By Iacovos Iacovides, APC Sports Consulting Ltd
We often view athletes as some of the most privileged people on Earth, which is true to some extent. When we hear “athlete,” we immediately think of stars like Cristiano Ronaldo, Serena Williams, and LeBron James. However, these elite athletes are just the tip of the iceberg, with many others struggling. There are countless sports, leagues, clubs, and millions of athletes worldwide who don’t earn as much as Neymar. These athletes don’t train in high-tech facilities like Tottenham and make as much as the average person. Many of these athletes cannot afford advisers, and their rights are crucial.
Right Violation of Athletes
Athletes’ rights are frequently violated, to the point where such violations have become normalized and institutionalized practices. Late salary payments, poor training facilities, and undue mental pressure are just a few examples. Despite this, we are often reluctant to recognize these behaviours as violations of athletes’ rights. In 2016, when Colin Kaepernick took the knee to protest racial violence, the NFL blackballed him. Kaepernick was released by the San Francisco 49ers and remains a free agent, accusing the NFL of collusion to exclude him.
Gender Consideration
The situation worsens when considering gender. Studies show nearly 50% of female footballers are either underpaid or unpaid altogether. Of those paid, most earn only a few hundred dollars, with a few earning over $4,000. While rights aren’t determined by quantitative factors, athletes should not face gender-based discrimination in their pay or opportunities.
Child Athlete’s rights
Even something as simple as child athletes’ rights is constantly violated. The disturbing scandal of Larry Nassar, who sexually abused numerous underaged athletes, is a recent example. However, child athletes deserve more than protection from predators—they deserve rights that support their development. Their sports careers should be supported with education to prepare them for life beyond athletics.
Image Rights
Athletes should also have complete control over their name, image, performance, and how they commercialize them. Image rights are the result of an athlete’s labour and should be entirely under their control. Rules like the NCAA’s amateurism criterion—slowly fading—impede athletes’ rights over their image and earnings.
Athletes are entitled to various rights, including basic human rights, labour rights, and some specific to sports. Athletes have the right to organize, bargain collectively, and protect their privacy, personal information, and safe working conditions. They also deserve equal opportunities, regardless of race, gender, or socioeconomic background. However, ensuring these rights depends on local and national authorities’ discretion. In countries where rights are neglected, expecting change for athletes may seem futile. However, international sports organizations’ efforts show that progress is being made towards protecting athletes’ rights.