Submissions open for Best Sports Photography Award in Australia

The Australian Sports Commission (ASC) runs the ASC Media Awards, and the Best sports photography category recognises published images that capture the passion, drama and colour of sport. Photographers submit one image per entry, with the option to submit up to three separate entries. Entries open 29 September 2026 and close 31 October 2026. Opportunity at a Glance

- Opportunity name: Best sports photography (ASC Media Awards)

- Organiser: Australian Sports Commission (ASC)

- What it supports: Recognition of published sports photography based on coverage during the qualifying period

- Eligible applicants: Photographers entering the media awards category (maximum three entries per person; this category does not include books)

- Eligible location(s): Not specified in the source

- Entry platform: Awards platform — https://ascmediaawards.awardsplatform.com

- Entries open: 29 September 2026

- Entries close: 31 October 2026

- Qualifying period: 1 November 2025 to 31 October 2026

- How many images you can submit: Single image per entry, up to three separate entries per person

About the Opportunity

The Best sports photography category is part of the ASC Media Awards. It recognises published images that reflect the passion, drama and colour of sport. The award focuses on the quality and comprehensiveness of coverage during the qualifying period. To be eligible for this category, nominated images must have been first published during the qualifying period in a printed publication or on a third-party’s website/social media account. Funding and Benefits No funding amount or monetary prize is specified in the provided source text. This category’s benefit is recognition through the ASC Media Awards process. The source explains the submission and assessment approach, but it does not describe prize money or other awards for this specific category. Who Is Eligible?

- Eligible applicant type: Photographers submitting entries to the Best sports photography category.

- Entry limit: Maximum of three entries per person for this category.

- Excluded formats: This category does not include books.

- Publication requirement: The image must be first published during the qualifying period in either:

- a printed publication, or - a third-party’s website/social media account.

Not specified in the source: Applicant eligibility by country, professional status, or organisational affiliation.

Eligible Activities or Priority Areas This award category is focused on sports photography that provides strong coverage during the qualifying period. The source indicates assessments should consider: - Quality of the nominated image(s) - Comprehensiveness of coverage during the qualifying period

- A submission statement that outlines:

- relevance to the category - impact - any background context Why This Opportunity Matters For photographers and sports media contributors, this category offers a structured pathway to have work assessed in a category dedicated to sports imagery. The emphasis on first publication during the qualifying period and on the coverage approach helps ensure the nominated work reflects sport storytelling over time. How to Apply - Prepare your entry within the qualifying period requirement - Ensure each nominated image was first published between 1 November 2025 and 31 October 2026 in an eligible format (printed publication or third-party website/social media). - Submit via the ASC Media Awards platform - Use the Awards platform to enter: https://ascmediaawards.awardsplatform.com - Complete the entry form for each entry - Submit a completed entry form. - Submit a separate form for each entry. A series on the same topic is considered a single entry.

- Maximum: three entries per person for this category.

- Provide the required materials - Submit one copy of the nominated item(s). The source notes that PDFs or web links can be submitted. - Include a 200-word statement supporting the entry, outlining its: - relevance to the category, - impact, and - background context. - Upload an electronic copy of the work that forms the basis of the nomination. - If the platform requires login to view content in full, include login details in your entry. - Check file upload expectations - The source states there is no file size limit, but upload time depends on your internet connection. - The platform supports multiple file types (details not specified beyond that). - Respect the entry window

- Entries open: 21 September 2026

- Entries close: 31 October 2026

- Deadline time and time zone: Not specified in the source.

Application Tips or Common Mistakes

- Don’t submit unqualified images: Only images first published within 1 November 2025 to 31 October 2026 are eligible (as described in the source).

- Follow the “one image per entry” rule: Each entry is based on a single image, even though you can submit up to three separate entries.

- Avoid disallowed image changes: The source allows only simple retouching that conforms to currently accepted industry standards. It explicitly prohibits:

- cloning - montaging - digital special effects

- Don’t forget the 200-word statement: A supporting statement is required and must be 200 words as specified.

- Watch the entry limit: The source states a maximum of three entries per person applies to this category.

Frequently Asked Questions What is the ASC Media Awards “Best sports photography” category for? It recognises published images that capture the passion, drama and colour of sport, assessing both the quality of the image and the comprehensiveness of coverage during the qualifying period. How many images can I submit? The source says you must submit a single image per entry, but you can submit up to three separate entries. There is also a maximum of three entries per person for this category. Where do I submit my entry? Entries must be submitted via the ASC Media Awards Awards platform: https://ascmediaawards.awardsplatform.com. What publication timing is required for eligibility? Images mu