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.

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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

Australian Disc Golf is growing at a record pace. To ensure our sport remains a safe, fair, and professional environment for everyone, we are officially adopting the National Integrity Framework (NIF).

The “Why” and the “How”

Constitutionally, ADG operates as a branch of the Australian Flying Disc Association (AFDA). While ADG maintains full financial and decision-making autonomy over disc golf, we share a commitment to the highest standards of sports governance.

The AFDA has formally adopted the National Integrity Framework (NIF), a suite of gold-standard policies developed by Sport Integrity Australia (SIA). By aligning with this framework, ADG ensures that our players are protected by the same independent oversight and consistent rules used by Australia’s major sporting bodies.

The NIF policies are:

• Member Protection Policy
• Safeguarding Children & Young People Policy
• Improper Use of Drugs & Medicine Policy
• Competition Manipulation and Sports Gambling Policy
• Complaints, Disputes & Discipline Policy

These policies apply to all participants and organisations involved in all disc golf activities.

Over the coming weeks, we will introduce this framework, beginning today with The Member Protection Policy.

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Part 1: Keeping Our Sport Safe and Respectful

What is the Member Protection Policy?

The Member Protection Policy is designed to ensure that everyone participating in disc golf is treated with respect and dignity. It establishes clear standards of behaviour and protects participants from harmful conduct including abuse, bullying, harassment, sexual misconduct, discrimination, victimisation, and vilification. 

What is covered?

This policy defines “Prohibited Conduct” to ensure our community is shielded from:

• Abuse & Bullying: Physical, emotional, or repeated unreasonable behaviour.
• Harassment & Sexual Misconduct: Any unwanted conduct that offends or intimidates.
• Discrimination & Vilification: Unfair treatment based on race, gender, disability, orientation, or religion.
• Victimisation: Protecting those who have the courage to speak up.

Why This Matters for You

As an ADG member, you have a right to a safe environment and a responsibility to treat others with dignity. This policy doesn’t change the game we love; it provides the professional framework to protect it.

Get Informed: You can find the full policy here.