IPC introduces accreditation for International Federation Safeguarding Officers

To coincide with Safe Sport Day (8 August), and as part of its ongoing commitment to safeguarding and athlete welfare, the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) has announced the introduction of a dedicated accreditation category for International Federation Safeguarding Officers at the LA28 Paralympic Games.

The new accreditation recognises the important role of safeguarding professionals in supporting Para athletes, Para athlete support personnel and International Federation staff during the Paralympic Games. The accreditation will complement the existing National Paralympic Committee (NPC) accreditation categories for Welfare Officers and Chaperones for minors, and will further strengthen the IPC’s safeguarding framework to support a safe and inclusive environment for everyone involved in the Paralympic Games. 

Dr Mike Peters PLY, IPC Chief Executive Officer, said: “We are really pleased to be able to offer this new accreditation for the LA28 Paralympic Games and beyond.

“Involving International Federation Safeguarding Officers within the Games-time structure will enhance coordination and support more effective long-term case management, while providing an additional and important resource for athletes.”

International Federation Safeguarding Officers will be responsible for:

• Understanding Games-time safeguarding measures and reporting pathways implemented for the Paralympic Games and ensuring awareness within their sport delegation.
• Supporting a safe and respectful environment for Para athletes, officials and International Federation staff, with attention to wellbeing concerns as they arise within their sport.
• Acting as the main point of contact for safeguarding and wellbeing matters within their sport during the Games, and liaising as appropriate with NPC Welfare Officers and IPC team members and structures, including for post-Games follow-up and support.

To be eligible for accreditation, International Federation Safeguarding Officers must hold one of the following internationally recognised safeguarding certifications:

1. IOC Certificate: Safeguarding Officer in Sport
2. FIFA Guardians Safeguarding in Football Award (full 5 modules), free of charge 
3. FIBA Safeguarding Excellence - Single Point of Contact Course, free of charge

Applicants for the International Federation Safeguarding Officer role should look to obtain their safeguarding certification prior to the LA28 accreditation deadline set for International Federations on 19 May 2028.