NEWS RELEASE (#2024-07)
IDBF RESOLUTION UPDATE
Participation of Athletes from Russia and Belarus at IDBF Championships
Summary
In alignment with international sports standards, the IDBF Executive Committee and the Council have jointly decided to update the resolution regarding the participation of Russian athletes. Under strict adherence to neutral status guidelines, Russian athletes will compete under the designation “AIN” (Authorized Independent Neutral) in all upcoming IDBF-sanctioned events.
This decision reaffirms the IDBF’s commitment to fostering inclusivity while maintaining integrity and unity in international dragon boat racing. The resolution ensures fair opportunities for athletes while adhering to global sports governance principles.
In March 2022, the International Dragon Boat Federation (IDBF) determined that athletes and officials from Russia and Belarus would not be permitted to participate in IDBF championships. This decision was in alignment with the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) recommendations at that time regarding maintaining the integrity of competitions.
The IDBF committed to reviewing this stance periodically and reversing it if circumstances warranted.
As of today, the updated IOC recommendations from 28 March 2023 now apply, replacing those from 2022.
In line with the latest IOC recommendations, the IDBF will allow individual athletes from Russia and Belarus to participate under specific conditions:
- Athletes with a Russian or a Belarusian passport must compete only as Individual Neutral Athletes.
- Teams of athletes with a Russian or Belarusian passport cannot be considered.
- Athletes who actively support the war cannot compete. Support personnel who actively support the war cannot be entered.
- Athletes who are contracted to the Russian or Belarusian military or national security agencies cannot compete. Support personnel who are contracted to the Russian or Belarusian military or national security agencies cannot be entered.
- Any such Individual Neutral Athlete, like all other participating athletes, must meet all anti-doping requirements applicable to them and particularly those set out in the anti-doping rules of the IFs.
The sanctions against those responsible for the war, the Russian and Belarusian states and governments, must remain in place:
- No international sports events organized or supported by an IF or NOC in Russia or Belarus.
- No flag, anthem, colors, or any other identifications whatsoever of these countries displayed at any sports event or meeting, including the entire venue.
- No Russian or Belarusian government or state official can be invited to or accredited for any international sports event or meeting.
The IDBF seeks to avoid penalizing athletes for their governments’ actions. The IOC’s position leaves the definition of a “team” to each International Federation (IF). According to the IOC, a team is defined as a collection of individuals from the same country competing in a single event, which aligns with IDBF definitions. For clarity, in IDBF Competition Regulations, “crews” specifically refer to competitors.
To further clarify IDBF terminology:
- Article 11, Clause 11.3 of the IDBF Competition Regulations defines a “crew” as:
“Crew shall mean an entity comprised of more than one competing Racer who group together for the purpose of competing in a Dragon Boat Race, Event, or Regatta. A crew shall be considered an entity subject to these Regulations and Rules, and members of a crew shall be collectively responsible for its conduct in a race, event, or regatta in which the crew competes.”
- Article A1 defines “teams” as “Representative National or Territorial Teams.”
- Article A11.16 encompasses a team’s complete personnel—athletes, Congress delegates, and supporters—within a single national representation (e.g., Team Italy).
- Article CR 3.2 defines a “Representative Team” as a grouping of multiple crews within a national team framework at events like the World Dragon Boat Racing Championships (WDBRC), specifying minimum crew numbers for Standard and Small Boats across categories, such as Premier, Senior, 24U, and Junior.
The IDBF supports the autonomy of sport and maintains political neutrality, as established in the Olympic Charter. The inclusion of individual Russian athletes under AIN status represents a gesture of peace, encouraging dialogue and inclusivity among nations. The IDBF remains committed to the principle of “non-discrimination of any athlete on the basis of nationality.”
In conclusion, the IDBF confirms its interpretation of the IOC’s position and in the Declaration by the IOC against the politicisation of sport.
Resolution update
“Russian and Belarusian athletes may compete as part of a “crew” under AIN (Authorized Neutral Athlete) status, provided they do not represent Russia or Belarus as a “team.” In this context, a “team” is defined as a full entity comprising all athletes/coaches/officials and various crews under a single nation or territory, including cases where a competition involves a relay or similar format. Additionally, results achieved under the AIN designation will not be recorded in medal tables as representing a specific nation.”
This interpretation is supported by specific correspondence with the IOC.
This policy takes immediate effect, supersedes all previous policies, and will be updated according to developments in the conflict and any further resolutions from the IOC regarding the Olympic Games.
Claudio Schermi
IDBF President
Download PDF – 241123 – Update of the IDBF Resolution about Russia and Belarus
About the IDBF
The International Dragon Boat Federation (IDBF) is the global governing body for dragon boat racing. Founded in 1991, it oversees and promotes the sport of dragon boat paddling across the world. With a mission to foster unity, friendship, and fair competition, the IDBF organises multiple international world championships, sets rules and standards for dragon boat racing and equipment, and has a membership base of over 80 national federations.