Editorial policy

Accuracy

We check facts before we publish. We rely on named sources wherever possible, confirm important information with more than one source, and make clear what we do not yet know. When a story is developing, we update it and say so.

Independence

Our editors decide what we cover and how. Advertisers, sponsors, teams, federations and players have no say over our journalism. Sponsored content is always clearly labelled.

Fairness

We give people who are criticised in our stories a fair chance to respond. We do not publish rumours as facts, and we avoid language that is discriminatory or that sensationalises.

News and opinion

News reports tell you what happened. Opinion pieces — written by our columnists and by outside experts such as former players and coaches — are labelled "Opinion" and show the writer's name. The views in opinion pieces are the writer's own.

Sources

We protect confidential sources. We use anonymous sources only when the information is important, cannot be obtained another way, and the editor knows who the source is.

Images and video

We do not alter photos or video in ways that mislead. Pictures are credited, and archive material is labelled as such.

Conflicts of interest

Our journalists do not accept gifts or payments that could influence their coverage, and they declare any personal interest in a story to their editor.

Questions about our standards? Contact us.