Code of governance for sports association to be announced on Wed: sources

The Sports Federation and Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China (SF&OC) has finished reviewing the governance of sports associations in the city and plans to announce the guidelines on Wednesday (Nov 20), according to sources.

The report will outline 243 specific requirements for sports associations to implement within two years, covering board tenure, integrity, athlete selection, coaches and referees, membership, and administrative governance.

The proposed guidelines also include establishing key performance indicators (KPIs) for each association and imposing varying penalties if they fail to comply with the requirements.

The establishment of an appeal mechanism for athlete selection will also be included in the governance code.

Regarding the allocation of resources based on association performance, sources indicate that the authorities are still deliberating, as reducing resources for sports associations could adversely affect athletes.

The review comes after the 2020 audit report on SF&OC, which revealed insufficient transparency in athlete selection and ongoing financial deficits.

SF&OC then formed a task force to review the governance of sports associations, which was supported by government funding of HK$5 million.