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Find Where You Fit In

Sport eligibility for people with intellectual disability in NSW & ACT is managed through Sport Inclusion NSW & ACT. This page outlines how athletes with autism or intellectual disability can qualify for local, state, and national inclusive sport programs.

Sport Eligibility for People with Intellectual Disability in NSW & ACT

This section outlines the qualifications and requirements for individuals interested in joining our programs. We aim to provide clear information that helps potential participants understand what is needed to qualify.

By familiarising yourself with these criteria, you can better assess your eligibility and take the next steps towards engaging with our community.

Take our quiz to see where you fit in

To confirm sport eligibility for intellectual disability in NSW & ACT, athletes or teachers can use the quiz below or download the official eligibility forms.

1. What level are you interested in?
Select the participation level that matches your goals
2. Which description best fits you?
Select your primary classification category
3. Was your condition diagnosed or evident before age 22?
Required for representative levels

Sport Inclusion NSW & ACT Eligibility Pathway

This pathway shows how eligibility and classification flow from local participation through to national and international representation. Sport Inclusion NSW & ACT works alongside Virtus and Sport Inclusion Australia to verify classifications (II-1, II-2, II-3), manage athlete records, and support athletes progressing through NSW or ACT State Sporting Organisations. Together, these levels ensure a clear, inclusive system for people with intellectual impairment and autism to participate and compete at every stage.

Form downloads

School Sport Eligibility

National Eligibility

International (Virtus) Eligibility

Completed applications should be sent to Sport Inclusion NSW

Common Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions regarding eligibility and support.

Our programs are open to people with intellectual disabilities of all ages and abilities.
Whether you’re at school, joining a grassroots program, or preparing for representative sport, there’s a pathway for you.

Not at the start.

  • School and grassroots programs only require self-identification or school support (no reports needed).

  • As athletes progress into regional, state, or national competitions, diagnostic evidence becomes important.
    This ensures fairness and eligibility for representative levels.

It’s the international eligibility standard for athletes with an intellectual disability.
To meet this standard, an athlete must have:

  • An IQ of 75 or below

  • Adaptive behaviour limitations (e.g. learning, problem solving, communication, or self-care)

  • Evidence that the disability began before age 22

These criteria are recognised by Virtus and Sport Inclusion Australia (SIA) and are used worldwide.

Evidence can include:

  • A psychology report with IQ and adaptive behaviour assessments

  • A GP or school letter confirming intellectual disability

  • NDIS plan notes, ILPs, or old school reports showing developmental challenges

You don’t need everything at once — eligibility can be confirmed using a combination of documents.

That’s okay!
You can still join school and grassroots programs while you start collecting documents.
Your coaches or coordinators can guide families through the process of obtaining assessments over time.

Evidence ensures fair competition and international recognition of results.
Athletes who meet full Virtus II-1 eligibility are added to the Sport Inclusion Australia Master List, allowing them to compete nationally or internationally.

Possibly.
If you can show that your intellectual disability originated before age 22 (through historical school records, old plans, or reports), you may still qualify.
Each case is reviewed individually by Sport Inclusion Australia.

Other inclusion pathways may be available for athletes with autism, learning difficulties, or other conditions not meeting Virtus criteria.
Sports Inclusion NSW works with Sport Inclusion Australia to explore flexible participation options where possible.

You can begin by contacting Sports Inclusion NSW or your program coordinator.
We’ll help you:

  1. Understand your eligibility level

  2. Gather the right evidence

  3. Submit documents to Sport Inclusion Australia (SIA) for review if needed

All formal classification and verification are handled by Sport Inclusion Australia, the national body recognised by Virtus.
Sports Inclusion NSW supports athletes in collecting and submitting the required information.

Yes — these eligibility standards apply across all sports delivered through Sports Inclusion NSW and its delivery partners, including Sports 4 All.
Each sport may have its own additional selection or skill criteria, but the base eligibility remains the same.Sports Inclusion NSW supports athletes in collecting and submitting the required information.