Certificates of Currency 2025-2026

The new Certificates of Currency for 2025-2026 are now available – click here

SANCTIONING

Summer Football Competitions 2025-26

Summer Football competitions must be sanctioned by FNSW for insurance coverage to apply.

To apply to Host a Summer Football Competition click here

Winter Football Season 2026

Pre-Season Player Trials, Training and Trial Matches for  Season 2026

**Information for Grassroots Community Football Clubs & Associations**

As from 1 November 2025 pre-season player trials, training and trial matches for the 2026 winter football season can commence subject to the following:

1. Approval has been granted by the relevant club and Association for pre-season player trials, training or trial matches to commence, and
2. The player trials, training and training matches are being conducted on grounds approved for use by the relevant Association, and
3. Grounds being used must be either owned by the club or association, or under a current lease agreement with Council/venue owner, and in all cases must be suitable for football use,  safety inspected by the club, and approved by the association, prior to use.

Inter-Club trial matches for Winter Football  2026

From 1 January 2026 inter-club trial matches for winter football can commence subject to approval by the relevant Association on approved grounds subject to the Association’s trial match requirements as applicable.

Inter-Association trial matches for Winter Football 2026

From 1 January 2026 Inter-Association trial matches (Association club team plays a trial match against a club team from another Association) can commence. FNSW requires a Trial Match Request Form – Community Football be completed and relevant procedures followed.  All trial matches must be held on grounds approved by the Association.

Safety & Risk Warning for Players, Teams and Team Officials

Players and teams should always check with their club that pre-season trials, training and trial matches have been approved to commence, and ensure the grounds being used are approved by the relevant association. Training or playing without approval by your club, or training on non-approved grounds can be dangerous due to the uncertainty of ground conditions.

Players and teams participating in unofficial pre-season training or games, or on non-approved grounds do so at their own risk and are not covered by the FNSW Insurance Program.

Playing and Training After the Winter Season

All football training, games and insurance cover for winter season registered participants ceases at the end of the Association winter season competition the player was registered for.

The only exceptions are:

1. Teams participating in the FNSW Champion of Champions tournament are automatically approved to continue team training until the team is no longer participating in the Champion of Champions tournament, or
2. Teams seeking to continue training because they are representing their club or association in a FNSW recognised tournament after the Winter Season Competition ends.  These teams must apply to FNSW for approved out-of-season training.  Applications must be supported in writing by the club and association and a Sanction Application form submitted to FNSW including tournament information.

Post winter competition training for any other reason is not permitted.

Summer Football

Summer Football is recommended for players wanting to train and play outside the winter season.

Sanction Applications

Select the links below for more information:

• No Application Required – lists Pre-Sanctioned Activities which do not require a Sanction Application.
• Sanction Application Required – lists activities which require a Sanction Application to be lodged with FNSW a minimum of 14 days prior to the date of the activity or event.
• High Risk Activity Sanction Applications – lists activities that require a Sanction Application and supporting documentation to be lodged with FNSW at the planning stage of the event prior to the event being promoted, to avoid disappointment if the application is declined.
• Non-Sanctioned – Non-Permitted Activities – lists activities which are NOT PERMITTED and will not be sanctioned or covered by FNSW insurances under any circumstances.
• Jumping Castles, Inflatables and Amusement Rides – lists the special requirements where these will be in use.

»»» Come-and-Try Days, Charity matches and fundraiser events >> see further below.

Use of Alternative Grounds and Venues

• Community Football Clubs – If the club’s usual grounds are unusable or unavailable and an alternative venue is available, the club must obtain approval from their Association to use the alternative grounds or an indoor venue prior to its hire or use.  A seasonal approval to use an alternative ground or venue can be approved by an Association at its discretion. Public Liability Certificates of Currency can only be used for alternative grounds or venues after approval has been granted by the relevant Association.
• FNSW NPL, WNPL and State Leagues clubs – an alternative ground or futsal venue can be used for training if assessed as suitable by the club.

Alternative Training Activities

• Football NSW approval is required for any alternative training activities which are non-football activities, such as swim sessions, gym sessions, beach runs etc. as these are not ordinarily covered by the FNSW Insurance Program. A Sanction Application Form must be lodged with FNSW for these activities to be approved. Seasonal approval is available if activities are to be held at the same venue on a regular basis.  Clubs must keep a record of all alternative training risk assessments.

Pre-Sanctioned Football Activities

ACTIVITIES ALREADY SANCTIONED BY FNSW

The following activities are already sanctioned and a Sanction Application is not required:

• FNSW NPL and State Leagues Competitions
• FNSW State Tournaments
• Association Winter football competitions
• FNSW Summer Football Competitions
• FNSW Futsal Competitions and Futsal Centres
• Official winter season trials and pre-season training is permitted from 1 November onwards each year subject to:
  • The Club and Association have approved for pre-season trials and training to commence,
  • The trials and training are being held on grounds approved by the Club and Association,
  • The grounds are either owned by the club or association or under a current hire agreement with Council/venue owner, have been approved by the association to use, and have been safety inspected by the club prior to use.
• Official club football training on FNSW or Association approved grass or synthetic football grounds, indoor or outdoor futsal venues deemed suitable for football training.
• Official club registration days, meetings, working bees, cleaning of facilities and canteen operations (approved year round).
• Club fundraising activities conducted by the club at the club’s grounds i.e. cake stall, market stall, meat raffles, gold coin donations etc. which do not involve jumping castles, amusement rides or other activities which are High Risk or Not Permitted.
• End of year presentations held at the club’s own venue – excluding any events involving amusement rides, jumping castles which require separate Sanctioning Application, or activities listed as High Risk which require Sanctioning Application at time of planning, or Non-Sanctioned (Non Permitted) activities listed below.

Sanctioning Application Required

The following requires a Sanction Application to be submitted to FNSW a minimum of 14 days prior to the event, and approval must be granted prior to the activity or participation in the activity proceeding:

• Gala days and Tournaments
• Charity events (participation in, or holding of charity events)
• Bunnings BBQs (or similar)
• ‘Come-and-Try’ events (Can be held pre-season ONLY) (refer below ↓ for information)
• School holiday camps and clinics
• Any activity not being held at a club’s official grounds
• Fundraising activities not held at the club’s own grounds and/or involving a third party, charity or other external organisation.
• Community Markets or Festivals where food or any product will be sold by the club.
• Club functions or events not held at club’s official grounds
• Fundraising or other events involving High Risk activities (see list below ↓ )
• Special out of season training requests (For example – a representative team which requires training outside of the winter season in preparation a special tournament).  The training must be held on association approved grounds and supported in writing by the relevant club and association.
• Alternative training activities that are not football activities. e.g. swim sessions, gym sessions, beach runs.
• The use of venues or locations that are not dedicated football or futsal venues.
• The use or hire of any jumping castles, inflatables or amusement rides of any kind. (See special requirements ↓ below)
• Any other event or activity which is not a normal Winter football activity.
• Any activity that is a High Risk activity (See list ↓ below)
• Jumping Castles, Inflatables & Amusement Rides – SEE BELOW – Public Liability Certificate of Currency document must be obtained from the company supplying the inflatable device and uploaded with the Sanction application.

Sanction applications must be received by FNSW a minimum of 14 days prior to the event.  Applications received less than 14 days prior to the event will not be considered or approved.

Jumping Castles, Inflatables & Amusement Rides – Safety & Risk

All events involving jumping castles, inflatables or amusements rides must be sanctioned by FNSW.

Where safe practices are in place, most usage of these devices occurs without incident. Serious injuries and deaths can occur if the equipment or operation of the equipment does not meet regulatory standards, or is incorrectly set up, or supervision is lacking, or sufficient care and responsibility is not taken.   These devices are subject to strict Safework NSW requirements and compliance.

When Jumping Castles, Inflatables and Amusement Rides are being hired or used for an event, clubs must obtain proof from the equipment supplier that the supplier holds a sufficient level of Public Liability Insurance.   Suppliers of jumping castles, inflatables and amusement rides to FNSW clubs and associations must hold a minimum of $20 Million Public Liability insurance cover.

To obtain the required proof, a copy of the Public Liability Certificate of Currency must be requested and obtained from the supplier of the equipment.  A copy of the supplier’s Certificate of Currency must then be uploaded with the FNSW Sanction Application form.

Safework NSW Operation and Safety Information

• Amusement devices – General Guide
• Amusement devices – Information sheet for inflatable devices
• Amusement devices – Checklist for operators
• Amusement devices – Information sheet for annual inspection and records

Use of Amusement Rides & Inflatable Devices

All amusement and inflatable devices MUST be secured and operated in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

Amusement and inflatable devices designed for domestic use only MUST NOT be used.

Do not set up any device in contravention of the manufacturer’s instructions or Safework NSW Guidelines including in high winds and unsuitable weather conditions.   Safety must be a priority at all times when setting up and operating these devices.

Supervision of Amusement & Inflatable Devices

All amusement and inflatable devices MUST be supervised at all times by responsible persons (aged 18+) who are competent to operate the device safely.   The number of users on an amusement or inflatable device must not exceed the manufacturer’s recommended maximum number of patrons.  Persons responsible for operating and supervising these devices (including set up and pack down) must be 18+ years of age and must not be under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

High Risk Activities

The activities listed below are strictly subject to FNSW and insurers approval. These activities potentially expose the insured (club/association/FNSW) to increased liability and in some cases will not be sanctioned.

Special Sanction Application to FNSW is required if any of the following are proposed for any club or association events:

• Bonfires or any activity involving naked flame.  (Note:  NSW Rural Fire Service or NSW Fire & Rescue must be consulted at time of event planning and must have confirmed their availability in writing to be in attendance for the duration of the proposed event for these to be considered by FNSW)
• Inflatable football field – with inflatable surround
• Inflatable football field – with a built-in floor
• Inflatable movie screen
• Wind machines or air propelled projectiles, including confetti launchers.
• Special effects equipment – including dry ice, blizzard or snow machines, foam/fog/smoke or haze machines, electric cannons, and bubble machines.
• Live animals or reptiles.
• Displays or activities involving vehicles, ie. motorbikes, quad bikes, cars, trucks, golf buggy.

Lodging a Sanction Application for High Risk Activities

The words “High Risk Activity” must be stated on the Sanction Application.

Sanction applications for high risk activities must be lodged with Football NSW at time of PLANNING THE EVENT and prior to advertising the event, to allow sufficient time for the application to be assessed by FNSW in consultation with insurers, to avoid disappointment if the application is declined.

Additional information required with High Risk Sanction Applications

• Written Association approval for the proposed event
• Event risk management plan
• Risk assessment for the activity (to be provided by the supplier to the club/association planning the event)
• Name, address and contact details of the supplier
• Details of the activity and any relevant information and/or images provided by the supplier
• Confirmation of booking with NSW Rural Fire Service, NSW Fire & Rescue (if application relates to a bonfire or naked flame)
• Confirmation of booking with a qualified First Aid Provider or NSW Ambulance for the event.
• Copy of Manufacturer’s Safety or Safe Operating Guidelines, or Safework NSW Codes of Practice  provided by the supplier (as applicable)
• Copy of the provider’s public liability insurance Certificate of Currency (minimum cover $20 Million)

Non-Sanctioned and Non-Permitted Activities

The following activities are NOT PERMITTED and will NOT be sanctioned under any circumstances:

• Laser shows
• Fireworks
• Pyrotechnics
• Jet Cars
• Bubble soccer
• Hot air balloons
• Firearms or weapons, including blank firing, replicas and imitations, swords or knives.
• Parachuting, paragliding, ziplining, canyoning or jet boating
• Displays or events involving helicopters or other aircraft

***The Football NSW Insurance Program and all related insurances, including Public Liability and Personal Accident Insurance will not apply or cover clubs, individuals or events involving any of the activities listed.***

Vicarious Liability

Clubs should only rely on advice provided by FNSW or Gow-Gates regarding FNSW insurances, including information or advice relating to public liability, vicarious liability and third-party providers, or any other insurances.  Advice offered by suppliers or independent operators may be contradictory and should not be relied upon. 

For insurance enquiries Contact Football NSW on 02 8814 4400 or Gow-Gates on 02 8267 9999.

Sanctioning Related Information

Player Registration Requirements

All players must be registered with FNSW in Play Football or the relevant registration platform prior to participation in any sanctioned tournaments, competitions, events or activities covered by the FNSW Insurance Program.

With the exception of trials, clubs should ensure that player registrations are finalised prior to participation as failure to do so can have consequences for a player’s eligibility to claim under the Personal Accident Insurance or cover by other FNSW insurances.

Team officials, club officials, volunteers and match officials should be registered prior to participation to be covered by the FNSW Personal Accident Insurance and other FNSW insurances.  Incidental volunteers co-opted at short notice are covered, and if injured, can register retrospectively with the approval of the FNSW Risk Manager.

Non-Registered Player Fees

The Football NSW Non-Registered Player Fees enable non-registered football players to participate in the following events when sanctioned by FNSW:

• Development Programs;
• Holiday Clinics; and
• Tournaments.

Players participating in the above Programs, Clinics and Tournaments will be covered by the FNSW Insurance Program subject to completing their registration, paying the applicable registration fee, and the event or activity being sanctioned by FNSW.  Players must be registered in Play Football prior to participation.

For assistance setting up registration packages in Play Football – call Online Services on 02 8814 4448.

A list of all Non-registered participants must also be emailed to sanctioning@footballnsw.com.au upon completion of the event.

FNSW NON-REGISTERED PLAYER FEES 2026

Referees

Referees should ensure the tournament, competition or event they have been asked to officiate at is sanctioned by FNSW, or there is a risk that the FNSW Insurance Program may not apply.  Contact your Referee Branch to enquire.

Referees are covered by the FNSW Insurance Program when officiating at FNSW competitions and tournaments, winter football competitions conducted by FNSW associations, FNSW Summer Football competitions, FNSW Futsal competitions and FNSW sanctioned tournaments and events.

Referees are also covered by FNSW Insurance Program when participating in official referee training, mentoring, referee coaching and when attending branch meetings.

Referees are not covered by FNSW Insurance Program when providing refereeing services at non-sanctioned competitions, tournaments or events unless their participation in such activities has been sanctioned by FNSW.  If unsure whether an event is sanctioned, contact your Referee Branch or ask event organisers for confirmation that the event is sanctioned by FNSW.  Referee Branches can contact FNSW sanctioning on 02 8814 4454 to check if an event or tournament is sanctioned by FNSW.

If a Referee Branch is providing referees to a non-sanctioned competition or tournament, E.g. Police Games, School’s tournaments etc. the Referee Branch needs to complete a Sanction Application form to apply for ‘Participation Sanctioning‘ for their Referee Branch referees to provide referee services at these events.

Come and Try Events

These events are a great way to attract new players to football in the lead up to the season. These activities generally include skills training or ‘game play’ activities.  Club Come-and-Try events require sanctioning and are usually held prior to or alongside club registration days. Come-and-Try events are non-competitive and MUST be provided as a free activity for participants.

COME-AND-TRY EVENTS INFORMATION SHEET

Charity Tournaments

Application can be made to FNSW for teams to be sanctioned to participate in official charity matches.  Contact FNSW for information regarding participation in charity matches, or complete a Sanction Application and include all details relating to the club and teams wanting to enter as well as information regarding the event and the registered charity running the event.

Other Events & Tournaments

Team and Player Sanctioning Requirements

Prior to entering any tournament conducted by another Football Australia State Member Federation or affiliated organisation outside of their association or Football NSW.  E.g. Kanga Cup, Bill Turner Cup, Mallacoota Cup, teams and players MUST obtain approval from their club, association and Football NSW

FNSW does not sanction tournaments or events conducted by non-affiliated organisations. FNSW can only sanction participation in these events by currently registered FNSW participants, if the participation is supported by the relevant club and association and FNSW.

The Personal Accident insurance provided by FNSW shall only apply when a tournament and/or participation in a tournament or event has been sanctioned by FNSW.  Other insurances provided by FNSW shall only apply to events and activities conducted by FNSW affiliated clubs, associations and FNSW.