Learn the rules, know your rights and obligations and report!
What is Competition Manipulation in Sport?
Competition manipulation occurs when a sportsperson or official cheats to remove the unpredictability of a competition. Sportspersons may cheat to lose a competition or part of it, which is entirely against the Olympic spirit. The reason behind such an action would be either to gain a sporting advantage (e.g. face an easier opponent in the 2nd round of a tournament) or to gain a financial benefit, notably linked with sports betting.
What is competition manipulation?
Why people manipulate competition?
In order to prevent the proliferation of competition manipulation, IWGA works together with the Olympic Movement Unit on the Prevention of the Manipulation of Competitions (“OM Unit PMC”) to ensure that all athletes, officials and support staff are aware of the Code of Conduct of the Olympic Movement Unit on the Prevention of the Manipulation of Competitions in order to protect themselves and their sport from threats linked to competition manipulation:
- NEVER bet on your own sport or The World Games
- NEVER manipulate a competition and always do your best.
- NEVER share inside information. Non-public information about your sport stays private.
- ALWAYS repot an approach to manipulate or anything suspicious: www.olympic.org/integrityhotline
For more information, go to: www.olympic.org/believeinsport
The Believe in Sport Campaign provides a wide range of tools, including audio-visual materials and e-learning for the Olympic Movement stakeholders to raise awareness about the threats of competition manipulation. For more information: Believe in Sport Toolbox.
What are the Rules and Violations?
In order to best fight against competition manipulation, IWGA has adopted rules which are applicable for The World Games. The rules are in line with the Olympic Movement Code on the Prevention of the Manipulation of Competitions. Breaches of the rules lead to disciplinary sanctions.
- Breaches include:
- Betting on one’s sport
- Sharing of inside information
- Corrupt conduct / manipulation
- Failure to cooperate
- Failure to report
If such a breach is identified during the World Games, there will be disciplinary proceedings which could lead to disciplinary sanctions for the sportspersons involved.
ALWAYS REPORT & CONTRIBUTE TO KEEPING SPORT INSPIRATIONAL
Relevant breaches of the Rules not only undermine the credibility of your sport, but also the credibility of the overall sports movement and all athletes. It is therefore not only a responsibility, but also a moral duty of all of us to report anything that comes to our attention and looks suspicious. It is our right and responsibility to contribute to protecting the moral integrity of our fellow athletes and our sport, by reporting in a safe way, any potential breach that comes to our attention.
The IOC Integrity Hotline is accessible for anyone at any time to confidentially report any suspicious actions that have come to your attention.