See the bottom of this page for information about making a Complaint or reporting concerns.
What is sport integrity?
Sport is an Australian way of life. It brings people together, regardless of any differences in language, ability, culture and beliefs, and provides physical, social and economic benefits.
It is critical that we keep Rowing, both as a sport and recreation, safe and fair, for everyone who participates.
Threats to sports integrity include things like illicit drug use, doping, competition-manipulation and behaviours that impact people’s positive experience of sport, such as discrimination or abuse.
Integrity in sport means that athletes, supporters and fans can participate and celebrate sport, confident in the knowledge that they are part of a safe, fair and inclusive environment.
Rowing Australia takes integrity seriously and is committed to safeguarding our sport.
All our members and participants have an obligation to protect and maintain the integrity of sport of Rowing, as well as the health and wellbeing of others within the sport.
We work closely with Sport Integrity Australia, the national agency established to protect sport against integrity threats. For more information visit the Sport Integrity Australia website.
To provide sports at all levels with guidance in the integrity space, Sport Integrity Australia has developed, and Rowing Australia has adopted, the National Integrity Framework.
Each policy covers Definitions, Jurisdiction, Prohibited Conduct and Obligations. The items Prohibited Conduct and Obligations are important as they detail the behaviours and expectations placed on participants and organisations.
Education, resources and awareness
When it comes to sport integrity, it is critical that everyone is aware of their rights and responsibilities.
Sport Integrity Australia provides a range of resources and eLearning courses relating to sport integrity, including doping, match fixing, illicit drugs and ethical decision-making courses. Specific anti-doping courses are also available for coaches, support persons, medical practitioners and parents. Keep up to date with all that is happening in sport integrity by following Sport Integrity Australia on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram or listen to On Side, the official podcast of Sport Integrity Australia.
The Sport Integrity app (free to download from the Apple and Android app stores) is a one-stop shop for all sport integrity needs, designed with athletes in mind. The app allows users to check whether their medications are banned in sport, find low risk supplements to reduce their change of testing positive accidentally, and check whether they need a Therapeutic Use Exemption.
In relation to anti-doping, the World Anti-Doping Agency Prohibited List is updated annually to outline the substances and methods that are prohibited in sport. Global DRO allows users to check whether the most commonly prescribed and over-the-counter medicines in Australia are permitted or prohibited in sport.
Play by the Rules provides information, resources, tools and free online training to administrators, coaches, officials, players, parents and spectators to assist them in preventing and dealing with discrimination, harassment, child safety, inclusion and integrity issues in sport. Particular resources are available for Community Child Safe Sport including the Start to Talk Campaign.
The eSafety Commissioner Sport Hub provides tailored information for sports administrators, coaches or officials, parents and athletes and competitors, practical information on how to recognise and deal with online abuse in sport, as well as top tips to stay safe online.
National Integrity Framework
Rowing Australia has adopted the National Integrity Framework to proactively mitigate integrity threats to Rowing in Australia and ensure a safe, fair, and trustworthy environment in all levels and disciplines.
The National Integrity Framework provides a single set of rules, which apply across all levels of the sport, plus procedures for managing, reporting, investigating and determining potential breaches.
Click Here to view the Factsheet
Anti-Doping Policy
Anti-doping rules apply to all participants of our sport from elite down to grassroots. All members must be aware of, and have a basic understanding of, their obligations regarding anti-doping. The Sport Integrity Australia website has a range of information and resources to assist, including:
- information about supplements
- applying for a Therapeutic Use Exemption
- submitting Whereabouts information
- information about athlete testing
Safeguarding Children and Young People Policy
Rowing has a zero-tolerance for child abuse or neglect in any form.
Rowing Australia is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of Children in Rowing by providing a safe and inclusive environment and by ensuring that everyone involved in Rowing is educated and informed of their responsibilities to protect and look after Children.
All Children have the right to feel safe and protected from all forms of abuse, harm, and neglect. Children have the right to take part in sport in a safe, positive, and enjoyable environment.
Rowing Australia aims to create and maintain an inclusive, child-safe environment that is understood, endorsed, implemented, and adhered to by everyone involved in Rowing.
This Policy is part of Rowing Australia’s proactive and preventative approach to upholding its commitment to the safety, wellbeing, participation and empowerment of all Children who access Rowing.
This Policy seeks to ensure that everyone involved in Rowing is aware of their rights and responsibilities in relation to Children. This Policy sets out the standards of behaviour expected of those involved in Rowing and the behaviours that are not acceptable.
Click Here to view the Safeguarding Children and Young People Policy
Click here to view the YouTube video
Click here to view the Factsheet
Click here to view the Child Protection Reporting Information
Click here to view the Child Safe Practices Dos and Don’ts
Click here to view the How to Involve Children and Young People Guide
Click here to view the Parents Guide to Selecting a Safe Sporting Club
Click here to view the Selecting a Child Safe Club Checklist
Click here to view the Safe Recruitment and Selection Procedures Guide
Click here to view the Recruitment and Screening Checklist
Click here to view the Induction of New Volunteers and Staff Checklist
Click here to view the Overnight Trips and Travel Guide
Click here to view the Overnight Trips and Travel Checklist
Click here to view the Day Trips and Competitions Guide
Click here to view the Day Trips and Competitions Checklist
Click here to view the Electronic and Online Communication Guide
Click here to view the Transporting children in Sport Guide
Click here to view the Events Held in Public Spaces Guide
Click here to view the Events Held in Public Spaces Checklist
Competition Manipulation and Sport Wagering Policy
The manipulation of sporting competitions and related activities undermines the integrity of sport. Manipulating sporting competitions can be a crime and punishable by law.
This Policy prescribes prohibited conduct which constitutes a breach, as well as offences which must be reported to Rowing Australia.
Through this Policy, Rowing Australia aims to ensure that its core values, good reputation and positive behaviours and attitudes are maintained.
Click Here to view the Competition Manipulation and Sport Gambling Policy
Member Protection Policy
Rowing Australia is committed to ensuring that everyone involved with Rowing is treated with respect and dignity and is protected from abuse, bullying, harassment, sexual misconduct, unlawful discrimination, victimisation, and vilification.
This Policy seeks to ensure that everyone involved in Rowing is aware of their rights and responsibilities. This Policy sets out the standards of behaviour expected of those involved in Rowing and the behaviours that are not acceptable.
Click Here to view the Member Protection Policy
Click here to view the YouTube video
Click here to view the Factsheet
Click here to view the Bullying in Sport Guidelines
Improper Use of Drugs and Medicine Policy
The improper use of drugs and medicine in sport, including the use of supplements and the provision by unqualified and unauthorised people are a risk to the health of athlete and the integrity of sport.
To counter these risks, we have put in place an Improper Use of Drugs and Medicine Policy which ensures:
- Medical practitioners working in our sport are accredited and qualified to fulfil their duties
- Medicines are used in appropriate ways
- Safe use of supplements which comply with the World Anti-Doping Code
- Illegal drug use is prohibited in our sport
Click Here to view the Improper Use of Drugs and Medicine Policy
Complaints, Disputes and Discipline Policy
The Complaints, Disputes and Discipline Policy sets out the process for resolving complaints and disciplinary action in relation to prohibited conduct under the National Integrity Framework and Code of Conduct.
- Complaints related to Child Safeguarding and Discrimination* are managed by Sport Integrity Australia.
- Complaints about other Prohibited Conduct under the National Integrity Framework and Code of Conduct will be managed by the sport at the level at which they arise. Accordingly, issues at the club level will generally be managed by the relevant club, unless there is a significant conflict of interest which cannot be appropriately managed (e.g. where the Complaint is made against a club executive or committee member) in which case it will be managed by the relevant State Association.
* Discrimination is unfair treatment based on a person’s: (a) age; (b) disability; (c) race or ethnicity; (d) sex or gender identity; (e) sexual orientation; or (f) religion.
Complaints are managed in accordance with the Case Categorisation and Sanctions Guidelines. This 3-tier case categorisation system looks at the nature of the alleged conduct, perceived level of harm, and complexity, and is designed to provide flexibility and efficiency with greater focus on preventative strategies. The sanctions model provides relevant factors and a range of potential sanctions for consideration. Rowing Australia is ultimately responsible for determining the appropriate sanction, if required, where a complaint is substantiated.
Under the Complaints, Disputes and Discipline Policy, the sport may also take Provisional Action, which is a temporary protective measure while a person is under investigation (i.e. protective interim measures) and sanctions.
Click Here to view the Complaints, Disputes and Discipline Policy
Click here to view the Fact Sheet
Click here to view the Step by Step Guide to Complaints
Click here to view the Investigation of Complaints Guidelines
Click here to view the Rowing Australia Hearing Tribunal Procedure
Other Relevant Policies
The Rowing Australia Code of Conduct sets out the fundamental standards of behaviour expected of everyone involved in our sport. Alleged breaches are managed under the Complaints, Disputes and Discipline Policy.
The National Integrity Framework does not cover selection disputes and personal grievances, which are the subject of separate policies available on the Rowing Australia website.
- Personal Grievances
- Selection
- Governance
Selection disputes are dealt with under the Rowing Australia National Appeals Policy.
“Personal Grievances” are dealt with under the Rowing Australia Personal Grievances Policy. Personal Grievance means any interpersonal conflict or disputes between people and/or organisations that arise in the context of their involvement in Rowing, but do not concern or allege a breach of the sport’s policies. Personal Grievances will generally be handled by management at the level of the sport at which they arise (but may be referred to the next level up if the organisation is a party to the Grievance). An independent person or the National Sports Tribunal may facilitate a resolution, subject to the parties’ agreement.
Making a Complaint or Raising Concerns
Below are some simple tips to remember when considering lodging a complaint.
- Anyone can make a complaint.
- Complaints enable action to be taken when people do not uphold the integrity standards of our sport. By speaking up, you are protecting others around you.
All complaints and concerns (including any allegation of Prohibited Conduct under the National Integrity Framework) should be submitted to Rowing Australia online. Rowing Australia will triage and confirm next steps with the person who submitted the report, including the appropriate body to manage the matter.
Concerns may also be raised directly with the relevant Club or State Association, which shall seek advice from the Rowing Australia National Integrity Manager about the applicable procedure.
Alternatively, complaints about Child Safeguarding and/or Discrimination* may be submitted directly to Sport Integrity Australia via the online form on the Sport Integrity Australia website or telephone 1300 027 232. Other issues or concerns may be reported to Sport Integrity Australia (which can be done anonymously), however, it may not be able to act on them.
Enquiries
Please contact the Rowing Australia Integrity Manager ([email protected] or 0426 363 302) with any general integrity-related enquiries including about the National Integrity Framework.