Leaders Involved in Misconduct Including Sexual Violence Face Up to 20 Years of Disqualification

Amendment to the National Sports Promotion Act Passed in the National Assembly Plenary Session on the 9th
Establishment of 'Sports Ethics Center' Dedicated to Misconduct Investigation and Human Rights Protection
Enforcement Six Months After Promulgation

Image source=Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Heung-soon] Sports instructors who have been sentenced to imprisonment or treatment custody for violence, sexual violence, etc., will have their qualifications suspended for up to 20 years. An independent organization, the 'Sports Ethics Center,' will also be established to investigate misconduct in the sports world and to exclusively protect the human rights of sportspeople.

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism announced that the amendment to the 'National Sports Promotion Act' containing these provisions passed the National Assembly plenary session on the 9th. This amendment is scheduled to take effect six months after its promulgation.

According to this amendment, the Ministry plans to establish the Sports Ethics Center and form a dedicated team of 26 members to ensure fairness in sports and protect the human rights of sportspeople. Until now, when misconduct occurred in the sports world, investigations and disciplinary measures were decided within sports organizations, which led to controversies over 'covering for one's own.' The Sports Ethics Center will have the authority to file complaints as an independent dedicated organization separate from sports organizations.

The Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism may, ex officio or upon request from the Sports Ethics Center, demand that sports organizations such as the Korean Sport & Olympic Committee and the Korean Paralympic Committee discipline those responsible.

The amendment also stipulates that in cases of sexual crimes where imprisonment or treatment custody is sentenced, the individual cannot become a sports instructor for 20 years, and if a fine is confirmed, for 10 years. The disqualification criteria for sports instructors have been strengthened so that those sentenced to imprisonment for injury or assault cannot become sports instructors for 10 years. Even if a sentence is not finalized, if a sports instructor commits acts of assault, injury, sexual harassment, or sexual violence against athletes, their qualification may be revoked or suspended for up to one year.

Additionally, if a sports instructor commits sexual crimes or injury/assault against athletes, grounds have been established to recover all or part of the incentive payments awarded for winning at international competitions or to suspend such payments.

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism stated, "The amendment to the National Sports Promotion Act has laid the groundwork for ensuring fairness in sports and protecting the human rights of sportspeople," adding, "We plan to fundamentally eradicate sports corruption and make sports a true source of happiness for both athletes and the public." Furthermore, it added that once the amendment is finally promulgated, in accordance with the supplementary provisions, a 'Sports Ethics Center Establishment Promotion Team' will be set up and operated to prepare for the establishment of the Sports Ethics Center before the law takes effect.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.