Hoffenheim Adopts Protective Measures for Pregnant Players - Hoffenheim Establishes Support for Pregnant Athletes in German Soccer
TSG 1899 Hoffenheim Treads New Ground in German Women's Football with Maternity Protection Policy
Hoffenheim, a dynamic force in German women's football, has taken a significant step by offering contract extensions to its players who become pregnant during their final contract year. This decision sets a precedent for the compatibility of professional sports and family life, the club stated.
Under this policy, a player's contract will automatically extend for at least another year, maintaining the same economic conditions, if she gets pregnant. This move provides players with much-needed planning security.
"This decision aligns with the club's values as more and more professional female footballers have chosen to start families during their active careers. It's a natural step for us," explained Ralf Zwanziger, head of women's and girls' football at TSG.
Similar supportive measures exist in the USA, Italy, and Norway, including collective bargaining agreements and subsidies for childcare. Hoffenheim's new rule bridges the gap between FIFA guidelines, DFB implementations, and the current working conditions of female footballers.
Former national goalkeeper and Olympic champion Almuth Schult applauded the move by Hoffenheim's management. As a member of the board of the initiative "FUSSBALL KANN MEHR," she said: "It's a great boon that a German club like TSG Hoffenheim has finally taken this progressive step. As a mother, I can confirm it provides players the security and support they require."
In recent years, maternity protection policies for women in professional sports have significantly varied across countries and leagues. However, recent developments highlight global progress and model practices.
For instance, the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) in the USA offers maternity leave but specifics, such as duration and compensation, are not always publicly disclosed. The U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC) supports female athletes through its Women’s Health Taskforce, but there is no universal standard for maternity leave or contract security across all American sports.
In Italy, football (soccer) maternity policies are less detailed, but the country generally complies with or exceeds FIFA's minimum standards, offering 14 weeks of maternity leave, contract security, and other supportive measures.
Similarly, Norway, known for its progressive family policies, offers extensive parental leave and strong job protection for both parents, benefits that are generally extended to professional athletes.
Hoffenheim's move signifies a step towards a more supportive and inclusive environment in professional sports for women and families.
Vocational training in EC countries could benefit from adopting similar maternity protection policies as seen in German women's football, such as those implemented by TSG 1899 Hoffenheim. This could potentially enhance science-based research in health-and-wellness, specifically focusing on women's health, and promote better understanding of the impact of sports like football on women's bodies during pregnancy.
Furthermore, the implementation of such policies could positively influence the sports industry's attitudes towards supporting women in their career and family life balance. As more professional leagues and teams provide solutions that cater to the unique needs of women athletes, it could inspire growth in sports participation among women.
Lastly, a comprehensive approach to maternity protection policies across various industries, including professional sports, could help foster a more supportive and inclusive society that encourages women to pursue their passions while also building families.
