The “Fair Play” project developed a Handbook outlining rules for the work of sports organizations in relation to the prevention and combatting gender-based violence. It also provides a questionnaire for self-assessment of the degree of their application. The handbook for sports organizations was developed on the basis of the Recommendation CM/Rec(2010)9 of the Council of Europe on a Code of Ethics in Sport and the understanding of the concept of “fair play” as a broad concept that includes the prevention of gender-based violence in sport. In addition, the programs developed by the International Working Group on Women and Sport (IWG on Women and Sport) to improve the equality of women in sport are considered. A special section in the Coach Handbook is dedicated to answering the question “Can sports instill these values”?

Sports provide an excellent social context and opportunities for learning, and thus impose clear responsibilities on those who manage and organize them, as stated by this section of the Handbook. This is where the pedagogical approach “education through sport” becomes a useful tool in the hands of sports trainers and physical education teachers, as well as coaches of youth sports clubs. The latter need special training in order to make the most of the educational opportunities that sports create.  In its very nature, the concept of sport seeks to improve the performance of participants, not only in terms of competition with others, but also to build on previous personal achievements in the same sport. In this sense, sports aim at both self-improvement and teamwork, respect for teammates and achievement of common goals. Sports ethics promote respect for the rules, fair play, non-violence, inclusion, equality and equal opportunities, which are certainly very important values ​​in our society. In many ways, sports also contribute to improving social skills; inclusive sports can help us become more successful in various social roles such as friend, worker, leader, parent, partner or citizen – in other words, they can help us become more fully able human beings. The sports coaching profession has historically been and continues to be a male-dominated occupation. Women coaches are still a minority on a global scale. This imbalance persists despite improvements in equality and diversity legislation within many societies and despite action by sports organizations and national governing bodies. That is why one of the goals of sports is to instill values ​​such as appreciation and respect for the dignity of all athletes, discipline and compliance with the rules of fair play.