Code of ethics

Preamble

Modern sport is influenced by power and material values, which sometimes overshadow the moral and ethical principles that are paramount in sport. However, sport, with its rich social and cultural significance, offers a unique opportunity to provide ethical and moral education for society, while setting an example for other sectors. Sport can serve as a platform for freedom and civic expression in a just meritocracy.
ZISKA members conduct research to generate reliable and data-driven scientific information that can be used to improve the governance of sport, and prevent unethical practices and conflicts of interest. ZISKA members respect academic freedom in research and communication.
The Code of Conduct is an important tool for the development and growth of an organisation, as well as for its protection. It contains key core values to ensure sound and responsible sports governance practices. The Code serves as a basis for ZISKA members to promote democracy and inclusive governance, and to safeguard fairness, justice and transparency in the governance of sport.

  1. Commitment to Ethical Conduct

    • Members shall observe the highest ethical standards in all their activities and decision-making processes.
    • Members shall act with integrity and openness in all their dealings with stakeholders, including athletes, coaches, government and sports officials, journalists, academics and the public.
    • Members shall monitor the scientific and professional conduct of their colleagues for compliance with ethical standards. They shall consult with colleagues, where necessary, to prevent or stop unethical behaviour.
  2. Conflict of Interest Prevention

    • Members shall develop procedural mechanisms to identify, disclose and manage both internal and external conflicts of interest.
    • Members shall not use their position for personal gain or to lobby any third party or group of third parties.
    • In the event of a conflict of interest, the member concerned shall immediately inform the Society of the conflict and withdraw from active participation in the matter.

3. Diverse involvement and respect for human rights

    • The organisation will seek to involve people from different sports, international organisations, sports clubs, public administrations, educators, and other social, cultural and economic backgrounds, views, skills and experience. This diversity will contribute to more effective decision-making and to the achievement of the organisation’s objectives, serving the interests of its stakeholders and wider society.
    • Members shall respect the right of each person to privacy, confidentiality and independence in their own decision-making, recognizing that the activities of the organisation may affect the respect of these rights.

    1. Democracy and Inclusive Governance

    • Members act responsibly, working closely with all stakeholders and creating a democratic environment both inside and outside the organisation. Members shall promote diversity and equal opportunities in sport.
    • Members comply with all applicable laws and regulations and carefully consider the social impact of their decisions, as well as setting up appropriate monitoring and risk management mechanisms.
    • Members shape their relationships and decision-making in a way that is democratic, open and inclusive. All stakeholders are given the opportunity to participate in the organisation’s decision-making.
    • Its members safeguard democratic values to prevent the emergence of authoritarian structures.

    1. Safeguarding the Integrity of Sports

    • Members oppose corruption, match-fixing, doping or other practices that undermine fairness and justice in sport. The Organisation shall work closely with relevant authorities and stakeholders to ensure fairness and integrity in all sporting activities.
    • Members are committed to ensuring fairness, integrity and equality in all aspects of the governance of sport and competition. This includes actively identifying and eliminating any discrimination, bias or unequal opportunities based on race, gender, nationality, membership of a particular group or club, or other forms of favouritism.

    1. Governing organizations

    • This Code is intended to promote voluntary compliance with its principles, based on the commitment of sports participants to put in place practical mechanisms to ensure compliance with ethical standards in the governance of sport. Members are expected to monitor that the actions of governing bodies are consistent with ethical principles, are in accordance with the law and ensure that development plans are in the long-term growth interests of the sport environment.
    • Members shall take steps to ensure fair and equitable policies in the governance of sport and appropriate selection procedures for athletes, coaches and officials.

    1. Accountability and Transparency
    • Members are responsible for their actions and decisions in relation to stakeholders and the sporting community. They shall adequately document their professional and scientific work to facilitate the work of other professionals, ensure accountability and meet the requirements of other authorities or legislation. Members shall regularly publish reports and information on their activities and research results.

    8. Confidentiality

      • Members are obliged to protect the confidentiality of third parties or whistleblowers. Members are not allowed to disclose confidential, personally identifiable information about their individual or organisational contacts, members or other involved persons in their articles, presentations or other public materials, unless the person or organisation concerned has given their consent.

      1. Continuous Improvement

      •The organisation continuously improves and updates its Code of Conduct, policies and procedures to ensure their continued relevance and effectiveness. The Organisation actively seeks stakeholder feedback and views to strengthen its ethical practices and promote good governance.
      • The Organisation shall ensure that sport management systems are designed to ensure the long-term protection of the collective public interest. It shall discourage any action and oppose any policy biased towards short-term results or vested interests.
      • The organisation creates an environment that promotes fair competition and supports the growth and progress of local sports clubs.

      1. Violations and Sanctions

      • Failure to comply with the Code of Conduct may result in the following sanctions: A) warning or reprimand; B) exclusion from membership of the organisation; C) exclusion from leadership positions in the organisation; D) termination of membership or affiliation with the organisation.
      • Members shall inform the management of the organisation of any suspected breaches of ethical standards. It is strictly forbidden to harm Members who report such violations in good faith.
      • Members who are accused of violating this Code shall be given the opportunity to explain themselves and their views before any sanction is imposed. The sanctions imposed shall be proportionate to the gravity and nature of the offence and shall take into account the subjective aspect (intent or negligence) of the offender.