sport or active recreation activity in Victoria, or has either a state-wide, or multi- regional focus
- to develop broader recreational activities
- support the delivery of sport and active recreation opportunities for underrepresented groups such as LGBTI, Cultural and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) or those in low socioeconomic communities
- contributes to developing and building the capacity of all sport or active recreation organisations within the sector at state level
State sport and active recreation bodies are classified as organisations active within the Victorian sport and recreation sector. They provide significant sport or active recreation participation opportunities for Victorians, however do not govern a sport like in the same way as a state sporting association.
State sport and active recreation bodies will be classified in the below sub categories:
- state active recreation organisations that deliver active recreation specific outcomes for the sector or operate in a similar way to state sporting associations with a membership structure and competition delivery
- disability sports organisations that deliver disability specific participation opportunities and work to build capacity within the sector
- peak sport and recreation bodies that are considered a peak organisation for sports or active recreation within Victoria. Peak organisations do not represent a single sport, occupation or recreation activity but work with the sector to develop their capacity.
- sport and recreation affiliates are organisations that represent a disadvantaged cohort involved in the sport and active recreation sector (e.g. multicultural youth, Aboriginal Victorians, people with a disability, senior Victorians).
For more information:
- Sport and Recreation Victoria recognised State Sport and Active Recreation Bodies
- Recognition process for State Sport and Active Recreation Sporting Bodies
Regional Sports Assemblies
Regional sports assemblies provide support to sport and recreation groups within their regional Victoria catchment. Support services include direct support and advice, including disability advice to clubs, supporting State and National projects and building networks and partnerships.
For more information:
Victorian Regional Academies of Sport
Victorian regional academies of sport assist emerging elite athletes from regional Victoria through programs that provide access to coaching and education and enhance their access to pathways to State and National representation.
For more information: