Inclusive, sustainable, welcoming national sports federations (2023)

National sports federations (NSFs) are committed to health promotion, supporting the development of sport worldwide and emphasizing its physical, mental and social benefits. They are increasingly present in sport for all, sport for health and health promotion, and sport organizations have called for guidelines.

Health can be promoted not only where people play sport but also where they learn, work, play and love. National sport federations therefore play a key role in society by providing conditions whereby their members can control their health and well-being.

The Health Promoting Sports Federation (HPSF) has provided this guidance on health promotion for NSFs and their partners. The first chapter describes the benefits of a health promoting sports federation, the indicators for evaluation and the stages towards becoming an HPSF. The second chapter presents case studies of NSFs and their experiences. The third chapter offers concrete examples of actions and interventions based on the theoretical model of a health promoting sports club. The fourth chapter reviews 28 tools that can be used to promote health in sport with the intervention framework.

These guidance will help NSFs to implement health promotion comprehensively, from policies to action. They propose a process for making health promotion live within both the NSF and affiliated sport clubs. They will catalyse the visibility and recognition of the potential of NSFs for society and for fostering the health and empowerment of sport club members.