Sport Integrity Australia has today launched a new 24 person Integrity Manager Network to enhance the integrity capabilities of sports that have adopted the National Integrity Framework.
The network embeds 19 Integrity Managers within sports and an additional five Integrity Support Officers within Sport Integrity Australia to support the implementation of the National Integrity Framework - a suite of policies designed to mitigate integrity threats, keep athletes safe and competitions fair.
Each position is fully funded by Sport Integrity Australia with the aim of boosting sport's understanding, awareness and capability to manage integrity threats at all levels. With some integrity managers working across more than one sport, the Network will provide integrity support to 54 Australian sports.
Sport Integrity Australia CEO David Sharpe said the network is the first of its kind and will proactively help protect Australian sport.
"The network will provide Integrity Managers with a supportive and collaborative environment to ensure they can effectively implement the Framework in their sports, including training, resources, expert advice, and development and networking opportunities provided by Sport Integrity Australia," Mr Sharpe said.
"Having these government-funded positions embedded in sports will enhance their integrity capability and help keep their sports safe and fair.
Jonathan Pitt, National Legal and Integrity Manager at Baseball Australia and Water Polo Australia, said the support and resources going into helping sports implement a new integrity framework will be "instrumental in strengthening sport across the board".
"The network is invaluable, especially with other integrity managers starting in the same or similar roles at same time. We've been able to share insights from our previous experiences so far, and in future we'll have a group of people who are working towards the same outcome and can support one another."
The network came together for the first time this week to complete Sport Integrity Australia's inaugural Managing Integrity in Sport course in Melbourne. The three-day intensive course, developed in partnership with Victoria University, was designed to enhance the knowledge of attendees across the range of integrity issues covered in the National Integrity Framework, as well as doping.
Attendees were offered opportunities to interact with subject matter experts, be actively involved in 'problem solving' sessions, and engaged with other attendees through interactive activities and case studies. They were also provided with online resources that can be consulted when required.
Pitt, a former athlete, said he was impressed by the training and resources on offer.
"I've learning so much already, they've provided a great platform," he said.
The first intake of the course runs from 12-14 July in Melbourne at Victoria University's city campus, with future intakes scheduled from October 2022 onwards.
