Landmark Report Calls for Gender-Specific Approach too Female Athlete Injury Prevention
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A new consensus statement is urging a fundamental shift in how sports organizations approach injury prevention for female athletes, emphasizing the critical need for safe, supportive, and gender-specific environments. Published online in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, the Injury pRevention (FAIR) Consensus Statement – the first of its kind – outlines 56 recommendations aimed at protecting the health and well-being of women and girls in sports.
As participation in sports among women and girls continues to rise, so too does their risk of injury. Though, a lack of comprehensive, gender-specific evidence has historically hampered efforts to effectively minimize these risks. This new report, convened by the International Olympic Committee and comprised of global sports and exercise specialists, seeks to address this critical gap.
A ‘Whole Sports System’ Approach
The recommendations within the FAIR Statement are based on a synthesis of the best available evidence, combined with the lived experiences of athletes and those involved in all levels of the sporting ecosystem. This includes regulation, policy, practice, and support systems.”Injury prevention strategies cannot work if female/women/girl athletes do not have access to resources, knowledge or training/competition environments that support implementation of best practice injury prevention, health, and performance strategies that consider their needs,” a senior official stated.
The report stresses the importance of equitable resource allocation,including funding for injury prevention implementation,appropriate equipment,qualified coaching and support staff,and gender/sex-preferred uniforms. Access to expertise through education, targeted research, and inclusive hiring practices are also highlighted as crucial components.
Addressing Systemic Issues: Body image and Safe Spaces
Beyond physical readiness, the FAIR Statement tackles deeply ingrained cultural issues. A key recommendation focuses on creating safe spaces free from body shaming or the promotion of unrealistic body types. “Recommendations such as ‘Create safe spaces free from body shaming or promoting ideal body types, or gendered norms’ might appear sensible, but they are NOT always part of female/woman/athletes’ reality,” the statement emphasizes. “They should be front-of-mind and non-negotiable.”
This extends to fostering a non-judgmental culture where sensitive health issues – such as pregnancy, bone health, and breast care – can be openly discussed and accommodated. Policies to combat both conscious and unconscious biases against women and girls’ participation in sports are also deemed essential.
specific Recommendations for Enhanced Safety
The report outlines a range of specific, actionable recommendations, including:
- Mandatory neuromuscular training warm-ups for all sports and ages, lasting at least 10 minutes, twice a week, to prevent leg injuries.
- Strict enforcement of rules and policies penalizing unlawful head/body contact.
- Mandatory injury management protocols across all sports to prevent concussions.
- Required mouthguards for child and teen ice hockey players.
- Mandatory helmets for cyclists, skiers, snowboarders, skateboarders, and horse riders.
- Use of neckguards/protectors in collision/contact ice sports.
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A Call to Collective Obligation
The FAIR statement underscores that lifelong injury prevention must begin early and be a collaborative effort between athletes, coaches, and practitioners, grounded in evidence-based practices. The report acknowledges the need for flexibility, recognizing that recommendations must be adapted to diverse contexts, including variations in experience, geography, culture, and access to healthcare.
Ultimately, the statement concludes with a powerful call to action: “To bolster female/women/girl athlete health and safety, every person (at all levels of sport participation and in their own specific context) can, and should, take responsibility to carefully consider and action these recommendations.”
Source: DOI: 10.1136/bjsports-2025-110889
