Disclaimer: This information applies to sports that have adopted the National Integrity Framework policies updated in July 2026. 

Sports have until 30 April 2027 to adopt these updated policies. 

Please refer to your sport’s website to confirm which version of the policies are in operation.

On this page

    What is it?

    The Complaints, Disputes and Discipline Policy provides sport and participants with a fair, transparent and consistent process for managing complaints.

    This makes it a fundamental part of the National Integrity Framework (NIF) which helps keep Australian sport safe and fair for everyone.
     

    A consistent and fair complaints process in sport: 

    • helps protect participants and makes people accountable
    • provides clarity around who should manage a complaint, and how it’s managed
    • helps to resolve disputes in a timely and effective way
    • means rules are enforced in the same way for everyone.
       

    The Complaints, Disputes and Discipline Policy sets out the process for how complaints are managed in sport and, if required, how any sanctions will be imposed.

     

    What does this Policy mean for me?

    This Policy ensures that when rules are broken under any policy that’s part of the National Integrity Framework, there’s a clear and consistent way to manage it.

    These policies include the:

    Sports can also choose to use the Complaints, Disputes and Discipline Policy - and its complaint management process - to address banned behaviours outlined in other policies not part of the National Integrity Framework.

    This might include policies such as a code of conduct or social media policy.

    What to do about allegations of banned behaviour?

    In National Integrity Framework policies, banned behaviours are called Prohibited Conduct.

    It’s important to report all allegations of banned behaviours (Prohibited Conduct) as soon as possible.

    This helps keep sport safe and fair for all.

    If you’re unsure how to raise a concern or who to contact, Sport Integrity Australia can help you find the right support.

    Find the integrity support you need

    Reporting concerns that occurred before NIF adoption

    Participants can report concerns about integrity matters that occurred prior to the introduction of the National Integrity Framework.

    These concerns can be reported to your sport or Sport Integrity Australia.

    While action can’t be taken under this Policy, this information can help to prevent similar problems in the future, for example, by improving education and support programs.

    The complaints process

    Complaints need to be submitted by the person directly impacted by the alleged Prohibited Conduct (or their guardian). 

    A complaint cannot be anonymous.
     

    IMPORTANT:

    You can still report concerns anonymously.

    Reports can be made by anyone, even if they are not directly impacted by alleged Prohibited Conduct or poor behaviour.

    However, reports are more likely to be used to inform integrity programs and/or be managed through informal resolution options.

    When a complaint is made, it’s evaluated to determine whether it can be managed under the Complaints, Disputes and Discipline Policy.

    If a complaint meets the Policy’s requirements, it is then assessed to determine:

    • whether a formal investigation is required, or
    • if it can be managed through other measures, such as education.
       

    The Policy guides who will manage the complaint. 

    For example, complaints could be managed by the sport, Sport Integrity Australia, or referred to other relevant agencies, such as law enforcement if it involves criminal conduct.

    In some cases, informal management of a complaint is appropriate. 

    This could involve speaking to the people involved, making process adjustments, monitoring behaviour, or encouraging self-resolution.

    Following an investigation, a finding is made and a sanction may be imposed. 

    Depending on the seriousness of the behaviour, possible sanctions may include:

    • Formal warnings
    • Education
    • Fines
    • Bans from sport, from short-term suspensions to lifetime bans.
       

    If there is not enough evidence to support the complaint, the process will end.

    Any resolution to a complaint, whether managed informally or formally through the Policy, needs to be recorded.

    Complying with the complaints process

    The Complaints, Disputes and Discipline Policy states everyone should fully cooperate and engage with a complaints process.
     

    YOU MUST NOT

    • Deliberately withhold information during a complaints process
    • Interfere with a complaints process e.g. influence witnesses
    • Knowingly provide inaccurate or misleading information.
       

    YOU MUST

    • Keep information confidential
    • Comply with breach notices and sanctions following an investigation.

    More information and guidance

    Learn how this Policy works with other National Integrity Framework policies to build safe and fair sporting environments. 

    You can:

    A companion guide is available to help sports further understand and implement the policy:

    Access the Companion guide