The EYOF Charter

Jesper Frigast Larsen (DEN)EOC EYOF Commission member since 1999

Chairman, EYOF 2009 Coordination Commission

EOC’s EYOF CharterAdopted by the General Assembly of the EOC in 2003 (under revision)

”Constitution” of the EYOF, based on the EOC Statutes:

Chapter 10 - THE EUROPEAN YOUTH OLYMPIC FESTIVAL

42.1 Ownership RightsThe European Youth Olympic Festival (EYOF) belongs to the European Olympic Committees (EOC), and is organised on behalf of the EOC, which has the exclusive rights to the event.

42.2 Patronage by the International Olympic Committee (IOC)The EYOF are held under the patronage of the IOC.

42.3 Frequency of the EYOFThe EYOF winter and summer events shall be organised on a bi-annual basis, and take place during odd years.

42.4 The EYOF is regulated by the EOC Articles of Association as well as the regulations of theEYOF Charter as approved by the EOC. These govern, among other aspects, all that whichconcerns the duration, the candidature procedure and the election of the Host City togetherwith the General Organisation of the EYOF.

Fundamental principles of the EYOF

Based on the Olympic Charter and the principles laid down by Pierre de Coubertin:

- Olympism as a philosophy of life, balancing the qualities of body, will and mind

- Olympism places sport at the service of a harmonious development of mankind

- The goal of the Olympic Movement is to contribute to building a peaceful and better world by educating youth through sport practised without discrimination, in a spirit of friendship, solidarity and fair play

Do we see this in practice at the EYOF?

Participants

Nationality of NOC – but flexibility to children of immigrants, refugees etc.

2 year intervals between 14 and 18 – not older, not younger - everybody gets one chance!

Nomination by NOC in cooperation with National Federation. So far no qualification criteria in individual sports, but this may be introduced in the future. Team sports selected according to European ranking.

Duration and quotas

8 days, including arrival and departure day (Saturday to Saturday) Normally 5 competition days (max. 6)

Max. 3.300 athletes and officials (summer)Max. 1.300 athletes and officials (winter)

PROBLEMS:- Quotas for athletes and officials- Early entry by number (more than 4 months before) is financially binding for NOCs- National differences mean too many changes for the Organising Committee

Election of a Host CityA candidature must be presented jointly by the NOC and the City before

1 August six years before the EYOF. (For 2015, before 1 August 2009)

Requirements for the bidding document are established in the- EYOF Charter, the Technical Regulations and the EYOF Guidelines for

Candidate Cities and NOCs

Candidatures are- studied by the EOC’s EYOF Commission- approved by the EOC Executive Board, who may reduce the number to

max. 3- evaluated by an EOC Evaluation Committee

Election of Host City: EOC General Assembly 5 years before the EYOF (For 2015, in 2010)

Organising Committee

Must be created within 3 months after the election of the Host City and the signing of the Host City Contract.

Must include both City and NOC representatives.

A close cooperation between City and NOC is very important.

Typically: NOC: International relations, national and international sports

relations, accreditations, protocolCity: Venues, transportation, logistics, local sports relations,

volunteersJoint: CeremoniesTampere: Not typical NOC/City relationship – but better!

Sports programmeAthletics, Cycling (boys), Artistic Gymnastics, Judo, Swimming,

Tennis, Basketball, Handball, Volleyball

Olympic Games has 28 sports (26 in London). Why only 9 in EYOF? And why these 9?

• Capacity of venues, EYOF Village etc.• Finance (for Organisers and NOCs)• Continuity (before the Organiser could decide one sport)

The European Federation must give the EYOF top priority in their sports calendar. Clashes must be avoided. (Now: Cooperation agreements EOC – EFs).

Development: More and more professional competitionsThe future?

Anti doping, technical regulationsAppr. 50 doping tests, spread among NOCs and sports, mainly

education

Technical manuals approved by the EF

Technical delegate appointed by the EF

EOC EYOF Coordination Commission

Olympic rules for clothing etc. (no advertisements)

TV signal provided to EOC/Eurosport

Crisis management

Challenges and points for reflection

• IOC Youth Olympic Games from 2010• Attracting Host Cities• Attracting NOCs, NFs and athletes

– Sports relevance (5-10% get to Olympic Games)

– Financially realistic (cost/benefit)• Professionalize EOC’s organisation