Safe Sports Day 2026: World Aquatics rolls out new mandatory requirement for athletes, others
By George Aluo
World Aquatics is leaving no stones unturned in her efforts to make the sport safe for everybody as Safe Sport Day 2026 is celebrated on August 8.
Safe Sport Day, celebrated annually on 8 August, is a global initiative led by Safe Sport International to protect and promote safeguarding within sport.
To show her commitment in this direction a new mandatory course is being rolled out for athletes and others officials from January 1, 2027 before participation in any World Aquatics competition.
The AQIU’s safeguarding resources provide practical guidance and educational materials designed to help Member Federations promote best practices and enhance safeguarding measures within their organisations.
These resources also support ongoing education initiatives, ensuring athletes, coaches and support staff have access to this information on safeguarding responsibilities and standards.
The comprehensive guides and templates for Member Federations covering integrity, safeguarding and good governance can be found on the official website of World Aquatics.
World Aquatics in press release yesterday stated…”As part of this initiative, from 1 January 2027, new mandatory education requirements will be put in place for all registered Athletes and Team Officials participating at all World Aquatics competitions. In addition to Athletes, the Team Officials category includes Coaches, Head Coaches, Chefs de Mission, Team Leaders, Support Staff, Doctors, Medical Professionals, Massage Therapists, Physiotherapists and Media Liaisons. Completion of the Safeguarding Essentials (Course 1) eLearning course, or an AQIU-recognised safeguarding course will become compulsory for registered Athletes and Team Officials before participating in all 2027 World Aquatics Events.”
“Safe Sport Day reminds us that creating safe sporting environments requires action from everyone. By introducing mandatory safeguarding education for all registered Athletes and Team Officials from 2027, we are taking another important step towards ensuring everyone can train and compete safely,” said AQIU Spokesperson.
These initiatives reflect World Aquatics’ ongoing commitment to safeguarding and reinforce the shared responsibility of everyone involved in aquatic sport to prevent harm and ensure accountability on and off the field of play.
