International Association of Athletics Federations

International Association of Athletics Federations

Abbreviation	IAAF
Formation	1912
Type	Sports federation
Headquarters	Monaco
Membership	214 member federations
President	Sebastian Coe
Website	www.worldathletics.org

The International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) is the international governing body for the sport of athletics. It oversees international competitions and sets standards and rules for the sport. The IAAF was founded in 1912 during the Olympic Games held in Stockholm, Sweden. Its headquarters are located in Monaco.

History

The IAAF was established on July 17, 1912, by representatives from 17 national athletics federations. The founding meeting was held during the 1912 Summer Olympics, with the aim of establishing a single body to standardize rules and regulations and oversee the development of athletics worldwide. The federation has grown to include 214 member federations.

Structure

The IAAF is structured into various committees and commissions that handle different aspects of athletic governance, including technical, competition, and anti-doping. The Congress, which is the general assembly of the member federations, meets every two years. The Council, elected by the Congress, is responsible for implementing the policies of the IAAF.

Competitions

The IAAF organizes several major global competitions, including the IAAF World Championships in Athletics, which is held every two years. Other competitions under its governance include the IAAF World Indoor Championships in Athletics, IAAF World Cross Country Championships, and the IAAF World U20 Championships.

Development Programs

The IAAF invests in development programs aimed at promoting athletics worldwide, particularly in developing countries. These programs include coaching education, facility development, and youth competitions.

Controversies

The IAAF has faced various controversies, particularly related to doping. The federation has implemented strict anti-doping measures and works closely with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) to ensure the sport remains clean.

Rebranding

In 2019, the IAAF announced a rebranding initiative, changing its name to World Athletics. The rebranding was part of a strategy to modernize the sport and make it more appealing globally.

See Also

• Athletics
• List of athletics competitions
• Sebastian Coe