Putting People First: Guidance for Sport on How to Respond to the COVID-19 Crisis

06 May 2020

Author - Centre for Sport and Human Rights

As the world confronts the COVID-19 crisis, organisations responsible for the governance and management of sport activities at every level face a range of difficult decisions as they seek to protect public health and support athletes and workers, while addressing the economic realities associated with the postponement and cancellation of events. Decisions taken under pressure may be more likely to have unintended or unforeseen consequences for people.

Putting People First: Guidance for Sport on How to Respond to the COVID-19 Crisis is a toolkit designed to support sports bodies and others in taking a people-centred approach to their planning and risk mitigation efforts.

"The Covid-19 crisis has thrown up all manner of challenges for sports bodies, with many aspects to consider as we move through the phases of the pandemic towards a new practice of sport.  The Centre for Sport and Human Rights Guidance Tool has proved invaluable in ensuring a people-centred approach to planning and response. The resource bank is an excellent tool which we have extensively shared with our member associations to encourage best-practice and collaboration. We would recommend it for everyone who is dealing with Covid-19’s impact on sport."
David Grevemberg, CEO, Commonwealth Games Federation


The questions in the guide are aligned with international human rights standards and related due diligence processes, as well as the Sporting Chance Principles already endorsed by many in the sport sector.

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