For new submissions, researchers must reach Stage 3 of the AIS research submission process to engage the EC.

Applications submitted to the EC must first be approved by the AIS Research Review Committee (RRC).

Please remember to:

• Submit the final version of your EC submission form that was returned to you by the RRC.
• Submit both forms as Microsoft Word Documents.
• Attach all supporting documents in PDF format.
• Check for an email from the EC Secretariat confirming that your application was received.

Following RRC approval, submit both your EC submission form and RRC review form to ethics@ausport.gov.au

Minor variations to studies that have previously been approved by the EC must be submitted for review. You should also submit a minor variation request if you are requesting an extension of your project timeline.

Variations must be submitted with:

• The minor variation form
• An updated version of the project's EC submission form
• Any relevant supporting documents
• A written request for minor variation, briefly summarising the variations and reason for the request - please use the content in the minor variation letter template on your organisation's letterhead.

Minor variation approval requests can be submitted to ethics@ausport.gov.au

The EC considers ethics approval applications for:

• Any research involving AIS funded athletes, staff or facilities.
• Research conducted in affiliation with state or territory institutes or academies of sport, who do not have their own HREC.

The EC does not consider applications for:

• Standalone procedures that are not part of a research project.
• Research projects not involving human participants. For example, the development of hardware, software or sporting equipment that will not be validated or tested using human participants.
  • Note: Data-related studies, where data is to be published, must be submitted to the EC for approval.
• Activities that are considered as routine monitoring and have previously been approved by the EC.
  • Note: Any changes to previously approved activities must be submitted to the EC for review.

Annual Reporting

Researchers must provide the EC with annual status reports on approved research projects.

Reports are required every 12 months, on the anniversary of initial ethics approval.

• Use the annual status report form to report on project status and progress.

Project Completion or Termination

Researchers are required to notify the EC when an approved project is completed, or if an approved project is terminated before completion.

• Use the project final report form to inform the EC of project completion and final outcomes.
• Use the termination of project form to report on projects that have been terminated early.

Submit any research project reports to ethics@ausport.gov.au

The EC meets 6 times per year. Calls for research submissions are made approximately 8 weeks before each EC meeting, as per the AIS research submission process.

Remember to submit to the RRC  first.

Please note:

• A decision on ethics approval is provided to applicants within 10 working days after a meeting
• Meeting dates are subject to change.

If a project requires ethics approval prior to the next EC meeting, an applicant may request an out-of-session review. Out-of-session reviews are granted at the discretion of the EC Chair.

If you require an out-of-session review, please email a formal written request to ethics@ausport.gov.au

Please remember to:

• Detail why an out-of-session review is required.
• Have your EC submission form complete and ready to submit to the RRC, as per the AIS research submission process.
• Check for an email from the EC Secretariat, confirming that your request has been received.

The EC Secretariat aims to provide the Chair's response to an out-of-session request within 10 days.