Spanish Olympic Committee: Mission, Functions, and Regulations

Posted on Dec 13, 2024 in Law & Jurisprudence

The Spanish Olympic Committee

The Spanish Olympic Committee (COE), as referred to in the Sports Act, is governed by its own statutes, as well as by the provisions of the Olympic Charter and other rules of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) applicable to the Olympic Movement. Also, the COE has complementary regulations in many areas of its powers, developed through corresponding regulations and other standards.

The Olympic Charter

The Olympic Charter is the rule governing the Olympic Movement, which contains the fundamental principles, rules, and laws adopted by the IOC. It sets conditions for the holding of the Olympic Games and participation therein. The Olympic Charter is supplemented by other rules of the International Olympic Committee and the Code of Ethics, which are available on the official site of the IOC.

Mission and Function of the COE

1. The mission of the National Olympic Committees (NOCs) is to promote and protect the Olympic Movement in their respective countries in accordance with the Olympic Charter.

2. NOCs:

  • 2.1 Disseminate the fundamental principles of Olympism at the national level, within the framework of sports activity, and will contribute, among other things, to the disclosure of Olympism in the curricula of physical education and sport in schools and universities. Encourage the establishment of institutions devoted to Olympic education. Especially encourage the creation and activities of National Olympic Academies, Olympic museums, and cultural programs related to the Olympic Movement.
  • 2.2 Shall ensure observance of the Olympic Charter in their respective countries.
  • 2.3 Will support the development of high-level sport and sport for all.
  • 2.4 Will collaborate on the development of coaches, especially through the organization of courses, and ensure that these courses contribute to the dissemination of the fundamental principles of Olympism.
  • 2.5 Shall undertake to actively oppose any forms of discrimination and violence in sport.
  • 2.6 Combat the use of substances and procedures prohibited by the IOC and the International Federations (IFs), by approaching the competent authorities of your country so that all medical checks can be carried out.

3. The NOCs have exclusive jurisdiction to represent their respective countries in the Olympics and multisport competitions (regional, continental, or global) sponsored by the IOC. In addition, each NOC is obliged to participate in the Games of the Olympiad by sending their athletes.

4. The NOCs have the prerogative to appoint the city that can stand as a candidate for organizing the Olympic Games in their respective countries.

5. The COE must work to maintain harmonious and cooperative relations with relevant government agencies. It must also contribute effectively to the organization of programs to promote sport at all levels. Given that sport contributes to education, health, the economy, and social order, it is desirable that the COE benefits from the support of public authorities to carry out its objectives. However, the NOCs must keep intact their autonomy and resist all pressures, including political, religious, or economic, which may prevent them from acting in accordance with the Olympic Charter.

6. The NOCs have the right to:

  • 6.1 Make proposals to the IOC with regard to the Olympic Charter and the Olympic Movement in general, including the organization and development of the Olympic Games.
  • 6.2 Express their views on the nominations for the organization of the Olympic Games.
  • 6.3 Assist in the preparation of Olympic Congresses.
  • 6.4 Participate, at the request of the IOC, in the activities of the committees of the IOC.

The Spanish Olympic Committee Foundation

The Spanish Olympic Committee Foundation is governed by its own statutes, which define it as a private cultural foundation, promoted by the COE. It seeks the promotion, formulation, development, protection, and support of activities that are the subject of the Spanish Olympic Committee and promoting sport in general and the Olympic ideals.

COE Regulations

The Spanish Olympic Committee is governed by its Bylaws, duly approved by the IOC. These statutes provide, among other matters, their powers, membership, governing bodies, executives, and meeting arrangements. The COE regulations supplement the regulations established in the Statute, particularly with regard to practical aspects of internal functioning.

The four current regulations are as follows:

  • Regulation of Awards: The COE, as provided in these Regulations, grants awards to reward persons or entities who have made outstanding Olympic values, by their sports performance, or who have significantly contributed to the development of sport and Olympism.
  • Disciplinary Regulation: The COE’s Statute establishes disciplinary rules, which are developed in this Regulation.
  • Rules for Scholarships: The COE Scholarship award is governed by specific rules.
  • Regulation of Aid to Athletes: The COE, through its Athletes Commission, provides medical aid and aid for social integration, as provided in this Regulation.