Click here for information about making a Complaint or reporting concerns

Training is available for Club and State Paddle Association representatives. Please email integrity@paddle.org.au to request a recording of the online training session delivered by the Paddle Australia National Integrity Manager in September 2023.

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 paddling, 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.
Paddle 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 paddling, 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 Paddle Australia has adopted, the National Integrity Framework.

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. 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 FacebookTwitter 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

Paddle Australia has adopted the National Integrity Framework to proactively to mitigate integrity threats to paddling 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 Fact Sheet
Click here to view the Standards Guide
Click here to view the Prohibited Conduct 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

Click Here to view more information on Anti-Doping

Member Protection Policy

Paddle Australia is committed to ensuring that everyone involved with paddling 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 paddling is aware of their rights and responsibilities. This Policy sets out the standards of behaviour expected of those involved in paddling and the behaviours that are not acceptable.

Click Here to view Member Protection Policy
Click here to view the YouTube video
Click here to view the Fact Sheet
Click here to view the Child-friendly Fact Sheet
Click here to view the Bullying in Sport Guidelines

Safeguarding Children and Young People Policy

Paddling has zero-tolerance for child abuse or neglect in any form.

Paddle Australia is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of Children in Paddling by providing a safe and inclusive environment and ensuring that everyone involved in Paddling 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.

Paddle Australia aims to create and maintain an inclusive, child-safe environment that is understood, endorsed, implemented, and adhered to by everyone involved in Paddling.

This Policy is part of Paddle Australia’s proactive and preventative approach to upholding its commitment to the safety, wellbeing, participation and empowerment of all Children who access Paddling.

This Policy seeks to ensure that everyone involved in Paddling is aware of their rights and responsibilities in relation to Children. This Policy sets out the standards of behaviour expected of those involved in Paddling 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 Child Safeguarding Policy Fact Sheet
Click here to view the Child-friendly Fact Sheet
Click here to view the Child Protection Reporting Information
Click here to view the Child Safe Practices Do’s and Don’ts
Click here to view the Responding and Reporting to a Breach of the Child Safeguarding Policy Flowchart

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

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 Behaviour Policy.

Sport Integrity Australia will only manage complaints related to Child Safeguarding and Discrimination*.

Complaints about other Prohibited Conduct under the National Integrity Framework and Code of Behaviour Policy 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 (eg where the Complaint is made against a club executive or committee member) in which case it will be managed by the relevant State Paddle Association.

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. Paddle 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.

* 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.

Click Here to view the Complaints, Disputes and Discipline Policy
Click here to view the Fact Sheet
Click here to view the Case Categorisation and Sanctions Guidelines
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 Hearing Tribunal Procedure

Competition Manipulation and Sport Gambling 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 Paddle Australia.

Through this Policy, Paddle 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
Click here to view the YouTube video
Click here to view the Fact Sheet

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
Click here to view the YouTube video
Click here to view the Fact Sheet

Other Relevant Policies

The Paddle Australia Code of Behaviour Policy 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.

Under the Paddle Australia Canoe Polo Competition Discipline Procedure, a player, coach or official who engages in any proscribed behaviour in or at a canoe polo competition (at any level of the sport) may be charged with a reportable offence. Any person is entitled to make a report; officials are required to make a report if they believe there has been a reportable offence. Reports must be submitted online within 7 days of the relevant competition. Serious reports may be referred to a Tribunal for determination, which may impose penalties if the charged person is found guilty, including suspension or expulsion from canoe polo competition.

The National Integrity Framework does not cover the following matters, the subject of separate policies available on the Paddle Australia website:

  • Reportable Conduct (i.e. Whistleblowing)
  • Selection
  • Personal Grievances
  • Governance

A Whistleblower wishing to report “Reportable Conduct” under the Paddle Australia Whistleblower Policy and Procedure must do so by notifying an Eligible Recipient. The preferred Eligible Recipient is the Paddle Australia CEO: ceo@paddle.org.au. While any person may be a Whistleblower under this policy, Reportable Conduct is limited to information about Paddle Australia “Workers” (e.g. employees and contractors); this policy does not apply to Paddle Australia members.

Selection disputes are dealt with under the applicable selection policy, such as the Paddle Australia Selection Procedures Policy.

“Personal Grievances” are dealt with under the Paddle 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 Paddling, 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.

All other non-disciplinary matters are dealt with under the Paddle Australia Review and Appeals Policy.

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) may be submitted to Paddle Australia online. Paddle Australia will triage and confirm next steps with the person who submitted the report, including the appropriate body to manage the matter.

Alternatively, if preferable, complaints about Child Safeguarding and/or Discrimination* may be submitted directly to Sport Integrity Australia online. Other issues or concerns may be reported to Sport Integrity Australia (which can be done anonymously), however, SIA may not be able to act on them.

The Safe Sport Hotline (1800 161 361) is open 7am-7pm, 7 days a week, 365 days a year to members of sport to share their story with a trusted member of the Sport Integrity Australia team about integrity issues they have experienced. This includes an anonymous reporting capability that covers wider racial and cultural issues in sport for people who feel they have been discriminated against in their sport.

Enquiries

Please contact the Paddle Australia Integrity Manager (integrity@paddle.org.au or 0426 363 302) with any general integrity-related enquiries including about the National Integrity Framework.