Swiss Active Association
Strengthening the fitness industry together – with over 500 locations across switzerland.
the association enhances transparency regarding the selection of topics, the involvement of members, and project communication.
About us
swiss active is committed to developing the health and fitness industry in a sustainable and non-populist manner through collaboration and shared values. As an association, swiss active brings together individual fitness centers, chain operators, and course provider. Today, the association represents more than 550 locations across switzerland.
As a member, swiss active supports you within the health and fitness industry and works with you to define the key topics of tomorrow that shape the everyday life of our members. Together with member institutions, swiss active is here for individual centers, chain operators, and course providers.
swiss active ensures that the interests of its members are heard in politics, the media, and the public sphere. With a strong focus on employer-related policies, the association advocates for favorable framework conditions within the industry. It maintains close relationships with partners and authorities, promotes collaboration among members, and fosters exchange with research institutions.
swiss active is guided equally by the needs of all its members — whether chain operators, individual centers, or course providers. Therefore:
it expands the member network.
it strengthens exchange and dialogue among members.
it continuously develops products and services for its members.
it continuously evolves as a learning organization.
Influential Player
swiss active provides information on the health and exercise industry and strengthens public relations efforts across all regions. To achieve this:
the association develops and publishes essential information on the key areas of development within the health and exercise industry.
it promotes knowledge transfer among stakeholders.
it raises awareness of the importance of the health and exercise industry.
it contributes to improving transparency in the health and exercise market.
swiss active promotes the professionalization of the health and exercise industry. To achieve this:
the association strengthens the positioning of the education system within the health and exercise industry for the benefit of the entire sector.
it reviews and anticipates the impact of developments in the health and exercise industry on competencies and on the various offerings, and uses this as a basis to further develop the industry.
Quality Assurance
swiss active is committed to quality assurance and development within the health and exercise industry. Therefore
it promotes the exchange among stakeholders in quality assurance and development.
it reviews and further develops both the Qualitop label and the structure of Qualitop.
Strong network and political engagement
Members of swiss active gain access to an extensive network and benefit from a variety of advantages. swiss active advocates for its members’ interests in the areas of education and training as well as at the political level.
swiss active maintains close contact with switzerland’s leading health insurers: within the swiss active advisory board, health insurers and swiss active experts engage in regular exchanges.
Entrepreneurial thinking and action
swiss active uses resources carefully. We rely on efficient organization in all our activities. Products and services are designed with a customer-oriented approach. The needs of members and stakeholders are regularly evaluated and taken into account in the further development of swiss active’s offerings.
Board of directors & executive office
Board of directors of swiss active
The board is responsible for the strategic management of the association. It receives its mandate for this leadership role from the members. All its decisions are transparent and communicated when necessary. The board consists of the following members:
Marcus Schwedhelm
President
Jochen Müller
Board Member
Thomas Akermann
Board Member
Roger Zürcher
Board Member
Patrik Meier
Board Member
Fabian Wetzel
Board Member
Executive office of swiss active
The executive office primarily handles the ongoing tasks within the association. These include, in particular, preparing the Board’s business, implementing the resolutions of the general assembly and the board, and ensuring the proper management of the secretariat.
Andres Malloth
Executive office
How do I become a swiss active member?
Join the swiss active community now and enjoy attractive benefits!
Mission, Vision & Ethics
swiss active is an association committed to the sustainable development of the health and fitness industry.
Tasks of swiss active
swiss active is actively involved in the political decision-making process to further develop the health and fitness industry. In doing so, the interests of its members are always represented.
swiss active promotes transparency and education in the health and fitness industry by providing access to scientific sources, trends, and news related to the sector.
swiss active sets positive examples through openness in the professional world and by maintaining a strong presence in the media.
swiss active offers its members a network for exchanging experiences and fostering collaboration within the industry.
swiss active provides companies with knowledge on business management as well as employee leadership.
swiss active aims to promote and sustainably ensure quality in the health and fitness industry.
Philosophy and culture
swiss active stands for the sustainable and transparent development of the health and fitness industry. In addition, swiss active is committed to promoting solution-oriented dialogue within the industry and aims to support people on various topics as a cooperation partner. Individuals and groups involved in the association’s activities communicate openly, transparently, and respectfully with one another. Freedom of opinion as well as political, ethnic, and religious neutrality prevail in all matters.
Ethics
swiss active is committed to promoting a healthy, clean, respectful, fair, and successful sport. We embody these values by ensuring that we – along with our bodies and members – treat others with respect, act transparently, and communicate openly. swiss active recognizes the current «ethics charter» of swiss sport and promotes its principles among its members.
swiss active, its direct and indirect member organizations, as well as all persons mentioned in Article 1, Paragraph 4 of the «ethics statute of swiss sport»(«ethics statut»), are subject to the ethics statute. swiss active ensures that all these persons, insofar as they belong to or can be associated with swiss active, acknowledge and comply with the ethics statute.
Alleged violations of the ethics statute are investigated by sswiss sport integrity. The disciplinary chamber of swiss sport (hereinafter: disciplinary chamber) is responsible for assessing and sanctioning confirmed violations of the ethics statute. The disciplinary chamber applies its procedural rules. Decisions of the disciplinary chamber may be appealed to the court of arbitration for sport (CAS) in Lausanne within 21 days of receiving the reasoned decision, excluding recourse to state courts.
Association Management
The office reports to the board. The managing director acts as a hub for all entities in contact with the association. All decisions are communicated transparently. Decisions of major importance are made by the association members. swiss active is independent and self-financed. The employees of swiss active promote the association’s work and image through open and appreciative communication as well as enthusiasm for their work. Development and quality are fostered through constructive feedback, with a strong emphasis on teamwork.
Constitution
The articles of association represent the fundamental charter of swiss active. Below you will find a detailed overview of the articles of association of swiss active.
Art. 1 Name and registered office
Under the name swiss active, an association exists in accordance with articles 60 et seq. of the swiss civil code (ZGB), with its registered office in Bern.
Art. 2 Purpose
swiss active is committed to safeguarding and promoting the common interests of fitness centers and organizations offering other physical activity programs.
swiss active aims to improve and ensure quality among providers of health-promoting physical activity. It also seeks to disseminate industry-relevant information to end consumers and related stakeholders.
Art. 2a Ethical principles
swiss active is committed to promoting a healthy, clean, respectful, fair, and successful sports environment. It embodies these values by ensuring that the association, its bodies, and its members treat others with respect and act and communicate transparently. swiss active recognizes the current “ethics charter” of swiss sport and promotes its principles among its members.
swiss active is subject to the ethics statute of swiss sport (“ethics statute”). swiss active ensures that all persons who belong to or can be associated with swiss active acknowledge the ethics statute as a guiding principle. Each member is independently responsible for implementing and complying with the ethics statute.
Alleged violations of the ethics statute are investigated by swiss sport Integrity. The disciplinary chamber of swiss sport (hereinafter: “disciplinary chamber”) is responsible for assessing and sanctioning confirmed violations of the ethics statute. The disciplinary chamber applies its procedural rules. Decisions of the disciplinary chamber may be appealed to the court of arbitration for sport (CAS) in Lausanne within 21 days of receipt of the reasoned decision, to the exclusion of state courts.
Art. 3 Membership
Membership is open to all legal entities or sole proprietorships that are active in the field of exercise and health.
The association has the following membership categories:
- Chain member
- Fitness center member
- Individual provider of physical activity Programs
Art. 3a Duties of members
Each member is obliged to contribute to the realization of the association’s statutory purpose and to uphold the reputation of the association
Each member is obliged to pay the annual membership fee. The amount of the annual membership fee is determined by the general assembly upon the proposal of the board.
Different membership fees may be set depending on the category. The determination of higher membership fees requires the approval of the general assembly.
Art. 3b Termination of membership
Membership terminates upon:
- Resignation
- Expulsion
- Death in the case of natural persons, or loss of legal capacity in the case of legal entities
Resignation must be submitted in writing to the board. However, the membership fee for the current year remains payable. Membership may be terminated with six months’ notice to the end of the calendar year.
Exclusion may occur without stating a reason. The board is responsible for the exclusion. Its decision is final; however, an appeal to the general assembly is possible
Art. 4 Bodies
The bodies of the association are;
- the general assembly;
- the board;
- the managing director;
- the auditors;
Art. 5 General assembly
The general assembly constitutes the supreme body of the association. It consists of all members of the association and convenes, upon invitation by the Board, either in person or, at the board’s discretion, as a written or email ballot. The written or email ballot is considered part of the general assembly.
Art. 5a Convocation
The ordinary general assembly is held annually within the first six months of the year. The invitation to the general assembly must be sent by the board at least 30 days in advance, in writing or by email, stating the agenda items.
An extraordinary general assembly shall be convened by resolution of the board, at the request of one fifth of the members, or upon application by the auditors. The invitation must be sent at least 10 days before the meeting.
Art. 5b Motions
Motions to be submitted to the ordinary general assembly must be addressed in writing to the president no later than two weeks in advance. For an extraordinary general assembly, this deadline is five days.
Art. 5c Tasks and powers
The tasks and powers of the general assembly are:
a) Approval of the minutes of the last general assembly;
b) Determination of the annual membership fee;
c) Election of the president, the other board members, and the auditors;
d) Acceptance of the annual report, the annual financial statement, and the auditors’ report;
e) Decision on the discharge of the board members and the auditors;
f) Consideration of motions from the board and the members;
g) Decision on important matters submitted to it by the board;
h) Adoption and amendment of the statutes;
i) Dissolution of the association.
Art. 5d Chairing of the general assembly
The general assembly is chaired by the president or by a chairperson appointed by the board.
Art. 5e Procedures
Resolutions at the general assembly are passed by open vote. Voting is conducted by secret ballot only if expressly requested by the majority of the members present.
Representation is not permitted for natural persons. Legal entities exercise their voting rights through an authorized representative.
When resolving on the granting of discharge to themselves, or on any legal transaction or legal dispute between a member and the association, the member concerned is excluded from voting.
Art. 5f Voting rights
The voting rights of members are determined by the number of fitness centers operated and certified by each member. Each operated and certified fitness center entitles the member to one vote. The number of votes for members with multiple fitness centers is determined by the Board at the beginning of each calendar year. The board shall issue regulations specifying the details of vote allocation.
New members without fitness centers who offer other physical activity programs are entitled to one vote each.
Art. 5g Resolution
The general assembly passes resolutions on the following matters by a two-thirds majority of the votes of the members present:
- Statute amendments
- Merger with a similar club
- Dissolution of the association (and use of the liquidation surplus)
Other resolutions of the general meeting require a simple majority of the votes of the members present. In the event of a tie, the chairperson shall have the casting vote
Art. 6a Board – Composition
The board (including the president) consists of a maximum of 11 members; if possible, it should have at least 5 members. The board is elected for a term of two years; re-election is possible.
With the exception of the president, board members must, at the time of their election, themselves be representatives or bodies or members of management of a member association. If a board member no longer meets these requirements, they must resign from the board at the latest at the next ordinary general meeting. The composition of the board should, as far as possible, represent the various categories and regions of the members in a balanced manner.
Art. 6b Constitution and convening
With the exception of the president, who is elected by the general meeting, the board constitutes itself. It is convened at the request of the president or at the request of at least two board members or the auditor.
Art. 6c Resolution
The board has a quorum if at least half of all board members are present. Board resolutions are passed by a simple majority of those present. In the event of a tie, the president has the casting vote. Circular resolutions require the unanimous consent of all board members.
When the board is making decisions on matters that concern the individual interests of a board member or otherwise create a conflict of interest that would make the member’s participation in the decision appear inadmissible, the affected member must recuse themselves.
Art. 6d Duties and powers
The board is responsible for implementing and executing the resolutions of the general meeting. It manages the association and takes all necessary measures to achieve the association’s purpose. The board has all powers that are not expressly assigned to another body of the association. In particular, these include:
a) the preparation and convening of ordinary and extraordinary general meetings (including by means of a written ballot);
b) the decision on the admission and possible expulsion of members;
c) the monitoring of compliance with the statutes, the drafting of regulations, and the management of the association’s assets;
d) bookkeeping;
e) the appointment of the managing director.
Art. 6e Representation
The board represents the association externally. Board members sign jointly with another board member or with the managing director. Board members may not be represented by other board members at board meetings. For this, a prior written notification by e-mail to the president is sufficient.
Art. 6f Commissions and working groups
The board may establish commissions and working groups at any time. The board also has the right to dissolve these commissions and working groups at any time. It issues its own regulations for this purpose.
Art. 7 Managing director
The board may delegate its duties and powers to a managing director, insofar as this is permitted by law. If the board decides not to appoint a managing director, the president shall manage the board’s business.
The managing director is elected by the board and is subordinate to it. He or she participates in the general meetings and board meetings in an advisory capacity.
Art. 8 Auditors
The general meeting may elect a natural or legal person, who does not have to be a member of the association, as auditor for a term of two years. Re-election is permitted. The financial year begins on January 1 and ends on December 31. The annual accounts are closed and an inventory is prepared as of December
The auditor submits a written report to the general assembly on the audit of the annual financial statements and makes a proposal to the general assembly regarding the granting or refusal of discharge to the board of directors and the managing director.
Art. 9 Advisory council
The board may appoint an advisory council. This council serves the board as a consultative body. The president also chairs the advisory council.
Members of the advisory council may be natural persons, legal entities, or partnerships that are closely associated with swiss active and/or have an interest in the well-being of the association.
Art. 10 Association assets
The association’s assets consist of the annual membership fees, the proceeds from the association’s activities (in particular, financial compensation from recognized certifiers), income from the association’s assets, any donations or legacies, and, if applicable, subsidies from public authorities.
Art. 11 Liability
Only the association’s assets are liable for the association’s obligations. The personal liability of the members for the association’s obligations is excluded.
Art. 12 Entry into force
These statutes were approved in their present, revised version (amendment of Art. 1, new Art. 2a, amendment of Art. 6a, 6c, 12) by the general assembly in 2024 and entered into force immediately.
Norms
All relevant information about standards
What is a standard?
Unlike laws, standards are voluntary and regulate social coexistence. They become binding if they are stipulated by contracts or if a regulation exists. Using Qualitop as an example, these standards define minimum requirements for the provision of exercise and health-promoting services.
A standard is therefore about ensuring quality. Quality is defined in different ways. One possible definition is that quality is the degree of conformity between customer expectations of a service or product and its actual characteristics.
Propose new standards or revisions
There are different ways to influence a standard, whether from within an organization or as a member of an industry association. At swiss active, you can acquire a membership and thus benefit from one of the added values: “having a say in the further development of Qualitop.”
What standards exist in the fitness industry?
Norms are generally recognized rules that are considered binding for living together in society.
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