Integrity / Rules and policies

Compliance and Enforcement Explanatory Guide

The Compliance and Enforcement Explanatory Guide explains how the Commission goes about its regulatory role, including its approach to achieving high levels of compliance by greyhound industry participants. This Guide also explains the requirements placed on participants and the Commission’s approach to detecting and bringing to account non-compliance.

This guide is designed for industry participants. It uses plain English to explain key concepts. Participants may need to obtain further advice, including legal advice, if disciplinary actions commence against them.

Greyhound Racing Rules

The Greyhound Racing Rules contain detailed requirements for participation and conduct in the NSW greyhound racing industry. The Greyhound Racing Rules apply to every greyhound, industry participant and trial track registered with the Commission. They also apply to greyhound racing clubs registered with GRNSW.

Greyhounds Australasia (GA) completed an extensive review of the National Racing Rules, with an updated version of the Rules coming into effect on 1 May 2022.

View more information on the Racing Rules, including an explanation of the new National and recent Local Rules, here.

Racing Rules (2017-2018)Racing Rules (2018-2022)Racing Rules (1 May 2022)
New Racing Rules (1 May 2023)

The Greyhound Racing Rules are administered by the Commission. There are some rules that relate to the functions of GRNSW which are administered by GRNSW.

GWIC Policies

The Commission is responsible for initiating, developing and implementing policies relating to the welfare of greyhounds. GRNSW regulatory policies applicable to greyhounds and participants that are now registered with the Commission may no longer apply or may apply with modification.

The Commission can enforce these policies under its legislation and the Greyhound Racing Rules.

The Commission will progressively develop new regulatory policies in consultation with industry and other stakeholders.

The following policies are policies currently implemented by the Commission:

Greyhound Welfare Code of Practice

Race Day Hydration and Hot Weather Policy

Trial Track Policy

Swabbing Policy

Greyhound Rehoming Policy

Animal Exemption Orders

Greyhound Transfer Policy

Greyhound Syndicates Policy

List of Mandatory and Permitted Gear for Greyhounds Racing in NSW

Gear, as defined by the Greyhound Racing Rules, means any strapping or equipment (including a muzzle) permitted to be applied to a greyhound in connection with the kennelling, presentation for or competing in an Event. As a controlling body, the Commission has compiled a list of items considered mandatory or permitted gear to be applied to a greyhound in connection with kennelling, presentation for racing or trialling.

Standards of Dress

To promote the image of greyhound racing in NSW the Greyhound Welfare & Integrity Commission has developed standards of dress that should be familiar to most participants. The Commission’s stewards may penalise participants at their discretion for failing to comply with the standards of dress.

Previous Codes and Policies

Copies of the previous Codes and Policies are available for viewing below. Please note that the following are no longer current and have been replaced by the codes and policies above.