The Right to Due Process in Sports Disciplinary Proceedings: Evaluating Procedural Fairness in Indonesian Sports Organizations

Abstract

Sports organizations exercise disciplinary authority over athletes, coaches, officials, and clubs, often determining sanctions that may have significant professional and financial consequences. Despite the importance of such decisions, internal disciplinary procedures may lack sufficient guarantees of independence, transparency, and procedural fairness. This article examines the application of due process principles in disciplinary proceedings conducted by Indonesian sports organizations. Employing normative juridical research, the study analyzes sports regulations, administrative justice principles, natural justice, and international standards of fair procedure. The research identifies several potential concerns, including conflicts of interest, inadequate notice of allegations, limited access to evidence, lack of independent adjudicators, and insufficient appeal mechanisms. The article argues that sports disciplinary authority should be constrained by minimum procedural guarantees regardless of whether proceedings occur within private sporting organizations. A sports-specific due process framework is proposed, incorporating prior notice, impartial decision-makers, the right to respond, access to relevant evidence, reasoned decisions, proportional sanctions, and independent appeal mechanisms. These safeguards would not prevent sports organizations from maintaining discipline but would enhance the legitimacy and credibility of disciplinary decisions. Strengthening procedural justice is essential to ensure that athlete governance remains compatible with fundamental legal principles and does not permit institutional authority to operate without meaningful accountability.