Unpaid and Amateur Players: Volunteer Roles on a 408 Sports Visa

Many overseas players join Australian clubs for the experience rather than the money, often with accommodation, meals or a car provided instead of wages. The 408 sports visa can cover these arrangements, but they need to be set out carefully.

Unpaid roles are allowed

Volunteer status is fine if it is genuine. Under policy, unpaid activity is acceptable in genuine cases, for example a player or coach at an amateur sporting club. An allowance for expenses is not treated as payment. The contract should say clearly that the role is voluntary, and list any support provided.

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What the contract should show

• the contract period;
• that the role is voluntary, or the allowance paid;
• in kind support, such as accommodation, meals and transport;
• duties and expected weekly hours;
• any other sporting role with a different organisation;
• whether family members are covered.

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Endorsement still applies

A player, coach or adjudicator contracted to an Australian club still needs a letter of endorsement from the national sporting body confirming their ability at Australian national level, whether or not they are paid. Policy also generally limits clubs in local and regional competitions to two overseas sports professionals, with limited exceptions for multi sport clubs and very large clubs. See national sporting body endorsement and overseas players for local clubs.

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Enough money to live on

Because the player cannot take non sporting jobs, such as bar or grounds work, the Department checks that they have enough support for the stay. Accommodation and meals from the club help, and the player may need to show personal savings as well.

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Visitor visa options

Under policy, amateur sportspeople may be able to use a visitor visa, for example when training or playing as part of an overseas team. A player joining an Australian club for a season generally needs the 408 Sport activity type. See sports events and short tours in Australia.