We’ve covered how we protect our members, their health, and the integrity of our game. For our final post in this series, we’re looking at the “how-to” of fairness: the Complaints, Disputes & Discipline Policy (CDDP).

In any community, disagreements happen. The goal of this policy is to provide a clear, transparent, and independent process to resolve issues when they arise.

What is the CDDP?

The CDDP is the rulebook for how Australian Disc Golf handles reports of “Prohibited Conduct” under the other NIF policies. It ensures that everyone, no matter their role in the sport, is treated with respect and procedural fairness.

How Does It Work?

One of the biggest benefits of ADG adopting the AFDA’s framework is that we no longer have to police ourselves in a vacuum.

• Independent Assessment: Serious complaints (like discrimination or child safeguarding) are often managed or overseen by Sport Integrity Australia. This removes the risk of politics influencing the outcome.
• Clear Steps: The policy outlines a step-by-step process: from making a report and the initial evaluation to potential hearings and final decisions.
• Confidentiality: Every step is handled with the utmost respect for the privacy of everyone involved.

What About Local Disputes?

It’s important to note that the CDDP is designed for breaches of the National Integrity Framework. Personal “grumbles” or minor disagreements about a foot fault on the course are still usually handled by local clubs or the TD under the standard PDGA/ADG rules of play. The CDDP is there for the serious stuff that impacts the safety and integrity of our sport.

Your Voice Matters

A policy is only as good as the people who use it. If you see something that violates our Member Protection or Integrity policies, this document gives you the power and the protection to speak up. It ensures that your concerns will be heard by the right people, in the right way.

Wrapping Up the Series

Over the last month, we’ve looked at the four pillars of the National Integrity Framework. Together with ADG’s own supplementary Safeguarding Children & Young People Policy, these documents form a shield around our sport. By adopting these standards, Australian Disc Golf is ensuring that as we grow, we stay true to the values that made us pick up a disc in the first place: Fairness, Safety, and Respect.

Last week, we talked about how the Drugs & Medicine policy keeps our athletes healthy. This week, we’re looking at how we keep the game itself honest.

As Disc Golf grows in Australia, it’s attracting more eyes, more sponsors, and more fans. That’s exciting! But it also means we need to protect the unpredictability of our sport. That’s where the Competition Manipulation and Sports Gambling Policy comes in.

What is Competition Manipulation?

Essentially, it’s anything that aims to fix the outcome of a hole, a round, or a tournament for a reason other than pure skill. Whether it’s deliberately missing a putt to help a friend’s ranking or agreeing to split a prize before the final round is over, it undermines the very reason we compete.

Why Does This Matter for Disc Golf?

You might think, “I’m just playing a B-Tier event, surely this doesn’t apply to me?” But integrity starts at the grassroots. To keep our sport respected by sponsors, government bodies, and the public, we need to ensure that every result is earned fairly.

The “No-Go” Zones

The policy identifies a few key prohibited behaviors:

• Match-Fixing: Intentionally performing below your best to influence a result.
• Inside Information: Sharing non-public info (like a top player’s secret injury) with someone who might use it for betting.
• Betting on Your Own Sport: Under the NIF, if you are a “Relevant Person” (player, official, or volunteer), you are generally prohibited from betting on Disc Golf events you are involved in or have influence over.

The Bottom Line

We play Disc Golf because the best player on the day wins. This policy helps ensure the scorecard always tells the true story. By keeping gambling and manipulation out of our game, we protect the spirit of competition that makes every birdie feel so good.

Next Week: We wrap up the series with the Complaints, Disputes & Discipline Policy

Following our introduction to the Member Protection Policy last week, we’re moving on to the second pillar of the National Integrity Framework (NIF): the Improper Use of Drugs & Medicine Policy.

When we hear about drug policies in sports, we often think of elite athletes and Olympic testing. While that’s part of it, this policy is actually designed to protect the health and safety of every player in the disc golf community.

What is this Policy About?

At its core, this policy ensures that the way we use medications and supplements in our sport is safe, transparent, and fair. As our sport becomes more competitive and rounds get longer, players are increasingly looking at ways to support their recovery and performance. This policy provides a roadmap to ensure that:

1. Safety First: Decisions about your health should be made by qualified medical professionals.
2. Integrity: No one should feel pressured to use substances to “keep up” or gain an unfair advantage.
3. Protection: Our junior and vulnerable players are protected from the inappropriate administration of medicines.

What are the “Ground Rules”?

The policy identifies a few key areas that every member should be aware of:

• Inappropriate Use of “Relevant Substances”: This includes the use of illegal drugs or the misuse of prescription medications in a way that could impact performance or safety.
• The “No Needle” Policy: To keep our sport safe and clean, there is a general rule against injections unless they are administered by a qualified medical practitioner for a documented medical condition.
• Supplement Safety: Many off-the-shelf supplements can contain hidden ingredients. This policy encourages players to be “Supplement Aware” and cautious about what they put in their bodies.
• Professional Standards: Only people with the right medical qualifications should be providing medical advice or treatment at ADG-sanctioned events.

It’s important to note that the possession, use, or distribution of illegal drugs at any ADG-sanctioned event or in a way that brings the sport into disrepute is a direct violation of this policy. We are committed to maintaining a family-friendly environment where everyone feels safe.

How Does This Affect You?

For the casual league player, this policy largely means sticking to the common sense approach: use medications as prescribed by your doctor and keep the course a drug-free zone.

For our competitive athletes, it’s a reminder to be diligent. If you are taking medication for a legitimate health condition, or if you use supplements, it’s worth checking them against the Sport Integrity Australia guidelines to ensure you’re staying within the lines.

Building a Healthy Culture

By adopting this policy from the AFDA, Australian Disc Golf is joining a nationwide effort to keep sports healthy. We want our players to have long, successful careers (and social rounds!) powered by health and fair play.

---

Need to check a medication?

The best way to stay safe is to use the Sport Integrity app or visit the Sport Integrity Australia website to check any substance or medication.

Next Week: We’ll be discussing Competition Manipulation and Sports Gambling