ILO Guidelines for the promotion of fundamental principles and rights at work and the prevention and elimination of violence and harassment for professional athletes

ILO sectoral guidelines are reference tools setting out principles that can be reflected in the design and implementation of policies, strategies, programmes, legislation, administrative measures and social dialogue mechanisms in particular economic sectors or sectoral clusters. They can be implemented progressively to take into account different national settings, cultures and social, economic, environmental and political contexts.

This document provides guidance for ILO constituents on the respect, promotion and realization, in relation to professional athletes, of fundamental principles and rights at work, as set out in the ILO Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work, adopted in 1998 and amended in 2022, and related fundamental international labour standards. The Guidelines also set out principles regarding the prevention and elimination, with regard to professional athletes, of violence and harassment, including gender-based violence and harassment, in line with the Violence and Harassment Convention (No. 190) and Recommendation (No. 206), 2019.

All workers, including athletes, should be protected by fundamental principles and rights at work, in line with the 1998 Declaration (as amended in 2022). There is no universal definition of professional athletes. These Guidelines apply to professional athletes as well as to athletes engaged in high-level sports, hereafter referred to as “athletes”. Particular attention should be given to promoting equality of treatment and opportunities in respect of employment and occupation for athletes, notably women. The Guidelines cover all types of sports, including team and individual sports, as well as high-level sports.