Guidelines and Criteria
The Criteria and Guidelines below are essential reading for anyone before applying for a Sports Lottery Grant – they are designed to take an applicant through the process and provide a basis for funding expectation when planning an activity. The Sports Lottery application cross refers to the Criteria and Guidelines so that the applicant can be sure they are on the right track.

Please note that applications that attempt to bypass the Criteria will be returned. 
    
      References:
      A.  BR 4024 (Manual of Adventurous Training)
      B.  JSP 315  (JS Scales of Entitlement for P&RT Centres).
      C.  Tour Letter – TEM 630/H dated 7 Aug 08
      D.  RN/RM Sports Lottery Application Form. 
      E.  JSP 752

Introduction
1. Non-public funding for Naval Service sport/recreation/expeds is provided from the RN/RM Sports Lottery (RNSL). The purpose of this funding is to benefit all levels of Navy Service sport/recreation/expeds by enhancing existing public funds (money provided through the MOD) and by making grants for approved activities and equipment that fall outside the scope of public funding.

Aim of this Document
2. This document provides criteria and guidelines for those applying for non-public funds from the RNSL.

Eligibility for Funding
3. Serving Naval Service personnel and Reservists will be considered for funding for activities and equipment that support the purpose (para 1). In order to benefit from SL funds membership of the RNSL is mandatory. The aim of the SL Grant is to offset personal contributions and therefore the total grant is based on the number of eligible personnel multiplied by the sum for the activity calculated from the criteria. Therefore funds will not normally be released until supporting nominal lists have been checked for Sports Lottery eligibility.

4. RN/RM Sports Associations, Commands, Shore Establishments, Ships, Submarines and Commando Units are normally the only organisations for which sports tours, expeditions and AT activities will be approved and RNSL funds granted.

5. It should be noted that individuals or ad hoc teams that enter events for personal purposes (not Association or Service endorsed), and those participating in events to raise funds for charity, cannot be supported by RNSL funds.  

General Guidance
6. This section provides guidance that can be applied to all applications and is
refined for specific activities later in the document. It also attempts to convey
the guiding principles (spirit) of the RNSL grant assessment process.

7. It is important that applicants do not regard RNSL funding as a replacement
for public funding. It follows that a good starting point for all applications is to
identify existing sources of public funding and, in the first instance, advice
should be sought from PTRO staff, Area Recreation Officers, IPTRM and
TEMERAIRE staff. 

8. All applications must be approved through the appropriate chain of command
as follows:  

 a. Applications from ships/shore establishments/RM units are to be
 authorised and signed by the Commanding Officer or Executive Officer. 

 b. In addition to para a., applications from Fleet units are to be further endorsed by ARO’s or IPTRM   for RM

 c. Applications on behalf of Command Teams are to be authorised and signed by the appropriate ARO   or IPTRM for RM. 

 d. Applications from Sports Associations are to be authorised and signed by their  Chairman or by the   Secretary, Treasurer or designated Tour Manager (provided the tour has been approved at an AGM or
 Executive meeting).

9.  Assessment - Affordability will always be the overriding consideration when assessing applications, but if funding is available, applications will be “tested” against the following template questions – as such, these serve as a very useful checklist for applicants:

 a. Does this application support the purpose of RNSL funding?
 (i). See para 1  – “Benefit Navy Service sport /recreation/expeds”

 b. Is the application endorsed by the appropriate Chain of Command?
 (i). See para 8.

 c. Have all existing public funds been identified/secured?
 (i). See para 7.

 d. Have all local non-public funds been identified/secured?
 (i). Welfare, unit, Corps etc.

 e. Is this a cost effective venture?
 (i). Is the travel element proportionate to the overall cost?
 (ii). Can the aims be achieved closer to home?
 (iii). Is the travel by economic means?
 (iv). Is the standard of accommodation consistent with the activity?
 (v). Does the application include items beyond the scope?
 (eg. promotional/leisure clothing, gifts, trophies, social events, taxis etc)

    f. Is the itinerary balanced?
 (i). Does the programme focus on the main activity?
 (ii). Is it a rigorous sports tour/exped or a subsidised holiday? 

 g. Is there is a good mix of personnel – rank, rate, gender, experience?
 (i). The RNSL aims to support as many eligible Naval Service personnel as possible and applications   that involve large numbers of personnel at low cost per head, especially those that introduce “new   blood”, are particularly encouraged.
 (ii). If applicable, are tour/training camp numbers travelling iaw Reference C.