Setting up a National Federation

The requirements for setting up an National Federation (NF) varies by country, depending on governmental regulations. In general, the federation needs to be:

A not for profit organization
Registered with the Ministry for Sport (or equivalent agency)
Not pursue any objectives for its own gains
Recognized by the international federation (in this case, the iF3)
Recognized by your National Olympic Committee (NOC)
Structured in line with the iF3’s constitution.

This generally includes having:

Executive board
Relevant committees
Bylaws
Anti-doping policies
Code of ethics

Basic Setup Steps

Setting up a national federation can be simple to start (steps 1-3 below), but there are additional requirements to be officially recognized. Official recognition can take a year or more depending on your country’s regulations and how organized you are.

Check to see if an existing association or federation exists in your country.
Decide on a name, which generally describes the sport and that the organization is a federation, for example “German Functional Fitness Association.”
Create a website and social media platforms containing basic information.
File as a nonprofit company or organization with your federation name. This could be a sports association, corporation or other entity depending on the requirements of your government.
Put your executive board and committee chairmen in place.
Build the governance documents: bylaws, rules, etc. Make sure they meet the requirements of your NOC, the iF3, and your national government.
Apply for national recognition from your government (ministry of sport).
Apply for recognition from your NOC.
The iF3 will recognize your organization contingent on meeting all necessary requirements.

Rights and obligations

National Federations recognized by iF3 have the following rights:

To submit Resolutions for inclusion in the agenda of the Executive Board.
To propose candidates for the Executive Board and Committees of iF3.
To enter their athletes in any official competition of iF3, respecting the iF3 rules.
To take part in and benefit from iF3’s assistance, development and educational programs organized directly or through the NFs; and
To exercise all other rights arising from the iF3 Rules, and other rules decisions of iF3.

National Federations recognized by iF3 have the following obligations:

Member NFs must maintain full control and governance of Functional Fitness in their country.
The regulations of the iF3 shall be incorporated in the corresponding regulations of the NF.
NFs must manage their internal affairs with total independence and ensure that no third party interferes in their operations. They must remain autonomous and resist all political, religious and financial pressure that may infringe their commitment to abide by the Rules of the iF3. Any external form of interference or attempt to interfere must be reported to the iF3.
The rules and regulations of the federations shall not run counter to the rules and regulations of the iF3. In case of divergence, only the rules and regulations of the iF3 shall apply. The rules and the regulations of the federations must contain an express clause that in case of divergence with the rules and regulations of the iF3, only the latter shall apply.
The rules and regulations of the federations must make provision for an election or intern appointment system that ensures a complete independence of the national federation vis-à-vis third parties. In particular, the federations shall not allow governments and other public authorities to appoint members of the governing bodies of a federation.
Remain in good standing (including in good financial standing).
To comply with all applicable iF3 rules and decisions of the Executive Board.
To insert in their Rules such provisions as may be required by the iF3 regulations or other iF3 rules.
Member National Federations to pay the annual fee.
To include the iF3 Logo and the words “Member of iF3” in their letterhead.
All Members shall be required to submit an annual report within the first three months of each year, which shall include the following information:
– The mail address, email address, telephone, and fax, etc.
– A list of the Officers of the Federation.
– Annual statistics about active membership of the Member (clubs, athletes, coaches, officials, etc.)
– Major Championships and events to be held during the coming year, including date and location.
– A copy of the most recent financial statements.
Each NF shall incorporate in its Constitution a provision to the effect that all disputes between that NF and an athlete and iF3 shall be submitted to arbitration before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) for final and definitive resolution.

What happens next?

Once you complete and return the iF3 National Federation Affiliation Request Form, you will be notified by e-mail if your request has been accepted and any potential changes you need to make before acceptance can occur. You will then be added to the iF3 database. Your website and additional information will be added as it becomes available. Please let us know if you have any questions. Our mission is to help you and to promote the sport of Functional Fitness and its disciplines throughout the world.