The Regional Government creates the Quality Seal for School-Age Sports

The Regional Ministry of Education, Culture and Sports of Castilla-La Mancha has created the official distinction “Quality Seal for School-Age Sports in Castilla-La Mancha”, a voluntary recognition that accredits excellence in the management of sports entities in the region. This is established by Order 123/2026, of August 18, published in the Official Gazette of Castilla-La Mancha number 167, of September 1, 2026 (p. 31223), with official reference [2026/6315].

The regulation is issued under the exclusive competence that article 31.1.19.ª of the Statute of Autonomy attributes to the Regional Government of Castilla-La Mancha regarding the promotion of sports, and develops Law 5/2015, of March 26, on Physical Activity and Sports of Castilla-La Mancha. The order, signed by the regional minister Amador Pastor Noheda, enters into force the day following its publication and is based on the principles of good regulation provided for in Law 39/2015, of October 1.

A distinction in three levels

The Quality Seal is diversified into Bronze, Silver, and Gold levels, based on the indicators verified according to the Quality Plan for School-Age Sports, which will be published as an annex in each call for applications. Initial access to the system is mandatory through the Bronze level, and higher levels require prior ownership of the immediately lower level during the period of validity.

The evaluation is structured around three strategic axes:

• Health and Well-being of the Athlete.
• Sports Programming and Training.
• Organization of the Sports Club.

Eligible entities and assessment criteria

The distinction may be requested by legally constituted Sports Clubs currently active in the Registry of Sports Entities of Castilla-La Mancha, as well as City Councils that manage training programs through their Municipal Sports Schools. In both cases, they must prove that they develop physical activity programs for the school-age population, between 6 and 18 years old.

Applications are scored using objective criteria, among which the following stand out:

• Number of integrated athletes with disabilities: up to 10 points.
• Existence of an Equality Plan: up to 10 points.
• Coaches with official certification: up to 10 points.
• Protocol against violence, racism, and xenophobia: up to 10 points.
• Seniority in the Registry of Sports Entities: up to 10 points.

Entities with a score lower than 25 points will not be able to access the process.

Reserved places and procedure

The order reserves 10% of the called places for sports entities located in municipalities of Castilla-La Mancha affected by depopulation, included in the categories of intense or extreme depopulation provided for in the regional regulations, provided they reach the minimum required valuation.

Applications shall be submitted electronically with an electronic signature through the electronic headquarters of the Junta de Comunidades de Castilla-La Mancha (https://www.jccm.es), within a period of no less than ten business days from the publication of the call. Selected entities may access a non-mandatory Training Plan, or present a Justifying Report evaluated by a technical suitability report. The granting resolution will be issued within a maximum period of six months and will be published in the Official Gazette of Castilla-La Mancha.

Validity and effects

The Quality Seal will have a validity of two years, conditional upon the continued compliance with the standards that motivated its granting. Beneficiary entities may use the badge in their documentation and promotional material, and the Department may consider its possession in the regulatory bases for subsidies and grant them priority status in training activities.

With this initiative, the region takes a step toward ensuring that the sporting practice of boys, girls, and young people is developed in safe, inclusive environments with educational value, while rewarding clubs and municipal schools committed to the continuous improvement of sporting quality.

Source: Official Gazette of Castilla-La Mancha, no. 167, September 1, 2026, section I (General Provisions), page 31223 (official reference: [2026/6315]).