The Gymnastics, Swimming, Cheerleading, and Tennis Federations have launched a new pilot project in collaboration with the Family Federation of Finland, with the goal of strengthening cooperation among sports federations in preventing and addressing harassment, inappropriate behaviour, and discrimination. The Family Federation of Finland serves as the hub for this collaboration and supports the development of shared structures and operating procedures.

In the pilot project, four sports federations will be assigned a shared contact person for harassment cases who will support those who have experienced harassment or inappropriate behaviour and assist in assessing cases and determining appropriate follow-up measures. The Family Federation of Finland serves as the hub for this collaboration, supporting the development of shared structures and operating practises. The harassment liaison works closely with the “You Are Not Alone” service, which is designed to provide psychosocial support to those who have experienced harassment or inappropriate treatment.

Although sports and their operating environments vary, the core of the service remains the same: everyone who has experienced harassment or inappropriate behaviour has the right to be heard and to receive information, help and support.

When cases within different sports are examined through a common framework, service pathways and practices can also be developed to be clearer and more consistent. At the same time, this provides a new perspective on the types of harassment and inappropriate behaviour that occur in sport and how they can be effectively addressed. The target group includes athletes, participants, coaches, people involved in sport, and parents.

The information collected through a common framework also helps identify broader phenomena and trends: Who experiences harassment? What types of inappropriate behaviour occur in sport? What kinds of approaches and interventions are effective? And who is being heard, and who might be left without access to services?

The goal is not merely to resolve individual situations, but to use the insights gained from them to develop the entire sports community. Common guidelines and structural cooperation are leading Finnish sport towards a more equitable, safer, and more human rights-based culture.

For more information:

Julia Silverio, harassment liaison and sustainability specialist, Family Federation of Finland
Julia.Silverio@vaestoliitto.fi