The Sport and National Governing Body (NGB) Recognition Process provides a consistent framework for Sports Councils in the United Kingdom to recognise sports, disciplines and the organisations that govern and develop them.
Following a comprehensive review, undertaken by the four Home Country Sports Councils (HCSCs): Sport England, Sport Northern Ireland, Sport Scotland and Sport Wales, and UK Sport, the recognition process has now reopened for new applications.
The updated Recognition Policy (2026) sets out the purpose of recognition, and the criteria organisations must meet, and has been developed to ensure it remains fit for purpose, transparent and consistent across the United Kingdom. The Policy is supported by Application Guidance that explains how to apply and how applications will be assessed.
UK Sport is not involved in the administration of the process, although it does support and confirm the assessment of applications where they relate to Olympic and Paralympic sports or disciplines.
In the first instance, organisations seeking to gain recognition should contact the relevant Home Country Sports Council (HCSC), based on the location of their office, in order to discuss their proposal and confirm eligibility before submitting an application.
More information and contact details for each Home Country Sports Council can be found as follows: