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The University of Bayreuth is among the first universities in Germany to implement the new policy of the German Olympic Sports Confederation (DOSB) against sexual harassment and violence in sports. The Bayreuth Center of Sport Science (BaySpo) has developed its own measures, which were presented to the public on 10 October 2025.
In sports, close collaboration, physical contact, and emotional dynamics often create special relationships of proximity. These are essential for many disciplines – for example, in spotting, partner exercises, or competitions. At the same time, such closeness can increase the risk of boundary violations. Clothing, language, and role models in sports also contribute to perceptions and potential sexualization. This is precisely where the University of Bayreuth’s policy comes in: it raises awareness among students, faculty, and staff about risk factors and fosters a culture of attentiveness.
Prof. Dr. Susanne Tittlbach, sports scientist and Vice President for Digitalization, Innovation & Sustainability at the University of Bayreuth, emphasizes: "We aim to promote a clear stance against sexual harassment and violence – in teaching, research, and university sports."
Students, in particular, are to be empowered in their role as future multipliers. This view is also shared by the university’s sports students, who formed a new working group called “SafeSport” about a year ago. Together, they developed preventive ideas, which were discussed openly with professors and subsequently incorporated into the policy. Student Jakob Hereth, head of the working group, states: "It’s important to us that prevention work be taken seriously to create a safe space in sports where everyone truly feels comfortable. All potential boundary violations – no matter how minor they may seem – must be addressed and processed directly."
BaySpo pursues a consistent prevention strategy against sexual harassment and violence across all areas of its work. In teaching, competition regulations are critically examined, personal boundaries are discussed, and risk factors are highlighted. The topic is embedded in the curriculum of all relevant sports study programmes and addressed at the beginning of each course. Contact persons are made visible.
Clear rules also apply in research: in studies involving physical exposure, participants must be thoroughly informed in advance and give written consent. Respecting boundaries of intimacy is mandatory, and conduct guidelines are publicly accessible. Written consent is also required for student projects involving physical contact.
In student life, a working group of the student council coordinates preventive measures, such as awareness teams or targeted educational formats during events like orientation week.
All BaySpo staff – including course instructors and lecturers – are sensitized to the topic and committed to the policy. Regular training and the optimization of institutional structures are part of the overall strategy.
In university sports, course instructors commit to implementing the policy via a letter of intent. Self-defense courses are also offered. Trusted contact persons are available and bound to confidentiality.
Prof. Dr. Susanne Tittlbach
Chair of Social and Health Sciences in Sport/ Vice President for Digitalization, Innovation & Sustainability
University of Bayreuth
Phone: +49 (0) 921 / 55-348
Email: vp-nachhaltigkeit@uni-bayreuth.de
https://www.sport.uni-bayreuth.de/en/chairs-and-structure/_safeguarding-policy/i...
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