Ministry Implements One-Strike-Out Policy for the First Time to Eradicate Violence in Sports Community

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism has, for the first time, implemented the "one-strike-out" policy-permanently expelling individuals from the sports community for a single act of violence-as declared in its "Direction for Eradicating (Sexual) Violence in Sports" announced in August.

On October 23, the Ministry stated that it had decided to revoke the coaching qualification of a middle school wrestling coach who assaulted a student, in accordance with the National Sports Promotion Act. This measure was finalized following an investigation by the Sports Ethics Center and a review and resolution by the Sports Instructor Qualification Management Committee.

After confirming that the coach had assaulted a student over training attitude issues, the Ministry convened the Qualification Management Committee on October 21. The committee, after thoroughly reviewing the seriousness of the matter, resolved to revoke the qualification, concluding that "violence cannot be justified under any pretext of instruction."

The Ministry stated that, taking this qualification revocation as an opportunity, it will pursue its anti-violence policies in the sports sector even more rigorously.

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To eradicate violence in sports, the Ministry operated a "Special Reporting Period for Sports Violence" throughout September. As a result, a total of 198 cases of human rights violations and corruption were reported, with 105 cases related to human rights violations-approximately 2.7 times higher than the monthly average of 38.7 cases reported this year. The special reporting period thus revealed a greater number of human rights violation cases.

The Ministry announced that it would work closely with the police to ensure prompt investigation and victim relief for cases reported to the Sports Ethics Center. It also added that, based on the results of these investigations, it would take strong measures such as immediate disciplinary action and qualification revocation against coaches who commit acts of violence.

Furthermore, the Ministry emphasized that for sports organizations that respond inadequately or passively to disciplinary action or qualification management of violent coaches, it would actively consider all possible administrative measures under the National Sports Promotion Act, including requests for reconsideration and restrictions on financial support for non-compliance. The Ministry stressed that it would strictly manage and supervise to ensure the implementation of effective measures on the ground, in accordance with the principle of "zero tolerance and stern punishment" for any act of violence.

Starting next year, the number of human rights protection officers will be increased to establish a system for continuous inspection of school sports teams and various competitions, and violence and sexual violence prevention education will become mandatory for all athletes. In addition, comprehensive surveys on human rights violations in the sports sector will be conducted to significantly strengthen preventive measures before incidents are reported.

Following this qualification revocation, Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Choi Hwiyeong plans to visit the Sports Ethics Center to encourage staff working on eradicating violence, and to inspect the systems for victim protection and prevention of recurrence. The Ministry stated that it will continue to pursue effective measures to ensure that all athletes can train in a safe and respectful environment.

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