Sports Governance Bill: India’s sporting landscape is on the verge of a significant overhaul with the introduction of the Draft National Sports Governance Bill, 2024. This landmark legislation aims to reshape how disputes in sports are handled and establish a Sports Regulatory Board of India (SRBI) to ensure transparency and accountability in the governance of sports federations.
Let’s have a look into more details: Sports Governance Bill
Appellate Sports Tribunal for Dispute Resolution
One of the most pivotal proposals in the bill is the creation of an Appellate Sports Tribunal, modeled on the international Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). The tribunal will serve as the first point of contact for resolving sports-related disputes, whether they concern selection processes, administration, or governance issues.
This new tribunal will help ease the burden on the courts, which often face a flood of cases before major sporting events, especially when athletes challenge selection processes. Over six federations had cases pending in the Delhi High Court in October 2024 alone.
Under Section 29 of the bill, all pending sports-related court cases will be transferred to the tribunal. The tribunal will have the authority to continue these cases from their current status or start afresh, if necessary. Athletes or officials dissatisfied with the tribunal’s verdict can appeal to the Supreme Court, but only after the tribunal’s decision.
Establishment of the Sports Regulatory Board of India (SRBI)
A significant structural change proposed by the bill is the formation of the Sports Regulatory Board of India (SRBI). This new entity will function as a watchdog over National Sports Federations (NSFs), ensuring adherence to governance, financial, and ethical standards. By establishing the SRBI, the bill seeks to address long-standing criticisms that the Ministry of Sports has struggled to enforce rules effectively.
The SRBI will operate independently of the ministry, overseeing organizations like the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) and various NSFs. Its main objectives will be promoting transparency, ethical behavior, and fair governance, aligning Indian sports governance with international standards.
The Central Government will decide the composition and selection of SRBI members based on the recommendations of a selection committee comprising high-ranking officials, including the Sports Secretary and the Director General of the Sports Authority of India.
Expanded Access to Leadership Roles
The draft bill is also geared toward democratizing leadership in sports federations. Currently, only individuals already holding positions within the sports ecosystem can contest for top posts. However, the bill proposes that any Indian citizen over 25 years of age can run for leadership roles, provided they have a proposer and a seconder. This move could bring fresh perspectives and innovation into sports governance, expanding opportunities for a wider pool of candidates.
Safeguarding Transparency and Accountability
To further promote transparency, the bill includes a provision that subjects sports federations, including the National Olympic Committee (NOC), the National Paralympic Committee (NPC), and NSFs, to the Right to Information (RTI) Act, making them accountable as public authorities. Certain sensitive matters, however, will be exempt from disclosure under this provision.
Additionally, the bill mandates the creation of Athletes Commissions within each federation, as well as a Sports Election Panel to ensure fair and transparent elections. These measures aim to build a governance framework that upholds ethical standards, safeguards athletes’ rights, and promotes fair play.
Tenure Limits and Age Restrictions for Office Bearers
The bill also seeks to prevent entrenched leadership by limiting the tenure of office bearers to a maximum of two consecutive terms of four years each. This ensures regular rotation of leadership and fresh thinking in sports governance. Moreover, individuals above the age of 70 or those convicted of serious offences will not be eligible to run for leadership roles, further reinforcing the focus on ethical governance.
The government is actively seeking public comments on the draft bill until October 25, 2024, allowing stakeholders, including athletes, officials, and the public, to contribute to shaping the future of Indian sports governance.
The proposed Sports Governance Bill, 2024 marks a turning point in Indian sports administration. With the introduction of a dedicated Appellate Sports Tribunal to resolve disputes and the establishment of the Sports Regulatory Board of India to enforce governance standards, this bill promises to bring greater accountability, transparency, and fairness to the management of sports federations. If passed, it could significantly enhance the efficiency of sports administration, ensuring that athletes’ rights are protected and that sports federations are held to higher ethical standards.
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FAQs
Are there any age limits for leadership positions in sports federations?
Yes, individuals over 70 years old or those convicted of serious offenses cannot run for leadership roles
