Sport is an Australian way of life. It brings people together, transcending differences in language, ability, culture and beliefs, and provides physical, social and economic benefits. Threats to sport integrity include competition-manipulation, doping, 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 in and celebrate sport, confident in the knowledge that they are part of a safe, ethical and inclusive environment. ACF works closely with Sport Integrity Australia, the national agency established to protect sport against integrity threats. For more information visit the Sport Integrity Australia website.
Everyone involved with ACF has an obligation to protect and maintain the integrity of sport, as well as the health and wellbeing of our athletes. Participation in sport should be safe for all. We are committed to ensuring that people in sport, including children, are treated with respect dignity and are protected from bullying, discrimination, harassment or abuse. The following policies highlight the important legal and governance responsibilities in relation to child safety and member protection.
At the heart of all our work in the integrity space is the ACF’s commitment to our guiding motto: CALISTHENICS WITH INTEGRITY – Protection for our community and our future. This statement underpins every initiative, policy, and educational rollout we implement, reinforcing our dedication to fostering a safe, fair, and respectful environment for all participants. It reflects our belief that safeguarding and integrity are not just compliance requirements, but essential to the long-term success and wellbeing of our sport and its community.
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 in regard to anti-doping. The Sport Integrity Australia website has a range of information and resources to assist.
Manipulating sports competitions, commonly known as ‘match-fixing’ is when someone alters a sporting competition to remove the unpredictable nature of the competition to obtain an undue advantage, or benefit. In most Australian states and territories, the manipulation of sporting competitions can result in a criminal conviction and up to ten years in jail. Participants of a sport involved in manipulating competitions will also likely face a long ban from sport. More information can be found on the Sport Integrity Australia website
Everyone from athletes, parents, support personnel, administrators and supporters play a role in protecting the integrity of our sport.
If you see something say something!
Below are some simple tips to remember when considering lodging a complaint with Sport Integrity Australia.
Complaints of this nature will be managed directly by ACF and should be submitted to memberprotection@