Starting point: reform of the Sports Promotion Ordinance and new industry standard
With the revision of the Sports Promotion Ordinance (SpoFöV) in 2023 and the introduction of the new industry standard by Swiss Olympic, Swiss sports policy has set the course for structural changes. The ordinance issuer has set a transition period for the implementation of its amendments, which are to come into force on 1 January 2025. The newly introduced gender quota attracted particular attention: in future, both genders must be represented by at least 40 per cent in the highest management bodies of national sports federations (Art. 72d para. 1 lit. b no. 3 SpoFöV).
The industry standard issued by Swiss Olympic is formally a private law instrument. Nevertheless, it has de facto legal effect, as compliance with it is a prerequisite for the allocation of state subsidies. The term ‘soft law’ is also used here to describe such normative but not legally binding regulations.
Objective and challenges
The quota regulation for national sports associations serves an overarching goal: a more equitable distribution of power and influence. Women continue to be severely underrepresented in leadership positions, including in sport. Quotas are not a panacea, but they are a necessary tool for breaking down structural barriers, creating role models and increasing the visibility of female leaders. There are no quota requirements for cantonal and local clubs yet. However, Swiss Olympic’s industry standard stipulates that from the beginning of 2026, an ‘individual gender quota’ must be enshrined in the statutes of local clubs if they receive federal funding.
Of course, implementation will require effort. Smaller, volunteer-run associations in particular face organisational hurdles. However, this challenge can be met with targeted support, such as further training opportunities, mentoring programmes for women in sport or administrative assistance in implementing the new standards. Swiss Olympic and the public sector are called upon to actively support this change.
Impact on practice
The quota is embedded in a comprehensive reform package: governance requirements, ethical rules and sustainability standards form the new framework for sports promotion. Protection concepts against discrimination, term limits and clear rules on conflicts of interest strengthen the integrity of sport as a whole. The reform thus not only creates more equality, but also more transparency, fairness and responsibility.
As a result, compliance officers and lawyers will have to develop new guidelines, adapt statutes and document processes in order to demonstrate compliance. At the same time, questions arise as to the legal clarity of the new requirements. The legal binding force of the industry standard, which was developed by Swiss Olympic as a private-law umbrella organisation, is not immediately apparent. Nevertheless, it acts as a quasi-legal source, not least because compliance with its requirements will determine access to state funding in future.
If a national sports association does not meet the required gender quota in accordance with Art. 72d para. 1 lit. b no. 3 SpoFöV, access to federal funds remains possible – provided that the association can demonstrate what specific measures it has taken or plans to take to achieve the quota. The focus is not on immediate sanctions, but on cooperative dialogue with the aim of developing viable solutions and ensuring implementation in the medium term. This marks the start of a constructive process that should strengthen both funding practices and structural equality in the long term.
Conclusion and outlook
The introduction of a binding gender quota for the governing bodies of national sports associations is more than a political statement – it marks a structural turning point in the Swiss sports system. The regulation not only puts justice at the forefront, but also offers a concrete opportunity to break down deeply entrenched imbalances. In sport in particular, which often acts as a mirror of our values, this reform sends a strong signal: diversity, equality and responsible leadership are central building blocks of a sustainable organisation.
At the same time, its implementation shows that the quota is not an end in itself, but part of a holistic governance approach. It is accompanied by ethical guidelines, transparency requirements and mechanisms to protect against discrimination – all of which strengthen the legitimacy and social responsibility of sport. The pressure to act created by the new regulation may seem challenging at first, especially for smaller organisations. But this is precisely where the potential for a culture-shaping change lies: targeted promotion, expert support and clear targets will create a new normal that embraces diversity as an asset and enshrines it in the structure.
Last but not least, ongoing evaluation of the impact is needed: will the quota actually lead to greater diversity? Where are the structural barriers, and how can they be removed? Such questions must not be left unanswered – they are part of a serious political and social commitment to equality.
In short, gender quotas are not an obstacle to autonomy, but a driver of development. They offer Swiss sport the opportunity to position itself for the future in structural, ethical and social terms – fairly, transparently and inclusively. If you want diversity, you have to shape it. And those who shape it strengthen sport as a reflection of an open, fair society.
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