JUDO COACH RECEIVES FORMAL WARNING

A judo coach has acknowledged failing to fulfill her duty of care.

As part of an amicable resolution, she has received a formal warning and is required to cover a portion of the investigation costs.

In November 2025, the Swiss reporting office for ethical breaches and abuse in sport received a report concerning a judo coach’s failure to uphold her duty of care during a junior tournament.

A minor judoka felt uncomfortable about facing teenagers who were significantly older and larger than him during a friendly tournament and raised this concern with his coach. The coach, however, dismissed his concerns and took no further action.

Following a bout, the boy complained of headaches and feeling unwell; a subsequent medical examination revealed a mild concussion.

As part of its investigation, Swiss Sport Integrity (SSI) conducted interviews with the individuals involved, gathered various documents and information, and carried out other relevant checks, concluding that the coach had failed to adequately fulfill her duty of care.

The judoka, his mother, and the coach were subsequently informed of the option to resolve the matter amicably, in accordance with the Code of Ethics for Swiss Sport—an option both parties accepted.

In the amicable resolution agreement, the coach acknowledges having breached Article 2.1.5, paragraph 2a, of the Code of Ethics by allowing the boy to participate in bouts against judokas who were significantly older and larger than him, despite the concerns he had expressed. The coach has received a warning from SSI and has agreed to contribute 200 Swiss francs toward the costs of the investigation.

We act in ethical cases in sport and further information is available from Dr Lucien Valloni by emailing him at valloni@valloni.ch.