What changed in the 2026 update and when must sports adopt it?

Question

Accepted Answer

Sport Integrity Australia (SIA) published the updated Framework and Sport Integrity Policy Standards in July 2026 (media statement dated 24 July 2026), after a 2025-26 review. Sports must update their policies by 30 April 2027. SIA's CEO called it the biggest update to the Framework since its launch in 2021.

Key changes SIA lists:

Complaints, Disputes and Discipline: a new "allegations" process (people do not need to decide whether it is a report or complaint); stronger requirements for independent Complaint Managers and for allegations involving a national sporting organisation; case categorisation complemented by a more flexible assessment process; clearer governance of investigation and sanctioning, including options to share sanctions across the sector.
Participant Protection: renamed from Member Protection and expanded to all participants; SIA accepts reports of abusive behaviour on the basis of disability; stronger protections against victimisation.
Safeguarding Children and Young People: child safe practices split into minimum requirements (in the Policy) and best practice (in the Companion Guide); updated definitions of harm and abuse; clearer obligations to report allegations, charges or investigations relating to harm or abuse of children.
Improper Use of Drugs and Medicine: updated roles for Relevant Support Personnel; practical guidance moved to a Companion Guide.
Competition Manipulation and Sports Betting: scope expanded to members in international competitions; more focus on courtsiding, data scouting and betting activity.

Each policy now has a Companion Guide, which gives best-practice advice and does not form part of the policy.

Sources: https://www.sportintegrity.gov.au/news/media-statements/2026-07/national-integrity-updates-enhance-protections-australians-sport and https://www.sportintegrity.gov.au/sites/default/files/SIA744-0726-NIF-KEY-CHANGES-WEB-ACC_0.pdf