The FIB Athletes Committee is conducting an evaluation among the players on how they experience the past season’s major championships. FIB is convinced that allowing the players to provide their ratings and opinions on the implementation of tournaments will develop the events for the benefit of players, other responsibilities and also the audience.
After the 2025 World Championships (WCS) the AC provided 5 top requests to hosting countries for future WCS. Those were medals (Most Valuable Player prizes, player of the game awards should be equal between gender), availability of stationary bike for warm-up, massage table, adequate gym or warm-up facility access near arena or hotel and tea, hot drinks and fruit available during games.
Rebecca Draper
The Chair of Athletes Committee is Rebecca Draper, USA and she is satisfied with the results of the new survey after the 2026 WCS Group A WCS for women and men in Pori, Finland, and Group B WCS for women and men in Uppsala, Sweden too:
-WCS athlete survey results revealed high levels of satisfaction in the transportation, venue and hotel locations, pre-game ceremonies, and off-ice warm-up and cool down facilities. The athletes are extremely grateful to the hosting countries and organizations for their hospitality, support, and dedication throughout the events. The efforts made by the hosts to accommodate athlete requests and create a positive, welcoming environment did not go unnoticed. Their commitment to enhancing the athlete experience helped make the Pori and Uppsala WCS events memorable both on and off the ice, and the athletes sincerely appreciate the time, care, and resources invested in making the events successful.
According to the results of the survey, the areas that could use improvement are increasing the on-ice warm-up time before games and locker/dressing room arrangements.
Rebecca Draper again:
-We do understand the time limitation before games because of the number of teams and games throughout the day/week. But if possible, the athletes would like more time on the ice for warm-up. The locker/dressing room arrangements were impractical and not equal among teams and genders in one of the locations which caused very low scores.
Overall, the survey results were very positive and reassuring, reflecting that the athletes feel their requests, feedback, and voices are being heard and valued by the hosting organizations.
Photo: Johanna Oikarinen
The players in Pori especially appreciated the inclusion of individual/team goal songs, which added a unique and personal element to the tournament atmosphere.
The goal music not only created excitement and energy during the games, but also helped bring teammates, supporters, and athletes from different countries together through a shared and memorable experience. Hearing personalized songs after goals fostered team identity, celebration, and unity, while also contributing to an engaging environment for everyone involved.
Rebecca Draper concludes:
-The athletes recognized and appreciated the effort the hosts put into creating an atmosphere that was both competitive and enjoyable for all participants.