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 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.
How to submit your application
Applications can be submitted:
- By email: sportandrecreation@act.gov.au
- By post: PO Box 147, Civic Square, ACT 2608
You can prepare your application in whatever way suits you (such as an email or letter). You can also include photographs or other pictorial demonstrations. Acceptable file formats may include Word, PDF, JPEG, PNG.
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
Please refer to the Light Contact Exemption Policy for further information on what to provide in your application and for answers to frequently asked questions.
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. These matters will be referred to the Controlled Sports Advisory 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
Please note, applications for light contact combat sport exemptions are managed by Sport and Recreation.
If you have any questions regarding the policy or how to apply, please email sportandrecreation@act.gov.au.