ALSS

  • Phone : +41 44 308 35 22
  • Email :info@alss-edu.ch
  • Work Hours : Mon - Fri : 09:00 - 18:00

online program

Human rights in sports

Course Introduction

The course Human Rights in Sports is a ten-week open course (every week two hours online),
offered by the Academy of Leadership Sciences Switzerland.
The course is designed and delivered by recognized experts in the field of sports law and human
rights. It is being offered as an open online course and can be attended by anyone interested in the
intersection of sports and human rights. This includes sports administrators, young lawyers,
athletic trainers, club managers, compliance officers in sports organizations, sports officials, and
leaders of sports federations and organizations, among others.

Course Content

The course covers specific topics on human rights in sports, including: introduction to human
rights in sports, key international frameworks, legal responsibilities of sports organizations,
safeguarding policies, athlete protection, addressing abuse and discrimination, diversity and
inclusion, challenges in mega-sporting events, relevant legislation, compliance requirements,
reporting obligations, legal consequences, developing human rights action plans, collaboration
with stakeholders and authorities, and more.

Course Details

  • Duration of the Course : 1`0 weeks (every Wednesday two hours webinar at 18h00 CET)
  • Language : English
  • Start Date : 01/04/2026
  • Study Options : 100 % online per Zoom
  • Tutorial fees for the whole course : CHF 890 to be paid at least one week before the course starts
  • Admission Requirements : Anyone who is, or aspires to get, involved in the industry of sports can enrol for this course
  • Internet access and an email address are required

Course Structure

Week 1 – Introduction to Human Rights in Sports (2 hours)

•What are human rights?
•Key international frameworks (UN Declaration, IOC Agenda 2020, etc.)
•Why human rights matter in sports
•Case studies: human rights violations (exploitation, discrimination)

Week 3 : Safeguarding and Athlete Rights(2 hours)

•Athletes’ rights: equal pay, working conditions, freedom of expression
•Abuse, harassment, and discrimination
•Case studies on safeguarding failures and successes

Week 5 – Athletes as Workers: Labour Rights in Sport (2 hours)

•Employment status of athletes
•Contracts, remuneration, and job security
•Transfer systems and restrictions
•Power imbalances in sport

Week 7 – Child Athletes and Minors’ Rights (2 hours)

•Special protection standards for minors
•Education, health, and welfare obligations
•Talent development systems
•Exploitation and cross-border risks

Week 9 – Access to Justice and Remedies for Athletes (2 hours)

•Disciplinary systems in sport
•Internal grievance mechanisms
•Barriers to justice for athletes
•Role of arbitration and dispute resolution

Week 2 : Legal Frameworks and Human Rights Compliance in Sports (2 hours)

•Human rights-related laws and treaties relevant to sport
•Role of sports federations in enforcing human rights
•Legal responsibilities of clubs, federations, and event organizers
•Remedies and sanctions for human rights violations

Week 4 : Human Rights Challenges and Best Practices in Sports Governance (2 hours)

•Human rights risks in mega-sporting events
•Diversity, equity, and inclusion in sports governance
•Embedding human rights into organizational policies
•Developing a human rights action plan

Week 6 – Non-Discrimination and Equality in Sport (2 hours)

•Gender equality and women’s rights
•Racial and ethnic discrimination
•Disability rights and para-sport
•Sexual orientation and gender identity

Week 8 – Health, Safety and Mental Well-Being of Athletes (2 hours)

•Right to health and safe environments
•Injuries, overtraining, and pressure
•Mental health and psychological well-being
•Medical autonomy and informed consent

Week 10 – Case Studies, Compliance Tools and Future Challenges (2 hours)

•Landmark human rights cases in sport
•Human rights due diligence in sports organizations
•Practical compliance tools for federations and clubs
•Final discussion and key takeaways

Apply Online Here

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Department Contact

  • Hotline +41 (0)44 308 35 22
  • World Trade Center Leutschenbachstrasse 95 CH-8050 Zürich
  • info@alss-edu.ch
  • Mon - Fri : 09:00 - 18:00

Social Info

Accreditation & Certification

The Academy of Leadership Sciences Switzerland (ALSS) is an international education institution
that offers continuing education, further education, and post graduate advanced education
courses, workshops and programs focusing on advanced studies in Leadership and
Management. The ALSS also offers short courses that are not credit- bearing, and do not lead to
formal qualifications. All attendees who attend all the ten presentations for the Human Rights in
Sports course will be awarded certificates of successful attendance by the ALSS.

Course Presenters

Prof. Marion Keim

Catherine Pitre, LL.M.

Tammi Gaw

Khayran Noor

Graduate Benefits from ALSS

Completing a business leadership program offers numerous benefits to graduates. Firstly, these programs provide comprehensive training in leadership techniques and strategies, enhancing graduates’ skills in decision-making, problem-solving, communication, and team management. This equips them with the necessary tools to excel in leadership roles and drive organizational success.

Professional Development

Our programs are designed to give you the edge to excel on your profession with advanced knowledge.

Quality Education

We are up-to-date with latest business trends and insights that enable us to offer qualitative education

Alumni

We have a global pool of alumni from all eh parts of the world who are excelling on their leadership journey.