In recent years, the global sports community has increasingly recognized the critical importance of safeguarding athletes from abuse, harassment, and misconduct. Among the leaders in this movement are Safe Sport International (SSI) and the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) - two organizations working to ensure that sport is a safe, inclusive, and respectful space for everyone involved.

A Shared Commitment to Safe Sport

Safe Sport International (SSI) is an independent, non-profit organization dedicated to ending all forms of non-accidental harm in sport. Through research, education, advocacy, and collaboration, SSI works globally to promote the rights of athletes and foster environments where sport is safe and enjoyable for all. Each year, it leads the global observance of Safe Sport Day on August 8, encouraging organizations and individuals worldwide to commit to meaningful action toward athlete welfare.
 
The International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF), the world governing body for ice hockey, shares this vision. In 2022, the IIHF introduced a comprehensive Integrity Program, focused on four key pillars: Anti-Doping, Competition Manipulation, Ethics, and Abuse & Harassment. This marked a significant step in embedding safeguarding and integrity into the core of international ice hockey.

Aligning on Action

The IIHF’s Abuse & Harassment pillar includes mandatory education for players, coaches, referees, and team officials, robust incident reporting systems, and partnerships with organizations like Real Response to ensure incidents can be safely reported and monitored across federations. At major tournaments, including the IIHF World Junior Championships, the Women’s and Men’s Ice Hockey World Championships, the IIHF has partnered with Signify Group to deploy AI-based tools for detecting and mitigating online abuse toward players and officials.
 
These initiatives reflect the kind of proactive, multi-layered approach that SSI has long advocated. In fact, SSI provides frameworks, training resources, and advisory support that have helped inform policy and practice across many sport federations. Its emphasis on prevention, education, and survivor-centered reporting systems resonates strongly with the IIHF’s integrity mission.
 
Together with the IIHF, the SSI has pledged to support ever child involved in any sport: “We are committed to working towards safe sport for every child. We pledge to promote the Safeguards through our networks, embed the Safeguards in our work, and support Safe Sport Day.”
 
Celebrating Safe Sport Day: An Opportunity for Sport organizations to Unite
 
As Safe Sport Day takes place today, August 8, the spotlight turns once again to how sporting bodies can make a difference - not just through statements, but through meaningful action.
 
Organizations are encouraged to:
 

• Review and strengthen safeguarding policies
• Provide education and training to all sport stakeholders
• Promote channels for safe, confidential reporting
• Raise awareness on social media using the hashtag #SafeSportDay

 
By aligning with the values promoted by SSI and participating in Safe Sport Day, the IIHF and its member national associations (MNAs) can further embed a culture of safety and respect across the hockey community.

Looking Ahead

The path to safer sport requires collaboration, commitment, and continuous learning. Both Safe Sport International and the IIHF demonstrate what is possible when organizations prioritize athlete well-being as a core principle.
 
Whether it’s on the ice or in any arena, the message is clear: every athlete has the right to play in a safe, respectful environment. Through shared values and coordinated action, organizations like SSI and the IIHF are striving to make that vision a reality.
 
Luc Tardif, IIHF’s President strongly supports such initiatives:
“It's obvious at the moment that we need to protect all the young people who are active in our sport. With such partnerships, the IIHF is giving itself the means to advance this important cause by joining forces with organizations active in creating safer sports spaces. Only by joining forces can we make a difference”.
 
His words underscore a deeply held belief: that ice hockey must be governed with integrity, respect, and transparency - values shared by SSI.