GOVERNANCE

This page provides information on, and access to, the documents and policies that the ABSC has adopted to ensure compliance with its obligations and fair treatment for all members.  It is organised into five main sections:

• ABSC Governance Documents

• ABSC Board Policies

• National Integrity Framework (November 2023)

• Anti-Doping Policy

• 2024 Education Plan

ABSC Governance Documents

• Constitution of the Australian Billiards and Snooker Council (Amended 23 October 2021)

• By-Laws of the ABSC (1 August 2024)

• ABSC Privacy Policy

• ABSC Code of Ethics

• Australian Championship Playing Conditions

• Ranking Tournament Playing Conditions

• ABSC International Representation Criteria

ABSC Board Policies

• ABSC Board Charter

• ABSC Director Code of Conduct

• ABSC Risk Management Plan

• ABSC President Position Description

• ABSC Board Member Position Description

National Integrity Framework – (November 2023)

As a National Sporting Organisation, the ABSC has agreed to adopt the revised version of the National Integrity Framework [overseen by Sports Integrity Australia (SIA)] with effect from 30 November 2023.  The NIF comprises a series of policies covering five key governance areas, together with a flowchart to assist the management of issues:

• Member Protection Policy

• Complaints, Disputes and Discipline Policy

• Competition Manipulation and Sport Gambling Policy

• Improper Use of Drugs and Medicine Policy

• Safeguarding Children and Young People Policy

• Code of Conduct (NEW)

• Social Media Policy (NEW)

• NIF Complaints - Step by Step Fact Sheet

The objective of the NIF is to ensure that all sports have a standard set of definitions, requirements and issue management processes that govern the conduct of National Sporting Organisations, Member States and members in these areas.  To support this objective the ABSC has adopted a new Code of Conduct and Social Media Policy on 7 February 2024.  These replace the old ABSC Member Protection Policy and Social Media Policy, and are designed to operate alongside the NIF policies and in particular the ABSC NIF Complaints, Disputes and Discipline Policy.

All Member States of the ABSC have agreed to adopt these NIF policies, the Code of Conduct and the Social Media Policy.

Sports Integrity Australia does not deal with complaints, disputes and discipline in matters related to prohibited conduct (except where discrimination is involved), eligibility and selection, competition-related rules, personal grievances, code of conduct, social media and governance matters.  These matters are dealt with by our sport, and managed using the Complaints, Disputes and Discipline Policy above. 

The current ABSC By Laws, Code of Ethics, Playing Conditions and International Representation Criteria are in the process of being streamlined and revised in line with the NIF Policies, Code of Conduct and Social Media Policy.  The new policies will apply in the event of any inconsistency until this work is complete.

The ABSC is required to implement an Integrity Education Plan which will be developed in conjunction with SIA during the early part of 2024.  There are no mandatory education requirements at present, but Integrity Education Plan provides links to a variety of Sports Integrity resources that may improve understanding of current issues.

Anti-Doping Policy

The World Anti-Doping Authority (WADA) has revised the World Anti-Doping Code which came into force on 1 January 2021.  As a consequence, Sports Integrity Australia has rolled out a single Australian National Anti-Doping Policy (https://www.sportintegrity.gov.au/what-we-do/anti-doping/2021-world-anti-doping-code/australian-national-anti-doping-policy) for all sports to adopt from that date.  At a meeting on 3 February 2021 the ABSC Board resolved to adopt this new policy, and all Affiliated organisations are required to do the same.

The purpose of a single Australian National Anti-Doping Policy is to bring greater consistency for anti-doping rules across the sporting community.  The major change for our sport is the increased emphasis on anti-doping education for all participants – players and officials.

Participants in all National and Member State events will need to acknowledge that they comply with this statement:

“I have read and understood and agree to abide by the Australian National Anti-Doping Policy, effective from 1 January 2021, and found on the Sport Integrity Australia website (https://www.sportintegrity.gov.au/what-we-do/anti-doping/world-anti-doping-code/australian-national-anti-doping-policy) being the anti-doping policy adopted by The Australian Billiards & Snooker Council and applicable to all members, participants and non-participants.”

2024 Education Plan

The ABSC – in conjunction with Sports Integrity Australia - has endorsed an updated 2024 Education Plan as part of the NIF adoption process.  The Plan can be found here: [LINK].  

This plan requires players competing in International, National and State championships to complete The Anti-Doping Fundamentals and Annual Update on-line training courses.  All relevant event entry forms will now include this requirement as a standard condition. 

ABSC and Member State Board members, as well as officials and administrators, have additional obligations which are set out in the Plan. 

The required modules are available on the Sports Integrity Australia website - https://elearning.sportintegrity.gov.au/login/index.php, and do not take long to complete (around 45 minutes each).

You will need to create an account, and will then be able to access all the available modules.  Once you complete a module you will be sent an electronic certificate of attainment, and this will also be sent to the ABSC and your Affiliate organisation.

There are no mandatory requirements for social / club players, or those participating in state events (other than State Championships).