Article Examines Role of Slovenia's Athlete Ombuds

An article in the current issue of the International Sports Law Journal discusses the role of Athlete Rights Ombudsman for the Slovenian Olympic Committee, "The Athletes’ Ombudsman: integrating autonomous and heteronomous regulations for athlete protection." The author, Rožle Prezelj, urges greater emphasis on the Athletes’ Ombudsman as a legally grounded bridge between sports-organization rules and national law, arguing that this role is essential for advancing and safeguarding athletes’ rights.

Here is the full abstract:

The status of athletes and the rights to which they are entitled are becoming an increasingly important aspect of sports regulation. This is due to the fact that society has become more aware of the significance of human rights in sport. In an effort to preserve their autonomy, sports organisations have developed various mechanisms aimed at protecting their own integrity while protecting those involved in sport. One such mechanism is the institution of the Athletes’ Ombudsman. This approach has been adopted by various sports organisations, including the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC), the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and several other international federations, to provide protection and support to athletes. Despite the well-established national framework for the protection of human rights, exemplified by the institution of the Ombudsman, Slovenia has adopted a special approach to safeguarding athletes’ rights and supporting athletes and coaches. This particular approach is characterised by the legally enshrined role of the Athletes’ Ombudsman. From a normative perspective, this institution serves as a link between the rules of sports organisations and the national legal framework. The integration of autonomous and heteronomous regulations is therefore crucial to advancing the protection and rights of athletes.

Unfortunately, the article is behind the Springer paywall. (Intl Sports L J.)

Related posts: British Lawmaker and Activist Urges Creation of National Sports Ombuds; Sport Dispute Resolution Centre of Canada Calls for National Athlete Ombuds; U.S. Olympic Athlete Ombuds Publishes Confidentiality and Privacy Policy; IOC Introduces Anti-Doping Ombuds to Olympic Athletes;