The International Federation of American Football (IFAF) is the global governing body for American football, formed in 1998. It oversees both contact and non-contact versions of the sport, organising international competitions like the IFAF World Championship and IFAF Flag Football World Championship. IFAF’s headquarters are in La Courneuve, France, and the federation serves over 70 member nations across five continents. As of 2024, IFAF has 75 member nations.
The organisation is structured into regional branches: IFAF Africa, IFAF Americas, IFAF Asia, IFAF Europe, and IFAF Oceania. It promotes the growth of the sport through educational resources and supports national federations in their development. IFAF’s key goals include regulating the sport, promoting it worldwide, and representing it in global sports bodies.
Pierre Trochet, from France, has served as the IFAF President since 2021. The federation is recognised by major international bodies, including the Association of IOC Recognised International Sports Federations (ARISF) and the International Olympic Committee (IOC). In 2023, Flag Football was approved by the IOC for inclusion in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games. IFAF is also a member of the International World Games Association (IWGA), and its competitions are featured in global events like the World Games.
The governance structure includes an Executive Board, with positions such as the General Secretary, Vice President, and Directors for regions including Africa, Asia, Europe, Oceania, and the Americas. IFAF also has a strong commitment to clean sport, with strict anti-doping policies in place through the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). In addition, the federation works to strengthen its governance, promote ethical practices, and maintain transparency.
IFAF's mission includes promoting the global development of American football, ensuring fair play, and promoting sustainability. The federation works toward strengthening the sport's integrity and increasing its participation globally, with a special focus on promoting equality, inclusion, and accessibility within the sport.
The International Federation of American Football (IFAF) governs two main disciplines: tackle football and flag football.
Both tackle and flag football are governed by rules that ensure fair play and safety. The IFAF works to develop these disciplines by organising competitions, providing training resources, and supporting the growth of the sport in different countries. Each discipline is structured to accommodate various skill levels, from amateur to professional, and is promoted globally by IFAF.
Membership in the International Federation of American Football (IFAF) is open to national federations representing American football in their respective countries. Each country can have only one recognised national federation as a member of IFAF.
The membership is divided into three levels: Full Membership, Associate Membership, and Allied Membership.
To become a member, a national federation must apply to the IFAF, meet specific requirements, and be approved by the IFAF Congress. Membership gives national federations access to IFAF’s resources, international competitions, and development programmes, helping them promote American football in their countries.
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