Hockey Australia strengthens commitment to protecting the hockey community with SIA partnership

Hockey Australia is pleased to announce that, in partnership with Sport Integrity Australia (SIA), it has adopted the SIA National Integrity Framework, to strengthen its ongoing commitment to protecting the hockey community.

The SIA’s framework came into effect on 1 January 2024 and will supersede Hockey Australia’s existing National Integrity Framework (NIF) and its associated policies.

The NIF details the types of conduct and behaviour that Hockey Australia agrees are unacceptable in sport and will guide Australian Hockey Organisations, and participants, on how to deal with a breach in conduct, if they experience it or witness it.

The updated SIA National Integrity Framework addresses five key integrity related policies, including:

• Member Protection
• Safeguarding Children and Young People
• Competition Manipulation and Sport Gambling
• Improper Use of Drugs and Medicine
• Complaints, Disputes and Disclipline

Until now, hockey in Australia has already been operating with very similar policies outlined in the SIA framework. However, a key change will be the way complaints and concerns are managed.

Under the new framework, matters related to Child Safeguarding and Discrimination can now be reported directly to SIA. These are some of the most complex issues, with the highest risk, and they will now be handed independently and outside of the system where they occurred.

All other integrity matters will continue to be triaged and managed by the Hockey Australia Integrity Unit or referred to the appropriate level of hockey management. SIA CEO David Sharpe congratulated Hockey Australia on the announcement saying it’s a significant step forward for the sport.

“We look forward to continuing to support hockey as they move forward with embedding the Framework into their processes and procedures to keep children and members safe.”

Hockey Australia CEO David Pryles echoed Sharpe’s sentiment saying Hockey Australia looks forward to strengthening its relationship with Sport Integrity Australia.

“Our biggest goal is to ensure we’re making hockey the most safe and inclusive sport possible to play.”

“We’re proud to be one of the leaders in this space and believe adopting the SIA’s framework is a big step in the right direction as we continue to build on the great work hockey has already done in ensuring members and participants are safe from integrity threats. 

“Hockey Australia will now commence work with its member associations to implement the National Integrity Framework at a state and territory level. Child safety and safeguarding messages will continue to be communicated under the “Safe Hockey” branding and will align with the NIF’s Safeguarding Children and Young People policy.

For more information, or to view the policies in detail, please visit Hockey Australia’s integrity page www.hockey.org.au/integrity, or contact the Hockey Australia Integrity Unit at integrity@hockey.org.au.