Sport and Recreation Complaints and Mediation Service

Sport and Recreation Complaints and Mediation Service

A complaints mediation service for everyone involved in sport and recreation in Aotearoa New Zealand, from grass roots to elite.

To lodge a complaint or dispute, please call 0800 493 612 or visit the Sport and Recreation Complaints and Mediation Service website.

The Sport and Recreation Complaints and Mediation Service (SRCMS) is a safe and independent way for anyone engaged in sport and active recreation to lodge a complaint, issue or dispute and have it resolved in a timely manner. The service is free and is open to anyone involved in community sport and recreation as well as elite sport.

The service is operated by Immediation New Zealand Limited, an online dispute resolution company which has been contracted by Sport NZ.  It is wholly independent of Sport NZ, High Performance Sport New Zealand and all other sporting bodies, clubs and organisations.

What does the service do?

The service can assist individuals with a complaint or dispute in connection with sport or recreation in Aotearoa New Zealand. When an issue is raised, individuals will be provided with information on the dispute resolution options available to them, and if appropriate, will be offered early facilitation or mediation. There is no obligation to proceed with the resolution services recommended.

What kind of complaints are handled?

To access the service, you just need to have a complaint or dispute in connection with sport or recreation. All sorts of different complaints and disputes arise in connection with sport and recreation. Here are some examples:

• a complaint about on or off field behaviour of a coach, volunteer, parent or sportsperson;
• a dispute about selection for a particular team or event;
• a complaint about club management, culture, or a policy;
• a complaint of wrongdoing by a volunteer, coach, individual team member or their parent;
• complaints of bullying, harassment, or discrimination;
• a dispute about inappropriate use of social media in a sporting setting.

Submitting a complaint?

To submit a complaint or dispute, call 0800 493 612. Your telephone call will not be recorded.

Your call will be answered by a member of the SRCMS team who will take details of your complaint. They will then talk with you about available dispute resolution options.

All personal information received will be handled confidentially.