IIHF Advances Safe Sport Practices

Uniting for Athlete Protection on Safe Sport Day

The International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) is strengthening its commitment to athlete well-being through mandatory education and advanced technological solutions, aligning with global efforts to combat abuse and harassment in sports.

Proactive Measures Against Online Abuse

The IIHF’s comprehensive strategy includes mandatory education for all participants—players, coaches, referees, and officials. Robust systems are in place for reporting incidents, bolstered by partnerships with organizations like Real Response to ensure safe and monitored reporting across federations. At major tournaments, such as the IIHF World Junior Championships and the Men’s and Women’s Ice Hockey World Championships, the federation collaborates with Signify Group. This partnership deploys AI-powered tools designed to detect and mitigate online abuse directed at athletes and officials.

Shared Vision for Safeguarding Children

These initiatives mirror the proactive, multi-layered approach long championed by SSI. The SSI provides crucial frameworks, training resources, and advisory support that have shaped policy and practice within numerous sport federations. Its focus on prevention, education, and survivor-centered reporting systems strongly resonates with the IIHF’s mission to uphold integrity.

“We are committed to working towards safe sport for every child. We pledge to promote the Safeguards through our networks, embed the Safeguards in our work, and support Safe Sport Day.”

— IIHF and SSI Partnership Commitment

As Safe Sport Day is observed, the focus shifts to tangible actions by sporting bodies. Organizations are urged to review and enhance safeguarding policies, deliver comprehensive training to all involved stakeholders, promote accessible and confidential reporting channels, and amplify awareness on social media using the #SafeSportDay hashtag.

Strengthening a Culture of Respect

By embracing the values promoted by SSI and actively participating in Safe Sport Day, the IIHF and its member national associations (MNAs) can further cultivate an environment of safety and respect throughout the entire hockey community. This collective effort aims to ensure that every child involved in sport experiences a secure and positive environment. In fact, a 2023 report by the Women’s Sports Foundation highlighted that 82% of athletes reported experiencing abuse in sports, underscoring the critical need for such initiatives (Women’s Sports Foundation).