New organization must do more to combat abuse in the sports world, expert says

Mariëtte Hamer says the new organization Integere Sport Nederland (ISN) requires sharper objectives and responsibilities. In her recommendation, the government commissioner for sexual misconduct and sexual violence emphasizes that ISN should include confidential advisers and provide clearer guidance for commercial sports organizations.

In her letter, Hamer expresses support for the creation of an independent organization where reports of (sexual) misconduct can be filed and investigated. Under the current body, Centrum Veilige Sport Nederland (CVSN), complainants often felt their concerns were not taken seriously, as CVSN had limited powers. ISN, by law, will have greater authority to act on reports.

Hamer wants ISN to prioritize preventing misconduct as one of its main responsibilities. According to the commissioner, the draft law released last August by caretaker State Secretary Judith Tielen focuses mainly on the reporting point. Hamer also advocates appointing confidential advisers to make it easier for victims to come forward to ISN.

ISN is set to replace CVSN and the Doping Authority, supporting the sports sector in addressing unsafe behavior, doping, and match-fixing. Initially, this will focus on traditional sports clubs, with commercial providers joining at a later stage. Hamer emphasizes the need for a clear timeline and for transparent procedures from the outset regarding how complaints from commercial providers will be managed.

Hamer highlights the unequal protection of athletes as a central concern. Currently, those at traditional sports clubs are covered by the Institute for Sports Jurisdiction (ISR), while athletes at commercial gyms, riding schools, or dance schools often have no such safety net. She warns that without a clear timeline for bringing commercial providers into ISN, victims in that sector risk “falling through the cracks.”

Unlike the advisory-focused CVSN, ISN will be legally empowered. The organization will be able to carry out searches and demand information when serious misconduct is suspected. This represents a significant advance, since the sports federation NOC*NSF currently lacks any investigative authority.