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The importance and protection of sporting integrity has been underlined by the New Zealand Olympic Committee (NZOC) at its general assembly in Auckland this week.

Held on Thursday (14th May), the NZOC introduced a new Integrity Regulation at the assembly, essentially strengthening its framework and policies around issues such as doping, match-fixing and illegal betting.

NCOC Chief Executive Kereyn Smith (pictured) said the new regulation was another vital step towards ensuring the highest standards of integrity were maintained in the New Zealand sporting system.

Smith stated "our aim is to work with international and national bodies to provide a co-ordinated approach to integrity issues.

"Our new integrity framework includes anti-doping, match-fixing, betting and corruption, and support staff regulations as well as a new Code of Ethics for New Zealand Olympic Committee employees and appointed personnel, including the Games team support staff.

"This is an area of strong focus, not because we think there are problems there in New Zealand sport but because we are being led globally by the Olympic movement and we want to make sure the rights of all our clean and honest athletes are maintained."

The new regulations are in line with the World Anti-Doping Authority code, Sport NZ's integrity policies and steps by the IOC to ensure the athlete entourage is also engaged in the protection of competitors. The code of ethics will ensure New Zealand Olympic Committee personnel are also playing their role.

Smith added “we will now require National Sporting Organisations to develop rules or policies to combat illegal sport betting as well as have processes in place for the protection of whistle-blowers and a disciplinary process.

"This is consistent with Sport NZ policy and means all sports with athletes competing at the Rio Olympic Games will be accountable in the fight against irregular sports betting."

The Games Team Support Staff agreements add further protection for athletes and sport in matters ranging from doping to discrimination and unsporting behaviour.

Among changes to the NZOC's constitution was a more transparent process for the rotation of board members every four years and a more tailored approach to managing disputes and appeals.

6th May 2014 - NEW SAFEGUARDS TO PREVENT MATCH-FIXING IN NEW ZEALAND SPORT

8th October 2013 - NEW ZEALAND OLYMPIC COMMITTEE TO CHALLENGE CHEATING IN SPORT

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