DOI: 10.12688/routledgeopenres.21894.1 ISSN: 2755-1245

Global Standards for Athlete-Centred Governance: 20% Peer-Elected Representation

Nicole Wendy Forrester
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Despite a growing global shift toward athlete-centred approaches in sport governance, a significant decision-making gap persists where athletes are often relegated to advisory roles without formal voting authority. This consultative approach to athlete representation leaves sport organizations vulnerable to risk, particularly regarding athlete protection, well-being, and accountability.. This policy brief suggests that, for athlete-centered sport governance to be meaningful, two global criteria should be applied: (1) a minimum of 20% athlete voting representation; and (2) peer-elected positions. Grounded in critical mass theory, a threshold of 15–30% representation by a minority group is generally required for a meaningful shift in a board or committee culture. Based on legislative examples and recommendations from athlete advocacy organizations (e.g., the Ted Stevens Olympic and Amateur Sports Act and AthletesCAN), a 20% minimum criterion is both legitimate and supported by converging theoretical and policy evidence as a minimum baseline. In addition, legitimacy can be enhanced by the peer election of athletes, rather than through appointment by sport organizational administrators and executives. By incorporating athletes vertically and horizontally, governing bodies can increase the stakeholder salience of athletes while also more effectively managing organizational risks. Actionable recommendations are provided for international and national sport organizations.

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