Organisation of sport
The European model of sport
The principles governing the operation and organisation of sport in the Republic of Slovenia are based on the European Sport Model, which highlights European values, prevents excessive commercialisation and is founded on the principles of solidarity, inclusion and fairness.
The key characteristics of most organised, values-based sport in Europe include its organisation on an autonomous, democratic and territorial basis with a pyramid structure encompassing all levels of sport, from grassroots to professional, covering both club and national team competitions and incorporating mechanisms to ensure financial solidarity, fairness and openness in competitions.
Good governance in sport is a prerequisite for the autonomy and self-regulation of sports organisations and federations in accordance with the principles of democracy, transparency, integrity, solidarity, gender equality, openness, accountability and social responsibility. It is important that sports organisations and federations maintain and, where possible, raise their standards of good governance by listening to athletes and supporters alike.
Key organisations and institutions
Olympic Committee of Slovenia – Association of Sports Federations
The umbrella sports organisation that is part of the international Olympic movement, bringing together national and municipal sports federations and other sports organisations.
Sports Federation for the Disabled of Slovenia – Slovenian Paralympic Committee
The umbrella sports organisation that is part of the international Paralympic movement and brings together national disability organisations in the field of sport for the disabled in the Republic of Slovenia.
National sports federations
An association of clubs affiliated with the Olympic Committee of Slovenia – Association of Sports Federations or with an international sports federation that is part of the international Olympic movement. National sports federations manage official competition systems and provide professional training within their discipline.
Non-governmental organisations acting in the public interest in the field of sport
Non-profit organisations (clubs, institutes, foundations) may be granted such status by the state if they operate beyond the interests of their members and meet the statutory requirements.
Planica Institute of Sport of the Republic of Slovenia
The state establishes public sports institutes to carry out professional, organisational, technical, administrative and other work in the field of sport. The Planica Institute of Sport of the Republic of Slovenia manages the Planica Nordic Centre and provides conditions for training, preparation and competitions as well as performing accompanying public tasks.
Expert Council of the Republic of Slovenia for Sport
A professional body of the Government of the Republic of Slovenia responsible for deciding on professional matters and providing expert assistance in decision-making (classification of athletes, training, opinions on event bids, regulations, etc.).
Athletes' Ombudsman
Every athlete and sports worker is entitled to enjoy all rights and freedoms defined by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Convention on the Rights of the Child. The Sports Act provides institutional protection of the rights of athletes and sports workers through the Athletes' Ombudsman. In accordance with the Act, the Athletes' Ombudsman safeguards the rights of athletes and sports workers, handles complaints, comments, proposals and initiatives from athletes or their legal representatives, sports workers, sports programme providers, and may also consider submissions from state authorities, local government bodies and holders of public authority. The Athletes' Ombudsman publishes examples of good and bad practice in sport on their official website and informs the public thereof, in accordance with the regulations governing the protection of personal data.