University Sport South Africa (USSA) has complete control and jurisdiction over all student sport events and tournaments organised under its auspices. Tournaments are organised annually in those sports for which a recognised National University Sports Association (NUSA) exist. The NUSA is responsible for the administration, organisation and coordination of its own sporting activities on a national and provincial basis.

USSA events and tournaments are closed events for member institutions of USSA. Only bona fide students registered with a club of a member institution may participate in tournaments and activities of USSA, FISU, FASU and/or CUCSA. A bona fide student is defined as a person who is:

1. officially registered at a higher education institution recognized by the appropriate national academic authority in the country (i.e. Department of Higher Education and Training) for a programme of at least 120 SAQA credits on NQF Level 5, and approved by that institution’s senate. This includes bridging courses, although only one (1) attempt at completing any bridging course will be allowed at any institution. Students enrolled for bridging courses must have a matriculation endorsement or a certificate of exemption issued by the Matriculation Board. This excludes students who are enrolled for short courses or are registered for courses or modules or units of study that are less than 120 SAQA credits;
    
2. actively involved in pursuing his/her academic career, i.e. attending lectures, submitting assignments, writing tests and examinations in order to be promoted to the next level of study.