Haryana Enacts Comprehensive Law for Registration and Regulation of State Sports Associations

The State of Haryana has introduced a new legislative framework for the oversight of sports bodies with the enactment of The Haryana State Sports Associations (Registration and Regulation) Act, 2024. This Act, designated as Haryana Act No. 8 of 2024, received the assent of the Governor of Haryana on March 15, 2024, and was subsequently published in the Haryana Government Gazette on March 21, 2024. The legislation aims to establish a structured system for the registration and regulation of sports associations across the state, thereby protecting the interests of sportspersons and the associations themselves. The Act will come into force on a date to be appointed by the Government through a notification in the Official Gazette.

Central to the new Act is the establishment of two key bodies: the Haryana Sports Registration Council (HSRC) and Regional Sports Registration Councils (RSRC). The HSRC, a body corporate with perpetual succession, will be responsible for registering State Level Sports Associations and overseeing sports administration and unfair sports practices at the state level. Its composition includes eminent sportspersons, public administrators, legal professionals, and elected representatives from registered State Level Sports Associations, ensuring diverse expertise. Similarly, Regional Sports Registration Councils will be established in each region to register and regulate District Level Sports Associations. Both councils are empowered to conduct inquiries into alleged acts of omission or commission by sports associations, recommend international best practices, and advise the Government on sports promotion and sportspersons' welfare. The Act mandates compulsory registration for all State Level and District Level Sports Associations, with registrations valid for three years and subject to renewal. A significant consequence of non-registration or cancellation of registration is that sportspersons affiliated with such associations will be ineligible for any government grants, awards, job benefits, or the use of government infrastructure and manpower. Registered associations are granted the right to use "Haryana" or the district name as a prefix and their sportspersons can represent the state or district.

The legislative intent behind the Act is to bring greater transparency, accountability, and professionalism to sports governance within Haryana. It addresses the need for a robust regulatory mechanism to ensure that sports associations operate fairly and effectively, thereby fostering a conducive environment for sports development and athlete welfare. The Act seeks to fill potential statutory gaps by creating a clear framework for the functioning of sports bodies, which was previously less defined. It introduces new obligations for both State and District Level Sports Associations, including the requirement to conduct annual championships, send players to national/state levels, provide training facilities, maintain records, and establish grievance redressal mechanisms for sportspersons. Failure to comply with these obligations can lead to significant fines, ranging from five to ten lakh rupees for State Level Associations and fifty thousand to one lakh rupees for District Level Associations, or even cancellation of registration. The legislation provided: “AN ACT to provide for establishment of Haryana Sports Registration Council and Regional Sports Registration Council for registration and regulation of Sports Associations, to protect interest of sportspersons and sports associations and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto.” This core principle underscores the Act's dual focus on institutional regulation and the safeguarding of athletes' careers and opportunities. The Act also establishes an appeals process, allowing aggrieved parties to appeal decisions of the Regional Councils to the HSRC, and decisions of the HSRC to the Government, with specified timelines for disposal. Furthermore, it prohibits unregistered or cancelled associations from using the state or district name and from conducting trials or tournaments, with contraventions punishable by imprisonment and fines, ensuring strict adherence to the new regulatory regime.

Keywords: Haryana, Sports Associations, Registration, Regulation, Sportspersons, Sports Council, State Legislation, Sports Governance, Athlete Welfare, Sports Administration

Geo Tags: India, Haryana District: Not Applicable