The Australian Sports Medal was awarded in 2000 to those who contributed to Australia's sporting excellence. This medal recognises the efforts of a range of Australians including:
- current and former competitors
- coaches
- sports scientists
- office holders
- those who maintain sporting facilities and services.
On 4 December 2020, amendments were made to the regulations for the Australian Sports Medal. These amendments will mean the Australian Sports Medal can be awarded to commemorate Australian sporting participation in multi-sports events, including:
- the Invictus Games, from 2018
- the International Sports Federation for Persons with Intellectual Disability (INAS) Global Games, from 2019
- the Special Olympics World Summer Games, from 2019
- the Special Olympics World Winter Games, from 2021
- the Olympic Games (Summer), from 2020
- the Olympic Games (Winter), from 2022
- the Paralympic Games (Summer) from 2020
- the Paralympic Games (Winter) from 2022
- the Commonwealth Games, from 2022.
An individual’s eligibility for nomination is based on their participation as an official member of an Australian national team at a ‘declared’ international, multi-discipline sporting event. Individuals must be appointed as an official team member by the organising committee.
An official team member (staff or competitor) must have attended or participated in a declared event to be eligible for the Australian Sports Medal. This does not include prospective team members, those on a reserve list or those who have only participated in event training camps. Competitors must have participated in a race, match, game or sports contest at a declared event.
The medal is administered by the official Secretariat of the Governor-General. The Defence ADF Sports Cell manages all Defence personnel nominations.
Applications
There is no need for individuals to apply. The Australian Defence Force Sports Cell contacts individuals identified as members of the official Australian Team. A nominal roll is submitted to Government House for approval.
Source documents
Australian Sports Medal Determination - 9 July 2021 (PDF, 138.11 KB)
Australian Sports Medal Letters Patent 1999 - 23 December 1999 (PDF, 763.59 KB)
Australian Sports Medal Regulations - 2020 (PDF, 158.37 KB)
Australian Sports Medal Regulations 1999 - 23 December 1999 (historic) (PDF, 1.72 MB)
Australian Sports Medal Guidelines - 9 July 2021 (PDF, 957.21 KB)