Protecting the Integrity of Surfing

As part of its participation in and support of the Olympic Movement, the International Surfing Association (ISA) is firmly committed to protecting the integrity of surfing competitions and safeguarding clean sport.

The manipulation of sports competitions represents a serious threat to athletes, events, and the credibility of sport. In response to this risk, the ISA has adopted and implements the ISA Rules on the Prevention of the Manipulation of Competitions, which are aligned with the Olympic Movement Code on the Prevention of the Manipulation of Competitions (OMCPCM)

ISA-Rules on Prevention of the Manipulation of Competitions

What is competition manipulation?

Competition manipulation refers to any intentional act or omission aimed at improperly altering the course or result of a competition in order to remove all or part of its unpredictable nature for undue benefit.

This may involve betting-related misconduct, corrupt approaches, misuse of inside information, or failure to report suspicious activity.

Who is covered by these rules?

The ISA Rules apply to all Participating Persons, as defined in the ISA Rulebook. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Athletes
• Coaches and team officials
• Judges and technical officials
• Support personnel
• Any other persons accredited or involved in ISA events

Every Participating Person has a personal responsibility to understand and comply with these rules.

Prohibited conduct

The ISA Rules strictly prohibit the following conduct:

Betting

Participating Persons are prohibited from betting on:

• Any ISA event in which they are directly participating;
• Any surf event; or
• Any event of a multisport competition in which they are a participant.

Manipulation of competitions

Any intentional arrangement, act, or omission designed to improperly influence the result or course of a competition is prohibited.

Corrupt conduct

Offering, requesting, receiving, or accepting any benefit in connection with competition manipulation or other corrupt activity is strictly forbidden.

Inside information

Participating Persons must not:

• Use inside information for betting, manipulation, or other corrupt purposes;
• Disclose inside information where it may be misused; or
• Receive or provide benefits in exchange for inside information.

Failure to report

Participating Persons must report, at the first available opportunity:

• Any approach, invitation, or request to engage in prohibited conduct;
• Any incident or information that could indicate a potential violation of the ISA Rules.

Failure to report such matters constitutes a violation of the Rules.

Reporting concerns

The ISA encourages all Participating Persons to speak up and report concerns related to competition manipulation or integrity risks.

Reports may be made through:

• The ISA’s designated SAFE REPORT for reporting mechanisms; and/or
• The IOC Integrity and Compliance Hotline, which allows for confidential and anonymous reporting.

IOC Integrity Hotline:
www.olympic.org/integrityhotline

All reports are handled confidentially and in accordance with applicable rules and laws.

Investigations and disciplinary procedures

Where a potential violation is identified, the ISA may conduct an investigation directly or through a designated body. Participating Persons are required to cooperate fully with any investigation.

Disciplinary proceedings are conducted in accordance with the ISA Rulebook and the ISA Rules on the Prevention of the Manipulation of Competitions, ensuring:

• The right to be informed of allegations;
• The right to a fair and impartial process; and
• The right to be represented.

Sanctions

Violations of the ISA Rules may result in sanctions ranging from a warning to a lifetime ban, depending on the severity of the offence and any aggravating or mitigating circumstances.

Sanctions imposed by other sporting organizations may be recognized and enforced by the ISA, subject to applicable appeal rights.

Education and prevention

The ISA is committed not only to enforcement but also to prevention. This includes:

• Promoting awareness of competition manipulation risks;
• Supporting education and integrity initiatives; and
• Cooperating with public authorities, law enforcement, and betting monitoring entities where appropriate.

Further information

For full details, please consult:

• ISA Rules on the Prevention of the Manipulation of Competitions (PDF)
• The ISA Rulebook (PDF)
• The Olympic Movement Code on the Prevention of the Manipulation of Competitions