Tennis Integrity Unit Briefing Note April 2017

London, 7 April 2017

Players to complete TIU anti-corruption training every two years  

A new online anti-corruption training module developed by the TIU went live at the beginning of March. All professional players will now complete the Tennis Integrity Protection Program (TIPP) every two years (more than 25,000 players and officials completed the original TIPP, which was a one-off requirement).

Animated scenarios communicate key messages on match-fixing, grooming, betting on tennis and reporting approaches. Available in six languages - English, Italian, French, Spanish, Russian and Chinese - the program is accessed through WTA, ATP and ITF log-on accounts. Over 3,500 players completed the new program in the first month of it going live. In addition to TIU programs, players also receive integrity training from governing bodies and national associations.

The TIU is currently in the process of appointing an education manager, with a remit to extend the scope and reach of anti-corruption training and education across the sport.

Match Alerts data January to March 2017

During the first quarter of 2017, 30 match alerts were received by the TIU through Memorandums of Understanding with betting regulators and gambling organisations. By comparison, 48 alerts were reported during the same period in 2016.

Consistent with previous reports, the majority of alerts were received for matches played on the ITF Men’s Futures circuit (17).

Three alerts were received during the Australian Open in January 2017; having fully assessed each of these cases, no evidence of corrupt activity was identified by the TIU.

During the January to March period, 24,300 professional matches were played, with the 30 alerts featuring on 0.123% of those matches.

During 2016, a total of 292 match alerts were received, assessed and actioned by the TIU.

TIU match alert policy

• every alert is assessed and followed up as an indicator that something inappropriate may have happened.  It is important to appreciate that an alert on its own is not evidence of match-fixing;
• there are many reasons other than corrupt activity that can explain unusual betting patterns, such as incorrect odds-setting; well-informed betting; player fitness, fatigue and form; playing conditions and personal circumstances; and
• where analysis of a match alert does suggest corrupt activity, the TIU will conduct a full, confidential investigation

Independent Review Panel

The Independent Review Panel set up to review all aspects of the sport’s anti-corruption protocols, structures and resources, continues to work towards completion of its Interim Report. Visit www.tennisirp.com for more information and updates.

Next issue

The next issue of the TIU Briefing Note will be published in early July 2017.  To be added to the circulation, contact Mark Harrison at mark.harrison@tennisintegritytunit.com.