Sanction Information

SANCTIONING

*SAFETY NOTICE* REQUIREMENTS FOR JUMPING CASTLES & INFLATABLES

Jumping castles and inflatable devices carry significant safety risks. Serious injury or death can occur when equipment does not meet regulatory and safety standards, is not properly installed or secured, is used in windy or gusty conditions, is inadequately supervised, or where proper care, diligence and responsibility are not exercised.

Jumping castles and inflatable devices MUST:

1. NEVER be used in windy or gusty conditions.
2. ALWAYS be properly secured and anchored by the provider ensuring that designated anchor points are used to prevent it from lifting, moving or becoming airborne.
3. BE IMMEDIATELY EVACUATED OF USERS if windy or gusty conditions develop.
4. BE SUPERVISED AT ALL TIMES by a minimum of two (2) competent adults.
5. BE INSTALLED, SECURED AND OPERATED in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
6. BE SUPPLIED AND INSTALLED BY A PROFESSIONAL SUPPLIER who can provide evidence of insurance and is compliant with SafeWork requirements.

(NOTE: Privately owned or domestic use inflatables are not permitted to be used.)

• Safe work Australia Information Sheet for Inflatable Devices
• FNSW Jumping Castle, Inflatables & Amusement Rides information

Summer Football 2026-27

Summer Football must be sanctioned by FNSW for the FNSW Insurance Program to apply.

• FNSW Summer Football website
• Apply to Host a FNSW Summer Football competition

Pre-Season Trials, Training & Trial Matches Season 2027

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

Trials, Training and Trial Matches approved from 1 November 2026

Subject to the following requirements:

1. Approval is granted by the club and Association before any pre-season player trials, training or trial matches commence.
2. Grounds used MUST be approved for use by the Association.
3. Grounds used must be under a current lease agreement with Council or the venue owner, or owned by the club or association,
4. Grounds used MUST be inspected and deemed safe and suitable for football prior to use.
5. Cricket Wickets – Grounds with uncovered or unprotected concrete based or hard cricket wickets should not be used, or alternatively the wicket area must be safely fenced off until it has been satisfactorily covered by Council or the venue owner, and the ground is approved for use the Club and Association.

Inter-club trial matches – Winter Community Football  2027

From 1 January 2027 inter-club winter football trial matches (between clubs from the same association) can commence subject to approval by the Association on Association approved grounds, and subject to the Association’s trial match requirements.

Inter-Association trial matches – Winter Community Football 2027

From 1 January 2027 Inter-Association trial matches (Association club vs another Association’s club) can commence. FNSW requires a Trial Match Request Form – Community Football be completed and procedures followed.  All trial matches must be held on Association approved grounds.

Pre-Season Risk Warning for Players and Team Officials

Training or playing without club approval, or on non-approved grounds, can be dangerous due to the uncertainty of ground conditions. Before pre-season participation, PLAYERS and TEAM OFFICIALS should ensure that the activity is club approved and grounds have been inspected and approved for use by the club and association.

Participation in unofficial pre-season training or games, or on non-approved grounds is not covered by the FNSW Insurance Program and any participation is at the individual’s own risk.

Participation after the Season Ends

The insurances provided for participants registered for Association winter football ceases when the Association winter competition ends.  The Personal Accident insurance provided by FNSW applies only to the competition , event or clinic for which the participant is registered.

The only exceptions are:

1. Teams participating in the FNSW Champion of Champions tournament are approved to continue team training until the team is no longer participating in the tournament;
2. Teams are continuing to train because they have entered to represent their club or association in a FNSW approved tournament after the winter competition ends. These teams must apply to FNSW for approved out-of-season training by completing a Sanction Application. Written approval by the club and association and full tournament information must be submitted.

Summer Football is recommended for participation outside the winter football season.

Sanction Applications

Select the links below for more information:

• No Application Required – lists 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 – Prohibited Activities – lists activities which will not be sanctioned or covered by FNSW Insurance Program under any circumstances.
• Jumping Castles, Inflatables and Amusement Rides – lists the special requirements if these are to be used at any event organised by a team, club official, club or association or any other entity operating under the auspices of FNSW.
• Come and Try Events, Charity matches and fundraiser events – see information further below.

Use of Alternative Grounds and Venues

• Community Football Clubs
  • Clubs must obtain approval from their Association prior to hiring or using an alternative ground/venue (including indoor venues).  A seasonal approval to use an alternative ground or venue can be applied for and approved.
  • If a club seeks to use an alternative community club ground or venue located outside the boundaries of its own Association, the club must obtain approval from their own Association and the Association in whose boundaries the ground or venue is located, with the exception of Valentine Sports Park or other commercially operated sport venues.
  • Public Liability Certificates of Currency can only be used for the hire or use of alternative grounds or venues after approval has been granted by the club’s own Association, or if the ground is outside the club’s own Association’s borders, after approval has been granted by both the club’s own Association and the Association in whose boundaries the ground or venue is located.
• FNSW NPL, WNPL and State Leagues clubs
  • An alternative ground or indoor futsal venue can be used for training if assessed as suitable by the club and if the ground is not already under a hire agreement with a local community club or association.
  • Where a ground is under a hire agreement with a local community club or association already, the club should consult with the relevant Association.

Alternative Training Activities

• Football NSW sanctioning (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 the same activities are to be held at the same venue on a regular basis. Clubs must conduct a risk assessment for all alternative training activities and keep the risk assessment on file.

Pre-Sanctioned Football Activities

ACTIVITIES ALREADY SANCTIONED BY FNSW

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, pre-season training and training matches from 1 November onwards each year subject to the following:
  • Approval must be granted by the club and Association.
  • Grounds used MUST be approved for use by the Association.
  • Grounds used must be under a current lease agreement with Council or the venue owner, or owned by the club or association.
  • Grounds used MUST be inspected and deemed safe and suitable for football prior to use.
  • Cricket Wickets – Grounds with uncovered or unprotected concrete based or hard cricket wickets should not be used, or alternatively, the wicket area must be safely fenced off, until it has been satisfactorily covered by Council or the venue owner, and the ground is approved for use the Club and Association.
• Official training on FNSW or Association approved grounds, or indoor or outdoor futsal venues suitable for football training subject to approved commencement dates.
• Official club registration days, meetings, working bees, cleaning and canteen operations (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 Prohibited.  The sale or supply of alcohol must be in accordance with NSW Liquor licencing and RSA requirements.
• 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 (Prohibited) activities listed herein.

Sanctioning Application Required

The following require 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 event or activity proceeding:

• Gala days and Tournaments
• Charity events (participation in, or hosting 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 those which involve a third party, charity or other external organisation.
• Community Markets or Festivals where food or any products 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 for a special tournament).  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, amusement rides or alternative third-party provided activities of any kind. (See special requirements herein)
• 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 – refer below – Public Liability Certificate of Currency document must be obtained from the supplier of 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 amusement rides must be sanctioned by FNSW.

While these devices can generally be used safely when appropriate controls are in place, they carry significant risks. Serious injury or death can occur where equipment does not meet applicable safety standards, is incorrectly installed or secured, is operated in unsuitable weather conditions, is inadequately supervised, or where appropriate care, diligence and responsibility are not exercised.

All jumping castles, inflatables and amusement rides are subject to applicable SafeWork requirements and compliance obligations.

Safe Work Australia Operation and Safety Information

• Safework – Guide for Amusement Devices
• Safework – Information sheet for inflatable devices
• Safework – Information & Checklist for operators

Safety Requirements for Jumping Castles & Inflatables

Jumping castles and inflatable devices MUST:

1. NEVER be used in windy or gusty conditions.
2. ALWAYS be properly secured and anchored by the provider. It is recommended that the manufacturer’s designated anchor points are used to anchor the device to prevent it from lifting, moving or becoming airborne.
3. BE IMMEDIATELY EVACUATED OF USERS if windy or gusty conditions develop.
4. BE SUPERVISED AT ALL TIMES by a minimum of two (2) competent adult/s capable of operating and supervising the use of the device.
5. BE INSTALLED, SECURED AND OPERATED in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions at all times.
6. BE SUPPLIED AND INSTALLED BY A PROFESSIONAL SUPPLIER who can provide evidence of insurance and is compliant with SafeWork requirements.

Use of Inflatable Devices & Amusement Rides

• Privately owned jumping castles or inflatable devices, or those designed for domestic use only MUST NOT be used.
• Privately owned or homemade swings, slides, playground equipment or amusement rides MUST NOT be used.
• Do not set up any device in contravention of the manufacturer’s instructions or SafeWork Guidelines including in windy or gusty conditions, or unsuitable weather conditions such as storms, wet weather or lightning.
• Safety must be a priority at all times when setting up, operating and supervising any inflatable or amusement devices.

Supervision of Jumping Castles, Inflatables & Amusement Rides

• All amusement rides, jumping castles and inflatable devices MUST be supervised at all times by a minimum of two (2) responsible ADULTS (18+) who are competent to operate and supervise use of the device.
• If at any time the weather conditions deteriorate and/or the conditions become windy or gusty, the inflatable must immediately be evacuated of all patrons safely, and the device not used and/or deflated.
• The number of users on an amusement ride, jumping castle or inflatable device must not exceed the manufacturer’s recommended maximum number of patrons.  If unsure of permitted patron numbers, seek advice from the device supplier and/or refer to manufacturer’s guidelines.
• Persons responsible for operating and/or supervising these devices (including set up and pack down) must be 18 years of age or over and must not be under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Public Liability & Insurance Requirements

When jumping castles, inflatables or amusement rides are hired for an event, the event organisers must ensure that the supplier can provide evidence of insurance and compliance with SafeWork compliance requirements. Privately owned or domestic use inflatables are not permitted.  The event organiser (club/association) must also obtain evidence that the equipment supplier holds a minimum of $20 million Public Liability Insurance.

Event organisers (club/association) MUST:

• Obtain from the equipment supplier a copy of the supplier’s Public Liability Certificate of Currency, and
• Upload a copy the supplier’s Certificate of Currency with the FNSW Sanction Application relevant to the event.

The event WILL NOT be sanctioned if the required insurance documentation obtained from the supplier of the jumping castle, inflatable or amusement ride is not uploaded with the Sanction Application.

High Risk Activities

The activities listed below are strictly subject to FNSW and INSURER approval. These activities potentially expose the insured (club/association) to increased liability and in many cases high risk activities will not be sanctioned, or may incur an additional premium payable by the event organiser.

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

• Bonfires or anything involving a naked flame.   (WILL NOT BE APPROVED DURING BUSHFIRE DANGER PERIOD COMMENCING 1 OCTOBER TO 31 MARCH)  (Note: NSW RFS or NSW Fire & Rescue must be consulted when planning and must confirm in writing their attendance for the duration of the proposed event. A copy of the confirmation must be uploaded with the sanction application.)
• Inflatable football field – with inflatable surround
• Inflatable football field – with a built-in floor
• Inflatable movie screen
• Arrow Tag or Archery Tag
• Colour Run activities (due to use of powders, paints, and potential for eye irritation, allergic reactions or injury)
• 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, E.g. motorbikes, cars, trucks, quad bikes or 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 and support for the proposed high risk activity
• Event risk management plan
• Risk assessment for the activity (these can usually be obtained from the equipment supplier)
• Full name, address, contact person and contact details of the supplier
• Details and images of the relevant activity and equipment
• Copy of Manufacturer’s Safety Guidelines and/or Safe Operating Guidelines and Supervision Guidelines
• Confirmation of compliance with applicable SafeWork regulations, requirements, Codes of Practice
• Confirmation of booking with NSW Rural Fire Service, NSW Fire & Rescue (if relates to a bonfire or naked flame)
• Confirmation of booking with a qualified First Aid Provider or NSW Ambulance for the event.
• Copy of the provider’s public liability insurance Certificate of Currency (minimum cover $20 Million)

Non-Sanctioned and Non-Permitted (Prohibited) Activities

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

• Fireworks, pyrotechnics, fire performances, laser light shows, drone shows.
• Bubble soccer, bubble bump, zorb-ball, zorbing.
• Jet cars, high speed vehicles, high-octane vehicles, motocross stunt riding.
• Stunt shows, mechanical bulls, bull riding, bungee apparatus, aerial performers or aerial acrobatics.
• Firearms or weapons, including blank firing, replicas and imitations, swords or knives.
• Hot air balloons, parachuting, paragliding, skydiving, ziplining, canyoning, or jet boating.
• Displays or events involving helicopters, drones, model aeroplanes, or any type of aircraft.

>>The FNSW Insurance Program and all related insurances, including Public Liability, Management Liability, Professional Indemnity and Personal Accident Insurance will not apply or cover clubs, committees, individuals or events involving any of the activities listed.<<

Vicarious Liability

Clubs and event organisers 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 Insurance Program, including Personal Accident Insurance.  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

Referees

Referees should ensure the tournament, competition or event they have been invited to officiate 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 any cover provided by the 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 seek confirmation from event organisers 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

COME-AND-TRY CONSENT FORM

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 FNSW.

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.