Integrity

Special Olympics Australia recognises that sometimes people may experience mental ill-health or suffer distress from time to time and may want to reach out for support. We believe it is important to obtain expert assistance as soon as possible, so we have put together is a list of service providers who may be able to help with confidential discussions – whether online or over the phone."

What is Sport Integrity?

Sport integrity provides a safe, fair and inclusive environment where athletes, supporters and fans can participate in sport with confidence. Special Olympics Australia takes sport integrity seriously and everyone involved has an obligation to comply.

Threats to sports integrity include unacceptable and illegal behaviour, discrimination and abuse. We work closely with Sport Integrity Australia to protect our sports programs against integrity threats.

What is an Integrity Issue?

Special Olympics Australia has signed the National Integrity Framework, which is a suite of policies and an independent complaints handling process by Sport Integrity Australia. We also have our own policies and processes to manage issues outside of the Framework. Examples of integrity issues and who to report to are listed below.

Who Can Report an Issue?

Everyone has a role to protect integrity in sport and everyone has the right to report an issue. Parents, guardian and carers can submit a complaint on behalf of a child, or an adult with their consent.

Click here to report to Sport Integrity Australia or call 1300 027 232

Click here to report to Special Olympics Australia or call 1300 225 762

If you’re unsure who to contact, submit your complaint to Sport Integrity Australia. They will refer it to Special Olympics Australia if needed. More information is available at Sport Integrity Australia

Member Protection Information Officer

Member Protection Information Officers (MPIOs) are an integral part of all levels of Australia sport, especially grassroots sport. MPIOs are there to listen to issues raised by members of any sport before triaging and referring them to the right place to find a resolution.

To contact a Member Protection Information Officer at Special Olympics Australia, email mpio@specialolympics.com.au

Complaints, Disputes and Discipline Policy

Sport Integrity Australia has a complaints process under their Complaints, Disputes and Discipline Policy. For more information on:

• what a breach under the National Integrity Framework is, go to Prohibited Conduct Fact Sheet
• the complaints process, go to Complaints Process: Step By Step.
• the Complaints, Disputes and Disciplines Policy go to Complaints, Disputes and Disciplines Fact Sheet

Child Safeguarding and Member Protection

Participation in sport should be safe for all, especially children who must be protected from bullying, discrimination, harassment and abuse. The Child Safeguarding and Member Protection Policy highlight the important legal and governance responsibilities in relation to child safety and member protection.

Child Safeguarding Policy

This policy by Sport Integrity Australia sets out processes and practices to ensure children are safe and protected from all forms of abuse, harm, and neglect while participating in sport.

For more information on Child Safeguarding check out the Child Safeguarding Fact Sheet

To help your child understand the rules click here (for ages 7-12) or click here (for ages 13-17).

Member Protection Policy

This policy by Sport Integrity Australia sets out expectations and behaviours to ensure everyone involved in your sport is treated with respect and dignity.

For more information on Member Protection check out the Member Protection Fact Sheet

To help your child understand their rights in sport click here (for ages 7-12) or click here (for ages 13-17)

To help your child understand the Member Protection Policy click here (for ages 13-17)

Resources and tools

Members should be aware of their integrity rights and responsibilities. These resources from Sport Integrity Australia will help.

Integrity eLearning

Sport Integrity Australia eLearning offers a number of online courses relating to sport integrity, including child safeguarding and ethical decision-making courses. Visit Sport Integrity Australia eLearning

Integrity app

The Sport Integrity app has all your sport integrity needs. The app can be downloaded for free on Apple and Android

Play by the Rules

Play by the Rules provides resources and free online training about integrity issues . View the Play by the Rules website and and access the Play By the Rules Magazines

Connect on Social Media

Follow Sport Integrity Australia on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram or listen to the official podcast On Side

Integrity Policies

The Sport Integrity Australia website has a range of information on the following policies.

Anti-doping

Anti-doping rules apply to all participants in sport from elite athletes down to grassroots participants. All members must have a basic understanding of their obligations regarding anti-doping.

Improper Use of Drugs and Medicine

This policy prohibits the misuse and administration of injections and medicine in the sporting context, including supplement use. This Policy also sets clear rules regarding the use and distribution of illegal drugs by anyone in sport.

Competition Manipulation and Sports Wagering

This Policy protects the integrity of sporting competitions by prohibiting conduct like match-fixing, corruption, betting on your own sport and disclosing inside information.