13. Annexure D - Code of Conduct

Code of conduct

Preamble

The Sport recognises that betting is a legitimate pursuit, however illegal or fraudulent betting is not. Fraudulent betting on sport and the associated match-fixing is an emerging and critical issue globally, for sport, the betting industry and governments alike.

Accordingly, the Sport and its Member Organisations have a major obligation to address the threat of Match-Fixing and the corruption that flows from that.
The Sport and its Member Organisations have a zero tolerance for illegal gambling and Match-Fixing.

The Sport has developed a National Policy on Match-Fixing to:

• protect and maintain the integrity of the Sport
• protect against any efforts to impact improperly the result of any match
• establish a uniform rule and consistent scheme of enforcement and penalties
• adhere to the National Policy on Match-Fixing in Sport as agreed by Australian Governments on 10 June 2011.

A copy of the National Policy can be obtained from the Sport upon request, and is available on the sport’s website.

The Sport will engage necessary technical expertise to administer, monitor and enforce this Policy.

1. Application

The National Policy, as amended from time to time, includes a defined list of Relevant Persons to whom this Code of Conduct applies.

2. Sample Code of Conduct Principles/ Rules of Behaviour

This Code of Conduct sets out the guiding principles for all Relevant Persons on the issues surrounding the integrity of sport and betting.

Guiding principles

1. Be smart: know the rules
2. Be safe: never bet on your sport
3. Be careful: never share sensitive information
4. Be clean: never fix an event
5. Be open: tell someone if you are approached

1. Be smart: know the rules

Find out the Sports betting integrity rules of the Sport (set out in the Sports National Policy) prior to each season, so that you are aware of the Sport’s most recent position regarding betting.

If you break the rules, you will be caught and risk severe punishments including a potential lifetime ban from your sport and even being subject to a criminal investigation and prosecution.

2. Be safe: never bet on your sport

Never bet on yourself, your opponent or your sport. If you, or anyone in your entourage (coach, friend, family members etc), bet on yourself, your opponent or your sport you risk being severely sanctioned. It is best to play safe and never bet on any events within your sport including:

• never betting or gambling on your own matches or any competitions in your sport; including betting on yourself or your team to win, lose or draw as well as any of the different spot bets (such as first goal scorer, MVP etcetera)
• never instructing, encouraging or facilitating any other party to bet on sports you are participating in
• never ensuring the occurrence of a particular incident, which is the subject of a bet and for which you expect to receive or have received any reward, and
• never giving or receiving any gift, payment or other benefit in circumstances that might reasonably be expected to bring you or your sport into disrepute.

3. Be careful: never share sensitive information

As a Relevant Person you will have access to information that is not available to the general public, such as knowing that team mate is injured or that the coach is putting out a weakened side. This is considered sensitive, privileged or inside information. This information could be sought by people who would then use that knowledge to secure an unfair advantage to make a financial gain.

There is nothing wrong with you having sensitive information; it is what you do with it that matters. Most Relevant Persons know that they should not discuss important information with anyone outside of their club, team or coaching staff (with or without reward) where the Relevant Person might reasonably be expected to know that its disclosure could be used in relation to betting.

4. Be clean: never fix an event

Play fairly, honestly and never fix an event or part of an event. Whatever the reason, do not make any attempt to adversely influence the natural course of an event or competition, or part of an event or competition. Sporting contests must always be an honest test of skill and ability and the results must remain uncertain. Fixing an event or competition, or part of an event or competition goes against the rules and ethics of sport and when caught, you may receive a fine, suspension, lifetime ban from your sport, and/or even a criminal prosecution.

Do not put yourself at risk by following these simple principles:

• Always perform to the best of your abilities.
• Never accept to fix a match. Say no immediately. Do not let yourself be manipulated—unscrupulous individuals might try to develop a relationship with you built on favours or fears that they will then try to exploit for their benefit in possibly fixing an event. This can include the offer of gifts, money and support.
• Seek treatment for addictions and avoid running up debts as this may be a trigger for unscrupulous individuals to target you to fix competitions. Get help before things get out of control.

5. Be open: tell someone if you are approached

If you hear something suspicious or if anyone approaches you to ask about fixing any part of a match then you must tell someone at the Sport (this person is stipulated in the National Policy) straight away. If someone offers you money or favours for sensitive information then you should also inform the person specified above. Any threats or suspicions of corrupt behaviour should always be reported. The police and national laws are there to protect you. The Sport has developed the National Policy and the procedures contained in it to help.