IFAF is committed to realising its vision to showcase, develop and grow the game of football around the world.
IFAF operates within a structured governance framework designed to ensure transparency, accountability, and effective delivery of its strategic objectives. At the highest level, the Federation is governed by a General Assembly (Congress), composed of its member federations. The Congress serves as a key decision-making body and meets annually to review and evaluate the Federation’s activities, set the strategic direction for the coming period, and reinforce strong governance across the organisation.
Between meetings of Congress, strategic oversight is exercised by the IFAF Board of Directors, the majority of whom are elected by the membership, including the President. The Board is responsible for defining the Federation’s long-term vision, approving strategic priorities, and ensuring leadership continuity. It provides oversight of IFAF’s affairs while acting in the best interests of the sport globally.
The Secretariat (staff) is responsible for the day-to-day management and operational delivery of IFAF’s activities. Operating under the direction of the Board, the Secretariat implements the approved strategy, manages programmes and events, administers membership services, and ensures compliance with the Federation’s statutes, regulations, and policies.
A series of standing and ad hoc committees support both the Board and the Secretariat by providing expertise, advice, and operational input across key areas of work. These committees contribute to policy development, technical and sporting matters, integrity, development, and other specialist domains, helping to inform decision-making and ensure that the Federation’s activities reflect the needs and perspectives of its membership.
The Congress plays a central role in democratic governance and accountability. It conducts elections for key leadership positions, including the President, members of the Board, and committee roles, ensuring transparency and accountability. The Congress is also responsible for approving Statutes, exercising oversight of membership matters, including the admission of new member federations as voting members, and considering financial reports and audit matters to ensure responsible financial management.
Finally, the Congress serves as an important forum for dialogue and collaboration, providing member federations with a platform to raise issues, exchange views, and propose initiatives. Through this inclusive process, members contribute to shaping the Federation’s priorities and agenda, ensuring that its governance and activities reflect the collective interests of the global community it represents.
Details on the structures can be found in the IFAF Statutes.
Details on those who serve IFAF on the Board and as staff members or committee members can be found in the Governance section of the website.
This vision and commitment is built upon 3 strategic pillars:
To Strengthen Global Development and Member Support
IFAF will strive to provide better, more direct support to member federations, ensuring that they have the tools and resources to succeed. IFAF, its partners and members will work together to grow the sport in new territories whilst enhancing internal processes to make IFAF more responsive and supportive. Strengthening these foundations will be the cornerstone of IFAF’s future.
To Accelerate Economic Transformation
IFAF will ensure financial sustainability and seek to build a more robust commercial foundation for the Federation and its members. In achieving this, IFAF will work to reduce competition costs, build commercial partnerships and explore new revenue-generating properties
To Innovate for a Sustainable and Modern Federation
IFAF commits to ongoing modernisation, digitising operations and innovating in competitions.
IFAF aspires to define itself as a stable, well-governed and socially responsible international federation.
This aspiration is built upon our collective values of:
Purpose, Inclusiveness, Fairness, Integrity, Unity and Excellence
and a commitment to sustainability and human rights.
IFAF is committed to acting as a responsible and ethical international sports organisation that contributes positively to society and upholds the values of the Olympic Movement. Social responsibility is embedded within the Federation’s governance, operations and activities, and is guided by internationally recognised standards, including the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.
The Federation promotes integrity, respect for human rights, inclusion and non-discrimination across all areas of its work. It seeks to place athletes at the centre of its activities, prioritising their wellbeing, safety and rights, and supports safeguarding, education and capacity-building initiatives for its members.
Environmental sustainability and community impact are recognised as important considerations in the Federation’s events, partnerships and programmes. IFAF works with hosts, members and commercial partners to encourage responsible practices and to maximise the positive social legacy of sport.
The International Federation of American Football (IFAF) has a clear objective to balance the social, economic and environmental impact of the sport of American football.
IFAF and its members are driven to support the UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the IOC’s Sustainability Strategy and make a positive impact on a series of the Sustainable Development Goals.
The IFAF Commitment
IFAF is committed to upholding the five Principles of the UN’s Sports for Climate Action Framework:
Principle 1 Undertake systematic efforts to promote greater environmental responsibility
Principle 2 Reduce overall climate impact
Principle 3 Educate for climate action
Principle 4 Promote sustainable and responsible consumption
Principle 5 Advocate for climate action through communication
These Principles will sit alongside cross-cutting work IFAF is undertaking to address the following Sustainable Development Goals
Goal 3 Good Health and Wellbeing
Goal 4 Quality Education
Goal 5 Gender Equality
Goal 11 Sustainable Cities and Communities
Goal 12 Responsible Consumption and Production
Goal 13 Climate Action
Goal 15 Life on Land
Goal 16 Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
Goal 17 Partnerships for the Goal
IFAF will strive to achieve the following commitments:
Commitment 1 Integrate sustainability into its policies, operations, and decision-making processes.
Commitment 2 Engage with stakeholders from across sport and wider society to share best practice and inform its work on its sustainability objectives.
Commitment 3 Provide sustainability resources and education for its member federations and promote best practice.
IFAF is committed to respecting, protecting, and promoting internationally recognised human rights across all aspects of its activities
The Federation’s approach to human rights is guided by the following principles:
Respect for human dignity, equality, and non-discrimination
Zero tolerance for abuse, harassment, exploitation, or any form of violence
Protection of the rights and welfare of athletes, athlete support personnel and anyone acting in any capacity within the sport
Fair and safe working conditions for all individuals engaged in Federation activities
Freedom of expression, association, and participation within the framework of the Federation’s statutes and regulations
