Athlete Commission

Purpose:

The Athlete Commission (AC) represents the voice of athletes within the Tchoukball community. The Commission ensures that the views, opinions, and interests of athletes are considered in decision-making processes. It aims to strengthen communication between athletes and FITB, provide support for athlete career development, and organize athlete-centric activities.

Authority:

The Athlete Commission operates under the authority of the Treasurer and reports directly to the Executive Committee. It is empowered to:

• Represent the interests and concerns of active and retired athletes.
• Facilitate communication between athletes and FITB.
• Mediate conflicts involving athletes and their national federations.
• Organize and promote athlete engagement activities and events.

The Athlete Commission shall consist of:

• 1 athlete member (former or current) from each continental federation, appointed by the CF.
• Athletes must be 18 years or older and have represented their nation in at least one major international competition (e.g., regional Tchoukball Championships, Asia Pacific Tchoukball Championships, World Tchoukball Championships, including youth editions).
• Members must have no criminal record of serious disciplinary offences.

The term of office for the Athlete Commission will be four years. The Athlete Commission shall convene as needed but shall meet at least twice a year.

Responsibilities:

The Athlete Commission will be responsible for:

1. Representing the views and opinions of athletes, ensuring that athletes’ voices are heard within the Tchoukball community and advocating on their behalf. 
2. Strengthening links among athletes through open communication and feedback channels.  
3. Acting as a bridge between FITB and athletes supporting communication where required.  
4. Increasing athlete engagement through initiatives like athlete networking and community involvement.  
5. Supporting active and retired athletes in their sporting and non-sporting careers by connecting them with relevant stakeholders.  
6. Facilitating mediation to resolve conflicts among athletes and between athletes and their national federations.  
7. Planning and organizing athlete-centric events aimed at fostering a sense of community and support among athletes.  
8. Advocating for athlete well-being, ensuring athletes’ health, safety, and access to mental health resources.  
9. Providing input on key decisions that impact athletes, such as competition formats and rule changes, in collaboration with relevant FITB bodies.  
10. Ensuring inclusivity for all athletes, regardless of gender, race, sexual orientation, or nationality, and promoting equality across all levels of the sport.  
11. Engaging with retired athletes to provide them with opportunities to stay involved in the sport and transition into new career paths.

Reporting: 

The Athlete Commission will submit regular reports to FITB, covering:

• Progress on athlete engagement initiatives.
• Feedback and concerns raised by athletes.
• Proposals and recommendations for athlete-related issues.

Resources and Support:

The Athlete Commission will be supported by the FITB Secretariat and will have access to necessary resources, including communication tools and event management support.

Review and Amendment:

This Terms of Reference will be reviewed every four years, coinciding with the start of a new term for the Athlete Commission. Amendments may be proposed by the Athlete Commission and must be approved by FITB.