Code Adoption Support Hub

About This Hub

This space has been created to support Member Organisations (MOs) as they work through the process of adopting, aligning with, and implementing the Code of Integrity for Sport and Recreation (the Integrity Code).

Our goal is to provide clear guidance, practical tools, and consistent messaging so that every member organisation can confidently understand what is required and how to take the necessary steps.

Why Adoption Matters

Adopting the integrity code ensures that all participants experience safe, inclusive, and fair sporting environments. It strengthens your organisation’s integrity framework, clarifies expectations, and provides a nationally aligned approach to integrity matters across the sector.

What Adoption Means

Adopting the Integrity Code means formally committing your organisation to a set of minimum standards that promote safety, fairness, and respect across sport in Aotearoa. It demonstrates that your organisation takes integrity seriously and is committed to providing a safe and positive experience for all participants.

What This Means for Member Organisations (MOs)

If an NSO (such as Cycling New Zealand) adopts the Integrity Code, that adoption has important implications for you as a Member Organisation:

Your participants should experience the same protections and standards nationally and locally.

NSO adoption creates a consistent integrity framework that applies across the whole sport clubs, regions, events, and national programmes.

You are expected to align with the NSO’s integrity standards.

If CNZ adopts the code it automatically binds MOs and their members to meeting the Code’s minimum standards.

Your policies, processes and behaviours will be expected to reflect the Code.

NSO’s adoption means your organisation needs to move toward meeting the minimum standards and aligning your safeguarding, conduct, and complaints systems.

You will receive guidance, templates and support from the NSO.

NSO adoption requires the national body to support its member organisations with practical tools, templates, education, and clear communication about your obligations and next steps.

Steps To Adoption

Step 1- Review the Code

Begin by reading the Code in full, including the minimum standards, definitions, and expectations. Make sure your committee, key volunteers, coaches, and board/committee members understand what adoption means and what obligations your organisation will take on. Consider attending any CNZ or Commission briefing session if offered.

Code of Integrity for Sport and Recreation

Code Adoption Guide

Step 2- Audit

Review current integrity related policies, systems, and practices against the national Integrity Code standards.

Step 3- Confirm Adoption Approach

Amend your constitution or equivalent governing document; or

Make a formal resolution, in accordance with its constitution or equivalent governing document.

Organisations adopting the Code and embedding it into their constitution should refer to the Sport NZ Template for Regional Sports Organisations, specifically clause 15.1, to ensure alignment with best-practice governance requirements.

Step 4- Update Policies

Based on your audit, either:

adopt CNZ’s policies, or
adapt the Integrity Commission Template polices, or
update your existing policies ensuring they meet the codes minimum standards.

Below is a list of the policies your organisation will need to adopt, review, or update as part of aligning with the Integrity Code.

Member Organisations may choose to adopt Cycling New Zealand’s policies directly as a practical and efficient way to meet integrity expectations, provided this decision is formally recorded and clearly communicated to members on their website.

If adopting CNZ policies, organisations must ensure these policies are fit for purpose for their local context, cover their full membership, and include any additional procedures needed at club or regional (such as who receives and manages complaints). Adopting CNZ does not remove an MO’s responsibility to meet its obligations under the Integrity Code, and committees must still ensure that CNZ policies align with how they operate, that any gaps are addressed, and that updates to CNZ policies are communicated promptly to members.

Prohibited Behaviour Policy

Integrity Commission Template
CNZ Policy

Child Protection Policy

Integrity Commission Template
CNZ Policy

Safeguarding Policy

Integrity Commission Template
CNZ Policy

Complaints and Disputes Resolution Policy

Integrity Commission Template
CNZ Policy

Disciplinary Policy

Integrity Commission Template
CNZ Policy

Mandatory Notification Policy

Integrity Commission Template
CNZ Policy

Privacy Policy

Integrity Commission Template

Step 4 (part 2)- Safe Practices

Under minimum standard 2- organisations should assess potential risk areas, identify and document safe practices, and ensure these expectations are clearly communicated across their community.

Safeguarding risk assessment

Templates

Step 5- Define Roles

Clarify who in your organisation does what. Identify roles such as:

Integrity Adoption Lead
Complaints Manager or panel
Safeguarding Contact
Board/Committee lead for integrity

As per minimum standard 2- the requirement to appoint a safeguarding lead at a national or regional level

Recommendation to appoint a board/committee member and operational staff member (if you have staff) to lead this work together. This will help ensure the necessary skills and resources are directed towards adoption and implementation.

Step 6- Communicate

As per Minimum standard 6: Provide information to your members about the Integrity Code: Your organisation must provide information to help its members and participants understand and implement the Integrity Code. This includes:

What the Code is and why it is being adopted
Key dates and implementation timelines
What it means for clubs
Informing them they are bound to the Integrity Code
Access to any policy that implements the Integrity Code.

Step 7- Learning and Development

Ensure all integrity-related learning (e.g., safeguarding, prohibited behaviour, complaints handling) is implemented & monitored.

Strengthen onboarding processes to ensure safety checks and training are embedded and tracked.

As required under Minimum Standard 2, specified persons must complete the relevant education and training,

Specified persons are also required to undergo official background and criminal record checks (e.g., police vetting).

Step 8- Update Website

Ensure your website contains:

a statement confirming adoption
clear links to your policies (or CNZ’s, if adopted)
how members can make a complaint
who to contact for safeguarding or integrity concerns
links to the Integrity Code

Social Media Collateral Click here to view ready-made content created to help your organisations clearly and consistently communicate the adoption of the Integrity Code to your members.

FAQ

Do we need to change our constitution?
Not always. Some organisations choose to reference the Code within their constitution, while others adopt it at a policy level. Both approaches can be effective.

Will training be provided?
Yes, sector-wide education opportunities will be communicated by the Commission and NSOs. Your organisation should also share these opportunities with your community.

What if a complaint occurs before we finish adoption?
You can continue to use your existing processes while transitioning. Support is available if you need guidance.