World Athletics announces Safeguarding Policy

Athletics coach Rana Reider to be investigated over sexual misconduct claims

Athletics coach Rana Reider set to be investigated by the US Center for SafeSport after multiple complaints of sexual misconduct were made against him.

Reider is a well renowned athletics trainer as he has trained multiple World and Olympic Champions including Tokyo 2020 Olympic 200m gold medallist Andre de Grasse and two-time Olympic champion Christian Taylor.

NHLPA statement following Executive Board meeting

On the NHLPA’s Executive Board call today, Don Fehr recommended that an independent investigation be commenced by outside legal counsel in order to review the NHLPA’s response to the Kyle Beach matter. The Executive Board is currently voting on this matter.

Learn how to safeguard your sport

To mark National Children’s Week, Sport Integrity Australia has today launched its inaugural Child Safeguarding in Sport Induction e-Learning course.

The e-Learning course complements the National Integrity Framework Child Safeguarding Policy and has been developed for any person and any organisation who is bound by the policy, such as National Sporting Organisations (NSOs), State Sporting Organisations (SSOs), clubs/affiliated bodies, boards, committees, participants, employees, coaches, contractors, officials, and support personnel.

Statement from NHLPA Executive Director Don Fehr on Kyle Beach

National Hockey League Players’ Association (NHLPA) Executive Director Don Fehr issued the following statement today:

“Kyle Beach has been through a horrific experience and has shown true courage in telling his story. There is no doubt that the system failed to support him in his time of need, and we are part of that system.

Board discuss UEFA Euro 2020, Safeguarding, IT systems and Black History Month

John McDermott, Gareth Southgate, Sue Ravenlaw, James Kendall and Craig Donald presented at our latest Board meeting

NFL-Premier League joint statement on medical conference to discuss player health and safety

The National Football League (NFL) and the Premier League held a joint medical conference in London today to discuss their latest advancements in player health and safety and to share best practices for analyzing, treating, and preventing injuries among elite athletes. Led by a diverse group of the leagues' world class physicians, injury prevention specialists and epidemiologists, the day-long conference was an opportunity to ensure each leagues' efforts are informed by the latest scientific and medical information available in pursuit of a joint commitment to continuous improvement of player safety. The leagues discussed strategies for reducing soft tissue and knee ligament injuries, innovation in field surface materials, concussion prevention and treatment and the importance of prioritizing athletes' mental wellness. Held as part of the annual NFL London Games, the conference was attended by a delegation from the NFL Player Health & Safety team and Premier League physicians, certified athletic trainers/physios and sports science specialists, with representation from its clubs.

The UCI supports Afghan cycling community and helps with the evacuation of 165 refugees

The Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) and its partners have lent their support and help to the Afghan Cycling Federation. After the events which occurred in the country in August 2021 and the consequences that they have had on certain members of the population, in particular women, the UCI has reached out to members of the cycling family, the Olympic movement and also other members of the population whose lives and safety has been under threat, to enable them to leave Afghan soil.

US Soccer appoints former Deputy Attorney General to lead sexual misconduct investigation

Former United States Deputy Attorney General Sally Yates has been appointed by US Soccer to lead an investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL).

FIFA statement on recent reports in the US made by several players

FIFA is deeply concerned by the recent reports in the US made by several players. Due to the severity and seriousness of the allegations being made by players, we can confirm that FIFA’s judicial bodies are actively looking into the matter and have opened a preliminary investigation. As part of this, FIFA will be reaching out to the respective parties, including US Soccer and NWSL, for further information about the various safeguarding concerns and allegations of abuse that have been raised.

WEBINAR | Safeguarding in Sport: Considering Subject Access Requests

Sport Resolutions, in association with Lewis Silkin, will be holding an event on considering and responding to Subject Access Requests (SARs) within the context of sport safeguarding cases on Thursday 14th October via Zoom Webinar.

Alexander Milner-Smith, Co-Head, and Sean Illing, Senior Associate, both of Lewis Silkin's Data & Privacy Group, will be delivering the webinar. The session will provide information on how to consider data sharing in the safeguarding case management context and how to manage cases effectively when dealing with a SAR.

World Rugby launches Tackle Ready to educate players on safe tackle technique

New programme forms key head injury prevention initiative within World Rugby’s six-point player welfare advancement strategy
All coaches at all levels will have access to a five-stage framework for coaching effective technique that promotes prevention
World Rugby and national unions currently examining tackle height limits in key closed trials to aid welfare outcomes

Let's work together to keep sport safe for everyone

Child safety must be embedded in every Australian sporting organisation’s culture and understood and implemented at all levels of the sport, says Sport Integrity Australia’s CEO David Sharpe.

Álvaro Dionisio on football trafficking in Portugal: 'I was too trusting and they tricked me'

In July 2019 Álvaro Dionisio arrived in Portugal from Argentina, excited at developing his career but after a year he had still not been paid
He remained confined to a house for months, with no money, along with about 10 other footballers in the same situation
With the help of the Portuguese player union SJPF he decided to take legal action against the club that brought him to Europe

OFC have taken the pledge to improving safeguarding for all across Oceania

August 8 marks international Safer Sport Day and OFC are joining International Safeguards for Children in Sport in their aim to raise awareness of safeguarding.

There are eight safeguards that should be in place by any organisation working with children in sport while encouraging organisations to “take the pledge” and commit to improving safeguarding in their organisation.

Letter: Investigation on sexual abuse allegation in Mali Basketball

World Players Association joins Sport & Rights Alliance to demand justice for Mali Basketball players

Mr. Andreas Zagklis

Secretary General
Fédération Internationale de Basketball (FIBA)

July 29, 2021

Re: Investigation on Sexual Abuse Allegation in Mali Basketball

Salazar permanently banned from track and field due to misconduct

Alberto Salazar, once the head coach of the Nike Oregon Project, was permanently barred from participating in track and field on Monday by the U.S. Center for SafeSport, an independent non-profit organisation that provides sports with guidelines on how to provide safe environments for athletes and training for coaches and administrators, which cited Salazar for sexual and emotional misconduct.

CAF takes part in UN Counter Terrorism Programme

Confederation Africaine de Football (CAF) participated on Tuesday (29 June 2021) in the “Securing of vulnerable targets from terrorist attacks: Challenges and opportunities of major sporting event security management” programme, a part of the second Counter-Terrorism week organized by United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT).

Swimming Australia admits failings in complaints procedures

Swimming Australia has admitted failures when dealing with athlete complaints, but insists it is committed to being transparent as a panel is appointed to investigate allegations of sexual misconduct and mistreatment.

FIBA statement regarding allegations of systemic sexual harassment within the Mali Basketball Federation

FIBA has received since June 10 through the New York Times and Human Rights Watch several allegations about systemic sexual harassment within the Mali Basketball Federation.

What Schools Need To Know About Head Injuries Caused By Contact Sports

Published Monday, 29 March 2021.

A Review Of FIFA’s Minor Application Guide For U18 International Transfers

Published Friday, 08 January 2021.

Key sports law cases and developments of 2020 – Africa, Asia & Australia

Published Wednesday, 23 December 2020.

A summary of the esports panel at LawInSport’s 6th annual conference

Published Wednesday, 25 November 2020.

Sport Integrity Australia: play it fair online

Sport Integrity Australia, together with 23 other major sporting organisations from around Australia, has teamed with the eSafety Commissioner to help combat online abuse in sport.

According to CEO David Sharpe, the agency joined the collective in signing the Online Safety Statement of Commitment as there is no place for abuse – whether it’s on the sporting field, off the field, or online.

Athletics coach Rana Reider to be investigated over sexual misconduct claims

Athletics coach Rana Reider set to be investigated by the US Center for SafeSport after multiple complaints of sexual misconduct were made against him.

LawInSport Weekly News Recap - 29 October

Welcome to LawInSport’s weekly News Roundup. This roundup highlights this week’s top news pieces from across the world of sport.

For further updates, please visit our news section.

We hope you find this useful. If you have any related questions or feedback, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Quenneville resigns as Panthers coach, named in Blackhawks investigation

Joel Quenneville resigned as coach of the Florida Panthers on Thursday after being implicated in an independent investigation into the Chicago Blackhawks for allegations by former player Kyle Beach of sexual assault by then-video coach Brad Aldrich in 2010.

“Safeguarding in Sport: Considering Subject Access Requests” webinar video is now available online

FIFA assists evacuation of refugees from Afghanistan

FIFA can confirm, following complex negotiations, it has, with the support of Qatar, evacuated almost 100 members of the football family from Afghanistan, including female players.

Sport Integrity Australia 12 months in

Sport Integrity Australia first opened its doors on 1 July 2020 at a time when the sporting landscape in Australia was unlike anything we’ve ever seen: COVID-19 was impacting sporting competitions and, indeed, their very survival was in doubt. This, coupled with growing global unrest around the treatment of athletes, presented challenges beyond comprehension. Here we look at how Sport Integrity Australia responded, and some key milestones for our first 12 months.

Football Australia sets up Independent Complaint Process following abuse allegations

Football Australia has established an independent complaints process following recent allegations of abuse by former international Lisa De Vanna.

FIFA statement on recent reports in the US made by several players

Trainer Johnny Farrelly excluded from British racing

Following a five-day hearing in front of the National Safeguarding Panel (NSP), trainer Johnny Farrelly has today been found in breach of six offences under Regulation 4 and one under Regulation 6 of the BHA Safeguarding Regulations following a referral by the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) to the National Safeguarding Panel.

Simone Biles to testify before Senate for investigation into Larry Nassar

Olympic gold medallist Simone Biles is set to testify with other gymnasts before the Senate Judiciary Committee for the investigation into former USA Gymnastics team doctor Larry Nassar who was imprisoned for sexually assaulting hundreds of athletes.

New Zealand, Iran withdraw teams

The New Zealand Ice Hockey Federation has withdrawn its men’s U20 and women’s U18 national teams from the events the teams were previously entered. The other teams for the events in spring will remain entered with no decision taken yet.

Furthermore Iran has withdrawn from participating in the 2022 IIHF Ice Hockey Women’s World Championship Division III Group B. The men’s national team at the 2022 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship Division IV remains entered for a first-time participation.

Why esports must adopt a child-first culture to protect participants and the industry

Published Tuesday, 31 August 2021.

World Rugby unveils six-point plan to cement ambition to be the most progressive sport on player welfare

Former players, current players and a specific focus on the women’s game at the heart of six-point action plan developed by the game, for the game
World Rugby to continue to engage, listen and consult to secure the future growth of the game – everyone in the game will have a say and role to play
First series of initiatives include new global law trials with a continued focus on player welfare, introduced from 1 August; and the introduction of Independent Concussion Consultants to support the elite game’s Graduated Return to Play protocols
World Rugby Chairman Sir Bill Beaumont addresses rugby family in open letter

Concussion protocols being used at 2021 SCL

MIAMI, Florida – Concacaf is using the IFAB additional permanent “concussion substitutes” in the 2021 Scotiabank Concacaf League with the implementation of Protocol B enforced throughout the competition.

This follows the successful application of Protocol B throughout the 2021 Concacaf Gold Cup.

The WADA-accredited Tokyo anti-doping laboratory: operating around the clock to safeguard the integrity of the Games

With the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games now fully underway, and the Paralympic Games soon to follow, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA)-accredited Tokyo laboratory is operating twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, to analyze athlete samples and safeguard the integrity of the Games.

Major Hurdles Still Face U.S. SafeSport In The Movement To Protect Athletes

Published Friday, 02 July 2021.

UK Athletics launches new safeguarding procedures

UK Athletics and the four Home Country Athletics Federations (HCAF) have launched the new safeguarding policies and procedures which marks the fulfilment of the six core recommendations of the Christopher Quinlan Safeguarding Review administered by Sport Resolutions and supports the Home Country Athletics Federations (HCAFs) with their implementation of new procedures at a grassroots level.

Sport Integrity Australia and Play by the Rules courses now in one place

We are delighted to announce that Sport Integrity Australia will be partnering with Play by the Rules to house their online training modules on the Sport Integrity Australia e-learning hub.