DOSB Gathering: Monumental Decisions on Olympic Bid, Sports Reform, and Gender Equality
Last Saturday at the German Olympic Sports Confederation (DOSB) assembly in Frankfurt/Main, a series of groundbreaking decisions were made that will significantly shape the future of sports in Germany. Two major projects aiming to revolutionize German sports were approved, along with various other significant changes.
Competing Cities for Future Olympics
With the passing of the "Frankfurt Declaration," the DOSB is now responsible for creating an Olympic bid concept, which will summarize public opinion, expectations, and criticisms gathered since July 2022. A decision on whether to proceed with the bid will be made at the DOSB's next assembly in Saarbrücken in December 2024. Four cities – Berlin, Hamburg, Leipzig, and Munich – have officially expressed their interest in hosting the games, either in 2036 or 2040. The potential candidates for this future bid will be determined by mid-2024 .
Prioritizing Top-tier Performance
An ambitious reform of elite sport funding and management was given the green light at the assembly. The aim is to halt the decline in medal wins at the Olympic Games, World Championships, and European Championships. The proposed reform includes the establishment of an independent sports agency and a sports promotion law, intended to provide reliable funding for competitive sports over extended periods while addressing yearly changes. The reform is expected to take effect starting with the 2032 Olympic Games .
Enhancing Member Organizations' Contribution
For the first time in 16 years, the DOSB will receive a greater financial contribution from its affiliated organizations. Beginning January 1, 2025, their contribution to the umbrella organization will increase from nine cents per membership to 14 cents, aimed at addressing the impending structural deficit in the DOSB budget due to cost increases and inflation .
Promoting Gender Equality
A binding regulation was adopted to ensure that the percentage of male and female delegates at the assembly represents each gender. As of 2026, each gender must be represented by at least 30% of the delegates from a member organization, or risk a reduction in voting rights.
A Safer Future for Sport
The Safe Sport Plan for the Future was adopted, making it the DOSB's comprehensive strategy for combating violence in sports and outlining goals and measures to be achieved within the next ten years.
New Member Organizations and Sports
The German Cricket Federation and the German Lacrosse Association will become the 100th member organizations to join the DOSB on January 1, 2024. Both sports will be included in the 2028 Olympic Games program in Los Angeles. The German associations for American football, baseball, and softball, as well as squash, will be upgraded to Olympic sports in 2023 and will be part of the 2028 Summer Games.
Additional Insights
The four cities considering bids for the Summer Olympic Games in 2036 or 2040 are not limited to Berlin, Hamburg, Leipzig, and Munich. Various other cities, such as Barcelona, Istanbul, Ahmedabad, Seoul, and Doha, are also exploring their potential to host the games in the future
References
"DOSB-Generalversammlung: Dolmetscher, Quotenregelung und Olympic-Bid: 10 Punkte zum Ergebnis der DOSB-Sitzung am Samstag in Frankfurt." Stern.com. August 20, 2022. . "Welche Städte werden am Olympic-Bid winken?". March 23, 2023. .
