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Global Sports Governing Bodies Release Anti-Body-Shaming Guidelines for Female Athletes

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Friday, December 5th 2025 at 15:24 GMT by Euronews

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Global Sports Bodies Unveil New Guidelines to Combat Body‑Shaming and Harassment of Female Athletes

In a landmark move aimed at safeguarding the mental and physical well‑being of women in sport, a coalition of international governing bodies has released a set of comprehensive guidelines designed to prevent body‑shaming, harassment, and discrimination. The initiative, announced in early 2025, is the product of a collaboration between the International Olympic Committee (IOC), World Athletics (the global authority for track and field), and a host of national federations, gender‑equity NGOs, and media partners. It comes amid growing concern that female athletes—especially those who do not conform to stereotypical beauty standards—continue to face harassment both on and off the field.

Why the Guidelines Matter

Body‑shaming has long been a hidden but pervasive issue in sport. Female athletes are often subjected to comments about their weight, muscle definition, or appearance, which can undermine performance, deter participation, and trigger mental health problems. While the sport community has taken steps to address bullying and sexual harassment, the specific language of body‑shaming had remained largely unregulated until now.

According to an internal report cited in the announcement, more than 70 % of surveyed female track‑and‑field athletes in the United States and Europe had experienced some form of appearance‑based harassment in the last five years. Similar patterns were observed in football, basketball, and swimming. The new guidelines seek to fill this regulatory gap and provide a framework that is enforceable at the club, national, and international levels.

Key Elements of the Framework

1. Clear Definition and Scope
   The guidelines establish a precise definition of body‑shaming, covering direct comments, jokes, or implied criticism about an athlete’s body shape, size, or appearance. It also extends to visual media, social platforms, and fan behaviour that can create a hostile environment.

2. Zero‑Tolerance Policy
   All incidents of body‑shaming, whether by coaches, teammates, media personnel, or spectators, are treated as violations. The policy outlines a tiered system of sanctions—ranging from warnings to suspensions, and in severe cases, bans from competition.

3. Reporting and Investigation Procedures
   An independent, confidential reporting mechanism is introduced, with a dedicated hotline and an online portal managed by a coalition of independent experts. The process requires the athlete’s safety, including the option for a protective witness or a third‑party advocate during investigations.

4. Mandatory Education and Training
   National federations are required to implement training modules for coaches, referees, athletes, and media professionals. These modules cover body‑positive language, the psychological impact of harassment, and the responsibilities of all stakeholders to uphold a respectful environment.

5. Mental‑Health Support
   The guidelines mandate that clubs and national teams provide psychological counseling, peer‑support groups, and access to legal counsel for athletes who have experienced harassment. In addition, a partnership with professional sports psychologists is encouraged to develop resilience programmes.

6. Monitoring and Transparency
   Annual public reports on the incidence of body‑shaming and the effectiveness of sanctions will be published by World Athletics and the IOC. These reports will be cross‑referenced with national federation data to ensure accountability.

Implementation Strategy

The rollout is planned in phases. The first phase, set to begin with the 2026 World Athletics Championships, will see the guidelines integrated into the official rules of competition. National federations are expected to submit compliance plans within 12 months of the announcement. A global monitoring body will be established, chaired by a former Olympian and composed of representatives from sport, law, and gender‑equity organizations.

In addition, a “Body‑Positive Ambassador” program is being launched to spotlight athletes who promote healthy body images. These ambassadors will collaborate with media partners to create campaigns that counteract negative stereotypes.

Broadening the Impact

The guidelines also tie into a wider strategy to improve overall athlete welfare. They complement the IOC’s “Athlete Welfare Programme,” which focuses on mental health, substance abuse, and gender equity. By addressing body‑shaming—a form of harassment that has direct links to eating disorders, depression, and anxiety—the initiative aims to create a safer, more inclusive environment that encourages participation across all levels.

UN Women, which has worked with World Athletics on gender‑equity issues, welcomed the guidelines. “Body‑shaming is a manifestation of gender bias that undermines the full participation of women in sport,” said a spokesperson. “These guidelines are a critical step toward dismantling the harmful narratives that have persisted for decades.”

Challenges and Criticisms

While the guidelines have been broadly praised, some critics highlight the logistical hurdles of enforcing them across 200+ national federations with varying resources. Others argue that a purely punitive approach may not address the underlying cultural attitudes that give rise to body‑shaming. The coalition has responded by emphasising education as a core pillar, hoping to shift attitudes over time rather than relying solely on sanctions.

Looking Ahead

The new guidelines are set to be a defining moment in the fight against harassment in sport. By setting a global standard and requiring concrete actions from all stakeholders, the initiative seeks to protect female athletes from an issue that has long been ignored. If successfully implemented, it could serve as a model for other sports—such as football, rugby, and tennis—to adopt similar measures, thereby creating a more respectful, equitable sporting world for everyone.