Sport has long been recognised as a major contributor to positive health and well-being for participants; however, as a microcosm of society, sport is not immune from wider societal ills.
The IOC firmly believes that harassment and abuse have no place in sport or in society, and advocates for safe sport, as the safety and wellbeing of athletes are paramount.
Sport is global, crossing cultures and laws, but there is only one culture that must apply: the culture of respect.
Since 2004, the IOC has been developing programmes and initiatives to safeguard athletes from harassment and abuse in sport.
These IOC Commissions are represented on the IOC Prevention of Harassment and Abuse in Sport (PHAS) Working Group, which is chaired by HRH Prince Feisal Al-Hussein. The IOC PHAS Working Group collaborates with subject matter experts and Olympic Movement stakeholders to develop and implement initiatives to safeguard athletes from harassment and abuse in sport.
"We must be more determined than ever to protect athletes. One case is one case too many. Together we can make a difference"
- HRH Prince Feisal Al Hussein, Jordan - IOC Member; IOC Women in Sport Commission Vice-Chair & IOC Prevention of Harassment and Abuse in Sport Working Group Chair
TERM CHECK:
Safeguarding: Measures and initiatives which are put in place to PREVENT harassment and abuse
What is the basis for the IOC PHAS initiatives?
The safeguarding of athletes is embedded in the overarching fundamental principles of Olympism found in the Olympic Charter, as well as other foundational documents of the Olympic Movement, including:
IOC Safe Sport initiatives
The IOC Safe Sport initiatives can be split into three main areas. Click on the links to find out more:
