Sports Ministry notifies rules for NSB, NST

The Sports Ministry notified rules for the National Sports Tribunal and National Sports Board under the Sports Governance Act. A digital portal will manage disputes, records, and hearings, aiming for faster resolution. The NSB will oversee recognition, compliance, and governance standards

New Delhi: The Sports Ministry on Tuesday notified the rules of operation for the soon-to-be-formed National Sports Tribunal (NST) and the National Sports Board (NSB), stating that a dedicated portal would be set up for submission of disputes and maintenance of legal records.

In separate notifications addressing the roles of the two bodies, which will be formed under the National Sports Governance Act passed last year, the Sports Ministry reiterated that a search-cum-selection committee is in the process of being formed under the cabinet secretary.

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The National Sports Board, that will function as the central authority for granting recognition to National Sports Bodies and ensuring compliance with governance, financial and ethical standards, will comprise a Chairperson and two members. It will have a three-year term.

The Tribunal’s strength has not been specified by the government. The rules for NST, however, have incorporated the provisions for techno-legal measures to ensure “digital implementation”.

“(These include) notification of a dedicated portal by the Central Government for submission of disputes, notices, responses, documents and clarifications, as well as communication from the Tribunal, publication of orders, virtual hearings and maintenance of records related to proceedings and orders,” the ministry stated.

The Tribunal will serve as a dedicated adjudicatory body for sports-related disputes in the country.

“It is aimed at reducing reliance on civil courts and ensuring independent, speedy, effective and cost-efficient disposal of disputes relating to sports governance and administration,” the ministry reiterated.

The government also stated once again that if the appointed Chairperson or member of the Tribunal is a serving judge of the Supreme Court or a High Court, “he shall either resign or obtain voluntary retirement from his parent service before joining the Tribunal.”

In addition to granting affiliation, the National Sports Board will also maintain a roster of the National Sports Election Panel and a register of affiliate units of the National Sports Bodies The Board has also been empowered to specify model guidelines or regulations on sports governance. An age cap of 65 has been set for the members.