Reports of misconduct in Dutch sports rise 20 percent in 2023
Reports of misconduct in sports in the Netherlands have risen for the fourth consecutive year, with a total of 1,264 cases filed in 2023, according to the latest annual report from the Centrum Veilige Sport Nederland (CVSN). This marks a 20 percent increase compared to 2022.
The CVSN, which began tracking these incidents in 2019, sees the rising numbers as a positive development. “People are more aware, there’s significant media attention, and athletes are better informed about how to reach us,” said a CVSN spokesperson.
Of the cases reported, 1,195 came from amateur sports, while 148 were from elite sports. Although the numbers are smaller in elite sports, they are disproportionately high compared to the total number of amateur athletes in the country. “Topsport involves higher risks for misconduct due to ambition, pressure to perform, and dependency,” the spokesperson explained.
Reports of abuse of power and intimidation saw an increase in 2023, while instances of sexual misconduct declined. The annual report attributes this shift to heightened media coverage of intimidation and power abuse, contrasting with the focus on sexual misconduct in prior years.
This change also impacted referrals to the Instituut Sportrechtspraak (ISR), which handles disciplinary cases for over 80 sports organizations. Only 7 percent of the cases in 2023 were referred to the ISR, a decline of two percentage points from the previous year. Unlike sexual misconduct cases, which must be referred to the ISR or similar bodies, other issues such as bullying, aggression, or abuse of power can be addressed by local authorities, sports federations, or clubs.
The Mulier Institute, which conducts sports research in the Netherlands, noted a slow but significant shift in elite sports culture. The September 2023 "Topsport in Nederland" monitor highlighted a move toward a safer and more responsible environment following high-profile scandals in gymnastics, triathlon, athletics, and hockey.
“New policies are focusing more on minimizing the negative aspects of elite sports, rather than just emphasizing the benefits,” the report stated. This shift may partly explain the high number of reports from elite athletes, who also have better access to CVSN resources due to improved education and outreach efforts.
The CVSN also observed a rise in proactive contact from coaches and technical directors seeking advice on handling or preventing incidents. In 2023, over 300 advisory sessions were provided to members of the sports community. “These consultations often involve guidance on how to manage incidents or prevent situations from escalating,” said the spokesperson.
Another trend noted was the increase in recreational drug use among amateur athletes during sports club activities. While only five cases were officially reported in 2023, the CVSN believes the issue is underreported. “Recreational drug use does not always directly result in a report but can play a role in or lead to other forms of misconduct,” the spokesperson added.
