Judo Australia and its member associations have joined together to reaffirm the sport’s joint commitment to integrity, announcing a number of steps to improve access to resources and strengthen the culture in Judo.
Across the country, our members continue to work together to strengthen clubs, deliver programs, and support the next generation of judoka. Integrity is not just a principle for our sport, it is a responsibility that defines who we are and how we conduct ourselves.
In an Open Letter to the Australian Judo community a number of new initiatives were announced to build on the culture and work being done across the sport by our athletes, coaches, volunteers, and administrators.
Decisive steps will be taken across four key areas –
- A renewed focus on the Judo Code of Conduct and the standards expected of all members
- A new Integrity hub on this website, bringing together resources, policies, and education materials, along with an online register for incidents and complaints
- Plans to establish a national sanction register (pending legal due diligence) to ensure accountability and transparency
- Continued seminars and workshops to support education and awareness across the judo community.
“We invite every club, coach, athlete, volunteer, parent, and supporter to explore the Integrity hub and join us in building a culture that truly reflects the values of our sport,” Judo Australia president Simon Read said.
While Judo Australia and state members have been signatories of the National Integrity Framework for several years, this new initiatives look to make Integrity resources more accessible and address a changing landscape generated by social media.
“While these behaviours come from a minority, they can cause real harm to individuals and run counter to the Judo Moral Code that underpins our sport,” the Open Letter stated.
“Such behaviour has no place in Judo. Our community is strongest when it reflects the true spirit of Judo – respect, honesty, friendship, courage, honour, modesty, courtesy and self-control.”
DOWNLOAD: Judo In Australia Letter of Unity.
