Integrity at WA Football
WA Football is committed to protecting the health, safety, and well-being of children, youth, and adults participating in WA Football competitions, activities and programs.
All game employees, volunteers, stakeholders and participants are encouraged to report any improper conduct or criminal behaviour they observe or encounter.
We expect that all people connected to the game will act with ethical behaviour and demonstrate respect for everyone involved to create a safe, fair, and inclusive WA Football environment.
The following outlines the key areas to ensure the health, safety and well-being of all involved.
WA Football is committed to promoting and protecting the safety, health, and well-being of all children and young people involved in Australian Rules Football. We aim to create a culture where children and young people feel safe, supported and included because everyone has the right to Be Safe, Feel Safe, and Play Safe.
In partnership with the AFL, WA Football provides a range of resources and practical tools to help clubs foster safe, welcoming environments. These include templates, posters, and fact sheets to guide clubs in safeguarding children and young people and ensuring every action taken contributes to a safer football community.
WA Football, together with other State Sporting Organisations, Youth Programs and Regional Local Governments, is proud to participate in the Respectful Relationships Sport and Recreation Program (RRSRP), a WA Government primary prevention initiative that addresses family and domestic violence and promotes safer, more respectful communities. Funded by the Department of Communities, delivered by Starick, with support from the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries (DLGSC), the program is guided by a Steering Group that includes WA Football.
The program helps sporting and community organisations build their capacity to prevent violence and abusive behaviours by promoting gender equality and respect. It is delivered across five key focus areas: Education and Learning, Policy and Practice, Culture, Community Engagement, and Support for Staff and Volunteers.
WA Football strictly prohibits illicit drugs and excessive alcohol consumption at all levels of football. WE also support smoke-free environments at football grounds throughout WA and encourage clubs to take part in the Good Sports Program, which helps manage alcohol, drugs and smoking to create safer, more inclusive spaces for everyone involved.
Football brings people together and in WA, we’re focused on making sure everyone can take part in a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment. Our game is for everyone, on the ground, online, and in the community and we’re dedicated to promoting respect, diversity, and equality across all levels of the sport.
Together with the AFL, WA Football maintains a zero-tolerance stance on racism, vilification, and discrimination. Clubs
Australian Football Anti-Doping Code
WA Football, under the AFL Anti-Doping Code and the World Anit-Doping Code, is committed to ensuring that Australian football is played fairly, safely, and without the use of performance-enhancing substances. The use of prohibited drugs, medications or methods is strictly banned, and all athletes and support staff are responsible for understanding and complying with these rules.
In partnership with Sports Integrity Australia, WA Football supports education and prevention programs to help protect the integrity of the game. Athletes should stay informed about the Prohibited List, Therapeutic Use Exemptions (TUEs), and the risks associated with supplements. Regular testing is conducted to uphold these standards and ensure competitions are based on natural athletic performance.
Match Fixing
Competition manipulation, also known as match fixing, occurs when someone intentionally alters the outcome or course of a sporting event for personal or financial gain. It undermines fairness and can involve players, officials, or others connected to the game, often linked to illegal betting activity.
WA Football, in partnership with the AFL and Sports Integrity Australia, is committed to protecting Australian football from manipulation and sports wagering-related threats. Everyone involved in football, players, coaches, officials, and staff, must understand their responsibilities under the AFL Gambling and Match Fixing Policy and the WAFL Gambling Policy.
To help raise awareness, Sports Integrity Australia offers an online learning program on competition manipulation and sports gambling, covering betting rules, misuse of inside information, how to report concerns, and the consequences of engaging in prohibited conduct.
WA Football recognises the importance of social media in connecting clubs, communities, and stakeholders, and in promoting the positive spirit of Australian Football. With that opportunity comes a responsibility to ensure a safe and respectful online environment for everyone involved.
Through the WA Football Social Media & Communications Policy, we outline expectations for the safe and responsible use of digital platforms, supporting cyber safety across all community levels. In partnership with the AFL and the eSafety Commissioner, we’re committed to keeping players, officials, and supporters safe online.
Acknowledgement of Country
WA Football acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the many lands across Western Australia where we train, play, and come together through football. We pay our respects to Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all First Nations people. We recognise the deep and continuing contribution First Nations peoples make to our game and our communities.
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