The International Federations (IFs)

While the NOCs organise the Movement country by country, the International Federations (IFs) organise it sport by sport. The International Sports Federations are responsible for the integrity of their sport at the international level. They are international non-governmental organisations recognised by the IOC as administering one or more sports at world level, and the national federations that run those sports in each country are affiliated to them. While keeping their independence and autonomy, IFs seeking IOC recognition must ensure that their statutes, practice and activities conform with the Olympic Charter.

Role and functions of the IFs

• They manage and monitor the everyday running of the world's various sports disciplines, including the practical organisation of their events during the Games.
• They supervise the development of athletes practising their sports at every level.
• Each IF governs its sport at world level, ensures its promotion and development, and guarantees the regular organisation of competitions as well as respect for the rules of fair play.
• They may formulate proposals to the IOC concerning the Olympic Charter and the Movement, give opinions on the candidatures for hosting the Games (especially the technical capabilities of candidate cities), help prepare the Olympic Congresses, and take part in the IOC commissions.

Association of Federations

To discuss common problems and decide their event calendars, the federations have formed associations:

• the Association of Summer Olympic International Federations (ASOIF);
• the Association of International Olympic Winter Sports Federations (AIOWF); and …