The Norwegian Olympic and Paralympic Committee and Confederation of Sports (NOC Norway) is pleased to be a partner in the new Erasmus+ Project named “Strengthening Response Mechanism for Safeguarding in European Sports” (SAFE HARBOUR), which is coordinated by the European Olympic Committees EU Office (EOC EU Office). This initiative is dedicated to enhancing safeguarding mechanisms across European sport, creating safer environments for all. 

About NOC Norway  

NOC Norway, officially known as the Norwegian Olympic and Paralympic Committee and Confederation of Sports (Norges idrettsforbund og olympiske og paralympiske komité), is the umbrella organization for organized sports in Norway. It represents Norway in the Olympic Movement and works to promote sports at all levels—elite and grassroots. 

The work of NOC Norway on safeguarding in sports to date 

NOC Norway is highly committed to safe sport and athlete welfare. Its safeguarding initiatives focus on: 

• Preventing abuse and harassment in sport by setting clear ethical standards and codes of conduct. 

• Providing education and training for athletes, coaches, and staff on recognizing and preventing all forms of abuse. 

• Operating a whistleblower system where athletes and others can report inappropriate behaviour confidentially. 

• Police certificate. In Norway, anyone working or volunteering with children or youth in sports is required to present a valid police certificate (criminal record check). 

• Collaborating with other organizations, such as the Norwegian Olympic Training Centre and national sports federations, to ensure a safe and inclusive environment. 

• Promoting gender equality, mental health awareness, and non-discrimination in all sporting contexts. 

Its work aligns with both IOC safeguarding policies and Norwegian legislation, emphasizing the protection of children, youth, and vulnerable groups in sport. 

The role of NOC Norway within the SAFE HARBOUR project 

Within the SAFE HARBOUR project, NOC Norway will play a critical role in tailoring the European Response framework to its national context. Responsibilities include drafting a National Strategy to guide safeguarding actions, delivering mandatory training for the leadership and National Federations, and hosting a National Multiplier Event to raise awareness among stakeholders. Additionally, NOC Norway will engage in peer-to-peer roundtables, contribute to thematic seminars, and disseminate the project results through various channels. By actively participating in all project activities, NOC Norway will help ensure the successful implementation and sustainability of safeguarding measures. 

Background information on the SAFE HARBOUR project  

The SAFE HARBOUR project, short for “Strengthening Response Mechanisms for Safeguarding in European Sport”, is a 30-month project co-funded by the European Union through the Erasmus+ Sport Programme 2024. Coordinated by the EOC EU Office, the consortium includes Thomas More and Asser Institute as experts on safeguarding, human rights and law, 2 International Federations (International Biathlon Union and International Ice Hockey Federations), and 20 National Olympic Committees (Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Germany, Hungary, Kosovo, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Montenegro, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia and Slovenia). Additionally, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) is involved as an outside resource.   

The project seeks to strengthen the capacity of European NOCs and Federations to address safeguarding concerns by identifying gaps, developing a European Response framework, and fostering collaboration. This framework will be adapted to national contexts, complemented by training and awareness initiatives to enhance safeguarding measures at both national and European levels. Therefore, SAFE HARBOUR aims to equip partner NOCs and Federations with the tools and confidence to implement effective safeguarding measures while establishing a robust support network for Safeguarding Officers and laying the groundwork for a future IOC Regional Safeguarding Hub.