Hockey WA’s Commitment to Integrity and a Drug-Free Sport

Hockey WA, in partnership with Hockey Australia, reaffirms its unwavering commitment to upholding the highest standards of integrity and athlete wellbeing across all levels of the sport.

Recent events in Australian sport have underscored the importance of vigilance and education in addressing the risks associated with illicit drug use in high-performance environments. These developments have served as a powerful catalyst for reflection and reform across the hockey community.

Together with Hockey Australia, we are implementing a comprehensive suite of measures to strengthen our integrity framework and reinforce behavioural standards, including:

Enhanced Education Programs: Theatre-based integrity education sessions are being delivered to national and pathway athletes, focusing on real-world scenarios involving peer influence and decision-making. These programs encourage open discussion and reflection and are proven to be more effective than passive learning.

Early Intervention Initiatives: These sessions are now being extended to Under 21 and Under 18 National Championships to instil values of responsibility and leadership from an early stage.

Policy Development: A comprehensive Illicit Drugs Policy is currently being shaped by Hockey Australia and its stakeholders through proactive engagement with Sport Integrity Australia and alignment with national best practices. This will reinforce our commitment to safeguarding athlete health and upholding the highest standards of integrity in sport.

Team values and culture alignment:  The reiteration of the culture and values expectations of our athletes at team selection, contract and pre-tour sessions, to underscore the effect individual choices have on peer experience and team success.

Athlete Agreement Reforms: Athlete contracts are being reviewed to include explicit references to illicit drug use and declarations regarding past or current use.

Franchise Education Rollout: Hockey Australia is working with relevant parties to deliver appropriate integrity education to all Hockey One franchises, including the Perth Thundersticks, ahead of the upcoming season.

Hockey WA and Hockey Australia remain committed to fostering a safe, respectful, and drug-free sporting environment. We will continue to lead with transparency, accountability, and a focus on continuous improvement.