Community sport clubs are increasingly engaging with integrity-related issues in day-to-day practice, according to new insights from the 2025 National Sport Club Survey (NSCS), which was commissioned by the Sport Integrity Commission Te Kahu Raunui (Commission).
The 2025 NSCS highlights how clubs are engaging with integrity-related policies, practices, and support pathways across the sport system. It is delivered by AUT’s Sport Research Institute New Zealand (SPRINZ) in partnership with the New Zealand Amateur Sport Association.
Dr Mel Johnston, NSCS Project Lead, says the findings point to a sector building stronger awareness and capability around integrity-related matters.
“While integrity approaches are still developing across many clubs, the findings suggest some organisations are working through these issues in practical, day-to-day ways within community sport,” she says.
“The survey also identified examples of clubs using policies, codes of conduct, safeguarding approaches, and external support pathways. At the same time, there remains significant opportunity to strengthen awareness, consistency, and capability across the wider sector,” she added.
While many clubs feel confident in managing integrity issues, this is not always consistently reflected in formal structures or approaches.
This is where tools such as the Integrity Code can support at all levels of the sector to manage integrity issues, says Commission CEO Rebecca Rolls.
“The Code gives organisations the resources to prevent and respond to harmful behaviours and ensures that when these do arise, they’re addressed consistently. As more national sport and recreation organisations adopt the Code, support for integrity issues will cascade into community clubs and participants.”
The findings also suggest there is value in increasing awareness and promotion of existing integrity-related resources and tools already available through organisations like the Commission. Some clubs also reported using established Regional and National Sport Organisation (RSO/NSO) pathways when issues escalate. This reinforces the important role of RSOs and NSOs, with many clubs continuing to rely on these organisations for guidance and support. That connection remains critical for ensuring consistency and alignment across the sport system.
“Integrity in sport is a shared responsibility,” says Dr Johnston. “Clubs, regional bodies, and national organisations all play a role. Supporting those connections will be key to continuing the positive momentum we are seeing.”
