The International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) is pleased to be a partner in the new Erasmus+ Project named “Strengthening Response Mechanism for Safeguarding in European Sports” (SAFE HARBOUR), which is coordinated by the European Olympic Committees EU Office (EOC EU Office). This initiative is dedicated to enhancing safeguarding mechanisms across European sport, creating safer environments for all. 

About the IIHF 

The IIHF is the global governing body for ice hockey, overseeing the sport’s development, competitions, and regulations across its member national associations. As part of its commitment to integrity and fair play, the IIHF places a strong emphasis on safeguarding, particularly through its zero-tolerance policy against abuse, harassment, racism, and discrimination. 

The work of the IIHF on safeguarding in sports to date 

Through its Integrity Program, the IIHF works to ensure a safe and inclusive environment for all participants, including players, coaches, officials, and stakeholders. It provides education and awareness initiatives to promote respectful behaviour and offers a confidential Integrity Reporting mechanism for individuals to report any instances of misconduct. 

The role of the IIHF within the SAFE HARBOUR project 

As a partner in the SAFE HARBOUR project, the IIHF will contribute to developing the European Response framework. Responsibilities include responding to questionnaires and completing an online database to map safeguarding practices and stakeholders. The federation will also participate in peer-to-peer roundtables to discuss harassment and abuse mechanism, response strategies, and legal responsibilities. Additionally, the IIHF will ensure that its National Federations adhere to National Strategies, attend training sessions, and actively participate in National Multiplier Events. By sharing expertise and best practices, the IIHF will play a crucial role in advancing safeguarding standards across the sporting community.  

Background information on the SAFE HARBOUR project  

The SAFE HARBOUR project, short for “Strengthening Response Mechanisms for Safeguarding in European Sport”, is a 30-month project co-funded by the European Union through the Erasmus+ Sport Programme 2024. Coordinated by the EOC EU Office, the consortium includes Thomas More and Asser Institute as experts on safeguarding, human rights and law, 2 International Federations (International Biathlon Union and International Ice Hockey Federations), and 20 National Olympic Committees (Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Germany, Hungary, Kosovo, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Montenegro, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia and Slovenia). Additionally, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) is involved as an outside resource.   

The project seeks to strengthen the capacity of European NOCs and Federations to address safeguarding concerns by identifying gaps, developing a European Response framework, and fostering collaboration. This framework will be adapted to national contexts, complemented by training and awareness initiatives to enhance safeguarding measures at both national and European levels. Therefore, SAFE HARBOUR aims to equip partner NOCs and Federations with the tools and confidence to implement effective safeguarding measures while establishing a robust support network for Safeguarding Officers and laying the groundwork for a future IOC Regional Safeguarding Hub.