Sports Dept Unveils Draft Code to Tackle Age Fraud

Recognising the threat posed by age fraud to sportsmanship and competition integrity, the Department of Sports has unveiled a draft framework proposing to revise the National Code Against Age Fraud in Sports, 2010. Public comments on the draft Code are invited until March 31.

This move comes weeks after the Supreme Court ordered a stay on criminal proceedings against Indian badminton player and former World Junior No.1 Lakshya Sen, his family members, and his coach in connection with the alleged forgery of the Sen brothers’ birth certificates.

The revised framework aligns with international standards and includes updated provisions regarding age verification, the appellate mechanism, penalties for violations, and more.

Key features of the draft Code are as follows:

• Applicability: The Code will apply to all athletes, coaches, officials, administrators, and support personnel involved in recognised National Sports Federations (NSFs), the Sports Authority of India (SAI), Sports Control Boards managed by Central Government departments and Central Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) and NGOs, NSPOs, public/private agencies, and institutions promoting sports development.
• Age verification: At the time of registration, athletes must submit three mandatory documents, including their birth certificate, for age verification. Designated nodal officers will verify the authenticity of these documents and ensure consistency in the date of birth across all three. If documents are missing or their authenticity is in doubt, the athlete will be referred for a medical examination. Upon successful age verification, the athlete’s age will be securely recorded and permanently locked in a dedicated database.
• Centralised database: All verified data will be stored in a secure, centralised database linked with the National Sports Repository System (NSRS) Portal. Athletes will be registered on this portal by the respective nodal officer after verifying the mandatory documents or the medical report. ID cards with QR codes will be issued to athletes, also available on the DigiLocker platform, and must be submitted as proof of age for participation in competitions. The portal will also maintain a list of athletes banned for violations of this Code or for committing age fraud.
• Medical examination: The age assessment will include the TW3 methodology for bone age assessment, along with general physical and dental examinations. Advanced AI-based technologies may be introduced in a pilot phase. Moreover, an MRI may be conducted as an additional assessment tool at the appeal stage. A consent form will be required for athletes undergoing a medical examination.
• Six-month amnesty window: Under a one-time amnesty program, athletes will be allowed to self-declare their correct age without facing penalties. A six-month window will be provided from the policy’s implementation date. These athletes will undergo a performance review and be reassigned to the appropriate age group.
• Appellate mechanism: An athlete may file an appeal against the initial medical examination findings. The appeal will be reviewed by the Regional Director (for SAI cases) or a three-member committee (for NSF cases). If the athlete remains dissatisfied with the decision, a second appeal may be filed before the Central Appeals Committee (CAC). The CAC’s decision will be final and binding, with no further appeals allowed under this policy.
• Stringent penalties: Following an inquiry by SAI or NSF, an athlete may face a two-year ban from all competitions, alongside forfeiture of any titles or medals won. A second violation will result in a lifetime ban from competitive sports and proceedings under applicable laws, including the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023. Coaches and officials who facilitate or conceal age fraud will also face bans and debarment.
• Whistleblower mechanism: Stakeholders will be able to report age fraud through a secure, confidential platform, with their identities protected. The draft also proposes incentives for reporting violations and forfeiture of deposit fees for false or frivolous complaints.
• Appointment of compliance officer: NSFs must appoint an integrity/compliance officer for every competition or sporting event. This officer will be responsible for preventing age fraud and reporting any violations.
• Submission of compliance reports: SAI and NSFs will be required to submit biannual compliance reports to the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.
• Monitoring framework: A comprehensive monitoring framework will be in place to oversee adherence to the Code.