Mirror, Mirror: Sports Associations Embrace the Age of Safeguarding

The winds of change are blowing strong in the realm of governance in sports associations. In a rapidly evolving world, these organizations find themselves at a critical juncture, where the need to adapt, and transform, has become more pressing than ever before - safeguarding is knocking!.?

In the last two weeks, two separate reports provided a sneak peek into the emerging shifting landscape. Harnessing the need for sports associations to shape themselves (join other sectors in adopting a raft of structures, policies, and processes) and forge a future that is inclusive, progressive, and responsive to the needs of athletes and stakeholders alike.

English & Welsh Cricket

In a groundbreaking report, the Independent Commission for Equity in Cricket (ICEC) has unveiled shocking findings regarding safeguarding issues within the sport. The "Holding Up A Mirror To Cricket" report highlights the alarming prevalence of racism, sexism, and classism in English and Welsh cricket.

Over the course of a two-year investigation, the ICEC gathered evidence from various sources, including prominent players. Their testimonies from 4,156 individuals painted a grim picture of discrimination within the cricketing community.

This is a pivotal moment for cricket, as the report exposes structural and institutional racism within English and Welsh cricket, with individuals from ethnically diverse backgrounds, particularly those of Pakistani, Bangladeshi, Indian, and Black heritage, experiencing high rates of discrimination. It also reveals a prevailing culture of sexism and misogyny, where women are treated as subordinate to men at all levels of the sport.

This eye-opening report demands immediate action. The ICEC has put forth 44 recommendations, urging the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) to issue an unreserved public apology for its failures and calling for a comprehensive overhaul of existing structures and systems.

While FIBA Responded to Mali Basketball

After receiving several allegations?in June 2021?of systemic sexual harassment within the Mali Basketball Federation (FMBB), FIBA has worked closely in Mali with various local and international partners and stakeholders towards establishing a sporting environment that protects the integrity and safety of young basketball players.

FIBA launched a basketball safeguard and protection service for young players and other persons in vulnerable situations in Mali.

At a global level, FIBA's Central Board approved?the creation of the FIBA Safeguarding Council. It appointed HRH Prince Feisal Al Hussein,?IOC member and President of the Jordan Olympic Committee, as the Founding Chairman. The FIBA Safeguarding Council acts as an advisory body to FIBA on matters related to safeguarding and protection of vulnerable groups of basketball participants. As one of its first tasks, the Council proposed a new FIBA Safeguarding Policy, that was approved by FIBA's Central Board in December 2022.

This decision anchored the principle that anyone who wants to take part in and enjoy the game of basketball can do so in a fair, and equitable safe space, free from all forms of harm and abuse, regardless of the playing level. This policy provides a strong foundation, and the tools to reinforce the protection of persons in vulnerable situations in the basketball environment.

Too-Do-List for Sports Governance

As guardians in various sports, we must embrace these emerging trends and take immediate action to foster inclusivity, equality, and safety in our respective sports. Let us heed this call to examine our structures, policies, and practices, ensuring they promote fairness, respect, and dignity for all participants.

The time for change is now, and it is our collective responsibility to make it happen.

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