CAS DECISION REGARDING SIX RUSSIAN RACE-WALKERS DUE THIS WEEK

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) confirmed that it will issue a decision regarding an appeal by the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) against bans issued by the Russian Athletics Federation (RusAF) to six race walkers by 24 March. It will be almost a year to the day since the IAAF appealed the sanctions issued by RusAF. ‘While the IAAF agrees with RUSADA that there is, in each case, sufficient evidence of an anti-doping rule violation and that there are aggravating circumstances justifying an increased sanction of more than two years, the IAAF disagrees with the selective disqualification of results applied by RUSADA as a consequence of the previous rulings’, read a 25 March 2015 IAAF statement.

The six cases involved are as follows:

• IAAF v. ARAF & Sergey Kirdyapkin & RUSADA

• IAAF v. ARAF & Sergey Bakulin & RUSADA

• IAAF v. ARAF & Olga Kaniskina & RUSADA

• IAAF v. ARAF & Valeriy Borchin & RUSADA

• IAAF v. ARAF & Vladimir Kanaikin & RUSADA

• IAAF v. ARAF & Yuliya Zaripova & RUSADA

All of the race walkers apart from Zaripova were disqualified by the Russian Anti-Doping Agency (RUSADA) in January 2015. However, as reported by the Sports Integrity Initiative at the time, some of the bans appeared to have been engineered to either allow athletes to compete, or keep medals won. The IAAF also told the Sports Integrity Initiative that it was investigating whether the race walkers concerned – who have been provisionally suspended since 2012 – have been competing whilst banned.

Bans of three years and two months issued to Kaniskina and Kirdyapkin were backdated to 15 October 2012. This allowed Kirdyapkin to keep his London 2012 gold medal in the 50km walk and will allow him to defend his title at Rio 2016. Baulkin’s ban will expire on 24 March – which is perhaps why the CAS is keen to resolve the case by that specific date.

Zaripova was banned for two years and six months in January 2015, however the RUSADA decision only annulled her results from 20 June 2011 until 20 August 2011, and from 3 July 2012 until 3 September 2012. That allowed her to keep the gold medal she won at the 2011 IAAF Daegu World Championships.

Kaniskina  Kirdyapkin, Baulkin, Borchin and Kanaykin were all coached by Viktor Chegin, whom the IAAF has recommended be banned for life. As reported by the Sports Integrity Initiative, Chegin continues to give his name to the Russian Olympic race-walking centre in Saransk, and until July this year was still listed as its head coach.

Andy Brown / The Sports Integrity Initiative

Law of the Republic of Azerbaijan on Physical Education and Sports

Law of the Republic of Azerbaijan on Physical Education and Sports

This Law defines the organizational, legal, social and economic bases of activities and the basic principles of state policy in the sphere of physical education and sports in the Republic of Azerbaijan, regulates the  relationship established in the sphere and guarantees the right of everybody to engage in physical education and sports.

Chapter I.

General Provisions

Article 1. Basic Concepts

1.0. The basic concepts used in this Law shall have the following meaning:

1.0.1. physical education  - a sphere of social activity which is an integral part of the overall culture of the society, that reflects a set of values, norms and knowledge aimed at promoting a healthy lifestyle through human, physical and intellectual development;

1.0.2. Sports - part of physical education aimed at continuous improvement of physical fitness through a set of different exercises, participation in the competition at all levels and to achieve good results;

1.0.3. mass sports - part of the sport aimed at organized occupation of the population in physical education and physical development, as well as their participation in sports and recreation activities and mass sports competitions;

1.0.4. physical training - a process aimed at the development of physical qualities, abilities of the person, taking into account the type of activity and  socio-demographic characteristics of the person;

1.0.5. physical perfection - the process of harmonious combination of physical and moral qualities in each person engaged in physical education and sports;

1.0.6. athlete - a natural person who is constantly engaged in the selected type(s) or sports and acting at sports competitions;

1.0.7. high-class athlete - an athlete having the appropriate sports rank (level) and taking part at sports competitions in order to achieve high results;

1.0.8. professional sports - part of sports aimed at organizing and conducting sporting events (events) for participation by the athletes choosing  sports as their professional (labor) activity and receiving wages (remuneration)  in accordance with legislation;

1.0.9. coach - an individual with relevant academic or vocational education, and who conducts with the athletes training process, and manages  their competitive activities in order to achieve good results;

1.0.10. sports official - an individual authorized by the organizer of the sport competition to exercise control over the compliance with the rules and regulations of the sports (regulations) of the competition, specially trained and got the qualification category;

1.0.11. type of sports - part of the sports which has the following features: training atmosphere, the  used sports equipment (excluding protective equipment) and facilities,  and the  required competition rules;

1.0.12. sports discipline – an integral part of the sports which has distinctive features;

1.0.13. military-service types of sports which are based on specific actions (including tricks) applied by  armed forces and some law enforcement agencies (hereinafter - persons having special service) for fulfillment of their duties, and which are developed in the framework of the activity of one or more of the military or law enforcement agencies;

1.0.14. national sports – sports which have been  historically established in the ethnic groups of the population and  having socio-cultural orientation;

1.0.15. republican sports federation - public association which was established on the basis of membership, received state accreditation and which objectives are the development of one or more types of sports and sports events in the republican or international space, and formation of national teams, their preparation and participation in the international competitions;

1.0.16. national teams -  teams composing the athletes of different age groups, coaches and other experts in the field of physical education and sports established by sports federations of the country and  approved by the relevant executive authority to take part and represent the state in international competitions;

1.0.17. official physical education and sport activities - sports events and competitions at the urban,  regional, national and international levels included in calendar plan of physical education-health and sports events;

1.0.18. the organizer of physical education and sports events – physical or legal persons initiating and undertaking the resolution of the issues related to the organization of sports competitions, financing, training and other provisions;

1.0.19. physical education and sports system -  joint activity of governmental agencies and municipalities,  non-governmental organizations, individuals and legal entities to develop physical education and sports;

1.0.20. monitoring the physical training and development of the population – assessment and forecasting the physical health, physical training and work ability of population, as well as determination of the cause-effect relationships between them and  physical development of population;

1.0.21. physical rehabilitation – rehabilitation of the temporarily lost body functions of disabled children and disabled and their social and professional recovery capabilities by using  the means and methods of adaptive physical education aimed at eliminating of limited life activity or leading to its maximum full compensation;

1.0.22. sports facilities - sports facilities, indoor and outdoor facilities specifically designed, built, installed for physical education and sport activities (including training processes, sports events);

1.0.23. high achievements in sports – sports sphere aimed at achieving good results and achievement by the athletes who participate in the national and international competitions;

1.0.24. paralympic movement – activity covering the development of paralympic sports as one of the principal means of achieving physical and spiritual perfection for the disabled children and the disabled to integrate into community and have self-esteem;

1.0.25. Deaflympic movement – the activity organized and conducted among the persons with limited abilities of hearing for development of physical education and sports activities;

1.0.26. special Olympic movement – the activity addressed to promote rehabilitation and social integration of people with mental disabilities through physical education and sports activities.

            Article 2. Legislation of the Republic of Azerbaijan on Physical Education and Sports

Legislation of the Republic of Azerbaijan on Physical Education and Sports consists of the Constitution of the Republic of Azerbaijan, this Law, other regulatory acts and international treaties acceded to by the Republic of Azerbaijan.

Article 3. The Basic Principles of the State Policy in the Field of Physical Education and Sports

3.0. The basic principles of the state policy in the field of physical education and sports are as follows:

3.0.1. establishment and improvement of the managerial system of physical education and sports movement;

3.0.2. ensuring the right of citizens to engage in physical education and sports, and for this purpose,to create equal opportunities and conditions;

3.0.3. to respect and follow the international obligations in the field of physical education and sports, by the state;

3.0.4. the importance of physical education and sports among low-income and socially vulnerable groups (children, adolescents, children deprived of parental care, the disabled children, the disabled people)

3.0.5. joint activity of the state agencies, municipalities and physical education and sports-oriented public associations in the field of physical education and sports;

3.0.6. continuity and consistency of physical training at all levels of life of different age groups of citizens;

3.0.7. unacceptability discrimination and violence in the field of physical education and sports;

3.0.8. supporting the development and promotion of  types of sports which are interested in by the population in the country, especially the types of sports included in  national and Olympic sports programs;

Article 4. Duties of the state in the field of physical education and sports

4.0. Duties of the state in the field of physical education and sports are as follows:

4.0.1. establishment of the state policy in the field of physical education and sports in the Republic of Azerbaijan, and development and implementation of the National strategy and State programs;

4.0.2. preparation, approval and implementation of regulatory requirements on physical education for the students ;

4.0.3. approval of  the unified sports classification, sports titles and ranks;

4.0.4. development, approval and implementation of the unified calendar plan, the procedures of conducting sports events and  their costs per each year for national and international health-physical education and sports events;

4.0.5. establishment of the honorary titles and other forms of state motivation in the field of physical education and sports;

4.0.6. establishment of the norms and rules for using state-owned sports facilities, bases and  the Olympic training centers;

4.0.7. upon the recommendation of the republican sports federations, to take the actions for training  of national teams, coaches staff to take part in official international competitions;

4.0.8. ensuring the organization and conducting the world and European championships and other international sports events in the country in accordance with the requirements established by the relevant international sports organizations;

4.0.9. organization of the republican and international sports events for disabled children and the disabled and ensure the participation of  the local athletes in these events;

4.0.10. development and implementation of preventive measures to prevent  offenses, drug abuse, tobacco use among people through physical education and sports;

4.0.11. development, approval and implementation of state register of sports federations and the state registry of sports;

4.0.12. implementation of state accreditation (recognition) of national sports federations (associations);

4.0.13. development  and implementation of measures to support the activities of the members of national teams and coaches, and the employees of physical education and sports organizations;

4.0.14. establishment and organization of sports arbitration;

4.0.15. implementation of various measures to support and promote the development of national sports;

4.0.16. adoption of state education standards in the field of physical education and sports, training and retraining of sports specialists, and improvement of their professional skills;

4.0.17. coordination and development of the activities of  sports-oriented organizations, sports clubs and sports facilities engaged in  development of children and youth for selection of reserve sports forces and establishment of the unified system for training and preparation of athletes;

4.0.18. establishment and development of the necessary infrastructure and logistics base for ensuring the development of  physical education and sports;

4.0.19. development of technical regulations on sports equipment and accessories, establishment and development of physical culture and sports industry;

4.0.20. scientific and methodological, medical-biological, medical and anti-doping supply of the national teams as well as the formation of scientific teams  per sports types and coordination of  their activities;

4.0.21. conclusion of contracts with the relevant sports organizations and sports-oriented organizations taking part in development of  national strategy and State programs on development of physical education and sports, organization  and financing of such activities;

4.0.22. conclusion of contracts for international cooperation in the field of physical education and sports, and ensuring the compliance with contractual obligations;

4.0.23. ensuring the participation of  the republican delegations in the sports events;

4.0.24. collection, generalizing, submission to relevant executive authority, analyzing and monitoring the statistical reports from all physical education and sports-oriented organizations, schools of various types of sports activities regardless of their ownership and governance, in the form approved by the relevant executive authority and concerning the final results of  their activities during the year;

4.0.25. promotion of physical education and sports, and healthy lifestyle;

4.0.26. development of the unified state information system in the field of physical education and sports;

4.0.27. scientific and methodological research in the field of physical education and sports and ensuring the publication of scientific, educational and scientific- popular literature;

4.0.28. ensuring the  construction of sports facilities, restoration and maintenance of sports facilities in use;

4.0.29. arrangement of  training the military and the persons passing a special military service in the field of sports;

4.0.30. development and approval of training programs on various types of sports for all types of sports schools and Olympic reserve schools;

4.0.31. development and approval of physical education and sports programs for various categories and groups of population;

4.0.32. paying attention to and taking care of the veterans of physical education and sport movement;

4.0.33. implementation of management and intersectoral coordination in the field of physical education and sports;

4.0.34. supporting the development of public and professional sports and the sports of high achievement;

4.0.35. stimulation of the sports organizations' activities in training the athletes taking part at   international competitions;

4.0.36. supporting the sponsorship and charitable activities in the field of physical education and sports;

4.0.37 appointment of a special awards for the athletes winning high results at international competitions and for their (including former coaches who played a major role in the training of those athletes) in accordance with the procedures prescribed in legislation;

4.0.38. maintenance, supply and development of sport bases and facilities where training of national teams is conducted;

4.0.39. increase the number  and strengthening of the logistics base of sports-oriented organizations, including all types of sports schools for children and youth, sports clubs, sports camps, health care and medical dispensaries in accordance with the demographic development of population;

4.0.40. arrangement of scientific-research activity, establishment and implementation of scientific-research policy in the field of physical education and sports.

Article 5 Authorities of Municipalities in the field of Physical Education and Sports

5.0. The authorities of municipalities in the field of physical education and sports are as follows:

5.0.1. taking into account local conditions and opportunities, to identify the fields for the development of physical culture and sports, development and implementation of national programs on physical education and sports;

5.0.2. massive development of physical education and sports, directly participation in resolving local issues concerning physical education, health and sports events;

5.0.3. ensuring the awareness and promotion of physical education and sports among all the groups of population;

5.0.4. organization of physical education-health events and sports events as well as  sports and fitness activities of citizens at workplaces and place of residence;

5.0.5. approval and implementation of  calendar plans on health and physical education and sport events;

5.0.6. arrangement of medical provision of municipalities physical education, health and sports events;

5.0.7. taking part in arrangement of public order and public safety during the municipalities’ physical education, health and sports events;

5.0.8. approval of the procedures on establishment of municipal sports teams, and resolving the issues concerning their financial and technical support;

5.0.9. taking part in the organization of and conducting municipal, district, city, regional, national and international sports events and  training sessions of national teams in the territory of municipality;

5.0.10. provision of financial support for the development of physical education and sports;

5.0.11. maintenance, supply, repairing and ensuring the efficient use of municipally owned sports facilities, physical education and fitness facilities;

5.0.12. establishment, reorganization and liquidation of  physical education and sports organizations within the municipalities and their  financing and creation of favorable conditions for their full-scale activity;

5.0.13. implementation of measures for the development of physical education and sports among the disabled children and the disabled;

5.0.14. on the basis of the relevant legal acts and practices, inclusion of physical education and sports in the labor, education and rest regimes of  population;

5.0.15. taking part in execution of state programs for development of  physical culture and sports in the territory of municipality;

5.0.16. monitoring of the level of physical education of the population of municipality;

5.0.17. supporting physical education and sports facilities  operating in the territory of municipality;

5.0.18. implementation of other powers stipulated by the legislation of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

Article 6. Rights of Citizens in the field of Physical Education and Sports

6.0. The rights of the citizens of the Republic of Azerbaijan in the field of physical education and sports are as follows:

6.0.1. to be engaged in physical education and sports, including professional sports;

6.0.2. merging  with the physical education and sports-oriented associations and taking part in  sports movement and its management;

6.0.3. During the training processes and  events to use health care services and to be under medical control for protection of health;

6.0.4. to establish sports clubs, professional sports clubs and associations, to construct sports facilities and sports bases, to obtain and let on lease the sports facilities and equipment;

6.0.5. to be engaged in other activities in the field of physical education and sports in manner prescribed in  legislation;

Article 7 Rights of Foreigners and Stateless Persons residing in the Republic of Azerbaijan in the area of Physical Education and Sports

Foreigners and stateless persons residing in the Republic of Azerbaijan shall be entitled to enjoy all rights  prescribed in this Law and provided for the citizens of the Republic of Azerbaijan in the field of physical education and sports (except for the right to take part at international sports competitions in the composition of  national teams).

Chapter II

Organization of the activity of Physical Education and Sports Facilities

Article 8. Physical Education and Sports Facilities

8.0. The physical education and sports facilities in Azerbaijan are as follows:

8.0.1. government agencies and municipalities implementing  physical education and sports policy;

8.0.2. regardless of ownership, physical education and sports organizations, including the national sports federations (associations), sports clubs, the Council  of veterans of physical education and sports, scientific and educational institutions acting  in the field physical education and sports;

8.0.3. National Olympic Committee;

8.0.4. Paralympic Committee;

8.0.5. Deaflympic Committee;

8.0.6. Special Olympic Committee;

8.0.7. government agencies being  in charge of the development of military sports;

8.0.8. trade unions;

8.0.9. sports arbitration;

8.0.10. Persons engaged in physical training, athletes and their teams (sports teams), sports referees, coaches and other professionals in the field of physical education and sports.

Article 9. Activity of Physical Education and Sports Organizations

9.1. Organizations, institutions, communities, businesses, associations, and other entities shall be considered as physical education and sports organizations regardless of their ownership and which have been established for development of   physical education and sports, and main objectives are protection and strengthening of public health, provision of physical development, ensuring and training a high degree of reserve sports forces and athletes.

9.2. Physical education and sports organizations may be established in manner prescribed  in applicable legislation of the Republic of Azerbaijan in the status of commercial and non-profit organizations. Establishment of commercial and non-profit physical education and sports organization, their activity, reorganization and liquidation shall be ensured according to applicable legislation and foundation documents of the physical education and sports organizations.

9.3. Physical education and sports organizations take part in arrangement of activities concerning the development of physical education and sports among the various groups of the population participating at training and sports events as well as create favorable conditions  for the athletes and other participants for protection and strengthening health,  and ensure the organization of  training processes at required level, as well as provide assistance to coaches and athletes to achieve high results.

9.4. Financing of physical education, sports organizations, sports clubs shall be provided  by individuals and legal entities as well as through conducting sports events, paid sports services provided to the population, entrepreneurial activity as well as funds obtained from other activities not prohibited by legislation.

9.5. Physical education and sports organizations may be a member of the international sports associations, can get rights and obligations according to membership status of international sports associations and not contradicting the legislation.

9.6. Physical education and sports-oriented non-governmental organizations shall follow in their activities Law of the Republic of Azerbaijan "On non-governmental organizations (public associations and foundations)", this Law and other regulatory acts.

Article 10 Republican Sports Federations

10.1. The republican sports federations shall be a non-governmental organization as per its status. Establishment of sports federations of the country, its activity, reorganization and liquidation, taking into account the requirements of this Law shall be carried out in accordance with the relevant legislation.

10.2. Only one public association may be accredited in the territory of the Republic of Azerbaijan as a republican sports federation per one type of sports.

10.3. For granting a republican sports federation status to public associations, the rule of their state accreditation shall be defined by relevant executive authority.  Public association, taking into account the opinion of the National Olympic Committee, shall get the republican sports federation status upon passing  state accreditation and be included in the state register of the republican sports federation.

10.4. Republican Sports Federations for sports types included in Olympic, Paralympic, Deaflympic and Special Olympics sports programs of national sports federations shall cooperate with the Olympic, Paralympic, Deaflympic and Special Olympic committees in training and participation of athletes in the Olympic Games.

Article 11. Rights and Duties of the Republican Sports Federations

11.1. Republican sports federations have the following rights:

11.1.1. within its competence, to take part in development and implementation of sports programs and regulatory acts in the field of physical education and sports;

11.1.2. improve the system of multi-level sports competitions, organize and conduct championships, championships, cup competitions and other national and international sports events in the territory of the country;

11.1.3. training, retraining, professional development and certification of coaches, referees, and other experts in the field of physical education and sports;

11.1.4. to participate in the arrangement of transferring the athletes from one physical education organization to another one;

11.1.5. to participate in the coordination of activities of sports clubs per the types of sports on the basis of regulations of international sports organizations and provisions of this Law;

11.1.6. development and strengthening the international relations with sports organizations of foreign countries and international sports organizations within its power.

11.2. Republican sports federations shall fulfill the following tasks:

11.2.1. to develop and promote types of sports;

11.2.2. Within its power, to establish national teams and ensure its participation at international competitions;

11.2.3. improve the system of  training high-level athletes per type of sports;

11.2.4. to take part in creation of conditions for social protection of athletes, coaches, and other professionals working in the field of sports to participate, and to take care for the veterans of the sports;

11.2.5. taking into account the relevant rules approved by the international sports federations, to develop draft procedures for sports;

11.2.6. struggle against using doping and / or methods in sports as well as against discrimination and violence in sports;

11.2.7. develop the requirements and norms for  types of sports and the classification requirements per relevant categories for the referees to include certain sports types in the republican Unified sports classification. 

11.3. The republican sports federations shall assist the development of children and youth sports, the activity of  sports schools, Olympic reserve schools and  Olympic centre.

11.4. The republican sports federations are working towards the broadly development of sports interested in by the disabled children and the disabled and especially included in the programs of Paralympic, Deaflympic and special Olympic games.

11.5. The republican sports federations shall be entitled to join international sports federations, to be a member of the international sports organizations and to obtain the status of rights and duties not contradicting  the legislation.

Article 12. Sports Clubs

12.1. Sports club shall be conducting training, competitions, and sports and fitness activities.

12.2. Sports clubs, regardless of the legal form of organization shall be established and acting in accordance with legislation and their charters (regulations). The template regulations on the sports club which is not a legal entity shall be approved by the relevant executive authority.

12.3. Sports clubs may be established by individuals and legal entities.

12.4. Sports clubs shall be divided into various sports clubs, amateur, professional and other sports clubs according to their activity directions.

12.5. Sports clubs shall be entitled to establish relations with industrial, educational and medical institutions, trade unions, municipalities as well as other organizations.

12.6. First of all, the sports clubs shall provide opportunities for arrangement of training process in the field of children and youth sports and organization of sports competitions; promote civic and moral values among the members of the sports clubs and establish their activities as per the state policy on physical.

12.7. State agencies and municipalities shall assist  the establishment of sports clubs, organization of their activities and improvement of work conditions through the implementation of the followings:

12.7.1. The construction, restoration and repairing the of sports facilities and other sports equipment;

12.7.2. letting on lease state- and municipality-owned buildings and facilities free of charge for use or long-term lease on favorable terms;

12.7.3. provision with the sports equipment and facilities;

12.7.4. provision of other assistance in manner prescribed  in legislation.

12.8. Sports clubs have the following powers:

12.8.1. establishment of sports schools, sports divisions, amateur and professional teams per various well-known sports types; 

12.8.2. according to the requirements of the unified sports, to grant sports ranks within the framework of their authority and in established manner;

12.8.3. provision of physical education, health and fitness services to the population;

12.8.4. participation in the process of transferring the athletes from one sports organization to another one in established manner; 

12.8.5. carry out other activities in accordance with the club's charter (regulations) and legislation.

12.9. Activities of  the sports clubs shall be financed on account of the sources not prohibited by legislation.

Article 13 Encouragement and Promotion of Physical Education and Sports

13.1. The relevant executive authorities, municipalities, physical education and sports-oriented organizations shall define the form and methods to promote physical education and sports by taking into account ages, professions and social characteristics of various groups of population, and ensure the role of physical education and sports in formation of a healthy lifestyle and strengthening public health and physical development.

13.2. The rule of placement of advertising and broadcasting in the sports facilities as well as at the venue where sports and fitness activities and events take place  shall be regulated by applicable legislation.

Chapter III

Olympic movement

Article 14 National Olympic Movement

14.1. Promotion and wide dissemination of the principles of the Olympic movement, support the development of physical education and sports, strengthening international cooperation, taking part at the Olympic Games and other international sports events conducted under the egis of the International Olympic Committee shall bean integral part of international Olympic movement.

14.2. National Olympic Committee shall be led the national Olympic committee which is recognized by the legislation of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the International Olympic Committee and the Olympic Charter, and acting on the basis of its Charter.

14.3. The State shall recognize and support the Olympic movement, and comprehensively assist the National Olympic Committee in carrying out its statutory objectives.

Article 15. The National Olympic Committee

15.1. National Olympic Committee which is responsible for resolving issues related to the Olympic movement in the country shall be independent public association acting according to the Olympic Charter of the International Olympic Committee and legislation of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

15.2. National Olympic Committee shall carry out the followings:

15.2.1. promotion of  the principles of the Olympic movement, and supporting high level sports achievement and  development of mass sports;

15.2.2. National Olympic Committee shall represent the state at Olympic Games according to Olympic Charter of the International Olympic Committee and other sports events conducted under the aegis (leadership) of the International Olympic Committee;

15.2.3. approval of the composition of the delegation of the National Olympic Committee and ensure its participation at Olympic Games and other sports events conducted under the egis (leadership) of the International Olympic Committee;

15.2.4. provision of the clothes, travel, accommodation, meal and other expenses of the delegation members taking part at Olympic Games and other sports events conducted under the egis (leadership) of the International Olympic Committee;

15.2.5. approval of the sketches of the official uniforms and clothes of the delegation members of the National Olympic Committee;

15.2.6. taking part in development and implementation of the actions addressed for ensuring the training level required for participation of the athletes of the country at Olympic Games and other sports events conducted under the egis (leadership) of the International Olympic Committee;

15.2.7. defining the city having the right to appeal to the International Olympic Committee for conducting  the Olympic Games in the country.

15.3. the resolution by the National Olympic Committee of matters stipulated in items 15.2.1 and 15.2.6 of this Law shall be ensured with the relevant executive authority and various national sports federations in close cooperation and  interaction conditions.

15.4. The National Olympic Committee shall have the exclusive right to use its name and the official name of the "National Olympic team". These names or words or word combinations generated from them and used for commercial and advertising purposes shall be only permitted according to the agreement concluded with the National Olympic Committee in writing. The cases of using these names or words and phrases or word combinations for the purposes of provision of information or highlighting the Olympic Games and other sports events conducted under the egis (leadership) of the International Olympic Committee shall be an exception.

15.5. In accordance with the Olympic Charter of the International Olympic Committee, the National Olympic Committee shall take action for protection of the rights on enjoying the Olympic symbols, slogans, flags and anthems, and the name of "Olympic Games” in the territory of the country. The National Olympic Committee has an exclusive right over its emblem, slogan,  flag and other national Olympic symbols.

15.6. The National Olympic Committee shall ensure the implementation of the charter purposes and programs on development of physical education and sports on account of its financial sources, including donations from individuals and legal entities as well as the funds allocated from the state budget in manner prescribed in legislation.

15.7. National teams take part at the Olympic Games under the State flag.

Article 16. The Paralympics, Deaflympic, Special Olympic Movements.

Paralympic Committee, Deaflympic Committee, Special Olympic Committee

16.1. Paralympic, Deaflympic, special Olympic movements shall be an integral part of International Paralympic, International Deaflympic and International Olympic movements and aim at development of physical education and sports of disabled children and the disabled people, to strengthen cooperation in these areas, and to participate at competitions and win success.

16.2. The Paralympic, Deaflympic and Special Olympic committees shall develop their activities on the basis of legislation on non-governmental organizations and charters of  the relevant international sports organizations as well as their own statutes.

 16.3. taking part in Paralympics and Special Olympics, Deaflympic committees in accordance with national teams, Deaflympic and special Olympic Games, the International Paralympic Committee, International Deflimpiya, the patronage of the International Special Olympics organization (management) are represented under other international sporting events.

16.4. Paralympics, Deflimpiya and Special Olympic committees on the development of physical culture and sports in the implementation of its statutory goals and programs at their own expense, donations from individuals and legal entities, as well as carry out other means not prohibited by law.

16.5. Paralympics, Deaflympic and Special Olympics committees shall be public unions following in their activities the rules and procedures of relevant international organizations and legislation  of the Republic of Azerbaijan, and be engaged in issues relating to the Olympic movement.

16.6. Paralympics, Deaflympic and Special Olympics committees  shall have the following duties:

16.6.1. representing the country at the Paralympics, Deaflympic and Special Olympics Games and  and other international competitions conducted under the aegis of International Paralympics Committee, Deaflympic and Special Olympics organizations (management), establishments of  national teams to take part in these events and ensuring their training and technical equipment;

16.6.2. attracting the disabled children and the disabled to be engaged in physical education and sports and establishment of structures (departments, branches, adaptive sports schools, etc.) ;

16.6.3. taking part in construction of  sports facilities and bases of state authorities and municipalities, preparation  and execution of conditions and opportunities in existing  sports facilities;

16.6.4. Defining classification, conditions and sequence of Paralympic, Deaflympic and Special Olympic games  adopted and developed in the country, and  submission to the relevant authority for approval;

16.6.5. In accordance with the legislation of the Republic of Azerbaijan, conclusion of contracts in the field of international cooperation with relevant international organizations, including the International Paralympic , Deaflympic and the Special Olympics organizations establishment of relationship with the Paralympic , Deaflympic and the Special Olympics organizations, cooperating with them and inviting them to events held in the country and taking part in sports events organized in foreign countries .

16.7. Paralympic, Deaflympic and the Special Olympics games shall be organized and held  in compliance with the calendar plan, games regulations, rules, and taking into account the participants' functional capabilities and  classification of medical requirements.

16.8. Athletes taking  part in national and international competitions shall be provided with mandatory insurance by the Paralympic, Deaflympic and the Special Olympics committees.

Chapter IV

Arrangement of physical education and sports in education and health care system, at workplaces, residential and recreational areas of citizens

Article 17 Physical and sports in educational institutions

17.1. Protection of health of preschool-aged children, students and pupils, create the demand for physical perfection, and a healthy lifestyle shall be the main tasks of educational institutions.

17.2.  Educational institutions shall define the form of to engaging in physical education, physical education facilities, the types of activity on the basis  on state education standards and guidelines for physical training, taking into account the interests of  students and  local conditions.

17.3. Educational institutions shall organize  physical education classes in accordance with modern standards and taking into account the  interests of children and young people, their age and health levels.

17.4. The base of physical classes ensured in educational institutions shall be on a regular basis, and  developed, improved and strengthened.

17.5. Educational institutions shall include the following  physical training and classes:

17.5.1. Within the framework of basic education programs to the extent determined by the state educational standards required for physical education classes, as well as education programs in addition to the extra (optional)  physical education and sports classes;

17.5.2. provision of the students with complex physical education and health, and appropriate conditions for conducting  sporting events, including the provision of sports equipment and tools;

17.5.3. taking into account the individual characteristics and health, physical education and skills training in the formation of individuals, encourage them to engage in physical education and sport activities;

17.5.4. Physical education of the disabled students;

17.5.5. implementation of the daily routine of physical education and health;

17.5.6. Out of school physical education and sports with the children and young people, attracting them to  physical education and sports in their spare time and during the vocation;

17.5.7. organization of the medical supervision of physical training;

17.5.8. to inform the parents about their  responsible towards the formation of children health and physical education;

17.5.9. to conduct annual monitoring of physical fitness and physical development of pupils and students;

17.6. Physical education and preschool program for preschool age children, physical education classes not less than ten hours per week , conducting physical education classes with  entertaining  character.

17.7. The disabled  (designated as special medical groups) persons who are studying in secondary, special purpose as well as other educational institutions shall pass mandatory physical training within the individual rehabilitation program.

17.8. The relevant executive authority shall create favorable conditions to hold and provide a high level physical education and sports classes, curriculum and educational standards for call-up military service for young people  as well as  necessary physical training,  to be able to meet certain conditions of the sports standards.

17.9. Extra-curricular physical education and sports activities shall be planned to carry out a constant, sports departments to organize the activities, to help prepare promising young athletes, students for physical education and sport activities in order to ensure the active participation of the general education, vocational, secondary vocational and higher education institutions (including private educational institutions) including  sports clubs.

17.10. Military and physical training of students in educational institutions shall be provided by military boards together with youth organizations, voluntary, patriotic and sports associations and other organizations.

Article 18. Physical education  and sports in health system

18.0. The relevant executive authority, municipalities and medical institutions shall within its competence :

18.0.1. use the physical education as a means of prevention and treatment of diseases;

18.0.2. physical education and sports, including those involved in sports and health tourism on the medical monitor, the reserve forces and sports training at various levels of national teams take part in a medical supply;

18.0.3. prevention and treatment of diseases of the main components of the efficient use of physical culture and sports issues, as well as sports medicine, medical supervision and treatment, training and increasing  the qualification of specialists in the field of physical education and exercises;

18.0.4. ensuring  health and fitness and rehabilitation centers and facilities, diagnostic and counseling centers and offices, medical clinics for the citizens and provide them with special instruments and medical equipment;

18.0.5. strengthening the health of citizens and the formation of a healthy lifestyle and promotion of  physical education and sport opportunities.

Article 19. Development of military service- sports types

Training the citizens to defend the country

19.1. Military service or other type of service provided by the relevant authorities for the physical training of the military shall ensure  successful fulfillment of their duties.

19.2. Relevant executive authorities shall ensure the development of  military and intelligence services to the persons passing military service as well as   sports clubs  for development and training of athletes.

19.3. Mentioned in Article 19.2 of the Law on sports facilities, military and intelligence organizations of the persons an opportunity to engage in sports activities, sports sections of the training process, athletes, national and international sporting events (races) to ensure the participation, coaches and other experts in the field of physical education and sports activities are carried out to improve the skills.

19.4. Military and intelligence services of the persons of different age groups to ensure proper standards of physical training (military sports complex) is applied. Standards of military sports complex every year on the military and intelligence tests between the parties shall be binding form.

19.5. The relevant executive authorities and international sporting events to attend sporting events, application and service-related military and sports application form national teams.

19.6. Military-application and application of service-sports development programs, physical education and sport events calendar plans, military sports complex regulations is approved by the relevant executive authorities.

19.7.  Call up year-old youth physical training programs, designed to provide training for sports in this list are determined by the relevant executive authority. Provision of physical training of citizens to defend the country with the relevant executive authority in accordance with agreements concluded between physical education and sport organizations can be carried out.

19.8. Military-application and application of service-sports are determined by the relevant executive authority.

Article 20. Organization of physical education and sports for

citizens in business, residential and recreational areas

20.1. In accordance with the legislation of the Republic of Azerbaijan, regardless of ownership and legal form of organization for all enterprises, institutions and organizations in the field of physical education and sports management subordinated to the workers carry out the following actions:

20.1.1. workers, physical education and sports, including rehabilitation and professional working terms and after work, practical exercises, sports and health tourism to create conditions in order to be dealt with, the terms of the collective agreement on these issues, and to enter the labor contract;

20.1.2. employees and their family members in the balance of physical education and sports facilities for sports and free of charge, to bases, the bases of sports facilities and maintenance, and capital to carry out repairs;

20.1.3. workers combination of sports clubs, physical education and sport for development to support the creation of separate divisions.

20.2. Sanatorium-resort facilities, holiday homes and tourist bases managers Health Promotion, prevention and treatment of diseases of the treatment process in order to create conditions for the use of different components of physical education and sport.

20.3. The relevant executive authorities and municipalities within its authority housing and recreation areas (residential areas, neighborhoods, hostels, courtyards, parks, suburban recreation and tourist camps and other recreational areas) creates conditions for the development of physical culture and sport, organizations with an interest in this area coordinates its activities.

20.4. The rest of the population and the development of physical culture and sport covers the following tasks:

20.4.1. In accordance with this Law, sport clubs, schools, sports facilities and other physical education and sport organizations and the creation of networks;

20.4.2. residential areas of physical education and sports activities for the development and implementation of integrated calendar plan;

20.4.3. residential areas of physical education and sports facilities for designing assignments, including sports camps, rooms, pools, courts, and other recreational areas, parks and sports grounds simple, physical education, health and other areas to be included in health and sports facilities.

20.5. Residential and recreational areas, physical education and sport in the creation of conditions required for the citizens of leisure is funded by the relevant government agencies and municipalities.

Article 21. Physical education and sports in prisons

21.1. Persons deprived of their liberty in the management of prisons in physical education and sports provides conditions for the existence and organizes sporting events.

21.2. Today, the division of physical training prisons, including at least one hour per day in the morning gymnastics and sports are supposed to be doing.

21.3. In addition to the established norms of penitentiary establishments in physical education and sports wear for sports at their own expense and shall be entitled to obtain the tools.

Article 22. Adaptive physical education, physical rehabilitation

of disabled children and persons with disabilities

22.1. Among the disabled children, and people with disabilities and their rehabilitation shall the development of physical education and sports.

22.2. The relevant executive authorities and municipalities in accordance with the laws of the Republic of Azerbaijan disabled children and disabled people an opportunity to become involved in physical education and sport, buying special equipment and provides assistance to support the integration of physical education and sports.

22.3. Children with disabilities and rehabilitation of persons with disabilities through physical education and sport-specific training for the organization and conduct of scientific-methodical and medical care, doctor's supervision is carried out by the relevant executive authorities.

22.4. Adaptive physical education and sport through the use of adaptive methods of disabled children and persons with disabilities, rehabilitation centers, physical rehabilitation and social adaptation of persons with disabilities in physical education and sports clubs, as well as other sports and sports organizations is carried out.

22.5. The development of sport for disabled children and disabled the advantage of being involved in sports, and mass distribution principles.

22.6. Educational institutions for children with disabilities, and people with disabilities in accordance with their individual abilities and taking into account health status, adaptive physical education, and private lessons are organized using adaptive sports.

22.7. The relevant executive authorities and municipalities, physical education and sport organizations, including persons with disabilities, physical education and sports associations with the participation of disabled children and persons with disabilities in physical education, sports and organizes sports and fitness activities, sports and adaptive schools for children and youth children and youth clubs and create adaptive physical training.

22.8. Paralympic, Deaflympic, Special Olympic committees, their local offices, sports clubs are located in accordance with the law of state-owned buildings and other facilities free of charge.

Chapter V

Children and Youth sports

Article 23. Organization of children and youth sports

23.1. Children and youth sports to ensure a healthy lifestyle for children and young people, strengthening the health, personal development, and to provide continuous education system in the reserve forces of the national team aims to develop.

23.2. Organization and development of children and youth sports in Azerbaijan  involve  the followings:

23.2.1. the relevant local authorities;

23.2.2. municipalities;

23.2.3. educational institutions, as well as educational institutions in the field of physical education and sport, children and youth sport coaches working in the field;

23.2.4. children and young people in sport and physical education and sports-oriented organizations carrying out education, physical education, health and sports associations, children and youth non-governmental organizations that contribute to the development of the sports.

Article 24. Children and young people's physical education system

24.1. Children and young people's physical education system for children and youth training process, the implementation of mass sports events, sports, seminars, competitions, as well as provide for their participation in international competitions.

24.2. Secondary, vocational, secondary and higher education institutions, educational programs and strengthening of health, physical development, to meet the demand activity, as well as increasing levels of physical training children and young people to gain experience in order to improve the teaching of physical education are mandatory.

24.3. Physical education of children and youth sports schools, sports clubs, sports mastery of the high schools, the Olympic training centers, sports facilities and sports organizations in the production of garments, children's and young people's physical education can be established and operate against the public unions.

Article 25. Out-of-school educational institutions in the field of physical education and sports

25.1. Educational institutions in the field of physical education and sports shall be as follows:

25.1.1. sports schools for children and youth;

25.1.2. technical sports schools for children and youth;

25.1.3. adaptive sports schools for children and youth;

25.1.4. sports school of Olympic reserve in children and youth;

25.1.5. mastery of high school sports;

25.1.6. Olympic reserve schools;

25.1.7. Olympic training centers.

25.2. Children and youth in the schools, technical schools, and children and young people involved in various sports were made to be engaged in their sport-specific knowledge and skills acquisition, developed a comprehensive training of young athletes, and other such issues are not resolved.

25.3. Regardless of ownership of the children and youth sports schools for children and youth sports schools and their activities and programs approved by the relevant executive authority shall be exercised in accordance with regulations.

25.4. Olympic reserve in children and youth sports schools, sports mastery of the high schools, schools of Olympic reserve and national teams in various sports in the Olympic training centers in the reserve forces developed in order to provide a thorough preparation is carried out by high-grade athletes.

25.5. Reserve forces in the sport, and the duration of the stages of development of high-grade athletes in various sports by the relevant executive authority approved the application is determined in accordance with regulations.

Article 26. Children and Youth Sports Associations

26.1. Children and youth sports associations  shall ensure the training of  reserve forces and  development of high-level athletes.

26.2. Children and youth sports associations shall be as follows:

26.2.1. physical education staff;

26.2.2. children's sports clubs;

26.2.3. local sports clubs;

26.2.4. physical education, health and sports sections.

Article 27. Medical supervision over the children and young people engaged in physical education and sports

27.1. Physical education classes, state and municipal medical institutions as well as sports sessions and competitions for children and young people who are admitted to a medical examination.

27.2. Physical education medical dispensaries together with clinics, doctors, physical education and sports establishment, instructors  and coaches shall maintain a registry of children and young people, their health, physical condition and level of development.

27.3. Management and heads of out of school physical education and schools and educational institutions shall bear responsibility for damage caused to health of children and young people permitted to take part at sports events and competitions without official permits issued by the medical institutions.

Article 28. Establishment Logistics base and conditions  for training reserve sports forces

28.1. In the reserve forces for the development of training and material-technical base.

28.2. The purpose of the reserve forces with the material-technical base of the sports include:

28.2.1. children and youth sports schools, schools of Olympic reserve, Olympic training centers in their academic profiles directly on the sports facilities, gyms and other sports facilities;

28.2.2. special sports equipment, sports equipment and equipped with the tools, training and sports facilities, swimming pools, gyms, sports camps and other health care;

28.2.3. accordance with the regulations approved by the relevant executive authority of Olympic reserve schools and dormitories for the Olympic training centers (including the dining room);

28.2.4. sports development and sports mastery of highly trained individuals in groups, as well as for sports fields in free nutrition education classes.

28.3. Reserve forces within their own resources in the relevant executive authority in charge of the preparation of the sports organizations, especially children and youth sports schools, the Olympic training centers, sports facilities, sports equipment, technical facilities, sports wear and other accessories to be supplied assists.

28.4. State and municipal educational institutions, sports facilities belonging to them the next time courses, resorts and holidays in the areas of physical education and sports organizations including educational institutions in this area in accordance with the requirements and conditions to allow them to make use of.

Chapter VI

National teams

Article 29 Establishment of the national teams

29.1. The national teams shall compose  main and reserve positions of the respective age groups.

29.2. Included in the national team athletes, coaches and other experts, taking into account the opinion of the relevant national sports federations, are approved by the relevant executive authority.

29.3. The national teams of the material-technical, scientific-methodical, medical-biological, medical and provision of anti-doping is carried out in the manner specified by the relevant executive authority.

Article 30 Establishment of the national teams

30.1. Lists of candidates for national teams in various sports athletes each year by national sports federations are defined and approved by the relevant executive authority.

30.2. The national teams of athletes nominated for the formation of lists of common principles and criteria and procedures for the approval of the list is determined by the relevant executive authority.

30.3. The participation of national teams in international competitions and international competitions, scientific and methodological training, and medical provision of executive power bodies, the National Olympic, Paralympic, Deaflympic and Special Olympic committees and national sports federations.

30.4. Training and participation in international competitions of national teams at international competitions complex scientific and developed by teams and approved by the relevant executive authority is carried out on the basis of training programs and plans.

Article 31 Activity against doping means and (or) methods

31.1. Athletes who took part in sports competitions as well as doping agents in relation to animals and (or) methods shall be prohibited. Banned the use of doping in sport and (or) methods are approved by the relevant executive authority.

31.2. Athletes and sports competition doping control in the body or in the presence of animals doping by athletes for doping during the preparation for sporting events and (or) the fact that the methods used to determine the biological sampling and study them.

31.3. Means of doping and (or) actions against the use of methods are as follows:

31.3.1. domestic and international athletic competitions to determine the mandatory doping control;

31.3.2. means of doping and (or) the use of methods, as well as to promote the use of them, or to make use of some of the responsibility;

31.3.3. In addition to the composition of foods, drugs and doping by means of falsification of them, such as the sale of medicines and food products, as well as doping agents of development, production, use of tools and methods that are available in their areas of responsibility for the dissemination of information on the identification;

31.3.4. means of doping and (or) prevention methods;

31.3.5. Improving skills of specialists in charge of doping control;

31.3.6. educational institutions in the field of physical education and sports doping education programs, facilities, and (or) methods athletes about the dangers of units to be included in the body;

31.3.7. anti-doping propaganda in the mass media;

31.3.8. development of new methods of doping control the conduct of research;

31.3.9. physical education and sport organizations in doping control rules, athletes, coaches, doctors and other experts to determine liability.

31.4. The doping control procedures are approved by the relevant executive authority.

31.5. Implement control measures in the field of sports federations in the Republic of doping, doping and (or) the athletes and doping methods and (or) to take appropriate action against those who are forced to use methods.

31.6. The organizers of sporting events to the terms of international sports organizations, in compliance with the requirements of the decisions and create conditions for doping control.

Chapter VII

Professional sports

Article 32.  Legal regulation of relations in the field of professional sports

32.1. Relations in the field of professional sports in this Law and other regulations.

32.2. According to the regulation of labor relations in the field of professional sports athletes in the sport of labor functions of the type (s) prepare to compete for, and achieved a high level of participation, staff (coaches and other professionals) work function of the training process, participation in competitions and the high achievements of athletes implies that led them to make inclusion work.

32.3. Preparation for and participation in professional sports, the sports of professional (labor) of the athletes selected in accordance with the laws of wages and (or) receive a cash prize.

Article 33. Sports arbitration

33.1. Disputes in accordance with the legislation in the field of professional sports shall be settled via  arbitration.

33.2. Sports arbitration shall be a temporary authority established  to settle the disputes in the field of professional sports. It shall be established not later than 5 working days of achieving agreement on referring the disputes to arbitration. 

33.3. Sports arbitration composition (less than 3 persons), rules, dispute location, duration, shall be determined by mutual agreement of the parties to arbitration technical assistance. The chairman of the arbitration arbitrators chosen by its members. Disputes with the subjects of physical education and sports reviews.

33.4. Sports arbitration decision shall be taken by majority vote, and recorded in the minutes. The parties agree with the decision of the arbitration shall be documented.

33.5. The parties agree in advance to binding arbitration decisions, arbitration and dispute resolution shall be deemed to be the final solution to the dispute be allowed to continue.

CHAPTER VIII

Legislative bases of physical education and sports

Article 34. Recognition of sports types and sports subjects

34.1. The relevant executive authority:

34.1.1. sports and sports disciplines spread across the country recognize the authority shall be exercised in the manner prescribed;

34.1.2. sports, as well as the state register of national sports, sports that are included in the list of subjects, forms and approve codes of sports and sports subjects.

34.2. Spread throughout the country in recognition of sports and sports subjects are approved by the relevant executive authority. Only subjects in the country's well-known sports and physical education and sports activities may be undertaken.

Article 35 State register of the republican sports federations

35.1. Article 10.3 of the Law of the republican sports federations shall be included in the state register in the manner specified by the state accreditation after the sports federations of the country. The rule of maintaining the registration of the republican sports federations in the state register shall be defined by the relevant executive authority.

35.2. State register of the republican  sports federations regulations shall be included  the information stipulated in Article 35.1

Article 36. State Register of Sports

36.1. Well-known sports types and subjects   in the country shall be included  in the state register. Sports rules of the state register shall  set by the relevant executive authority.

36.2. Promotion and dissemination of types of sports not recognized by the relevant executive authority and not included in the state register shall be prohibited.

Article 37. Sports titles, sports ranks,  classification categories of coaches, classification rates referees

37.1. The sports ranks, sports titles, classification categories and classification rates of the coaches shall be  determined by the relevant executive authority of  the Republic of Azerbaijan.

37.2. Requirements and standards of sports titles, sports rates, classification categories of coaches and is reflected in the Unified sports classification.

Article 38. The Unified Sports  Classification of the republic

38.1. The Unified sports classification of the republic shall define names of the respective sports, sports rates,  classification of coaches and sports categories  necessary for the granting of classification rates to referees as per the types of sports included in state register  Regulations of the Unified sports classification of the republic shall define the terms of their implementation. The Unified sports classification of the republic shall be approved by the relevant executive authority.

38.2. The procedures of granting classification rates to the referees, norms and standards required for relevant as well as rights and duties of referees shall be defined by regulations on sports referees.  Regulations on referees approved by the relevant executive authority based on  the presentation of the sports federations.

38.3. Classification of the unified sports classification shall be approved by the relevant executive authorities of the republic by taking into account the proposals and recommendations of  national sports federations, national Olympic, Paralympic, Deaflimpic, and Special Olympic committees.

38.4. Sports titles, sports rates, classification categories of coaches, sports, and honorary classification rates shall be defined by the relevant executive authority and by the physical education and sports organizations appointed by it.

Article 39 Unified calendar plan of the international physical education and sport events

39.1. The unified calendar plan  national and international schedule of physical education and sports in the territory of the Republic of Azerbaijan,  complex sports events,  national and international competitions, as well as the training and participation of national teams in international competitions shall be the main document which provides a list of activities, the time and place of events.

39.2. The unified calendar plan  national and international schedule of physical education and sports in the territory of the Republic of Azerbaijan shall be prepared by the relevant executive authority, hon the basis of presentation of  national and international sports federations,  and approved on the eve of a new calendar year, and sent to the relevant authorities, the republican physical education and sports organizations, national sports federations. This document shall be also published in physical education and sports newspapers in order to inform the national sports community.

39.3. The rules of funding and norms of expenditure of  physical education and sports events of national and international sport events and sporting events included in the calendar of events in the organization and conduct of the funding rules and norms of expenditure shall be  approved by the relevant executive authority.

Article 40. Physical Education and Health, Organization of Sports Events

40.1 The organizers of physical education and health and sports events shall define certain rules and conditions, and be responsible for their organization. The organizers shall be entitled to suspend, change the time, finalize and approve the results of the events.

40.2. The right to use the names and symbols of physical education and health, and sports events shall belong to their organizers. Placement of advertising in the venues, broadcasting the events on television and radio taking photos of the events and defining the manufacturers of the uniforms, equipment, and materials shall belong to the organizers of these events.

40.3. Legal and natural persons specified in Clause 40.2 of this law may use the rights only on the basis of agreements signed between them and the organizers.

40.4. Physical education and sports activities and sports events or competitions shall be organized and conducted according to the regulations approved by their organizers.

40.5. Safety of the athletes, audience of the physical education and sports activities and sports events shall be ensured by the relevant executive authority and the organizers of the events.

Article 41. The Rules of the Sports Types

41.1. The rules of sports types included in the state register  shall be developed by the republican sports federations in accordance with the rules of international organizations and approved by the relevant executive authority.

41.2. Military and sports rules shall be approved by the relevant executive authority.

41.3. The rules of sports types  shall be developed by the national sports federations and approved by the relevant executive authority.

Article 42. Rights and Obligations of the Athletes

42.1. Athletes have the following rights:

42.1.1. to choose the types of sports which they are interested in;

42.1.2. to take part in the competitions chosen by them In accordance with the rules and regulations on sports types;

42.1.3. to get classification rates and titles by meeting the requirements of the republican Unified sports classification;

42.1.4. to conclude the employment contracts in accordance with legislation;

42.1.5. to keep the average monthly wage at the workplace during the training for republican and  international sports events and to enjoy the benefits defined in legislation;

42.1.6. to use free of charge the state-owned sports facilities and sports equipment, medical care and supervision and to be provided with clothing, trips, accommodation, meals and other expenses during the preparation for and participation in sports competitions;

42.1.7. to use other rights in accordance with the legislation of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

42.2. Obligations of the athletes are as follows:

42.2.1. decently represent sports organizations to which they belong to, region, city, country at national and international sports competitions;

42.2.2. to take an active part in training and other preparatory events , to fulfill the tasks and requirements of coaches, and constantly raise the level of sports skills;

42.2.3. to comply with safety regulations and requirements during the training process, and take part in competitions;

42.2.4. to pass through a mandatory doping control, not use doping means and (or) methods;

42.2.5. to comply with ethical requirements in the field of sports;

42.2.6. to comply with the requirements of competition regulations and event organizers;

42.2.7. to comply with sanitary-hygienic and medical care norms and requirements, to pass regular medical examination;

42.2.8. to learn the knowledge on  physical education and sports, the Olympic movement and international sports;

42.2.9. Perform other duties in accordance with the laws of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

Article 43. Rights and Responsibilities of Coaches

43.1. The coaches have the following rights:

43.1.1. specialization in sports type (s) in physical education, sports organizations, sports schools as coaches and teachers;

43.1.2. In accordance with the relevant statutory requirements to participate in the selection children and young people, and implementation of these actions;

43.1.3. According to the training programs to staff the  training and development groups, to organize their activities;

43.1.4. to use the facilities for the preparation of promising athletes;

43.1.5.  to be awarded due to the best results achieved by their athletes and teams to be nominated to  state awards;

43.1.6. In accordance with the legislation of the Republic of Azerbaijan to use other rights.

43.2. The obligations of the coaches are as follows:

43.2.1. to operate in accordance with training program provided in the organization where they work;

43.2.2. to ensure medical checkup of  those involved in sports during the established period;

43.2.3. To help the athletes to pass the mandatory doping control, and prevent the use of other means and methods;

43.2.4. ensure the development of high-grade athletes, to increase their sports skills in the groups  led by them;

43.2.5. During the training process to use effectively the sports facilities  and other equipment in accordance with established rules and regulations;

43.2.6. to ensure spirit of patriotism and moral education of all athletes , their readiness to defend the country;

43.2.7. to ensure the participation of the athletes in  national training camp, training processes and competitions;

43.2.8. to advance their skills, to increase professional level, acquiring knowledge and skills;

43.2.9. To carry out other duties in accordance with legislation of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

Article 44. Agreement on Sports Activities

44.1. Agreement on sports activities is a written form of the agreement concluded between the athletes (coach, specialist), and the physical education and sports organization.

44.2. Physical education and sport organization shall ensure the participation, payment of wages, benefits to be paid to the athletes and other obligations which are not contrary to legislation.

44.3. Contracts concluded with the athletes who are the members of national teams shall be agreed with the relevant executive authority and registered with the republican sports federation and the performance of the contract shall be under control.

Article 45. Transfer of athletes from the sports organization to another one

45.1. Athletes has the right to transfer form one sport organization to another organization (at the same time, foreign) upon expiration of in the contract.

45.2. Athletes from other sports organization did not reach the end of the contract term through mutual agreement between the two organizations and athletes can take place as a result.

45.3. Transferring the athletes to other sports organization prior to expiration of the contract shall be ensured by mutual agreement of both organizations and athletes.

45.4. Transferring the athletes included in national team to another organization (sports club and other sports-oriented entities), also to foreign sports clubs shall be ensured by official consent of the relevant executive authority.

Chapter IX

Personnel, scientific-methodical and medical support to physical education and sports

Article 46. Training of specialists in the field of physical education and sports

46.1. Training of specialists in the field of physical education and sports is carried out in accordance with the  law on education.

46.2. State supports educational in strengthening the logistics in the field of physical education and sports. Strengthening the logistics shall mean the existence of sports facilities, equipment.

Article 47.  Improvement of the qualification of  the employees acting in the field of  physical education and Sports

47.1. The relevant executive authority shall create conditions for the employees of  physical education and sports organizations to improve their skills.

47.2. The relevant executive authorities, municipalities, and physical education, sports organizations, educational institutions and professional development of employees can be carried out on the basis of contracts concluded.

Article 48. Professional pedagogical activity in the field of physical education and sports and professional activity in the field of health care

48.1. Professional pedagogical activity in the field of physical education and sports shall be allowed only to the persons having higher educational or vocational documents (diplomas) issued by educational establishment.

48.2. Only the persons possessing documents (diplomas) on higher education or vocational training issued by educational establishments are allowed to act in the field of treatment and physical education.

48.3. demand for physical education and sports professionals in the country is determined by the relevant executive authority.

48.4. Persons fulfilling the standard of certain sports types and passing special coaching courses shall be permitted to act in physical education and sports-oriented organizations, sports schools as coaches.

Article 49. The organizers (sport volunteers) working on a voluntary basis in the field of physical education and sports

49.1. Coaches carrying out the work on a voluntary basis shall pass training in the field of physical education and sports defined by the relevant executive authority which shall develop the list of coaching, sports, gymnastics instructors, referees, sports and fitness and sports organizers (sports volunteers).

49.2. The sports volunteers who have not completed special training shall not be involved in teaching of physical education and sports as well as official physical education and sports events.

Article 50. Scientific-methodical and scientific-technical support to physical education and sports

Conducting research in the field of physical education and sports, and on the basis of the state or  other orders shall be conducted by scientific centers, research institutes, laboratories as well as educational institutions in accordance with the legislation of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

Article 51. The medical care of persons engaged in physical education and sports

51.1. Medical care of the persons engaged in the provision of physical education and sports shall be as follows:

51.1.1. regular monitoring the health of these persons;

51.1.2. assessment of the appropriateness of the physical burden on their health;

51.1.3. prevention of these persons, treatment of their injury, and their medical rehabilitation;

51.1.4. their rehabilitation through methods and means used in physical education and sports classes.

51.2. Organizers of physical education and sports events shall prohibit the participation of the persons not passing medical examination within the specified period, or not allowed to participate in physical education and sports activities according to the results of medical examination in such events.

51.3. Measures of physical education and sports events organizers, participants are required to provide medical care and assistance.

51.4. Individuals who are engaged in physical education and sports shall pass mandatory initial and periodic medical examinations as well as  medical examination before the competitions. Only the athletes passing the mandatory medical examination shall be allowed  to participate in competitions.

51.5. Relevant executive authority shall be entitled to stop sports events and other sports competitions not provided with medical hesitancy as well as remove those who have not passed the mandatory medical examination from training processes and physical education and sport events.

Chapter X

Logistical support to physical education and sports

Article 52. Sports facilities

52.1. Sports facilities shall belong to social infrastructure facilities.

52.2. Placement of  sports facilities shall be ensured in accordance with applicable legislation.

52.3. Design and construction of sports facilities shall be provided according to the requirements on  ensuring unimpeded passage of  the disabled.

52.4. Plans on construction of residential areas  shall include the construction of physical education, health and sports facilities.   Representatives of the relevant executive authorities on physical education and sports shall be included in the composition of the commission  accepting the residential areas.

52.5. The standards of ensuring the residential areas with physical education, health and sports facilities shall be determined by the relevant executive authorities depending on the population density  local climatic conditions.

52.6. Plans for the construction or reconstruction of educational institutions shall include the construction of physical education, health and sports facilities.

52.7. Individuals and legal entities owning or possessing  sports facilities shall supply  the venue of  physical education and sport events with technical equipment according to technical regulations, standards  and procedures, sanitary and hygienic norms and guidelines established by the relevant executive authority.

52.8. Privatization of state-owned sports facilities shall be carried out in accordance with the legislation of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

52.9. Sport facilities shall be only used for physical education, sport events and cultural events.

52.10. The relevant executive authorities and municipalities shall regulate the access rates and  subscription price for using such facilities  belonged to them.

52.11. Olympic training centers for Olympic types of sports shall be established within the Olympic facilities operating in the country and their operation shall be ensured.

Article 53. Status of lands used for physical education, health and sports facilities

53.1.  Allocation of land for physical education, health and sports facilities shall be determined by the legislation of the Republic of Azerbaijan .

53.2. Plot of lands where stationary sports facilities of the state higher and secondary - vocational schools conducting the training of specialists in physical education and sports shall be belonged to the state and municipality ensuring  the implementation of mass physical cultural and sports  events.

Article 54. Financing of physical education and sports

Physical education and sports shall be financed by the funds allocated from the state budget of the Republic of Azerbaijan, obtained by conducting physical training and sports events, received from sports lottery, sports betting as well as  on account of donations made by individuals and legal entities and other sources not prohibited by legislation.

Article 55. The investment policy in the field of physical education and sport

55.1. In accordance with the legislation, state investment programs shall ensure the allocation of budget funds for strengthening and development of the logistics base of  physical education and sport organizations and making investments in this field.

55.2. For attracting off-budget investment in the field of physical education and sports privileges shall be considered for individuals and legal entities which make investments in development of physical education and sports.

 Article 56. Tax and customs policy in the field of physical education and sports

56.1. Tax and customs policy in the field of physical education and sports shall  implemented in accordance with applicable  legislation of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

56.2. Sports equipment, facilities and goods imported to the country by relevant executive authority for training national teams shall be exempted from customs duties.

Chapter XI

State social security system in the field of physical education and sports

Article 57. Sponsorship activity in the field of physical education and sports

Individuals and legal entities shall be  allowed to support the development of physical culture and sports in the Republic of Azerbaijan, the development of high-level athletes and teams according to legislation.

Article 58  State social security in the field of  physical education and sport

58.1. The state shall support the people demonstrating the highest achievement and special abilities in the sports by the following means:

58.1.1. Provision of an opportunity to take part at Olympic and Paralympic Games, and international sport events in the composition of  the national team;

58.1.2. Provision of  particular state pensions within a certain period of time for the athletes who qualify for the Olympic and Paralympic Games;

58.1.3. Defining awards for the results won at Olympic, Paralympic, Deaflympic  Games, World and European championships and equal participation in other international competitions;

58.1.4. Making other payments  for passing training and  participating at international competitions.

58.2. Criteria and procedures for granting scholarships to athletes and other payments shall be determined by the relevant executive authority.

58.3. State and municipal institutions in physical education and sports shall provide free services for the children from poor families, who lost their parents and children deprived of parental care, preschool-aged children, disabled children and persons with disabilities.

58.4. Pensioners and the persons belonging to other categories defined by relevant executive authority (municipalities) and studying at the state and municipal  physical education institutions shall provided with physical education and sports  on favorable terms. The list of benefits of organizations and their volume shall be defined by relevant executive authority in case of the state physical education-sports organization, and by the  municipalities in case of municipal  physical education-sports organization.

58.5. Municipalities, National Olympic, Paralympic, Deaflymic, Special Olympic committees, national physical education and sports associations, sports organizations shall be entitled to define monthly allowances for the winners of  the Olympic Games, World and European champions and the athletes and their coaches having high sports rank  and the professionals included in national team.

Article 59. Assessment the  labor  of  high level athletes and sports officials

Citizens of the Republic of Azerbaijan shall be entitled to get Olympic scholarships, stipends, prizes and honorary titles for merit and  outstanding achievements in the field of physical education and sports  according to the procedure established by the legislation.

Article 60  Insurance  of the citizens engaged in physical Education and sports

60.1. Terms and conditions of providing the citizens as well as athletes and sports referees engaged in physical education and sports, as well as athletes and sports referees with  insurance coverage shall be defined according to  applicable legislation of the Republic of Azerbaijan and agreements concluded with physical education and sports-oriented organizations.

60.2. Insurance of athletes who competed in the international competition shall be ensured  by organizations sending them.

Chapter XII

Final Provisions

Article 61. International cooperation in the field of physical education and sports

61.1. International cooperation in the field of physical education and sports shall carried out in accordance with international treaties and legislation.

61.2. Republican physical education and sports organizations shall be free in the international relations. They follow the international agreements acceded to by the Republic of Azerbaijan and  regulations and requirements relations approved by foreign countries and international sports organizations .

61.3. Physical education and sports  international organizations and their subsidiaries and representations may be established in the country. In accordance with the legislation. the republican physical education and sports organizations shall be entitled to attract foreigners and stateless persons as well as the funds obtained foreign countries, international organizations, foreign organizations, foreigners and stateless persons.

61.4. Persons holding positions of public or municipal services may be included in international sports and sports organizations carrying out activities in the territory of the Republic of Azerbaijan  the manner prescribed by legislation.

61.5. The right to officially represent the Republic of Azerbaijan in international competitions shall belong to the relevant executive authority, the National Olympic, Paralympic, Deaflympic, Special Olympic committees, national sports federations.

Article 62. Responsibility for violation of the law

Natural and legal persons  shall be liable for violation of Law of the Republic of Azerbaijan  in accordance with applicable legislation.

Article 63. Entry into force of the Law

63.1. This Law shall enter into force on the date of publication.

63.2. From the date of entry into force of this law,  law of the Republic of Azerbaijan on "Physical Education and Sports" dated December 23, 1997, the Law No. 417-IQ (Collection of Legislative Acts of the Republic of Azerbaijan, 1998, No.11, Article 642, 2001, No. 12 Article 736; 2005, No. 8, Article 684; 2007, No, Article 401, 2008, No. 7, Article 602) shall be considered invalid.

Ilham Aliyev,

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

Baku, 30 June, 2009.