Reform of the IAAF – A New Era

Over the past two days (4-5) in Amsterdam, an IAAF Governance Structure Reform Forum attended by more than 60 delegates, including federation presidents, administrators and athletes representing the six continental areas of the IAAF, has been discussing 15 key proposals to create an effective organisation with the checks and balances and transparent structures required.

The IAAF has taken time over the past two days to look closely at the lessons it can draw from the past. The package of reforms underway will enable the IAAF to become a robust modern organisation with the necessary safeguards and controls and the right education to protect the organisation and ensure it is not exposed to unnecessary risk in the future.

Download (PDF): ‘Reform of the IAAF – a New Era’

This forum, led by sports lawyer Maria Clarke, the chair of the IAAF Governance Structure Reform Working Group, marks the start of a six-month consultation process which, following approval by Council, will see the final proposals being sent to the IAAF membership of more than 200 national federations for their approval at a Special Congress in early December 2016.

IAAF President Sebastian Coe commented: “Our reform proposals show how seriously we want to grip the issues facing our sport and design a strong diverse and modern organisation which reflects the global reach of athletics. We are not afraid to make tough decisions, we owe it to the athletes. Our discussion over the last two days have been honest and robust.”

The governance structure proposals underpin the other IAAF reforms underway or recently completed such as a review of the financial and operational systems, ethical compliance measures, internal IAAF staff structure and the design of the Independent Integrity Unit.

Please send your comments and opinions about the IAAF reform process by 9 August to: reform@iaaf.org

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