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FAQs

What rules apply to the Sport Integrity Service?

Sport Integrity – Rules of Procedure (September 2024)

Who can make a Complaint to Sport Integrity?

You must be a Relevant Person, making a Complaint in respect of a Relevant Matter.

A Relevant Person includes:

  • Athletes on a Performance Programme funded by UK Sport;
  • Athlete Support Personnel on a Performance Programme funded by UK Sport; and
  • Office Holders of a Relevant Body.

Performance Programme means for summer Olympic and Paralympic sports, any NGB in receipt of UK Sport funding for Progression, Academy and/or Podium (as detailed athttps://www.uksport.gov.uk/our-work/investing-in-sport/how-uk-sport-funding-works).

Relevant Body means a National Governing Body, or an organisation which operates a Performance Programme on behalf of a National Governing Body, or an organisation that provides Athlete Support Personnel to Performance Programmes.

Complaint means a formal notification of a complaint relating to a Relevant Matter committed by a Relevant Person pursuant to an Applicable Policy

Relevant Matter means any of the following conduct:

  • Abuse
  • Bullying
  • Discrimination (direct or indirect)
  • Harassment
  • Sexual Misconduct
  • Sexual Harassment
  • Unlawful Discrimination
  • Victimisation
  • Breach of an Applicable Policy.

Applicable Policy means either:

(a) The Unacceptable Behaviour Policy (UAB), as adopted by a Relevant Body; or

(b) Any policy of a Relevant Body that captures UAB and refers to these Procedural Rules, such as a code of conduct or performance agreement.

(See paragraph 2, Definitions, Sport Integrity Rules of Procedure)

How can I make a Complaint?

  1. Confidential Reporting Line:
    a. Crimestoppers Online: Sport Integrity Referral Form | Crimestoppers (theiline.co.uk)
    b. Crimestoppers Phone: 0800 085 8062
  2. Email Sport Integrity: sportintegrity@sportresolutions.com (This account is administered by Sport Resolutions).

(See paragraph 4, Sport Integrity Rules of Procedure).

Can I make an anonymous Complaint?

All Complaints will be treated as confidential but cannot be made anonymously.

(See Paragraph 4, Sport Integrity Rules of Procedure).

What can’t Sport Integrity help me with?

  • Previously concluded complaints
  • Performance programme selection issues
  • Anti-doping allegations. Please contact protectyoursport@reportdoping.com
  • Sport Integrity cannot assist with allegations of gambling and match fixing. Please call 0121 230 6655.

Further information available at: https://www.sportintegrity.com/

An incident occurred over three months ago. Can I still make a complaint?

The Sport Integrity Rules of Procedure state that a Complaint must be made within three months. However, where a complaint falls outside of that period, but would otherwise meet the criteria, Sport Integrity may exercise its discretion and accept the referral where there are just and equitable reasons.

In the Sport Integrity Rules of Procedure, this is known as the Limitation Period.

(See Paragraph 2, Definitions, Sport Integrity Rules of Procedure).

I am no longer part of a Performance Programme. Can I still make a Complaint?

Provided the incident complained of occurred within the last three months during the Performance Programme or within three months of its termination, it will be considered within the Limitation Period.

(See Paragraph 2, Definitions, Sport Integrity Rules of Procedure).

What happens once I submit a Complaint?

The Complaint will be considered by the Investigator against the criteria in the Sport Integrity Rules of Procedure.

The Investigator will be in touch to discuss the Complaint further, and whether it will proceed to investigation.

(See Paragraph 5, Sport Integrity Rules of Procedure).

What happens if my complaint does not meet the criteria?

If the Complaint does not meet the criteria set out in the Sport Integrity Rules of Procedure, and the Investigator is not satisfied that the Complaint establishes a case for further investigation, the Investigator’s decision will be mandatorily reviewed by an Independent Panel. The Independent Panel will either uphold or overturn the Investigator’s decision.

(See Paragraph 5, Sport Integrity Rules of Procedure).

What happens at the conclusion of an Investigation?

Once the Investigator has concluded the investigation, they will prepare and issue a final written Report to the Relevant Body, e.g. the National Governing Body. This Report will make findings as to whether there is a case to answer or no case to answer.

The Relevant Body will inform the Complainant and Respondent of the Investigation Outcome.

Where the Report makes a finding of ‘no case to answer’, the Complainant and Respondent will be notified, and the Investigation will be considered at an end.

Where the Report makes a finding of ‘case to answer’, the Complainant and Respondent will be notified, and the Investigation shall be considered at an end. The Hearing Bodies/NGB shall be tasked with issuing a notice of charge and/or disciplining the Respondent.

(See Paragraph 6, Sport Integrity Rules of Procedure).

What support is available to me?

In the event that you would find it helpful to access support services, we include the below information:

British Elite Athletes Association

If you are a Great Britain elite athlete the BEAA exists to support, represent and empower you. It provides independent, confidential expert and professional support and advice for all athletes members.

UK Coaching

Provides support for UK coaches by delivering best practice, training, research and industry standards across sports, communities and national governing bodies of sport.

NSPCC

If you’re worried about the safety of a child you can speak to the NSPCC about your concerns. Whether you want to report child abuse and neglect or aren’t sure what to do the NSPCC offer advice and support and can take the next steps if a child’s in danger.

Ann Craft Trust

A national charity which exists to minimise the risk of abuse of disabled children and adults at risk. They support organisations to safeguard disabled children and adults at risk and minimise the risk of harm.

Samaritans

A registered charity that can provide support to you should you be in emotional distress, struggling to cope, or at risk of suicide.

  • 116 123 (UK & ROI)

Mental Health Hub

Hosted by the Sports & Recreation Alliance, resources and guidance for sports governing bodies and organisations wishing to improve their mental health support offering.

Sporting Equals Racial Discrimination Support Service

Partnership between Sporting Equals and Bishop, Lloyd and Jackson Solicitors to ensure greater justice is delivered to those suffering instances of racism in sport and physical activity, where permissible, through legal pathways.

Mind UK

Offer advice and support to those experiencing a mental health issues.

CALM (campaign against living miserably)

Mental health charity with educational resources and a service directory available on their website. They also have a confidential chatroom and helpline.

Supportline

Support for children, young adults including those affected by sexual, emotional, and physical abuse.

Pro Bono Support

Sport Resolutions operates a Pro Bono Legal Advice & Representation Service.

To access the Service, you must be an Athlete or individual of limited financial means, who are either involved in UK Sport Funded High performance sport, request assistance from the Panel through the British Elite Athletes Association (‘BEAA’) or involved in proceedings administered by Sport Resolutions. More information and the Terms of Reference can be accessed here.

If you would like further information, please call the Sport Resolutions Secretariat on +44 (0)20 7036 1966, or email resolve@sportresolutions.com

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