Governing Body Endorsement Requirements
This guidance is to be used for all International Sportsperson Route Governing Body Endorsement Requests made on or after the 10th May 2025.
This guidance is to be used for all International Sportsperson Route Governing Body Endorsement Requests made on or after the 10th May 2025.
Section 1: Overview of governing body endorsements for the International Sportsperson route of the points-based system
This page provides a brief explanation of what endorsement requirements apply in respect of the International Sportsperson route of the points-based system.
The International Sportsperson route is for elite sportspeople and coaches who:
- are internationally established and whose employment will make a significant contribution to the development of their sport at the highest level in the UK
- who will base themselves in the UK
- will be filling a post that cannot be filled by a suitable British citizen or person who has a right to enter or stay in the UK without restriction.
The application process explained: migrants applying to come to the UK under the International Sportsperson route need to be sponsored by an organisation that has an International Sportsperson sponsor licence.
If you wish to sponsor such migrants, you must have a sponsor licence. Before you apply to the Home Office for a licence you must be endorsed by the approved governing body for your sport. This endorsement confirms to the Home Office that the application for a licence is from a genuine sports club (or equivalent) that has a legitimate requirement to bring migrants to the UK as sportspeople. Once licensed, you can assign certificates of sponsorship to a sportsperson or coach with a job offer that allows them to apply for entry clearance or permission to stay in the UK. Each individual must also have a personal endorsement from the approved governing body for their sport before you assign the certificate of sponsorship.
An approved governing body is one specified in Appendix SGB of the Immigration Rules. Such a governing body must be recognised by one of the home country sports councils such as Sport England, and will have been approved by the Home Office before being included in Appendix SGB of the Immigration Rules.
Approved governing bodies will work within the Home Office’s ‘Code of practice for sports governing bodies’ and must comply with any immigration regulations, UK legislation and the principles of the points-based system as detailed on the GOV.UK website.
Length of endorsement
Governing body endorsements should be issued for a period appropriate to the period of approval for sponsorship, that is:
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Type of application |
Length of endorsement |
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Sponsor |
4 years from date of issue.
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Migrant |
For an initial maximum period of 3 years, with a further extension of a maximum period of 3 years. If the contract is for fewer than 3 years, it will be issued for the length of the contract. |
Change of employment
If a migrant is intending to change employer, their new employer must request a new governing body endorsement. The endorsement can be issued for the length of the contract or to the maximum period permitted within the route, whichever is the shorter. The new employer must assign a new certificate of sponsorship to the migrant to allow them to apply to the Home Office for new permission to stay. Permission to stay must be granted before the migrant can start work with the new employer.
Salary
The salary should be agreed as part of the contract between the migrant and the sponsor. This and the other conditions of employment should be at least equal to those normally given to a resident worker for the type of work undertaken. For clarity, this should be equal to or exceeding minimum wage.
Supplementary employment
International Sportsperson migrants are eligible to undertake supplementary employment under the Home Office supplementary employment regulations. The ‘Supplementary employment’ section Workers and Temporary Workers: guidance for sponsors - Sponsor an International Sportsperson guidance has more information on this.
Compliance with the Code of Practice for Sports Governing Bodies
In reviewing this criteria, Basketball England confirm we have reread the Code and agree to our roles and responsibilities as set out within. We confirm we have acted in full compliance with the principles of the Code during this annual review.
Section 2: Requirements
This page explains British Basketball Federation requirements under the International Sportsperson route.
Only the roles listed as part of this criteria are eligible for endorsement.
The endorsements apply to England, Scotland, and Wales.
Consultation
The following requirements have been agreed by the Home Office following consultation between Basketball England, Basketball Scotland, Basketball Wales, the British Basketball Federation, Super League Basketball and the Women’s British Basketball League.
Prior to contacting the Home Office during the annual review of this criteria, British Basketball Federation confirm that full consultation has been carried out, this includes any organisation that could be interpreted as an interested party, such as clubs, bodies, or player associations related to basketball in the UK.
Review
The requirements will be reviewed annually. The next review will be in February 2026.
Length of season
The season for basketball runs from 1st September to 31st August.
Requirements
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Criteria Requirements
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Sponsors
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Governing body endorsements from Basketball England will only be issued to the following Governing Bodies within Basketball:
· The British Basketball Federation · Basketball England · Basketball Scotland · Basketball Wales
In addition to clubs participating in:
· British Basketball National Championship (Men) · Basketball England Division 1 Men · British Basketball National Championship (Women)
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Migrants
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Players |
A Player will be endorsed if they meet the requirements set out under one or more of the following headings (A – E):
A. Players Graduating from the USA and Canada
To qualify for endorsement as a Player under the Players Graduating from the USA and Canada requirements, the Player must have completed at least 4 years eligibility in the college system (this can include up to 2 years at junior college) and have a playing percentage of 75% percent or above in each of their last 2 seasons in either of the following:
The player must have graduated within the last 2 years from date of GBE application..
Please note: Some players take 5 years to complete their 4 years college education due to taking a year out known as red-shirting. Players will not be penalised for following this option.
B. International Players
To qualify for endorsement as a Player under the International Players requirements, the Player must have played in at least 75% of their senior national team’s available games in the previous two seasons, not including the current season,For a playing nation ranked in the top 50 in the world as measured by the International Basketball Federation (FIBA).
Please note: Available international games include FIBA Continental, World and Olympic Championships unless it can be proved that they were not available for those games.
C. Top Domestic Professional Players
To qualify for endorsement as a Player under the Top Domestic Professional Players requirements, Players must be over the age of 18 on the date of the GBE application, and played in at least 75% of games available from one of the following in either of the the last two seasons not including the current season:
D. Players who do not meet the above criteria under Section A. Players Graduating from the USA and Canada, B. International Players, or C. Top Domestic Professional Players
To qualify for endorsement as a Player where the Player fails to meet the requirements set out under Sections A, B, or C, the Player must meet two of the three criteria listed below:
To note: For requirement 3, the player must have been available and played in at least 60% of games they were eligible and available to play in, in each of the last two seasons, which includes conference and tournament games.
E. Female Professional Players
To qualify for endorsement as a Player under the Female Professional Players requirements, Players must have played in at least 60% of available games, over the previous two seasons, not including the current season, in a league affiliated to or operated by one of the top 30 FIBA World Ranked Federations.
The league must be either the first or second tier of competition in that country.
A copy of the player’s previous two professional contracts must be supplied as evidence when making an application.
F. Extensions/Transfers
Where an overseas Player is moving to another British team in the same competition, or extending their contract for the following season with the same team having played in either the BBNCL Men, BBNCL Women or Basketball England’s Division One Men must demonstrate that they played in at least 75% of their previous UK team's competitive games where they were available for selection.
If a player is transferred from one team to another during a season, the new club must obtain a new governing body endorsement before assigning a new certificate of sponsorship (CoS). The new player cannot play until they have been granted new permission to stay (leave to remain) in the UK.
Other aspects to note for Players
Players Performing Community Coaching/Promotional Work
Players who are required to carry out some coaching duties, that are supplementary/ additional to the role they are performing (not in the Leagues the GBE endorsement is being issued for) as part of their contract, must hold aBBF Home Nations Level 2 Coaching Award or a FIBA Federation equivalent before undertaking any coaching duties for a club.
If a club applies to employ a player who does not hold the BBF Home Nations Level 2 Coaching Award or a FIBA equivalent the club must ensure that once they enter the UK they will achieve the UKCC Duty to Care award within three months and the Home Nation Level 2 Coaching Award within the first playing season. Once the individual has attained the award, they will be able to undertake coaching duties.
Individuals that have studied overseas and played in overseas college systems
Individuals require a governing body endorsement under the International Sportsperson route if they wish to play for a professional or semi-professional club.
All those participating in basketball in the UK must abide by their visa conditions.
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Director of Basketball / Head Coach
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To note: Clubs can have either a Head Coach or a Director of Basketball. Basketball England, British Basketball Federation, Basketball Scotland, and Basketball Wales can have one Director of Basketball and four Head Coaches. In addition, no Endorsements are available for a Player Coach.
To qualify for endorsement as either a Director of Basketball / Head Coach, the individual must meet both of the following requirements in the relevant role:
Applicants must also have been in a Director of Basketball / Head Coach role contracted for 12 months during the past two seasons, not including the current seasons, immediately prior to the application date, for one of the following:
FIBA Champions Leagues
If a club applies to employ a Director of Basketball or a Head Coach who does not hold a BBF Home Nations Coaching Level 3 or a FIBA federation equivalent, but satisfies all other aspects of the criteria, a governing body endorsement will be issued on condition that once they enter the UK they will achieve the a BBF Home Nation Level 3 Coaching Award or a FIBA federation equivalent before the end of the first or current season of employment.
Extension or Change of Employment
Where clubs are applying for an extension of a Governing Body Endorsement, for a Director of Basketball or Head Coach, the individual must have achieved a BBF Home Federations level 3 or a FIBA federation equivalent and a UK Coaching Duty to Care Award. This will apply if the person is moving to a new British team to perform the same role.
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Assistant Coach
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To Note: Clubs can have one Assistant Coach per team. Basketball England, British Basketball Federation, Basketball Scotland, and Basketball Wales can have up to three Assistant Coaches for their Home National Teams. No Player Assistant Coaches are permitted.
To qualify for endorsement as an Assistant Coach, the individual must hold – as a minimum – a BBF Home Federations Level 3 or a FIBA federations equivalent coaching qualification. They must also hold a FIBA Coaches / WABC license issued by their Home Federation.
If a club applies for a governing body endorsement for an Assistant Coach who does not hold a BBF Home Nations Coaching Level 3 or a FIBA federation equivalent, but satisfies all other aspects of the criteria, a governing body endorsement may be issued on condition that once they enter the UK they will achieve a BBFHome Nations Level 3 Coaching Award or a FIBA Federations equivalent and a UK Coaching Duty of Care award before the end the first or current season of employment.
Individuals must also meet one of the following, the individual:
See the full HMG policy guidance on sponsoring a worker for more information.
Extension or Change of Employment Application
In all extensions or a change of employment, the individual must have also completed the Home Nation Level 3 award or its equivalent and the UKCC Duty of Care Award, issued or updated in the previous 12 months.
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Notes
Each application for a governing body endorsement must be submitted with evidence to support the application that explicitly states the requirements the applicant meets.
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Definitions
“Available” means the player was listed for a game via physical stats and/or on the scoresheets for the game in question. This includes total games as substitute and on the court playing.
“Coaching Awards” means any of the BBF Home Country Basketball entities level 3 coach awards.
“FIBA” means the World Governing Body for basketball. This includes theregions such as FIBA Europe, FIBA Africa, FIBA Oceana, FIBA Americas, FIBA Asia or any amendments to these classifications.
“FIBA Top 50 Rankings” mean the FIBA rankings of the Top 50 Countries for men and Top 50 Countries for Women. All applications are assessed and measured based on the countries in the FIBA top 50 ranking based upon the date and time of the GBE application being assessed and then confirmed. The rankings are changed in February every year.
“Season” meansthe 1st September to, the 31st August.
FIBA World Ranking men: https://www.fiba.basketball/rankingmen
FIBA World Ranking Women: https://www.fiba.basketball/rankingwomen
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Injuries, Absences and Suspensions
Games for which the applicant was unavailable for selection are to be excluded when calculating the applicant appearance percentage. Unavailable for selection means the applicant was not available to participate due to injury or suspension and written evidence supporting this, setting out the games missed and the reason(s), must be provided by the applicant National Association or club doctor to Basketball England for consideration.
Consideration will be given to the following when applying the criteria: injury; a period of maternity or paternity leave; serious illness or any legitimate medical reasons; suspension; international duty; bereavement; or family crisis.
In order to obtain the governing body endorsement, the individual must not be subject to a provisional suspension or any unexpired period of ineligibility from playing and/ or coaching activities in any jurisdiction as a result of being charged with or found guilty of a corruption offence and/ or a doping offence and/ or another misconduct offence.
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Further information
This information is available on the Basketball England website.
For any queries relating to the requirements or the endorsement process please contact:
Rob Fairley - Delivery Manager (Leagues & Competitions)
Telephone: 0300 600 1170
Email: [email protected]
Information on visas and immigration is available on the GOV.UK website.
Endorsement Decision
An endorsement request may be accepted only where a Player, Head Coach or Assistant Coach meets the criteria in Section 2 ‘Requirements’. Basketball England will notify the sponsor in writing of any endorsement request which is refused setting out the reasons for refusal.
An endorsement request will be refused if the Player, Head Coach or Assistant Coach does not meet the Section 2 Requirements as set out in this document or fails to provide the mandatory documents.
Dispute handling procedures
Where an application for either a player to play in a team or a coach to coach a team in one of the leagues covered by the requirements for a governing body endorsement as set out for International Sportsperson has been refused on the grounds that the player or coach fails to meet the published requirements, the sponsor may seek an appeal of the decision. The sponsor will have 7 days to request an appeal. In these cases, Basketball England will refer the sponsor’s evidence to an independent appeal panel as set out below.
The sponsor’s supporting evidence will be sent to the appeal panel in advance for their consideration in order to allow an informed decision.
Sponsors should note that, in respect of any application, there will only be one panel available and the decision of the panel is final. Sponsors should therefore ensure that all evidence it wishes to present in support of its application is presented to the panel. If the sponsor has previously made an application that was unsuccessful at appeal panel a further panel cannot be requested for the same player or Head coach during the season unless his status changes and he meets the requirements whereby a new application can be submitted.
1. The Review
The request for an appeal may only be made by the sponsor for whom the governing body endorsement has been initially rejected by Basketball England.
An appeal shall be commenced by the appellant lodging with Basketball England Integrity Team, a notice of appeal within 7 days of the decision appealed against. The notice of appeal shall:
- set out details of the decision appealed against and, if the whole of the decision is not appealed against, identify that part of it which is appealed against;
- acknowledge the sole ground of appeal applicable in this process; that being incorrect application of the endorsement criteria;
- be accompanied by a deposit of £500. The panel shall have discretion as to whether the deposit is returned.
The procedure for appeal will be in accordance with the Disciplinary Regulations and the Panel shall be comprised as detailed below.
2. The Panel
The panel will be appointed by the Basketball England’s Discipline Officer. The appointed panel shall consist of: an independent chairman, one representative of British Basketball Federation (who has not been involved in the initial decision) and a further independent member.
3. Power of the Panel
The appeal panel will be convened, and will take into consideration the initial application, the appeal submission, and any reasoning and response provided by Basketball England. The sponsor will be notified of the appeal panel’s decision within seven working days of the appeal panel meeting to make their decision.
4. The Decision
The panel will make a decision using the above criteria which shall be final and binding.
Section 3: Process for applying for an endorsement
How to apply for governing body endorsements for International Sportsperson sponsor licence applications
Clubs eligible for an International Sportsperson sponsor licence governing body endorsement should use the application form in Annex A.
All potential sponsors should note that the purpose of an endorsement for a prospective sponsor is to confirm to the Home Office officials processing sponsor applications that the application is from a bona fide sports club or equivalent that has a legitimate requirement to bring migrants to the UK as sportspeople. The Home Office has additional criteria for sponsors that must be met in order for a club to be granted a sponsor licence. It is not Basketball England who will grant a sponsor licence.
How to apply for governing body endorsements for International Sportsperson migrant applications
Once a club has obtained its sponsor licence from the Home Office, the sponsor will be able to apply for Certificates of Sponsorship, which it will allocate to migrants coming here to work for it. Each migrant that a club wishes to employ needs to be assigned a Certificate of Sponsorship. However, before a club can assign a Certificate of Sponsorship to a sportsperson, they will also have to obtain an endorsement from Basketball England for all applications made for individual sportspeople and coaches.
International Sportsperson Long Term Stay (Exceeding 12 months) clubs should use either:
Annex C: International Sportsperson Migrant Governing Body Endorsement Application Form (Player)
Annex D: International Sportsperson Migrant Governing Body Endorsement Application Form (Coach)
Where a sponsor is seeking endorsement for a minor aged 16 or 17, written parental permission must be provided alongside their application. The sponsor must also have appropriate safeguarding arrangements, policies and procedures in place in line with the NSPCC Safeguarding and Child Protection standards in England and Wales and Child First, Standards for Child Wellbeing and Protection in Sport in Scotland.