Measurable impact
Positive outcomes and changes resulting from practices and initiatives.
Earth Guards Shieldfor Sports Sector Sustainability
A structured framework that measures how sports organisations adopt sustainability practices. It connects measurable impact with operational efficiency and sound governance, while encouraging continuous improvement in sport, management and community outcomes.
Total score100points
06strategic pillars
17Sustainable Development Goals
About the Foundation
Earth Guards Foundation is officially registered with the Ministry of Social Solidarity.
The Foundation is a nonprofit organisation and does not accept donations of any kind.
The Foundation appreciates offers of support. However, it asks all organisations and companies not to offer cash or in-kind contributions, in accordance with its policy against accepting any form of support, donation or contribution.
3eligible categories
17Sustainable Development Goals
6strategic pillars
100points Assessment
A comprehensive view of sustainability performance in the sports sector
Sustainability practices and their measured impact are now central to assessing sports organisations because they are closely tied to governance, responsible resource management, operational sustainability and social responsibility.
Earth Guards Foundation launched the competition to turn sustainability from a broad concept into clear, measurable institutional and operational practice. Participants are assessed against specific indicators of organisational maturity and demonstrated impact in each pillar.
Operational implementation
Integrating sustainability into management and daily operations.
Supporting evidence
Verifiable documents, data, reports, photos, certificates and links.
Continuous improvement
An objective assessment of organisational maturity that supports progress and constructive competition.
Eligible categories
Three eligible categories of sports organisations
Assessment considers the nature of each activity, organisational size, operating scope and available resources to ensure fair comparison.
01
Major and community sports clubs
Assessment is tailored to the sports organisation, its operating model and the scale of its activities and services.
02
Corporate and institutional clubs
Assessment is tailored to the sports organisation, its operating model and the scale of its activities and services.
03
Private sports academies
Assessment is tailored to the sports organisation, its operating model and the scale of its activities and services.
Competition objectivesEight priorities for lasting
Eight priorities for lasting
impact in sport
The competition brings operational efficiency, social responsibility, governance, innovation and impact measurement into one framework.
- 01
Integrate sustainability into sports organisations while balancing operational efficiency, social responsibility and responsible resource management.
- 02
Encourage sustainable operations that improve resource efficiency and reduce the environmental impact of sports activities and facilities.
- 03
Embed governance and transparency, and promote planning, impact measurement and continuous improvement in sports organisations.
- 04
Encourage more sustainable and inclusive sporting environments that widen participation and access across groups.
- 05
Promote innovation, digital transformation and modern technology to improve services, operations and participant experience.
- 06
Strengthen the social and developmental role of sports organisations, promote a sporting culture and support lasting initiatives.
- 07
Support self-assessment and continuous improvement through measurable indicators and clear ways to monitor institutional progress.
- 08
Create constructive competition based on institutional excellence, measured impact and leading sustainability practices.
Participation and eligibilityEligibility, evidence
Eligibility, evidence
and data confidentiality
These rules support fairness, equal opportunity and reliable assessment submissions.
Basic eligibility requirements
- Belong to an eligible category.
- Be officially registered and operate lawfully.
- Be actively operating at the time of application.
- Have operated for at least three years, subject to category-specific exceptions.
- Have a clear management and operating structure.
- Comply with laws governing sports activities.
- Have no substantiated serious violations affecting eligibility.
Clear, verifiable evidence
Reports, policies, records, performance indicators, photos, certificates and links are accepted when authentic, clear, organised and dated wherever possible.
Verification and review
Earth Guards Foundation may request additional information or documents at any stage to verify submissions and evidence.
Data confidentiality
Data is used only for assessment, analysis and reporting. It is not shared beyond assessment and adjudication without prior, explicit consent.
Strategic frameworkSix pillars grouping the
Six pillars grouping the
Sustainable Development Goals
Individual practices are the basic unit of assessment. The total score follows the approved weighting of each pillar.
20points
01Social responsibility
Supporting social wellbeing, improving quality of life and building more resilient communities.
Related Sustainable Development Goals:No PovertyZero HungerGood Health and Well-beingQuality Education
20points
02Workplace and institutional performance
Building a fair, inclusive and sustainable workplace while strengthening institutional governance.
Related Sustainable Development Goals:Gender EqualityDecent Work and Economic GrowthReduced InequalitiesPeace, Justice and Strong Institutions
15points
03Industry, innovation and infrastructure
Developing infrastructure and advancing innovation and technological transformation.
Related Sustainable Development Goals:Industry, innovation and infrastructure
15points
04Resource efficiency and recycling
Using resources efficiently and promoting sustainable production and consumption.
Related Sustainable Development Goals:Affordable and Clean EnergyResponsible Consumption and Production
15points
05Pollution prevention
Reducing environmental impact and improving environmental sustainability.
Related Sustainable Development Goals:Clean Water and SanitationSustainable Cities and CommunitiesClimate ActionLife Below WaterLife on Land
15points
06Sustainable partnerships
Strengthening collaboration and multi-stakeholder partnerships to advance sustainable development.
Related Sustainable Development Goals:Partnerships for the Goals
Assessment framework
Every point reflects a practice backed by verifiable evidence
The total assessment is 100 points across six pillars. Final scores reflect how well practices are implemented and supported by evidence.
Strategic pillarPracticeReferenceAdded valueScore
How scores are calculatedPillarWeight
Social responsibility
20
Workplace and institutional performance
20
Industry, innovation and infrastructure
15
Resource efficiency and recycling
15
Pollution prevention
15
Sustainable partnerships
15
Total100 points
Governance and adjudication
One multidisciplinary committee with clear safeguards
The assessment and adjudication committee includes experts in sustainability, management and sport, alongside Earth Guards Foundation representatives.
Independence and impartiality
Apply approved criteria consistently without discrimination or undue influence.
Confidentiality
Keep data, documents and assessment results confidential.
Conflicts of interest
Mandatory disclosure and recusal from assessing any affected organisation.
Results and recognition
Excellence that sets an institutional benchmark
Winners are determined by the highest overall scores, with balanced performance across pillars. Ties may be resolved using evidence quality, institutional impact and the durability of practices.
- Earth Guards Gold ShieldFor the highest-scoring organisation.
- Certificates of ExcellenceFor organisations achieving leading positions.
- Annual reportTo share exemplary practices and lessons learned.
- Use of the Shield emblemDuring the award cycle, subject to its rules.
Timeline
Results and Shield presentation
Dates for each cycle are announced when applications open and may be adjusted to meet delivery and quality requirements.
- 01
Official competition launch
Date set by the Foundation
- 02
Applications open
For 30 days from the announcement
- 03
Applications close
30 days after applications open
- 04
Application review and screening
15 days after applications close
- 05
Verification
30 days after application review
- 06
Adjudication
15 committee working days
- 07
Results announcement and Shield presentation
Three months after the competition launch
Before you begin
Answers based on the participation policies
Read the official guide for the full requirements, policies and method.
Open the official guide ←They are not mandatory in every case, but they can strengthen evidence of implementation and organisational maturity.
Policies, plans, reports, records, performance indicators, statistics, certificates, photos, supporting materials, links and any other evidence accepted by the committee.
It is used only for assessment, analysis and reporting. It is not shared beyond assessment and adjudication without prior, explicit consent.
No. The organisation completes the official form directly, then receives a reference number at the contact person email address to track the application.
Official participation form
Submit your organisation details, practices and evidence
No account is required. Keep the reference number sent after submission to track your application.