Am I an amateur or a professional, and how do I register?

A professional is a player with a written contract with a club under which they are paid more than the expenses they effectively incur to play football for that club. Every other player is an amateur. All professionals on an NPL first team roster must have a written contract (the NRR Prescribed Form 05 Professional Player Contract) and be registered through the Domestic Transfer Matching System (DTMS) as necessary.

A club can pay or reimburse an amateur's expenses (for example travel, kit, equipment or insurance premiums) without changing their status. If an amateur is paid or reimbursed more than $115 a week, the club must satisfy the competition administrator that the amount reflects the expenses actually incurred, or the player is deemed a professional.

To register as a professional for the NPL only, you self-register on the National Online Registration System, and you or the club lodge the signed NRSTR04 form and the signed contract. The club must sight your original birth certificate, passport or driver's licence, and your right to work in Australia (passport or visa) if applicable.

A contract can run for no more than five years, or three years if you are under 18.

Sources: articles 5, 6 and 11, National Registration, Status and Transfer Regulations (22 September 2026); NPL Player Roster Principles 2026.