Information and Resources for Members of Sport
The National Integrity Framework is a suite of policies setting out unacceptable behaviours in sport and how Complaints are managed under the Framework.
Welcome to the National Integrity Framework
What is the National Integrity Framework?
The National Integrity Framework was developed by Sport Integrity Australia as an independent government agency to keep sport safe and fair.
The Framework is a set of rules that all members of a sport need to follow when it comes to their behaviour and conduct.
The National Integrity Framework includes:
- The Safeguarding Children and Young People Policy
- The Competition Manipulation and Sports Wagering Policy
- The Member Protection Policy
- The Improper Use of Drugs and Medicine Policy
- The Complaints, Disputes and Discipline Policy
These policies outline what types of behaviour are unacceptable in your sport – these behaviours are called Prohibited Conduct. Prohibited Conduct is an action that is a breach of a policy – for example, bullying is Prohibited Conduct under the Member Protection Policy.
Any person or organisation who breaches a policy may be Sanctioned by their relevant sporting organisation. A Sanction could range from mandatory education to a ban from participating.
The Complaints, Disputes and Discipline Policy explains how complaints are evaluated and people or organisations who have breached a National Integrity Framework policy are held accountable for doing the wrong thing.
In the past, complaints about someone’s behaviour were managed by the sport’s National Sporting Organisation, or State Sporting Organisation. Under the National Integrity Framework, Sport Integrity Australia can receive complaints relating to alleged Prohibited Conduct under the Safeguarding Children and Young People Policy or Discrimination under the Member Protection Policy.
Other matters should be reported to your National Sporting Organisation. See contacts to lodge a complaint with a sport here: Lodging a complaint with a sport
What does it mean for me?
If you are a member of a sport that has signed up to the National Integrity Framework and someone behaves poorly by breaching one of the policies, you can make a Complaint to your sporting organisation or to Sport integrity Australia, depending on what the matter relates to. It also means that if you breach a National Integrity Framework policy, you could be Sanctioned by your sporting organisation.
To find out what concerns can be submitted to Sport Integrity Australia to manage, visit this page Tell us about a concern or issue | Sport Integrity Australia.
Sports signed up to the National Integrity Framework
For sports that have adopted the National Integrity Framework, Complaints will be handled under the Complaints Disputes and Discipline Policy, either by your sporting organisation or by Sport Integrity Australia, depending on the nature of the matter. In all matters where a person is found to have breached a National Integrity Framework Policy, the sporting organisation is responsible for determining whether the person should be Sanctioned.
National Integrity Framework Resources
Resources
We have a range of booklets, fact sheets and videos to help members of sport understand the National Integrity Framework and its policies.
Policies
The National Integrity Framework is a suite of policies setting out unacceptable behaviours in sport and how Complaints are managed under the Framework.
Support person in integrity investigations - FAQs
Requesting a support personAs a participant in an Integrity Complaint investigation, you can nominate a support person to accompany you through the process. A support person should be considered an appropriate to person to provide you with emotional support. You may request a support person at any point in the process. These FAQs provide some information about who can be a support person, what they can and cannot do, and how they must conduct themselves. |
Who can be a support person?
- You can request a support person, and the request will generally be granted unless there is a reason to deny it (for example, where a nominated support person or authorised representative is also a witness to the allegation or is actively hindering the interview process). Some examples of support persons could be a friend or family member over 18, a colleague, or a person from your sporting organisation.
What can a support person do?
- A support person can provide emotional support, attend interviews with you if organised in advance, or ask for clarification. They can be included in phone calls and correspondence if organised in advance. Please contact your Sport Integrity Australia case manager for further information about organising a support person,
- A support person cannot act for you, such as answering questions on your behalf, or responding to correspondence on your behalf.
Is a legal representative a support person?
You may have a qualified legal representative accompany you to an interview, but they have a different role to that of a support person. A support person is there to provide you with emotional support. They cannot act for you or advocate on your behalf in the way that your legal representative can.
If you would like both a legal representative and a support person at your interview, please contact your Sport Integrity Australia Case Manager.
Confidentiality
As the interview forms part of an ongoing investigation by Sport Integrity Australia, any information discussed in the interview should be kept confidential by you and any person who is accompanying you.
Conduct
Your support person is expected to maintain appropriate conduct when supporting you. This includes refraining from aggressive or intimidating behaviour.
For more information, or to arrange a support person, contact your Sport Integrity Australia case manager.