World Athletics has announced that it will introduce a centralised licensing system for Athletes’ Representatives starting September 1, 2023.

The regulatory framework was approved by the World Athletics Council earlier this week.

The new system will set global minimum standards for becoming an Athletes’ Representative (AR) and maintaining a licence to act on behalf of athletes for any competition.

Also, Member Federations (MFs) will not be permitted to regulate World Athletics ARs or charge any fees to them. If MFs wish to implement a framework to regulate ARs, they will only be permitted to regulate matters falling within their national jurisdiction but must meet the minimum standards of the World Athletics framework.

According to World Athletics President Sebastian Coe, consultations were done with ARs and athletes.

The new rules will introduce eligibility criteria to become an AR, which will apply equally on a global basis. Individuals who apply will be subject to a vetting and exam process.

Following this, to maintain a licence an AR must pay an annual fee (to cover costs incurred by World Athletics), maintain professional indemnity insurance, and complete a minimum amount of continuing professional development.

The cost has not been decided.

An online portal will be created to facilitate the licensing process and World Athletics says it also plans to provide education to athletes on matters such as the meaning of their contracts, appropriate levels of payment/commissions, and introductory information for emerging athletes on becoming an elite athlete.

It stipulates that the maximum amount of time that an athlete and AR may enter into an agreement will be two years, which can be extended for one-year periods. However, athletes are also allowed to represent themselves.