Model Rules

for International Federations

and their members

to assist in implementing the Olympic Movement Code on the

Prevention of the Manipulation of Competitions

These Model Rules have been developed by the Olympic Movement Unit on the Prevention
of the Manipulation of Competitions to assist all International Federations (IFs) and their
respective members at the Continental, Regional and National level in implementing Rules
compliant with the Olympic Movement Code on the Prevention of the Manipulation of
Competitions (OM Code PMC).1

Two Options are available for sports organisations to ensure compliance with the Code
(Preamble, para. e):
Option 1: Incorporation of the Code by reference
Option 2: Implementation of regulations consistent with the Code or more stringent than
the Code.

All sports organisations should consider what status the Code has within its own constitution
and legal structure. The Constitutions or By-laws may provide that its Board may pass
“regulations in furtherance of these By-laws” or wording to that effect in which case, these
Rules must be properly adopted as a regulation under the organisation’s Constitution or By-
laws.

The OM Code PMC Implementation Support Framework is available here.

Email: [email protected]

1
https://stillmed.olympic.org/media/Document%20Library/OlympicOrg/IOC/What-We-Do/Protecting-Clean-
Athletes/Competition-manipulation/Code-Prevention-Manipulation-Competitions.pdf

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 MODEL RULES
OPTION 1: IMPLEMENTATION BY REFERENCE
Sports organisations may choose to incorporate the Code by reference.

EXAMPLE:
a. These Regulations incorporate by reference the Olympic Movement Code on the Prevention
of the Manipulation of Competitions of 8 December 2015 as well as any amendments made
thereafter by the IOC;
b. These Regulations specifically prohibit betting in relation to [select one or more of the
following options]:
i. a Competition in which the Participant is directly participating; or
ii. the Participant’s sport; and/or
iii. any event of a multisport Competition in which he/she is a participant.
c. Every reference to “Sporting Organisation” in the Code shall mean [insert Sports
Organisation and its affiliated organisations (where applicable)];

COMMENT:
Incorporation by reference implies that the sports organisation fulfils all requirements with
regards to the Code i.e.
• anonymous reporting is facilitated (as required in art. 3.5) e.g. through reference to
the IOC Integrity and Compliance Hotline (www.olympic.org/integrityhotline) or to the
sports organisations own reporting mechanism;
• an appropriate appeal framework is provided (as required in art. 3.6) through
reference directly in the Regulations or to another document of the Sports
Organisation which provides for such an appeals framework.

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 OPTION 2: IMPLEMENTATION BY ADOPTION
Sports organisations may choose to implement regulations consistent with the Code or more
stringent than the Code.

COMMENT:
• Text in red is considered mandatory (directly from the OM Code PMC);
• Text in italics is recommended;
• It is recommended to insert the name of the federation/organisation wherever [insert sports
organisation] is indicated.

EXAMPLE:
[Sports Organisation] Code on the Prevention
of the Manipulation of Competitions
Preamble

a. Acknowledging the danger to sports integrity from the manipulation of sports

competitions, the [insert sports organisation] restates their commitment to
safeguarding the integrity of sport, including the protection of clean athletes and
competitions as stated in Olympic Agenda 2020;
b. Due to the complex nature of this threat, the [insert sports organisation] recognises
that they cannot tackle this threat alone, and hence cooperation with public authorities,
in particular law enforcement and sports betting entities, is crucial;
c. The [insert sports organisation] declares their commitment to support the integrity of
sport and fight against the manipulation of competitions by adhering to the standards
set out in the Olympic Movement Code on the Prevention of the Manipulation of
Competitions, this Code, to those of the [insert international sports federation where
applicable] and by requiring their members to do likewise.

COMMENT: Sports organisations may also wish to include the following articles:
Application and Scope
a. This Code will come into force on [insert date].
b. It shall be the personal responsibility of every Participant to make himself or herself
aware of this Code including, without limitation, what conduct constitutes a violation
of this Code and to comply with those requirements. Participants should also be
aware that conduct prohibited under this Code may also constitute a criminal offence
and/or a breach of other applicable laws and regulations including other regulations
of [insert sports organisation e.g. international sports federation or multi-sport games
regulations]. Participants must comply with all applicable laws and regulations at all
times.

Article 1 - Definitions

1.1 “Benefit” means the direct or indirect receipt or provision of money or the equivalent
such as, but not limited to, bribes, gains, gifts and other advantages including, without
limitation, winnings and/or potential winnings as a result of a wager; the foregoing shall
not include official prize money, appearance fees or payments to be made under
sponsorship or other contracts;

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1.2 “Competition” means any sports competition, tournament, match or event, organised in
accordance with the rules of [insert sports organisation] or its affiliated organisations
(including national sports federations of National Olympic Committee), or, where
appropriate, in accordance with the rules of any other competent sports organisation;

1.3 “Inside Information” means information relating to any competition that a person
possesses by virtue of his or her position in relation to a sport or competition,
excluding any information already published or common knowledge, easily accessible
to interested members of the public or disclosed in accordance with the rules and
regulations governing the relevant Competition;

1.4 “Participant” means any natural or legal person belonging to one of the following
categories:
a. “athlete” means any person or group of persons, participating in sports
competitions;
b. “athlete support personnel” means any coach, trainer, manager, agent, team staff,
team official, medical or paramedical personnel working with or treating athletes
participating in or preparing for sports competitions, and all other persons working
with the athletes;
c. “official” means any person who is the owner of, a shareholder in, an executive or a
staff member of the entities which organise and/or promote sports competitions, as
well as referees, jury members and any other accredited or engaged persons. The
term also covers the executives and staff of [insert sports organisation], or where
appropriate, other competent sports organisation or club that recognises the
competition.

COMMENT: The definition of ‘Participant’ may differ depending on your sport’s

terminology. Change accordingly throughout Model Rules.

1.5 “Sports Betting, Bet or Betting” means any wager of a stake of monetary value in the
expectation of a prize of monetary value, subject to a future and uncertain occurrence
related to a sports competition.

Article 2 – Violations

The following conduct as defined in this Article constitutes a violation of this Code:

2.1 Betting
Betting in relation either:
a. to a Competition in which the Participant is directly participating; or
b. to the Participant’s sport; or
c. to any event of a multisport Competition in which he/she is a participant.

COMMENT: The use of the word ‘or’ provides flexibility for sports organisations to determine
the extent betting is prohibited, ie. sports organisations may select one or more of the above
options.

2.2 Manipulation of sports competitions

An intentional arrangement, act or omission aimed at an improper alteration of the result or
the course of a sports competition in order to remove all or part of the unpredictable nature
of the sports competition with a view to obtaining an undue Benefit for oneself or for others.

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2.3 Corrupt conduct
Providing, requesting, receiving, seeking, or accepting a Benefit related to the manipulation
of a competition or any other form of corruption.

2.4 Inside information

2.4.1. Using Inside Information for the purposes of Betting, any form of manipulation of
sports competitions or any other corrupt purposes whether by the Participant or
via another person and/or entity.
2.4.2. Disclosing Inside Information to any person and/or entity, with or without Benefit,
where the Participant knew or should have known that such disclosure might
lead to the information being used for the purposes of Betting, any form of
manipulation of competitions or any other corrupt purposes.
2.4.3 Giving and/or receiving a Benefit for the provision of Inside Information
regardless of whether any Inside Information is actually provided.

2.5 Failure to report and reporting mechanism

2.5.1 Failing to report to the [insert sports organisation] concerned or a relevant
disclosure/reporting mechanism or authority, at the first available opportunity, full
details of any approaches or invitations received by the Participant to engage in
conduct or incidents that could amount to a violation of this Code.
2.5.2 Failing to report to the [insert sports organisation] concerned or a relevant
disclosure/reporting mechanism or authority, at the first available opportunity, full
details of any incident, fact or matter that comes to the attention of the
Participant (or of which they ought to have been reasonably aware) including
approaches or invitations that have been received by another Participant to
engage in conduct that could amount to a violation of this Code.

COMMENT: It is recommended to insert details of the reporting mechanism within your

sport immediately following article 2.5.2 as a newly added 2.5.3 e.g. online
report, email or telephone or, if no reporting mechanism exists, by including
reference to the IOC’s Integrity and Compliance Hotline available at:
www.olympic.org/integrityhotline.

2.6 Failure to cooperate

2.6.1 Failing to cooperate with any investigation carried out by the [insert sports
organisation or its designate] in relation to a possible breach of this Code,
including, without limitation, failing to provide accurately, completely and without
undue delay any information and/or documentation and/or access or assistance
requested by the [insert sports organisation or its designate] as part of such
investigation.
2.6.2 Obstructing or delaying any investigation that may be carried out by the [insert
sports organisation or its designate] in relation to a possible violation of this
Code, including without limitation concealing, tampering with or destroying any
documentation or other information that may be relevant to the investigation.

2.7 Application of Articles 2.1 to 2.6

2.7.1 For the determination of whether a violation has been committed, the following
are not relevant:
a. Whether or not the Participant is participating in the Competition concerned;

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 b. The outcome of the Competition on which the Bet was made or intended to be
made;
c. Whether or not any Benefit or other consideration was actually given or received;
d. The nature or outcome of the Bet;
e. Whether or not the Participant’s effort or performance in the Competition
concerned were (or could be expected to be) affected by the acts or omission in
question;
f. Whether or not the result of the Competition concerned was (or could be
expected to be) affected by the acts or omission in question;
g. Whether or not the manipulation included a violation of a technical rule of the
[insert sports organisation or its affiliated organisation];
h. Whether or not the competition was attended by the competent national or
international representative of the [insert sports organisation].
2.7.2 Any form of aid, abetment or attempt by a Participant that could culminate in a
violation of this Code shall be treated as if a violation had been committed,
whether or not such an act in fact resulted in a violation and/or whether that
violation was committed deliberately or negligently.

Article 3 - Disciplinary Procedures

3.1. Investigations
3.1.1 The Participant who is alleged to have committed a violation of this Code must
be informed of the alleged violations that have been committed, details of the
alleged acts and/or omissions, and the range of possible sanctions.

COMMENT: Sports organisations, particularly International Federations may wish to

include the following article e.g.
Notice to a Participant may be accomplished by delivery of the notice to the
Member Federation concerned. The Member Federation shall be responsible
for immediately communicating the notice to the Participant.
The timing of the notice is at the prerogative of the sports organisation.

3.1.2 Upon request by the [insert sports organisation or its designate], the concerned
Participant must provide any information which the [insert sports organisation or
its designate] considers may be relevant to investigate the alleged violation,
including records relating to the alleged violation (such as betting account
numbers and information, itemised telephone bills, bank statements, internet
service records, computers, hard drives and other electronic information storage
devices), and/or a statement setting out the relevant facts and circumstances
around the alleged violation.

COMMENT: You may wish to include reference to the disciplinary process within your
organisation e.g.
Where following investigation, the [insert sports organisation] decides to
charge a Participant with a violation of this Code, the [insert sports
organisation] shall transfer any such matter to the [insert sports disciplinary
panel] for determination in accordance with the Rules of the [insert sports
organisation].

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3.2 Rights of the concerned person
In all procedures linked to violations of the present Code, the following rights must be
respected:
3.2.1 The right to be informed of the charges; and
3.2.2 The right to a fair, timely and impartial hearing either by appearing personally in
front of the [insert sports organisation] and/or submitting a defence in writing; and
3.2.4 The right to be accompanied and/or represented.

3.3 Burden and standard of proof

The [insert sports organisation] shall have the burden of establishing that a violation has
been committed. The standard of proof in all matters under this Code shall be the balance of
probabilities, a standard that implies that on the preponderance of the evidence it is more
likely than not that a breach of this Code has occurred.

COMMENT: Since the approval of this Code in December 2015 by the IOC Executive
Board, CAS jurisprudence has established the standard of proof in such
cases as ‘comfortable satisfaction’ if no standard of proof is provided.2 The
Code may be amended at the next revision and hence it is recommended that
sports organisations adopt the standard of proof as ‘comfortable satisfaction’,
a standard which is defined as being greater than a mere balance of
probability but less than proof beyond a reasonable doubt.

3.4 Confidentiality
The principle of confidentiality must be strictly respected by the [insert sports organisation]
during all the procedure; information should only be exchanged with entities on a need to
know basis. Confidentiality must also be strictly respected by any person concerned by the
procedure until there is public disclosure of the case.

3.5 Anonymity of the person making a report

Anonymous reporting is facilitated through the [insert sports organisation anonymous
reporting mechanism].

COMMENT: If your organisation does not have a reporting mechanism where it is possible
to make an anonymous report, it is recommended that reference is made to
the IOC’s Integrity and Compliance Hotline available at:
www.olympic.org/integrityhotline. However, it is recommended to encourage
that personal information is disclosed to enable appropriate follow up when
reports are made.

3.6 Appeals
3.6.1 The Participant has a right to appeal and the [insert sports organisation] has an
appropriate appeal framework within the organisation that consists of [specify
appeal framework] or recourse to an external arbitration mechanism that consists
of [specify external arbitration mechanism such as a court of arbitration].

COMMENT: Insert details of the appeal framework within your sport or what recourse to an
external arbitration mechanism is possible including the time limit for filing an
appeal and the notification procedure for the appeal.

2
https://jurisprudence.tas-cas.org/Shared%20Documents/4558.pdf

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Article 4 - Provisional Measures

4.1 The [insert sports organisation] may impose provisional measures, including a
provisional suspension, on the participant where there is a particular risk to the
reputation of the sport, while ensuring respect for Articles 3.1 to 3.4 of this Code.

4.2 Where a provisional measure is imposed, this shall be taken into consideration in the
determination of any sanction which may ultimately be imposed.

COMMENT: Examples of other provisional measures may include the decision to video
record a competition, the decision to change the referee or judges just prior to
the commencement of a competition etc.

Article 5 - Sanctions

5.1 Where it is determined that a violation has been committed, the [insert sports
organisation] shall impose an appropriate sanction upon the Participant from the range
of permissible sanctions, which may range from a minimum of a warning to a
maximum of life ban.

COMMENT: Each sports organisation may indicate the sanction applicable for each
violation e.g. financial sanctions, disqualification of results, forfeiture of
medals or prizes won, education, costs etc.3

5.2 When determining the appropriate sanctions applicable, the [insert sports organisation]
shall take into consideration all aggravating and mitigating circumstances and shall
detail the effect of such circumstances on the final sanction in the written decision.

5.3 Substantial assistance provided by a Participant that results in the discovery or

establishment of an offence by another Participant may reduce any sanction applied
under this Code.

COMMENT: An organisation may like to include the following articles:

• If a Participant violates any prohibition on participation in a Competition imposed in
accordance with this Code, such Participant shall be disqualified immediately from
the relevant Competition and the period of ineligibility originally imposed in
accordance with this Code shall recommence from the date of such violation.
• This Code shall continue to apply to any ineligible Participant and any violation
committed during a period of ineligibility shall be treated as a distinct violation and
separate proceedings may be brought against the Participant in accordance with this
Code.

Reinstatement
• Once the period of the Participant’s ineligibility has expired, he or she will become
automatically re-eligible to participate in [insert sport] provided that he or she has:
o completed to [insert sports organisation]’s satisfaction any official integrity
education imposed on him or her as a sanction by the [insert sports
organisation] disciplinary body;

3
The Olympic Movement Unit on the Prevention of the Manipulation of Competitions will provide, upon request, ‘Guidelines on
the Sanctioning of Competition Manipulation by Sports Organisations’, email: [email protected]

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 o has paid, in full, any fine imposed under this Code and/or any order of costs
made against him or her by the [insert sports organisation] disciplinary body;
and
o has agreed to subject himself or herself to any reasonable and proportionate
monitoring of his or her future activities in connection with [insert sport] as the
[insert sports organisation] may reasonably consider necessary given the
nature and scope of the violation that he or she has committed.

Article 6 - Mutual recognition

6.1 Subject to the right of appeal, any decision in compliance with this Code by any other
Sporting Organisation will be recognised and respected by the [insert sports
organisation].

6.2 The [insert sports organisation] will recognise and respect the decision(s) made by any
other sporting body or court of competent jurisdiction which is not a Sporting
Organisation as defined under this Code.

Article 7 - Implementation

7.1 Pursuant to Rule 1.4 of the Olympic Charter, all Sports Organisations bound by the
Olympic Charter agree to respect this Code.4 The [insert sports organisation] is bound
by the Olympic Charter and therefore agrees to respect the Code.
7.2 The [insert sports organisation] commits to the implementation of the present Code
within its own jurisdiction, including educational measures.

4
This Code was approved by the IOC Executive Board on 8 December 2015.

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