Code of Ethics

Padel Federation Ireland is committed to promoting, governing, and developing padel in accordance with high standards of integrity, accountability, inclusion, sustainability, and good governance.

PFI recognises that the long-term success of padel depends on participation and performance, but also on ethical leadership, environmental responsibility, social impact, and sustainable growth.

The Code of Ethics works alongside the Code of Conduct, Complaints Procedure, Disciplinary, Grievance and Dispute Resolution Policy, Safeguarding, Anti-Doping, FIP integrity documents, and governance resources.

• Protect the integrity of sport
• Place participant welfare at the centre of decision-making
• Support equality, diversity, and inclusion
• Promote responsible governance, sustainability, and long-term value

The Code of Ethics applies to Board directors, officers, employees, committee members, affiliated clubs, players, coaches, officials, umpires, volunteers, contractors, consultants, event organisers operating under PFI jurisdiction, and anyone acting on behalf of the Federation.

PFI expects the padel community to act with integrity, respect, inclusion, accountability, excellence, and sustainability.

• Act honestly, fairly, and transparently
• Treat all people with dignity, courtesy, and fairness
• Support equal opportunity and remove barriers to participation
• Accept responsibility for actions, decisions, and behaviour

Everyone associated with PFI should conduct themselves honestly, protect the reputation of the sport, promote fair play, maintain high standards of behaviour, and respect diversity.

Board members, officers, committee members, and senior representatives are expected to demonstrate ethical leadership, act in the best interests of the Federation, exercise independent judgement, support transparency, and maintain confidentiality where appropriate.

• Act in good faith and in the best interests of padel
• Protect confidence in PFI and the reputation of the sport
• Promote fair play and honest competition
• Avoid discrimination, harassment, bullying, abuse, and misuse of position

Actual, perceived, or potential conflicts of interest should be declared promptly and managed in accordance with Federation policy. Transparency is essential to maintaining trust and confidence.

PFI supports clean sport and opposes match fixing, competition manipulation, corruption, gambling-related misconduct, improper influence over sporting outcomes, and the use, promotion, or facilitation of prohibited substances or methods.

• Declare conflicts early and clearly
• Do not manipulate results or misuse competition information
• Follow WADA, FIP, and Sport Ireland anti-doping responsibilities
• Report integrity concerns through the correct route

Participant welfare is central to ethical sport. PFI adopts a zero-tolerance approach to abuse, neglect, exploitation, and inappropriate behaviour, and safeguarding concerns should be reported through the appropriate channels.

PFI is committed to equality, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility, and recognises that padel should create positive social impact through participation, wellbeing, volunteering, youth development, female participation, and lifelong involvement in sport.

PFI also recognises that sustainable development matters to the future of sport. Clubs, event organisers, and federation activity should consider responsible resource use, waste reduction, sustainable transport, environmental awareness, and long-term community value.

• Safeguarding and welfare responsibilities
• Equality, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility
• Environmental responsibility in facilities, events, and operations
• Community impact and sustainable participation pathways

PFI representatives should communicate responsibly and respectfully in public statements, media engagement, social media activity, and digital communications.

Concerns about conduct that may breach the Code of Ethics should be raised through the appropriate Federation procedures. Reports made in good faith should be handled fairly, confidentially, and without retaliation.

Breaches of the Code of Ethics may result in action under PFI policies and procedures. The policy should be reviewed at least every two years or when legislation, Sport Ireland requirements, international federation requirements, governance standards, or sustainability best practice change.

• Communicate respectfully and avoid reputational harm
• Report genuine concerns through the right route
• Handle reports fairly and confidentially
• Review ethics guidance as governance and sport requirements develop