Light Contact Exemption Applications

Light Contact Combat Sport Exemptions

The Controlled Sports Act 2019 (Section 8) allows for applications from relevant people or organisations to be exempted as a light contact combat sport.

An exemption, if granted, means that the person/ organisation specified is exempted from ALL requirements of the Act. Exemptions are reviewed every three years.

Definition

A light contact combat sport is defined as: A combat sport that is not likely to involve forceful contact with a person’s head, neck, spine or groin.

If you are part of a discipline that has both light contact and contact combat sports, you may apply to have a partial exemption for the light contact disciplines.

Applying for a light contact combat sport exemption

A person or organisation can apply at any time using the online form to have their combat sport (or one style or discipline) exempted as a light contact combat sport. Applications will be sent to the Controlled Sports Registrar for consideration, before seeking ministerial approval from the Minister for Sport and Recreation.

Applications can be received at any time, however applications prior to the Act commencing on 11 October have closed and are currently being assessed.

How to submit your application

Applications can be submitted by email or post. See Table 1 for more information.

You can prepare your application in whatever way suits you (example - application addressing criteria below, letter addressing criteria). You can include photographs or other pictorial demonstrations.

File formats may include Word, PDF, JPEG, PNG.

Table 1:

Email	controlledsports@act.gov.au
Post	Access Canberra Attention: Controlled Sports Registrar Chief Minister, Treasury and Economic Development Directorate GPO Box 158 Canberra ACT 2601

Please indicate in your application whether you provide consent for all or part of your application to be referred to experts for advice. Failure to do so may result in a delay in assessment.

What to include in your application

The information below is a general guide only. Please see the Light Contact Combat Sports Exemption Policy for detailed information and answers to frequently asked questions (Table 3).

Table 3:

Light Contact Combat Sports Exemption Policy
Word (opens in new window)	Light Contact Exemption Policy Word
PDF (opens in new window)	Light Contact Exemption Policy PDF

The following information in Table 2 provides guidance on the key material that will be considered in granting an exemption as a light contact combat sport. It is recommended that you provide as much information as possible that supports your application, otherwise an exemption may not be granted.

You do not need to answer all of these components, however a comprehensive response will improve the chances of your application being approved.

Table 2:

Criteria	Tips
The techniques and the amount of force used in the light contact combat sport	Why and how particular techniques should be considered as light contact How the proper use of the techniques can limit the risk of injury The amount of force used (including measurements of force if available)
The rules of the light contact combat sport	Rules in place to limit contact with the head, neck, spine or groin Penalties in place for contact with the head, neck, spine or groin Personal Protective Equipment used and how can this limit injury How contestants compete e.g. against another person, individually Is there limited contact between contestants engaged in the light contact combat sport? Techniques conducted to only demonstrate artistic context either with or without a weapon The light contact combat sport involves only light contact activity conducted solely for the purpose of determining the proficiency of a person engaged in the sport The light contact combat sport involves only light contact activity and for which scores are not kept or for which there is no outcome or result
The likelihood the light contact combat sport could involve forceful contact with a person’s head, neck, spine or groin	Frequency, amount, and permitted use of forceful contact with the head, neck, spine or groin Penalties in place (e.g. in rules) for contact with the head, neck, spine or groin
The risk of injury to a person participating in the light contact combat sport	Statistical analysis or anecdotal evidence of injury risk using the permitted rules of the light contact combat sport The types of injuries often reported to your organization (or affiliate organisation) from participation in the light contact combat sport The significance of the injuries reported from participation in the light contact combat sport e.g. peer reviewed evidence or published research on impact on participation in employment, schooling or education; recovery times; potential for life-long or long-term impacts

You may supply any other evidence that doesn’t meet the criteria above, providing it supports the case for light contact combat sport exemption.

Assessment of applications

Applications will be assessed in accordance with the Light Contact Combat Sports Exemption Policy. You will be notified of the outcome.

Referral for expert advice

In some instances, the ACT Government may seek expert advice regarding your application. This may include medical or sporting expertise. Once the Controlled Sports Advisory Committee is established, these matters will be referred to the Committee for advice.Please indicate your consent or otherwise for this referral to be made.

When will I be advised of the outcome?

Applications will be assessed by Government officials and a recommendation made to the Minister for Sport and Recreation. Applicants will be notified once this has occurred. It is estimated that applicant's will be informed of the outcome of their application within 6 weeks of submission. In the meantime, it is important that you comply with all requirements of the Act for any events you have.

Contacts

If you have any questions regarding the policy or how to apply, please email controlledsports@act.gov.au or call Access Canberra on 13 22 81.

You can also contact us using the online feedback system, in person or by post.