International
Arbitration for Safeguarding Matters
International federations may refer safeguarding matters in sport for arbitration by Sport Resolutions. Our arbitration service can be used in place of an internal disciplinary or appeals panel, particularly in cases involving significant complexity or seriousness.
The Arbitration Service provides an independent procedural framework for the effective management and resolution of safeguarding cases before a tribunal.
Sport Resolutions maintains a specialist panel of nearly 350 legal and expert members, many of whom have significant experience in safeguarding matters. Panel members collectively span 32 languages, enabling us to support international federations and participants across jurisdictions and cultures. Cases are administered by an experienced and approachable multi-lingual case management team.
What the Service Includes
The safeguarding arbitration service includes:
- Appointment of an independent tribunal of three arbitrators, comprising an experienced legal chair and two specialist members;
- Case management support for the tribunal and parties, delivered in accordance with a trauma-informed approach;
- Specific, case-appropriate support measures for children and young people (and their parents or guardians), as well as for individuals alleged to have breached the rules of the referring sport organisation, which may include procedural guidance, reasonable adjustments, and signposting to relevant support services where appropriate;
- Provision of case directions, setting out the timetable and procedure to be followed;
- Organisation of the hearing, including any special measures considered appropriate by the independent safeguarding panel;
- Drafting and circulation of a detailed written decision, including full reasons.
Conferring Jurisdiction
The referring sport organisation retains responsibility for presenting its case before the tribunal and must ensure that the independent panel has the necessary jurisdiction to determine the matter.
To refer a safeguarding matter for arbitration, international sport organisations must confer jurisdiction on Sport Resolutions by either:
- incorporating an arbitration clause into their regulations or disciplinary/safeguarding framework, or
- entering into an arbitration agreement on a case-by-case basis.
How can international federations refer a safeguarding matter to arbitration
International federations wishing to refer safeguarding matters to Sport Resolutions for arbitration are encouraged to contact us to discuss the most appropriate mechanism for referral, including the required jurisdictional basis and procedural arrangements.
Please get in touch using the contact details on this page.