SPORTS BALLS

Soccer, volleyball, basketball, and rugby are played the world over, but most people don't think twice about the origin of the sports balls that are so central to these games. The majority of these balls are hand-stitched, often by workers who labour long hours under strenous conditions for far less than legal minimum wage. In many cases, children must also work to supplement their families' income either in bonded labour or at home. An estimated 7000 children aged 5 to 14 work full-time stitching sports balls in northern Pakistan. Under the umbrella of FLO (Fairtrade Labelling Organizations International), workers who assemble Fair Trade Certified sports balls are guaranteed a minimum wage an fair employment conditions, as well as a premium to invest in social and economic initiatives intheir communities.


Sports Balls

	"Right To Education" Soccer Ball Code: SB-Globe Price: $32.95 Quantity in Basket: none
	"Waves" Soccer Ball Code: SB-Waves Price: $32.95 Quantity in Basket: none

These sports balls are all certified by TransFair U.S.A. You can look for the label on each ball.


International Fair Trade Standards for Sports Balls:

• Forced labour and child labour of children udner 15 years old is prohibited. Children aged 15 and older cannot be doing work that compromises their health or education
• Workers have freedom of association and collective agreements. They have the right to establish or join an independent union, elect their advisors and design their own programs.
• Working conditions are equitable for all workers. Salaries must be equal to or higher than the regional average or the minimum wage in effect. A joint body of workers and management is formed to manage the Fair Trade Premium, with workers given the veto in decision-making. the Premium must be used for community development and improved working conditions.
• Health and safety measures must be established in order to avoid work-related injuries.