Sexual Harassment in Sport

Sexual harassment in sport takes on unique dimensions because of the power relationships established with coaches and because of the necessary focus on athletes’ bodies. Recognition of sexual harassment in sport has come at the highest levels. The International Olympic Committee issued a Consensus Statement in 2007 which reported that:

sexual harassment and abuse happen in all sports and at all levels. Prevalence appears to be higher in elite sport. Members of the athlete’s entourage who are in positions of power and authority appear to be the primary perpetrators. Peer athletes have also been identified as perpetrators. Males are more often reported as perpetrators than females…Research demonstrates that sexual harassment and abuse in sport seriously and negatively impact on athletes’ physical and psychological health. It can result in impaired performance and lead to athlete drop-out. Clinical data indicate that psychosomatic illnesses, anxiety, depression, substance abuse, self harm and suicide are some of the serious health consequences.

The Windhoek Call for Action, adopted by the Second World Conference on Women and Sport in 1998, addresses the responsibility of all parties involved in sport to ensure “a safe and supportive environment for girls and women participating in sport at all levels by taking steps to eliminate all forms of harassment and abuse, violence and exploitation.” Recognizing the problem of sexual harassment in sports, the European Parliament in 2005 adopted a resolution that urges:

Member States and sports federations to adopt measures for the prevention and elimination of sexual harassment and abuse in sport by enforcing the legislation on sexual harassment at work, to inform athletes and their parents of the risks of abuse and the means of legal action available to them, to provide sports organisations’ staff with specific training and to ensure that criminal and disciplinary provisions are applied.

(See: European Resolution on Women and Sport, para. 40.)

The UNESCO Code of Sports Ethics states that sports organizations have the responsibility:

To ensure that safeguards are in place within the context of an overall framework of support and protection for children, young people and women, both to protect the above groups from sexual harassment and abuse and to prevent the exploitation of children, particularly those who demonstrate precocious ability.

Core Elements of Laws on Sexual Harassment in Sport

Laws on sexual harassment should be extended to apply to sporting activities, if not already covered through general non-discrimination laws or through employment, education, or goods and services legislation.

Laws on sexual harassment in sport should draw on the general principles for sexual harassment legislation, while taking special account of: [Internal link to General principles above]

• The varied environments in which women and girls participate in sport;
• The fact that sexual harassment can be perpetrated by coaches, other athletes, or other parties involved in supporting and training athletes; and
• The special power dynamics between athletes and coaches.

Prevention

Because of the power dynamics between coaches and athletes, as well as the high stakes for many student and professional athletes whose sporting activities are integrated with many other aspects of their lives, such as work and education, sporting organizations should take the following steps to prevent and address sexual harassment:

• Develop policies and procedures for the prevention of sexual harassment and abuse;
• Prepare and implement codes of ethics and conduct for coaches, whether they work with adults or children;
• Monitor the implementation of these policies and procedures;
• Evaluate the impact of these policies in identifying and reducing sexual harassment and abuse;
• Provide training on how sexual harassment and sexual relationships can negatively influence coach-athlete relationships;
• Develop complaint procedures that ensure privacy;
• Protect legal rights of athletes and coaches, and protect against retaliation;
• Screen all applicants for coaching staff and volunteer positions;
• Foster strong partnerships with parents/care givers in the prevention of sexual harassment and abuse;
• Promote and support research on these issues;
• Foster a climate of open discussion about the issues of sexual harassment and abuse so that athletes with problems feel confident enough to speak out; and
• Develop athlete autonomy wherever possible including adopting coaching styles which give optimum autonomy and responsibility to athletes.

(See: Women’s Sports Foundation, Sexual Harassment and Sexual Relationships Between Coaches, Other Athletic Personnel and Athletes: The Foundation Position; International Olympic Committee, Consensus Statement on Sexual Harassment and Abuse in Sport; Women Sport International, Brochure on Sexual Harassment and Abuse in Sport)