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Sport should be safe and fair for everyone. Special Olympics Australia is committed to:

  • making it safe for people to raise concerns about behaviour they’ve witnessed or experienced in our sport programs
  • helping people find more information if they have an integrity question.

Staying Safe

Your Safety is our first concern

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 a list of service providers who may be able to help with confidential discussions – whether online or over the phone.

If you are in Australia and in immediate danger or at risk of harm, call your local law enforcement agency or dial triple zero (000).

What is Sport Integrity?

Integrity in sport means that athletes, officials, supporters, and fans can participate in and enjoy sport, confident that they are part of a safe, fair, and inclusive environment.

Threats to the integrity of sport include behaviours that impact people having a positive sporting experience. These include abuse, harassment, discrimination, cheating (competition manipulation) and the improper use of drugs and medicine.

What is an Integrity Issue?

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

Issues to Report to Sport Integrity Australia

Anything that may constitute Prohibited Conduct under the Safeguarding Children and Young People Policy, or that may constitute discrimination based on a protected characteristic, should be reported to Sport Integrity Australia. This includes conduct such as:

  • Misconduct with a child
  • Sexual behaviour with or around a child
  • Shaming, humiliating, intimidating or belittling a child
  • Causing a child physical pain or discomfort
  • Supplying of drugs or alcohol to a child
  • Doping (managed under the sports Anti-doping Policy)
  • Discrimination based on:
    - race or ethnicity
    - age
    - disability
    - sex or sexual orientation
    - religion

Issues to Report to Special Olympics Australia

Special Olympics Australia will manage complaints on all other NIF matters, as well as continuing to manage complaints on non-NIF issues. This includes conduct such as:

  • Abuse
  • Bullying
  • Harassment
  • Victimisation
  • Sexual Misconduct
  • Match, race or competition fixing and other types of Competition Manipulation
  • Supplying inside information for the purposes of gambling
  • Betting by members on their own sport
  • Unlawful use of over the counter or prescription drugs
  • Inappropriate use or provision of supplements
  • Use, possession or trafficking of illegal drugs
  • Concealing information about Prohibited Conduct
  • Selection and eligibility disputes
  • Competition Rules disputes
  • Code of Conduct breaches
  • Social Media policy breaches
  • Governance misconduct
  • Employment disputes
  • Complaints that are solely a personal grievance
  • Whistleblower disclosures
  • Any conduct that occurred before your sports commencement date
  • All other Special Olympics Australia policies

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 Report to Sport Integrity Australia or call 1300 027 232

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

Complaints, Disputes and Discipline Policy

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

Sport Integrity Australia Resources

These policies were created by Sport Integrity Australia as part of the National Integrity Framework. Watch the video to out more: Here

Special Olympics Australia Resources

These policies were created by Special Olympics Australia to cover matters outside of the National Integrity Framework.

Policy / Statements

GP015 Social Media Policy

This policy cover matters regarding Social Media outside of the National Integrity Framework.

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.