FIH reaffirms its commitment to safe sport on Safe Sport Day
Lausanne. Switzerland - As the global sporting community marks Safe Sport Day on 8 August, the International Hockey Federation (FIH) proudly reaffirms its unwavering commitment to ensuring that hockey remains a safe, respectful and inclusive environment for everyone involved in the sport, especially children.
Safeguarding is a fundamental pillar of FIH's governance and athlete-centred approach. Across its events, programmes and policies, FIH continues to strengthen measures that protect the wellbeing of athletes, particularly young players, enabling them to thrive both on and off the field.
A key milestone in this commitment was the appointment of independent Safeguarding Officers at the FIH Hockey Junior World Cups in both 2023 and 2025. Selected from outside the hockey community and recognised experts in safeguarding, these officers were tasked with creating an environment where athletes felt safe, supported and protected throughout the tournaments.
Their role extended beyond responding to concerns. They also provided athletes, team officials and event stakeholders with educational resources and preventative guidance, while remaining available throughout the competitions to manage any safeguarding matters with complete confidentiality.
Earlier this year, FIH further strengthened its commitment by joining the International Safeguards for Children in Sport pledge (https://safeinsport.org/take-the-pledge/) as part of its partnership with Laureus Sport for Good, a global organisation dedicated to using sport as a force for positive social change and a strong advocate for safeguarding in sport.
By signing the pledge, FIH committed to promoting and implementing internationally recognised safeguarding standards that help ensure every child can enjoy sport in a safe, positive and empowering environment.
FIH President Tayyab Ikram, commenting on FIH's commitment towards safeguarding, said: "Safeguarding has become one of the most important aspects of sports governance. Athletes are at the centre of everything we do. As an International Federation, it is our duty to implement all possible measures and frameworks to ensure our athletes develop in an environment where they feel safe enough to perform at their best. This commitment is especially crucial for young athletes. Through our initiative to appoint Safeguarding Officers for the FIH Hockey Junior World Cups, and our decision to join the International Safeguards for Children in Sport pledge, we are embracing our responsibility with full determination."
Safe Sport Day provides an important opportunity to highlight the collective responsibility of everyone involved in sport to foster environments built on respect, dignity and protection. FIH remains fully committed to working alongside its Continental Federations, National Associations and partners to ensure that hockey continues to set the highest standards for safeguarding and athlete welfare.
