Promoting safe sport in Azerbaijan: Insights from a scoping visit
Date: November 2024
As an international safeguarding consultant, I recently had the privilege of supporting Azerbaijan’s National Olympic Committee (NOC) in their mission to create safer, more inclusive sports environments. From October 23–25, 2024, I conducted a scoping visit in Baku to help lay the foundation for a comprehensive safeguarding strategy as part of the “Safe Sport For All” initiative. This project, funded by IOC Olympic Solidarity, aims to address issues of harassment, abuse, and cyberbullying in Azerbaijani sports organizations while fostering athlete well-being and performance.
Why safe sport matters
Harassment and abuse in sports are global concerns, ranging from psychological and physical harm to neglect and sexual misconduct. Athletes, particularly children and those in high-performance environments, face increased risks due to power imbalances, a culture of silence, and inadequate safeguarding measures. Such experiences can cause lasting harm, undermining athletes’ health, safety, and ability to thrive in sport.
The “Safe Sport For All” project in Azerbaijan is not only about prevention—it’s also about empowerment. By embedding safe sport principles into organizational policies and practices, the initiative seeks to set a national standard, with potential to serve as a regional model for neighboring countries in Eastern Europe and Central Asia.
Scoping visit highlights
During my visit, together with the NOC safe sport team, I engaged with diverse stakeholders, including representatives from the Judo, Badminton, and Gymnastics Federations, UNICEF Azerbaijan, the Anti-Doping Agency (AMADA), and the Azerbaijan Sports Academy. Here are some key insights and reflections from the visit:
- Awareness and readiness: Across all meetings, I observed a growing awareness of safeguarding principles and a willingness to take proactive measures. While some sports federations have already started implementing safeguarding policies, others are in the early stages of understanding the importance of safe sport. Encouragingly, all stakeholders recognized safeguarding as encompassing not just the prevention of abuse but also the promotion of athlete well-being and optimal performance.
- Cultural and structural considerations: Discussions revealed the importance of cultural sensitivity when introducing safeguarding practices. Azerbaijan’s historical context, shaped by its Soviet-era sports structures, requires careful adaptation of Western safeguarding frameworks. The NOC and sports federations also expressed a strong desire to involve key groups—such as child athletes, athletes with disabilities, and those from minority communities—in policy development.
- Innovative approaches: Federations like judo highlighted how their intrinsic values—such as respect, self-control, and courage—could align with safe sport principles. Others, such as the Badminton Federation, emphasized the role of parents in safeguarding efforts. Additionally, UNICEF and AMADA offered valuable collaboration opportunities, from integrating life skills programs into sports to creating educational modules on integrity threats.
- Capacity building: A key milestone of the visit was a “Safe Coaching” workshop for 25 coaches representing eight sports. The interactive session focused on helping coaches detect, respond to, and prevent abuse while fostering athlete well-being. By equipping coaches with these skills, we can create ripple effects across sports communities.
Recommendations for Azerbaijan’s NOC
Following the recent visit, I outlined a series of broad recommendations to support Azerbaijan’s efforts in advancing safeguarding in sport. These include the development of comprehensive safeguarding policies, the creation of capacity-building programs tailored to local needs, and the establishment of mechanisms for monitoring and reporting incidents. Collaborative approaches, such as engaging key stakeholders including athletes and survivors through working groups, and public awareness initiatives to promote understanding and dialogue around safe sport, were also highlighted as essential steps to ensure athlete safety and well-being.
A model for the region
Azerbaijan’s NOC has already taken significant strides, including appointing its first certified safeguarding officer and fostering collaboration with key organizations. Their commitment to safe sport could inspire neighboring countries to adopt similar measures, creating a ripple effect across the region.
As I continue to support this initiative, I am reminded of the transformative power of sports when athletes feel safe, respected, and empowered. Together, we can build a future where every athlete, coach, and participant thrives in an environment that upholds dignity, equality, and well-being.
A special thank you to the organizing team at Azerbaijan’s NOC for their warm hospitality, dedication, and meticulous efforts in making this visit a success. Your commitment to fostering a safe and inclusive sporting environment is truly inspiring.
If you’d like to learn more about safeguarding in sports or explore how I can support your organization, feel free to get in touch. Let’s create safe and inclusive sports environments—together.