World Water Safety

INTERNATIONAL LIFE SAVING FEDERATION
Gemeenteplein 26 - 3010 Leuven - Belgium
Tel: +32/ 16 896060 - E-Mail: ils.hq@telenet.be - Web: http://www.ilsf.org

ILS POLICY – POL 28
POLITICAL OR RELIGIOUS ACTIVITIES AT ILS EVENTS1.

PURPOSEThis purpose of this policy is to set out the ILS position regarding the holding of any political or
religious activities at any ILS event. This policy applies to all events that are organised by the ILS.
This includes the ILS General Assemblies and Meetings of the ILS Board of Directors, Commissionsor Committees as well as the Lifesaving World Championships and the World Conferences on
Drowning Prevention. All participants at any ILS event must adhere to this policy. The ILS activities
are neutral and must be separated from politics and religion. This policy is established to create an
inclusive and focused environment during meetings and other events. It aims to ensure thatdiscussions and interactions do not revolve around sensitive subjects like religion and politics. The
goal is to maintain professionalism, unity, and the intended purpose of the gathering.

2.

3.

DEFINITIONS•Political activity means any act or practice conducted for the purpose of influencing public
opinion with respect to legislative, administrative or electoral matters or with respect to any
controversial issue of public importance. It refers to any activity – such as a demonstration,
protest, meeting, issue of political information or leaflets – the purpose of which is to raise anissue of a political nature. This includes any gestures or the wearing of clothing or flags
containing political messages during opening or closing ceremonies, or medal presentations.

•Religious activity refers to any activity – such as a religious service, non-private prayer
session, promotion of religious information, leaflet distribution, or the wearing of clothing or
flags containing religious messages during opening or closing ceremonies or medal
presentations – the purpose of which is to provide religious support to any person at an ILS
event, or promote religious messages.

POLICY STATEMENT
A.
B.
C.

4.

All participants are expected to respect each other’s diverse backgrounds, beliefs, andopinions.
Under the terms of this policy, any political or religious activity as defined above, is not
permitted at any time at any venue where any ILS event is being held.
By adhering to this policy, participants contribute to a professional and harmonious
atmosphere during events and meetings, supporting the primary purpose of the gathering.

IMPLEMENTATIONA.

Event organizers, meeting facilitators, or designated individuals are responsible forcommunicating and enforcing this policy before and during the event or meeting.

B.
C.

5.

Event organisers, meeting facilitators, or designated individuals may intervene if discussions
or actions breach this policy and disrupt the intended atmosphere.
Repeated violations of this policy may result in individuals being asked to leave the event ormeeting, with possible repercussions depending on the severity of the breach.

REVIEW AND REVISION
This policy will undergo periodic reviews to ensure its effectiveness in maintaining a focused andrespectful environment during sports events and meetings. Necessary revisions will be made basedon feedback and evolving circumstances.

This ILS Political or Religious Activities at ILS Events Policy was adopted by the ILS Board of Directors
on 4 December 2023.