FIBA takes central role in good governance forum

LAUSANNE – FIBA has been taking a central role in the debate around International Federation’s committing to a culture of strong governance.

Benjamin Cohen, Head of National Federations Governance and Legal Affairs at FIBA and also member of the ASOIF (The Association of Summer Olympic International Federations) Legal Consultative Group, attended the International Federation’s Forum in Lausanne to present conclusions from two ‘Good Governance' workshops jointly organised by ASOIF and CIES (International Centre for Sports Studies) during 2013 and 2014.

Cohen explained to delegates that solutions should come from International Federation’s (IF’s) first and foremost and not from outside – something that was viewed positively and a highlight of the debate.

ASOIF, with the support of its Legal Consultative Group composed of experts from its members, has been exploring in the last three years not only the principles, but the actions that should be taken in order to strengthen governance within IF’s.

Olympic and non-Olympic International Federations issued a statement which welcomed and accepted the IOC’s (International Olympic Committee) invitation to work together to not only establish indicators and assessment mechanisms, but to promote their use within their respective sports.

The objective is to ensure that the state of governance within sports institutions can be readily assessed publicly, monitored on an ongoing basis and in an inclusive manner - taking into account best practices and using the most appropriate available tools so as to not only establish the right processes, but to promote and ensure a culture of good govenance.

Other focuses at the IF Forum have been the prevention of competition manipulation and the first time, the upcoming Olympic Movement Code on the Manipulation of Competitions was presented.

Participants have also discussed sustainability and legacy in sport - including an IF Sustainability Best Practice Project led by the IOC.

FIBA