Bahrain makes substantial legal changes to sports professions
On 27th August 2026, Resolution No. (8) of 2026 Issuing the Regulation of Sports Professions (hereinafter referred to as “Sports Regulation”) was promulgated in the Official Gazette. The Sports Regulation is primarily applicable towards sports entities and to anyone who practices sports professions including but not limited to coaches, referees, sports talent scouts, agents. The Sports Regulation goes on to state as follows:
Licensing and Conditions
Article 3 of the Sports Regulation prohibits the practice of sports professions without a valid sports professional license from the General Sports Authority (hereinafter referred to as “Authority”). Towards this, the conditions for obtaining a sports professional license are outlined under Article 4 of the Sports Regulation:
(a) The applicant is required to possess the requisite academic qualification therein qualifying the applicant to practice the profession and to possess the physical fitness required for the profession for which license is sought, subject to the standards as determined by the Authority.
(b) The applicant should not have been convicted of a crime involving moral turpitude or dishonesty, unless rehabilitated.
(c) No previous decision canceling the sports professional license of the applicant should have been issued unless at least 5 years have elapsed from said cancellation.
An application of the above license is to be submitted to the Department of Legal Affairs at the Authority and should be attached with the following data and documents as set out under Article 5 of the Sports Regulation:
(a) Academic or professional qualifications, or completion certificates of basic qualifying training courses as issued by accredited local or international bodies.
(b) Accredited training licenses (local/continental/international) in accordance with classification of accredited coaching certificates.
(c) Physical fitness tests passing documents, professional competency tests and medical examinations.
(d) License issued by the National Health Regulatory Authority pertaining to medical or therapeutic sports-related professions.
(e) Declaration of review of professional standards, code of ethics and relevant terms and conditions, along with an undertaking to abide by them.
Granting of License and Obligations
Article 6 of the Sports Regulation vests the Authority with the power to grant the sports professional license upon meeting application conditions and documentation requirements, with said license having a validity of up to two years from date of issuance and can be renewed by means of an application submitted to the Authority no less than thirty days before expiry.
Article 7 of the Sports Regulation, at large, requires licensees to refrain from conduct or practice that prejudices the reputation of the sport; comply with applicable legal framework issued by the Authority and competent authorities; maintain the confidentiality of information related to sports teams and athletes unless where disclosure is permitted by laws and regulations; attending mandatory training and development courses as determined by the Authority; and to not use prohibited substances or methods in sports or to take any form of prohibited doping substances as in accordance with national and international regulations and bylaws pertaining to anti-doping.
Expiry of License
Article 8 of the Sports Regulation provides for expiry of license upon non-renewal of term period. It further goes on to state that the license can also expire upon its cancellation in situations including but not limited to breach of obligations under Article 7 of the Sports Regulation, use of prohibited substances, direct or indirect engagement or participation in betting, etc.
Further to the above, the Authority, in its discretion may, prior to cancelling the license, issue a verbal or written warning to the licensee or temporarily suspend the license for a period not exceeding six months. This is entirely dependent on the gravity and the recurrence of the violation.
Conclusion
The Sports Regulation adds clarity to the application of the existing sports professions regulations. As a result, good governance and ethical performance of sports professionals can continue to prevail and ensure that future generations of sports professionals operate under a guided framework.
