The British Athletes Commission (BAC) was set up in 2004 as an independent membership association to represent the interests of athletes in elite performance sports in Great Britain. Our aims and objectives are summarised in our mission statement.
“To ensure that UK athletes in world class performance systems train and compete within a fair, supportive and transparent system, which gives them the best opportunity of reaching their sporting goals, and helps prepare them for success in life after sport.”
The BAC's members are from a wide number of recognised sports (predominantly but not exclusively Olympic or Paralympic sports) and have represented their country (or GB) at their chosen sport. Our members are either currently of "World Class" status, have the recognised potential to be "World Class" or have previously achieved that status.
The BAC has three core objectives:
To provide an independent service for our members offering impartial and confidential advice, support and guidance.
We are here to help. Our members can contact us about anything that is concerning them and we will offer impartial, confidential advice. The most emotive issues we deal with unsurprisingly are around funding and selection. We deal with each case on its merits and look for resolutions in the most appropriate way. This could mean arranging a meeting with the National Governing Body (NGB) concerned or possibly providing support if a case is referred to Sport Resolutions UK – the arbitration service for sport in the UK.
The BAC can also help with other issues around dealing with relationships, injuries, and what to do in preparing for and dealing with a life after sport.
We don’t necessarily have all the answers but we know people who will and so the BAC is a first point of call when our members need help and support.
To support the development of Athlete Representation in sport.
The BAC believe that our members should have a voice within their various sports (NGBs) and we look to create and manage an active network of Athlete Representatives in our recognised sports.
We support our Athlete Representatives through active and regular communication as they have a very important role in providing a link between the BAC and our members and vice versa.
In order to build this sustainable network we work with athletes, Performance staff and the NGB executive to develop the best way to build up Athlete Representation in each sport. Should you wish to learn more about becoming an Athlete Representative or how to get one in your sport please contact us.
To be the Voice of the Athletes – our members.
The BAC has established strong working relationships with the relevant stakeholders in sport such as UK Sport, the British Olympic Association, the British Paralympic Association, UK Anti-Doping, English Institute of Sport etc. It is our role to engage with the key personnel in these bodies to make sure our members' views are heard so that they can inform decision making. It’s the BAC's mantra that “its all about the athletes” and we use that thought in everything that we do.