International Federation of American Football

The International Federation of American Football (IFAF) governs two main disciplines: tackle football and flag football.

• Tackle Football
  Tackle football is the full-contact version of the sport. Teams aim to advance the ball into the opposing team’s end zone by passing or running, while the defence tries to stop the play by tackling the ball carrier. The sport is played in various formats, such as 11-a-side, 12-a-side, and 9-a-side, depending on the league or level of competition. Tackle football is physically demanding, and players wear protective equipment such as helmets and pads. Competitions under IFAF include the IFAF World Championship and continental championships for different age groups and genders.
• Flag Football
  Flag football is a non-contact version of American football. Instead of tackling, players pull a flag from the ball carrier’s belt to stop the play. This makes flag football accessible to a wider range of participants, including younger players and those who prefer a less physical version of the sport. The IFAF oversees both men’s and women’s flag football competitions, such as the IFAF Flag Football World Championship. Flag football has grown in popularity worldwide and was approved for inclusion in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.

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.

• Full Members are national federations that meet all the necessary criteria set by IFAF, such as legal recognition and adherence to organisational standards. These members have voting rights and participate in the IFAF Congress.
• Associate Members are organisations that are recognised but may not meet all the criteria required for full membership. They can participate in IFAF events but do not have voting rights.
• Allied Members are emerging federations that work closely with IFAF to develop the sport in their countries. They are supported by IFAF but do not have voting rights.

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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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.