Code of Conduct

CODE OF CONDUCT

Standards of behavior for the global IESF esports community

Last updated: February 2026

Our Commitment

The International Esports Federation (IESF) is committed to fostering a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for all participants in the global esports community. As the world's leading esports authority representing over 150 member nations, we hold ourselves and our community to the highest standards of conduct.

This Code of Conduct applies to all athletes, coaches, team managers, officials, referees, staff, volunteers, member federation representatives, and spectators involved in IESF events, activities, and official communications.

Our Core Values

All members of the IESF community are expected to embody and uphold our four core values:

Integrity

Upholding the highest standards of fair play and ethical conduct. We ensure transparent governance and accountability in all our actions.

Inclusivity

Welcoming players from all backgrounds, promoting diversity and equal opportunity. Everyone deserves a chance to compete.

Excellence

Striving for the highest levels of competition, organization, and professionalism. We set the global standard for esports.

Community

Building a global family of esports enthusiasts united by passion for competitive gaming. Together, we are stronger.

Expected Behavior

All participants in IESF activities are expected to:

  • Demonstrate good sportsmanship before, during, and after all competitions
  • Treat all participants, officials, and spectators with respect and dignity regardless of nationality, gender, religion, ethnicity, age, sexual orientation, or ability
  • Respect the decisions of referees, officials, and tournament administrators
  • Use appropriate and respectful language at all times, including in-game chat and social media
  • Compete fairly and within the rules of the game and tournament
  • Report any violations or concerns to appropriate IESF authorities
  • Comply with all IESF rules, regulations, and anti-doping policies
  • Represent your national federation and IESF with pride and dignity
  • Protect the confidentiality of sensitive competition information

Competition Integrity

The integrity of competition is fundamental to esports. All participants must compete with full effort and commitment in every match. IESF takes competition manipulation extremely seriously.

Competition Integrity Requirements:

  • Play every match to the best of your ability
  • Never deliberately lose or underperform
  • Report any approach regarding match manipulation immediately
  • Do not share confidential information about strategies or team compositions
  • Use only approved equipment and software

Prohibited Conduct

The following behaviors are strictly prohibited and may result in immediate disciplinary action:

Cheating & Exploits

Using unauthorized software, hardware modifications, exploits, bugs, or any method to gain an unfair advantage. This includes aimbots, wallhacks, scripting, and any form of automation.

Match-Fixing & Betting Fraud

Manipulating or attempting to manipulate the outcome of any competition. This includes betting on matches you are involved in, sharing insider information for betting purposes, or accepting anything of value to influence results.

Doping & Prohibited Substances

Use of any substances prohibited by WADA (World Anti-Doping Agency). IESF adheres to the World Anti-Doping Code. See our Anti-Doping Policy for details.

Harassment & Discrimination

Bullying, intimidation, threats, stalking, or any form of harassment. Discriminatory behavior or language targeting race, gender, religion, nationality, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, or any other protected characteristic.

Hate Speech & Offensive Content

Use of slurs, hate symbols, or language intended to demean or dehumanize any group or individual. This applies to in-game communication, social media, and any IESF-related activities.

Account & Identity Violations

Account sharing, using another player's identity, playing under a false name or nationality, or any form of identity fraud during IESF competitions.

Gambling on Own Matches

Placing bets on any match or competition in which you are participating, coaching, officiating, or have inside information about.

Anti-Doping Commitment

IESF is committed to clean esports competition. We work in alignment with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) to ensure that all participants compete on a level playing field.

All athletes participating in IESF events may be subject to anti-doping testing. Athletes requiring medication for legitimate medical conditions may apply for a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) in advance.

For complete information about prohibited substances and our anti-doping program, please visit our dedicated Anti-Doping page.

Consequences of Violations

Violations of this Code of Conduct may result in disciplinary action, including but not limited to:

1

Verbal Warning

For minor first-time offenses

2

Written Warning & Point Deduction

Formal documentation with potential competition penalties

3

Match/Tournament Disqualification

Immediate removal from current competition

4

Temporary Suspension

Ban from IESF events for a specified period

5

Permanent Ban

Lifetime exclusion from all IESF activities

The severity of sanctions depends on the nature and gravity of the offense, whether it was a first-time or repeated violation, and any mitigating or aggravating circumstances.

Reporting Violations

If you witness or experience a violation of this Code of Conduct, we encourage you to report it. All reports will be treated confidentially and investigated thoroughly.

How to Report:

  • At events: Speak directly to IESF officials or tournament administrators
  • Via email: [email protected]
  • Through your national member federation

Protection Against Retaliation: IESF strictly prohibits retaliation against individuals who report violations in good faith. Anyone found to be retaliating against a reporter will face disciplinary action.

Acknowledgment

By participating in any IESF event or activity, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to abide by this Code of Conduct. Member federations are responsible for ensuring their athletes, coaches, and staff are familiar with these standards.

Questions or Concerns?

If you have questions about this Code of Conduct or need to report a violation, please contact us.

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