Content
The Importance Of An Athletes Commission
2 December 2009
After attending the 2009 Olympic Congress in Copenhagen, DEN, ARISF Vice-President Carlos Freitag writes about the importance of an Athletes Commission in the governance of all sports – and within the democratic structures of every International Sports Federation.
One of the main issues discussed at the last IOC Congress in Copenhagen concerned the Athletes Commissions of all IFs. Frankie Fredericks, as Chair of the Athletes Commission of the IOC, presented a very important lecture about what the IOC expects from athletes, and about what athletes have to do in order to be more involved and active at all the different levels of governance in their sport.
From Frankie Frederick's presentation it was clear that the athletes, who are the heart of every sport, should receive all-out support from clubs, national and international federations (IFs) and, of course, also from the Olympic Movement. IFs need to allow the athletes to be able to make a major contribution to a sport by raising their profiles. The athletes should also be encouraged to play an integral and important role in the organisation and the development of their sport.
It was confirmed that the athletes have to be included within the decision-making structures of the IFs through an empowered Athletes Commission, and that the athletes should have full voting rights in the IF Council.
Another important matter raised during the lecture was the fight against doping. There can be no doubt that this should be an absolute priority for sport. IFs have to fight for zero tolerance in that respect. Equally, the athletes and their representatives should contribute to ensure that cheating has no place in sport. In addition, IFs must maintain the highest ethical and sporting standards and fight for the sport and its athletes to benefit from fair play at all levels.
It is also important to consider and protect the physical and psychological health of all athletes, and specific attention must be given to athletes with disabilities.
Frankie Fredericks proposed that all IFs involved in the Olympic Movement should develop and implement a “Standard Code of Conduct,” as well as the appropriate licensing systems, in order to protect the rights of athletes with regards to agents, managers and sponsors.
It was also suggested that high priority should be given to develop an accessible and user-friendly channel for athletes to disseminate and share information on a regular basis.
The IOC again reaffirmed that all IFs should establish Commissions in charge of matters relating to coaches, trainers and the athletes. The IOC also reaffirmed its strong opposition to the athletes changing their nationalities and passports.
Find below a brief bullet-point synopsis of the most important suggestions coming out of Copenhagen Olympic Congress in relation to an IF Athletes Commission:
- Athletes have to be represented in all federations with a voice and a vote.
- It is vital to reinforce the fight against doping.
- The athletes have to be integrated into the board (Council) and they have to be aware of what is happening around them.
- Sport should be a universal language which unites people and makes bridges for the future.
- The main objectives of all sports which have to be defended by all athletes are excellence, friendship and respect.
- The athletes have to work by the Code of Ethics and Conduct and have to fight for a "Clean Sport" in every respect.
Carlos Freitag, ARISF Vice-President