New Zealand Football Integrity Framework

The New Zealand Football (NZF) Integrity Framework is a guiding structure of Membership Protection and Regulatory measures to enhance and maintain positive experiences for all involved in Football in New Zealand.

It helps enable a reliable, timely, and consistent approach to any potential threats to the integrity of football in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Membership Protection

A substructure of policies and procedures to support positive, safe, and inclusive environments in football.

Membership Protection Focus Areas

Standards of behaviour and conduct

    Safeguarding

    Organisational Culture

    Regulatory

    A suite of regulations which uphold fair and honest competition in football.​

    Regulatory Focus Areas

    Anti-doping

      Anti-corruption

        Anti-match-fixing

        Disciplinary

        Complaints & Case Management

        On-Field Infringements

        • Governed by the NZF Disciplinary Code.
        • Managed by the relevant Competition Administrator or Federation Disciplinary, and Ethics Committee or NZF Disciplinary and Ethics Committee.

        Off-Field Complaints

        • Complaints can be made HERE.
        • Governed by the NZF Code of Conduct and NZF Code of Ethics.
        • Has little or no connection to the field of play but connected to football.
        • Complaints can also be made directly with your Federation by visiting their website.

        Frequently Asked Questions

        Where do I find the Complaints Procedure?

        • See Section 3 of the Code of Ethics or refer to the Complaints Process for Federations in the resources above.
        • These set out the overall process of making a complaint and the options available for resolution. 

        Who do I make a complaint to?

        • You can make a complaint directly to NZF or the relevant Federation.
        • Either option will be managed under the same process within the Code of Ethics.​​​​​​​ 

        Can I remain anonymous?​​​​​​​

        • Both anonymous and named complaints are valid but there are certain distinctions between the two types of complaints. An anonymous complaint may limit the steps NZF can take with the information provided.
        • An anonymous complaint allows individuals to report concerns without fear of reprisal or retaliation, particularly in sensitive or high-stakes situations.
        • In the context of natural justice, anonymous complaints can raise issues of fairness and due process. In most instances, individuals who have been complained about have a right to know the specific allegations against them and have the opportunity to respond to them. With a named complaint, the respondent is always aware of the identity of their accuser, and they are given the opportunity to address the accusations. Named complaints may carry more weight as the credibility of the complainant can be assessed.

        Can I appeal a decision?​​​​​​​

        • Parties to the proceedings may appeal a decision of the relevant Disciplinary and Ethics Committee, but only once and to the immediatley next higher body. The grounds for an appeal are:​​​​​​​
          • Natural Justice: that natural justice was denied. 
          • Power and Jurisdiction: that the decision make or decision making body acted outside of its powers and/or jurisdiction. 
          • New Evidence: that substantial evidence became available after the decision which is being appealed was made. 
          • Sanction or Penalty: that the sanction or penalty was excessive or inapproproate. 

        When lodging an appeal, please use the Notice of Appeal template located in the resources above.