Based on Art. 18 Para. 2 SpoFöG and Art. 72c ff. SpoFöV, Swiss Olympic has developed binding industry standards for Swiss sport in collaboration with the FOSPO, which were published in 2024. These set out the requirements that sports organisations must meet in future in order to remain eligible for federal funding.

The standards are divided into three subject areas: Good governance, people (in particular mental, physical and social well-being) and fairness and the environment. Depending on the type of organisation (association, club, event organiser) and the receipt of federal funds (e.g. J&S funds), different strict requirements apply. In order to comply with these, sports organisations must incorporate the following topics in particular into their statutes:

– Recognition of the ethics charter, the ethics and doping statutes

– Recognition of the competences of Swiss Sport Integrity and the Swiss Sports Tribunal Foundation

– Election of an auditing body
Depending on the sports organisation, an ordinary, limited or lay audit must be provided for.

– Gender quota for the highest governing body (central board)
The specific structure differs depending on the type of organisation.

– Term limits for the highest governing body
Re-elections must take place at least every four years and a maximum term of office must be set.

– Co-determination rights of athletes at a strategic or operational level
z. e.g. through a seat on the board or, depending on the sports organisation, through other opportunities for participation.

– Regulation of conflicts of interest and acceptance of gifts
This topic does not necessarily have to be regulated in the statutes, but can also be anchored in internal regulations (e.g. organisational regulations).

Anyone wishing to receive federal funding in future must implement the new standards. Associations and partner organisations have until 1 January 2025 to implement them, while clubs have until 1 January 2026 at the latest. Sports organisations that are unable to fully meet the requirements by the review date can apply for a case-by-case regulation with a binding implementation plan. However, reductions in contributions are possible during this transitional phase.

The next steps for sports organisations are
1. identify the need for action using the Swiss Olympic checklists;
2. implement the necessary changes to the statutes and organisation in order to comply with the industry standards.

We will be happy to support you with these two steps!