Overview
The adoption of policies, standards and codes of conduct constitute the translation into practice of the commitment to safeguarding the integrity of sport competitions and to be proactive in implementing and enacting the necessary measures.
On the other hand, it contributes to augment the transparency and align the positioning of each stakeholder in terms of the willingness, capacity and prioritization given to the safeguard of sport’s integrity. Easing, notably, the exchanges of information and the constitution of multi-sector partnerships.
Such policies can and should build on existing models and standards, adjusting the degree of sophistication and/or priorities, to the respective context, geographical remit and main target audience. The Guide of Good Practices (IO1) provides multiple examples sorted by jurisdictions and sports.
The recommendations herein aim, therefore, at underlying the core subjects or areas in which such policies, standards and codes of conduct have proven to be efficient tools for guidance, awareness raising, disciplinary action and behavioural cultural changes.
Recommendations
Recommendation 1
Adopt an Anti-Corruption Code of Conduct applicable to all participants, including athletes, referees, coaches/ managers, officials, administrators and others, in relation to anti-corruption and related activities. (IO4)
Recommendation 2
Ensure the existence of an adequate whistle-blowing policy including reporting mechanisms in a timely manner, an obligation to report, as well as whistle-blower and witness protection mechanisms. (IO2)
Recommendation 3
Develop relevant rules, policies and codes pertaining to prevention of conflicts of interest. (IO1)
Recommendation 4
Establish protocols on how to decide whether to investigate allegations/suspicions of betting related match-fixing or allow the pursuing of a disciplinary sanction. (IO2)
Recommendation 5
Adopt and manage adequate assessment tools for control and independent review over provisions ensuring fair and effective investigative procedures. (IO4)
Recommendation 6
Adopt and enact a Code of Conduct for sponsors and services providers to adhere to with mention of the relevant sport integrity principles. Sorbonne-ICSS 2014
Recommendation 7
Adopt a code of conduct on sports betting, in order, notably, to prevent the risks associated with sports bets and sanction conflicts of interest. Sorbonne-ICSS 2014
- A Code of Conduct on Sports Betting that outlines the risks associated with sports bets (e.g. addiction) and prohibits:
- any natural or legal person involved in providing sports betting products from betting on their own products;
- the abuse of a position as sponsor or part-owner of a sports organisation or event to facilitate the manipulation of a sports competition or to misuse inside information;
- sponsorship of under 18 year old teams;
- a competition stakeholder from being involved in compiling betting odds for this competition;
- a sports betting operator who controls a company acting as a competition organiser or a competition stakeholder or who is controlled by a competition organiser or a competition stakeholder, from offering bets on the competition;
- advertising for illegal sports betting operators including references to illegal live streaming.
Recommendation 8
Ensure that the policies, standards and codes of conduct are given proper visibility within facilities, contracts and communication supports, in such a way that they become familiar and widely known by all those involved in management and sporting activities or supporting activities. (IO3)
Recommendation 9
Ensure regular training and education on the purposes, advantages and necessity of enacting such policies, standards or codes of conduct. (IO3)
Recommendation 10
Ensure the review of internal rules and procedures to align internal structures and operations with the integrity system. (IO4)