Integrity

Introduction

Australian Fencing Federation has adopted the National Integrity Framework. This means that some complaints can be reported directly to Sport Integrity Australia for management. 

Reporting integrity concerns to Sport Integrity Australia

Complaints about alleged breaches of the Safeguarding Children and Young People Policy or discrimination based on race, disability, sex, religion or age can be reported directly to Sport Integrity Australia by filling out the webform on the Sport Integrity Australia website or calling 1800 161 361.

The following matters should be reported to Sport Integrity Australia:

  • Child Safeguarding
  • Discrimination based on age, sex, gender, race or religion
  • Doping behaviour
  • Misconduct with a Child
  • Grooming
  • Supply of Drugs or Alcohol to a Child

All alleged breaches in relation to other AFF policies will be managed by AFF.

Anti-doping and Fencing

AFF takes a position of zero tolerance toward doping in sport and works closely with Sport Integrity Australia in Australia and the FIE internationally to ensure a drug-free environment in fencing.

Anti-doping rules apply to all participants of our sport from elite 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:

AFF’s anti-doping policy is the Australian National Anti-Doping Policy, effective 1 January 2021, and can be found on the Sport Integrity Australia website. To report a breach of anti-doping rules, submit directly to Sport Integrity Australia via Sport Integrity Australia complaint form or 1800 161 361.

Reporting integrity concerns to AFF

Anyone involved in Fencing is entitled to report their concerns directly to AFF. We will evaluate and assess your complaint to determine the best course of action. Your complaint may be delegated to the relevant SSO for investigation. AFF will assist these organisations with the management of your complaint to ensure it is handled confidentially and in accordance with our policies.

The following matters should be reported to AFF:

  • Abuse, bullying, harassment, sexual misconduct and victimisation
  • Match fixing and other types of Competition Manipulation
  • Supplying inside information for the purposes of gambling
  • Betting on Fencing events
  • Unlawful use of over the counter or prescription drugs
  • Inappropriate use or provision of supplements
  • Illicit drug use
  • Concealing information about Prohibited Conduct
  • Personal Grievances
  • Code of Conduct issues
  • Selection Disputes
  • Employment Matters
  • Governance concerns
  • Whistleblower Disclosures
  • Social Media breaches

In addition, please report to AFF if at any time, you:

  • are approached to ‘fix’ a competition, event or other Fencing activity
  • are interviewed by law enforcement about any criminal offence
  • witness any unacceptable behaviour

You can report an alleged breach to AFF via: [email protected]

Education, resources, and awareness

Education is key to protecting the integrity of Australian sport. Sport Integrity Australia (SIA) and Australian Fencing Federation are committed to working together to mitigate and manage integrity threats to provide a safe and fair environment for participants at all levels of sport. It is critical that our athletes and their support personnel are aware of their rights and responsibilities. There are a range of tools and resources available to help keep participants informed.

Australian Fencing Federation Education Plan

The Australian Fencing Federation Education Plan has been developed in partnership with SIA, who will support this plan through the provision of education resources and interventions as and where possible. It outlines the required and recommended education interventions for all members of Australian Fencing Federation to facilitate compliance with the National Integrity Framework policies, Australian Fencing Federation Anti-Doping Policy and the World Anti-Doping Code International Standard for Education (ISE). 

To download the Education Plan click here.

Once you complete your courses please provide your confirmation or certificate of completion via email to [email protected]

Sport Integrity app

The Sport Integrity app 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 chance of testing positive, and check whether they need a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE). The App also provides direction on how to raise concerns about things like doping, child safeguarding or discrimination. It features further information on eLearning modules, whereabouts and testing information and gives users the opportunity to provide feedback to Sport Integrity Australia.  

The App is free and can be downloaded from the Apple and Android app stores. 

Sport Integrity Australia eLearning (SIA EDGE)

Sport Integrity Australia eLearning offers several online 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 personnel, medical practitioners and parents. 

The complete eLearning course overview outlines the range of online courses available.

Prohibited List of substances and methods

The Prohibited List outlines the substances and methods that are prohibited in sport. It is updated annually by the World Anti-Doping Agency. Remember that individual products or brands are not named on the Prohibited List. Athletes should check the status of all medications on Global DRO before they use them. 

Checking your substances

Global DRO allows users to check whether the most commonly prescribed and over-the-counter medicines in Australia are permitted or prohibited in sport. 

If an athlete requires use of a prohibited substance to treat a medical condition, the athlete needs to be aware of the TUE requirements. For more information on a TUE visit the Sport Integrity Australia website. 

Sport Integrity Australia provide a range of additional educational resources for athletes, clubs, coaches and administrators including courses, webinars and brochures. To view these resources click here.