Integrity kicks off 2025 footy season
Teams across the Australian football codes have their sites firmly set on success for the 2025 season, which includes making sure they are up to date on their integrity education.
Since January, Sport Integrity Australia (SIA) has facilitated more than 80 education sessions across AFL, Rugby League and Rugby Union, ensuring our men’s and women’s footy players are armed with the knowledge that will allow them to focus on their game and put their best boot forward.
Each integrity education session is tailored to the sporting code and guides athletes through real-life scenarios they may find themselves in as professional athletes, and their obligations under the World Anti-Doping Code, such as:
- Athlete Whereabouts
- The Testing Process
- Checking their substances
- Therapeutic Use Exemptions
- The Illicit Drugs Policy and
- Competition Manipulation, just to name a few.
Session feedback provided by athletes confirmed this with a majority of respondents categorising the sessions as highly engaging and relevant, and 100% of attendees confirming that they learnt something new.
Following a recent session with the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs, two of their star players Max King and Harry Hayes reflected on their biggest takeaways and what integrity means to them as professional athletes.
“Integrity is about being honest with yourself and being honest with those around you,” Harry said.
“Integrity is simple. It’s about doing the right thing. It’s about everyone competing on an even playing field,” Max said.
“In terms of testing, it’s super easy, super simple. You walk away from sessions like today and it can be a little daunting because it reminds you of how aware you need to be but it’s also a good reminder to take the right precautions.”
The sessions are delivered by SIA’s Integrity Educators who, as either former or current competitive athletes themselves, have a first-hand understanding about what it takes to keep sport safe, fair and clean.
According to the North Queensland Toyota Cowboys Head of Wellbeing and Education, Chad Buckby, this is a key element to delivering these all-important sessions.
“Maintaining the integrity of sport is paramount. These Sport Integrity Australia education sessions, delivered by athletes who've lived it, are crucial for protecting the values we cherish in sport – fair play and a level playing field,” Mr Buckby said.
“They empower clubs and athletes with the knowledge to combat threats like doping and game manipulation, ensuring a future where sport remains a true test of skill and character.”
The Norths Devils Rugby League Football Club (Norths Devils RLFC) have worked with SIA to facilitate integrity education sessions across all age groups within their club from their men’s and women’s under 17s through to their senior teams.
Norths Devils RLFC Pathways and Community Program Manager, Troy Duncan, said the sessions help to create awareness that young athletes would otherwise not have on their path to professional competition.
"These types of programs are invaluable to our younger players. Many of them would never have come across these messages, nor would they be aware of the dangers they face,” Mr Duncan said.
“We are very appreciative of the support & education SIA presents to our players.”
SIA’s Director of Education, Alexis Cooper, said that the commitment to sport integrity by Australian football codes and their athletes was commendable.
“Professional athletes have brilliant teams around them to help perform at their best, but at the end of the day, the buck stops with the athlete when it comes to anti-doping rules,” Ms Cooper said.
“For that reason, it’s critical that athletes have access to high quality, engaging education that will help them avoid sanctions and let them focus on their performance on the field.
“SIA has invested heavily in ensuring our education programs are tailored to each audience, that they’re engaging and that they’re having a real impact on athletes. We don’t just offer a one-size-fits all, and we have a range of different education options in our toolkit.
“But we can’t and don’t do it alone, and it’s a real testament to the commitment of our professional sporting codes that they want to protect their athletes and are showing real leadership in this space.”
If you’re interested in having SIA speak to your sport about our Education Integrity Services, you can reach out via education@sportintegrity.gov.au or call 1300 027 232.
