FINCIS also works closely with sports federations in research. Sports federations are actively involved in studies and research projects on general ethical issues in sport. This will broadly strengthen the ethical basis of sports.
Since 2018, based on assignments from sports federations, FINCIS has conducted investigations into sexual and gender-based harassment and bullying in competitive sports. The studies have provided the rationale and background information for the sports federations’ measures to combat harassment and create a safer sports culture.
Harassment investigations of sports federations by FINCIS
The purpose of these studies has been to determine whether there is any harassment or bullying within the sport or what kind of phenomenon is in question.
Bullying and harassment in skating sports (in Finnish)
A report on the bullying and harassment experienced by athletes and coaches who participated in speed skating, roller sports and Roller Derby competitions. (2020).
The study examined whether athletes or coaches in speed skating, roller sports or Roller Derby had experienced bullying or harassment in their sport. The survey focused on sports coaches and athletes over the age of 16 who have redeemed their sport’s competition license in 2015–2019. The survey was conducted as an electronic survey of a total of 272 athletes and coaches, with a response rate of 25 per cent. The report was produced on behalf of the Finnish Skating Association.
Sexual harassment in tennis (in Finnish)
Report on harassment of Finnish athletes who participated in international competition activities in 2008–2018 (2019).
The study examined whether athletes involved in international tennis competitions have experienced sexual harassment in the sport. The survey focused on about 376 athletes who played international matches between 2008 and 2018 and were born in 1970 or later. The youngest players in the target group were born in 2006. The survey was conducted as an electronic survey. Parents of children under the age of 15 were asked for permission to allow them to participate in the study. The survey was responded to by 92 athletes and the response rate was 24%. The report was produced on behalf of the Finnish Tennis Association.
Harassment in the national football and ice hockey teams (in Finnish)
Report on sexual and gender-based harassment experienced by players (2018).
The study examined sexual and gender-based harassment in the national football and hockey teams. The study concentrated on men, women, girls and boys who played national team games in 2017–2018. The purpose was to determine whether harassment was present in the national teams, what has this possible harassment been and who has been guilty of it. In addition, the study investigated whether players had experienced harassment at other times in their careers. The survey was conducted as an electronic survey of a total of 496 athletes and coaches, with a response rate of 55 per cent. Relatively, female hockey players have experienced the most harassment. The report was produced on behalf of the Football Association of Finland and the Finnish Ice Hockey Association.
Sports federations may contact FINCIS if they feel they need clarified information about the various forms of harassment or other unethical or inappropriate activity that may occur in the sport.
