ZISKA Code of Ethics

Preamble

Modern sports have become heavily influenced by the values of power and money, which can sometimes overshadow the moral and ethical principles that should guide the field. However, sports, with their rich social and cultural significance, offer a unique opportunity to put ethical values into practice and set an example for other sectors. Sports should increasingly serve as a school for freedom and citizenship and is probably the last and the only sphere where pure meritocracy can flourish. Given the significant social impact of sports, it is crucial to establish a code that promotes and regulates good governance practices, protecting the socio-educational and psycho-social values associated with the field. ZISKA members may fulfil diverse roles based on their professional training and competence. In these roles, they may contribute to the development of a valid and reliable body of scientific knowledge through research, and apply that knowledge to understand human behaviour in sports governance contexts. ZISKA members respect the central importance of freedom of inquiry and expression in research, teaching, and communication. The Code of Ethics serves as a promotional and protectionary tool that outlines the key values for proper sport governance behaviour. This Code is intended to provide the general principles and specific ethical standards for managing situations encountered by ZISKA members. This code of ethics serves as a framework for ZISKA members to uphold the highest standards of ethical conduct, prevent conflicts of interest, promote democracy and inclusive governance, safeguard the integrity of sports, and demonstrate accountability and transparency in all its operations.

1. Commitment to Ethical Conduct:

Members are committed to the highest standards of ethical conduct in all our operations and decision-making processes.
Members will act with integrity, honesty, and transparency in all our dealings with stakeholders, including athletes, coaches, officials, fans, and the general public.
Members are concerned about the ethical compliance of their colleagues’ scientific and professional conduct. When appropriate, they consult with colleagues in order to prevent, avoid, or terminate unethical conduct.

2. Conflict of Interest Prevention:

Members will establish clear procedures to identify, disclose, and manage conflicts of interest, both real and perceived.
No member of our organization shall use their position for personal gain or to benefit any individual or group at the expense of the wider sporting community.
Upon the emergence of a conflict of interest situation, the member concerned shall promptly inform the other members and shall be recused from active participation.

3. Engagement and Respect for People’s 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 will respect the rights of individuals to privacy, confidentiality, self-determination and autonomy, recognising that the exercise of the organisation’s activities may conflict with respect for these rights. Members will respect each athlete’s talent, level of development and goals, consistent with their ability to reach their full potential.

4. Democracy and Inclusive Governance:

Organizational members shall demonstrate transparency and accountability in their conduct. They shall engage effectively with all stakeholders and nurture an environment of internal and external democracy. Members will promote diversity and equal opportunities within our organization and the wider sporting community.
Members are required to adhere to all applicable laws and regulations. They must consider the social implications of their decisions and establish appropriate control measures and risk management procedures.
The organization is committed to ensuring that its governance structures and decision-making processes are democratic, transparent, and inclusive. All stakeholders will be given the opportunity to participate in the organization’s affairs, and their input and feedback will be actively sought.
All sports federations shall conduct democratic, transparent, and equitable elections for leadership positions. The members of these organizations shall safeguard the principles of democracy against the emergence of oligarchic or authoritarian structures.

5. Safeguarding the Integrity of Sports:

The members shall work diligently to prevent and address any form of corruption, match-fixing, doping, or other activities that threaten the integrity of sports. The organization will work closely with relevant authorities and stakeholders to ensure the fairness and integrity of all sporting events under its jurisdiction.
This organization is committed to upholding the principles of justice, fairness, and equality in all aspects of sports governance and competition. This includes: Actively identifying and addressing any forms of discrimination, bias, or lack of equal opportunity based on race, gender, nationality, affiliation with a particular group or club, or other protected characteristics. Ensuring the transparent and consistent application of rules, regulations, and disciplinary measures across all sports and participants. Promoting diversity and inclusive representation in the governance, leadership, and chief official selection processes of this organization and its affiliated sports federations.

6. Governing organizations:

The spirit of this Code should engender voluntary adherence to its principles, premised on the full commitment of those involved with sport in implementing mechanisms to ensure respect for sports ethics. It is the responsibility of governments and Sports Federations to establish structures and instruments that enable the development of sports. Members are obligated to oversee whether the actions of governing officials align with ethical principles, are consistent with the law, and ensure that strategic development plans are in line with the interests of youth athletes.
The members shall exert their utmost efforts to ensure that fair and equitable policies, as well as selection processes for athletes, coaches, and officials, are observed. Members shall strive to foster the development of the sport at all levels, from grassroots to elite competition, through appropriate resource allocation and strategic planning. The governing board and executives of each sports federation shall be held accountable for upholding duties through reporting, audits, and potential disciplinary action in cases of non-compliance.

7. Accountability and Transparency:

Members shall be accountable to our stakeholders and the public for our actions and decisions. Members shall appropriately document their professional and scientific work to facilitate the provision of services by them or by other professionals, to ensure accountability, and to meet other requirements of institutions or the law. Members shall regularly publish reports and information about our activities and governance to ensure transparency.

8. Confidentiality:

Members have a primary obligation to uphold and take reasonable precautions to respect the confidentiality rights of those with whom they work or consult. This confidentiality may be established by law, institutional rules, and/or professional or scientific relationships. Members shall not disclose in their writings, presentations, or other public media, any confidential, personally identifiable information concerning their individual or organizational contacts, research participants, or other recipients of their services, unless the person or organization has provided written consent or there is other ethical or legal authorization for doing so.

9. Continuous Improvement:

The organization shall continuously review and refine its code of ethics, policies, and procedures to ensure their ongoing relevance and effectiveness. The organization shall actively seek feedback and input from stakeholders to strengthen its ethical practices and promote good governance.
The organization shall ensure that the sports governance framework is established to safeguard the long-term developmental benefits for the entire society. It shall eliminate any actions or policies that prioritize short-term results or personal financial gains over the broader societal interests.
The organization shall endeavour to create a climate that fosters equitable competition and facilitates the growth and progression of community-based sports clubs. The organization shall prioritize the establishment of such an environment to further the development and prosperity of local sports organizations.

10. Violations and Sanctions:

Failure to adhere to the code of ethics may result in sanctions such as: A) Warning or reprimand; B) Suspension from participation in the organization’s activities; C) Removal from leadership positions within the organization; D) Termination of membership or affiliation with the organization.
Individuals are required to report any suspected violations of the code of ethics to the appropriate authorities within the organization. Retaliation against individuals who report violations in good faith is strictly prohibited.
Alleged violations will be thoroughly investigated by the organization’s ethics committee or disciplinary body. Individuals accused of violations will be given the opportunity to respond and present their case before any sanctions are imposed. Sanctions imposed will be proportionate to the severity of the violation and the individual’s role and responsibilities within the organization.