Competing in an international fixture requires each participating team and Member Federation to meet a consistent set of requirements designed to ensure fair, safe, and well-organised competition.
These requirements apply equally across formats and are intended to give teams, officials, and organisers confidence that every fixture is delivered to the same high standard, regardless of discipline or venue.
Member Federations are responsible for organising travel and logistics arrangements well in advance of competition, ensuring squads, coaching staff, and equipment arrive at the host venue in good time. This includes planning for international transit, local transport between accommodation and competition venues, and any customs or documentation requirements associated with cross-border travel.
Federations should also account for time zone differences, climate, and altitude where relevant, allowing squads sufficient time to adjust before competing. Clear communication with the host organising committee in the lead-up to the event helps ensure that logistical arrangements align with the tournament schedule and venue access requirements.
All travelling personnel, including athletes, coaching staff, and team officials, must be covered by adequate insurance for the full duration of the competition period, including travel to and from the host country. Cover should provide protection against injury, illness, medical treatment, and repatriation where necessary, as well as any additional risks associated with international travel.
Member Federations are responsible for confirming that insurance arrangements meet the minimum standards required for participation and for providing evidence of cover as part of the accreditation process. Ensuring appropriate insurance is in place protects both the individual and the wider team, and forms a core part of each Federation’s duty of care to its delegation.
Team rosters must be submitted by the designated deadlines and in the format specified by IFAF, allowing sufficient time for accreditation, eligibility verification, and tournament planning.
Rosters should include all required athlete and staff details, and any subsequent changes must be communicated promptly and in accordance with the relevant procedures. Timely and accurate roster submission supports the smooth running of the competition, ensures compliance with eligibility criteria, and allows organisers to finalise accreditation, scheduling, and game day operations without delay.
All athletes should also retain a copy of their own identification document to ensure compliance with eligibility rules.
The health, safety, and wellbeing of every participant is a priority throughout international competition.
Member Federations must ensure that qualified medical personnel and appropriate medical provisions are available to their delegation, and that all athletes and staff are familiar with the medical and welfare protocols in place for the event. This includes emergency action plans, injury and illness reporting procedures, and safeguarding measures where relevant.
Federations are expected to work closely with the host organising committee and medical team on-site to ensure a consistent and coordinated approach to athlete welfare across the tournament.
All personnel should consult the IFAF Healthcare Guidelines for Event Organisers.
Athlete Pre-Participation Evaluation (PPE) forms are critical sports medicine documents used to assess an athlete’s readiness for physical activity.
They contain an athlete medical history questionnaire and a physical examination section to catch underlying conditions, such as cardiovascular and musculoskeletal risks.
The IFAF Athlete PPE forms and the IFAF Healthcare Guidelines for Event Organisers can be found on the Library section of the website under Health and Integrity.
