WORLD MASTERS GAMES 2017
CODE OF CONDUCT
1. What is the Code of Conduct?
1.1 When delivering the World Masters Games 2017 (Games), World Masters Games 2017 Limited (WMG2017)
is guided by the ‘Sport For All’ philosophy of the Olympic Charter, which promotes lifelong competition,
friendship and understanding between mature sportspeople irrespective of age, gender, race, religion and
status.
1.2 This Code of Conduct applies to all Participants, being:
(a) all athletes competing in the event (also extending to a team of athletes);
(b) all non-playing officials, being persons registered to support any team or individual competing at the
Games, such as coaches, managers and health professionals or as a team appointed sport official, such
as an umpire or scorer;
(c) all supporters, being persons registered to support any team or individual competing at the Games, and
who is not a non-playing official; and
(d) all volunteers appointed by WMG2017 who are involved in the delivery of the Games, including
umpires, referees and other appointed technical or sport officials.
1.3 The purpose of the Code is to:
a) encourage and promote excellent sportsmanship by embracing the “Sport For All” philosophy;
b) set out the types of behaviour that is expected of Participants during the Games;
c) support all Participants in achieving a memorable Games experience;
d) ensure that the highest possible standard of competition occurs during the Games, including
demonstrating fair play on and off the field; and
e) set out the consequences for any breach of the Code.
1.4 The Code is not intended to restrict or hinder a Participant’s ability to have fun and participate in a
competitive manner in the Games.
1.5 The Code may apply in addition to any sport-specific rules or requirements. Unless defined in this Code,
capitalised terms have the meaning given in the Games Participation Terms and Conditions.
2. When does the Code apply?
2.1 The Code applies from:
a) (in the case of an athlete, non-playing official or supporter) the time that the athlete or non-playing
official applies for registration pursuant to the WMG2017 Participation Terms and Conditions;
b) (in the case of a volunteer) from the time that volunteer is offered and accepts a role as a volunteer
pursuant to the WMG2017 Volunteer Terms and Conditions.
2.2 The Code applies (in all cases) until the conclusion of any organised activities on the final day of the Games,
including:
a) during any competition scheduled as part of the Games;
b) in relation to any media, including social media; and
c) all official and unofficial social functions of, or associated with, the Games.
3. Commitments under the Code
3.1 The Participant acknowledges that everyone enters to participate in the Games for different reasons –
whether for social reasons, participation, being part of a team, elite competition and winning or achieving a
personal goal. The Participant must always respect these individual reasons.
3.2 The Participant commits to comply with and support the Code, and in doing so, agrees to:
(a) observe and comply with competition and other Games or sport-specific rules, including the reasonable
direction of Games officials, volunteers or other Games or WMG2017 staff;
(b) display self-control, respect and professionalism to all involved with the Games, including opponents,
referees, coaches, officials, administrators, media and spectators;
(c) respect the rights, dignity and worth of all other Participants, including by being fair, considerate and
honest in all dealings with others, and displaying integrity for the rules and spirit of sport;
(d) be professional in, and accept responsibility for their actions both on and off the field of play;
(e) comply with the International Masters Games Association (IMGA) Anti-Doping Rules and not use any
illegal substance during the event;
(f) consume alcohol only in approved or licensed areas, never arrive at the venue intoxicated, drink alcohol
on the field of play or be intoxicated at any official Games event, venue or social function;
(g) not harass, swear, use negative or obscene language, in any interaction with other Participants or
WMG2017 staff;
(h) not engage in any unlawful behaviour or act in any manner which brings the Games, key stakeholders,
sponsors or WMG2017 (including any employee, official or agent of such organisations) into disrepute;
and
(i) encourage fellow Participants to also comply with the Code.
4. Breaches of the Code
4.1 Where a Participant is or is alleged to be in breach of the Code, the process in either clause 4.2 or 4.3 will
apply.
4.2 Where the breach (or alleged breach) relates to a specific sport:
(a) Appropriate action will be taken by an appointed Games official, volunteer or representative in line with
any established sport specific rules. A breach or alleged breach on the field of play may also be referred
to an International Sports Federation appointed Technical Delegate, or the appointed Sport Delivery
Partner.
(b) The appointed Sport Delivery Partner or Games official may also determine and impose an appropriate
sanction that is relevant to the rules and conduct of the sport and consistent with the spirit of the Code.
Any sanction will be communicated in writing to the Participant concerned.
(c) Where the appointed Sport Delivery Partner considers that a breach may also be appropriately dealt
with pursuant to clause 4.3, the breach will also be escalated to WMG2017.
4.3 Where the breach (or alleged breach) relates to the Participant’s wider responsibilities as a participant in
the Games:
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(a) The breach (or alleged breach) will be investigated by an appointed Code of Conduct Review Panel.
(b) The Code of Conduct Review Panel will consist of at least two WMG2017 staff members, and may also
involve a representative from other relevant independent stakeholders (i.e. Sport Delivery Partner
representative or a Technical Delegate).
(c) The Code of Conduct Review Panel will review any relevant information available and provide an
opportunity for the Participant to attend a meeting to discuss the breach or alleged breach.
(d) During the review process, any sanction already imposed under clause 4.2 will remain in place, even if
this results in an athlete missing one or more elements of competition.
(e) Where the Code of Conduct Review Panel determines that a breach has been proven, the Code of
Conduct Review Panel will determine and impose any sanction it considers appropriate for the breach
and inform the participant of the outcome. Any sanction will be communicated in writing to the
Participant concerned. The outcome may also be communicated to the Sport Delivery Partner, if the
involvement of the Sport Delivery Partner is required to implement any sanction.
(f) Where the Code of Conduct Review Panel considers a sanction to be significant (for example, if the
Participant is disqualified from the Games and asked to surrender their accreditation) this will also be
communicated to IMGA and/or other relevant stakeholders or authorities.
5. Consequences for breach of the Code
5.1 Where a Participant has breached the Code, sanctions which may apply to an individual or team include (but
are not limited to) the following. The Participant may:
(a) be removed from the field of play in line with sport specific rules (i.e. a “red card”);
(b) be disqualified from an event or the entire Games, including removal of any results, awards, medals or
records obtained through participation in the Games (as appropriate);
(c) be suspended from competing in subsequent competition or events for the remainder of the Games;
(d) have their Games accreditation and associated privileges removed (including access to competition or
social venues, events or activities);
(e) be excluded from future World Masters Games competitions or from other national or international
sporting organisations, clubs or associations, or other events (following a recommendation to IMGA or
the relevant Sport Delivery Partner to that effect); or
(f) be referred to New Zealand Police or other relevant authority.
5.2 Participants may not appeal a sanction which is imposed in accordance with clause 4.2.
5.3 Where a sanction is imposed pursuant to clause 4.3, participants may appeal the decision of the Sport
Delivery Partner or Code of Conduct Review Panel, in accordance with the following process:
(a) A completed Code of Conduct Appeal Form, together with an appeal fee of NZD$250 (inclusive of GST
and payable by credit card only plus any bank charges) should be lodged to the designated payment
location within the Games Entertainment Hub (located at Queens Wharf, Auckland).
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(b) The appeal will be investigated by a Code of Conduct Appeal Panel. The panel will consist of the IMGA
Director of Sport and WMG2017 General Manager, Sports and Games Operations (or their nominated
delegate), and may also involve a representative from other independent relevant stakeholders (for
example, Sport Delivery Partners).
(c) The Code of Conduct Appeal Panel will review all relevant information available, including the original
sanction imposed and details leading to the sanction being determined. During the appeal process, any
previously imposed sanction will remain in place, even if this results in an athlete missing one or more
elements of competition.
(d) The Participant will be invited to attend an appeal meeting to outline to the Code of Conduct Appeal
Panel the grounds for appeal and any supporting information. The meeting will be held within 24 hours
of receipt of the Code of Conduct Appeal Form.
(e) After considering all the available information, the Code of Conduct Appeal Panel will either:
i.
uphold any previous sanction;
ii.
determine an alternative sanction deemed appropriate for the breach; or
iii.
dismiss the sanction and take any steps it considers appropriate to remedy any consequences
arising from it.
(f) Any sanction will be communicated in writing to the Participant concerned. The outcome may also be
communicated to the Sport Delivery Partner, if the involvement of the Sport Delivery Partner is required
to implement any sanction.
(g) Where the Code of Conduct Appeal Panel considers a sanction to be significant (for example, if the
Participant is disqualified from the Games and asked to surrender their accreditation) this will also be
communicated to IMGA and/or other relevant stakeholders or authorities.
(h) Where a sanction is upheld or amended by the Code of Conduct Appeal Panel, the Participant will forfeit
the appeal fee. However, if the sanction is dismissed by the Code of Conduct Appeal Panel, the appeal
fee will be refunded in full to the Participant’s credit card.
(i) The decision of the Code of Conduct Appeal Panel is final.
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