ABOUT US
Our Story
At IFAF (International Federation of American Football), we are committed to promoting and developing American football on a global scale. Since our founding, our mission has been to unify the international football community, support national federations, and provide opportunities for athletes, coaches, and officials to compete at the highest level.
With members from over 70 countries, IFAF leads the way in organizing international competitions, enforcing rules and standards, and creating development pathways for the sport across all continents.
Our Mission
Our mission is to grow American football worldwide, fostering international collaboration and excellence through competitions, education, and development programs.
We strive to make American football accessible and inclusive, creating opportunities for all ages and skill levels — from grassroots programs to elite international championships.
Why Choose IFAF?
IFAF is more than just a governing body — we are a global community of athletes, coaches, and football enthusiasts dedicated to the sport’s future. Here’s what sets us apart:
Global Reach: Representing member federations from over 70 countries across 5 continents.
Elite Competitions: Organizer of the IFAF World Championships and international youth, flag, and women’s events.
Player Development: Supporting athletes from youth to elite levels through structured development programs.
Fair Play & Integrity: We uphold the highest standards of ethics, safety, and sportsmanship.
Support for Federations: Offering resources, training, and guidance for national federations to grow the sport locally.
What We Do
International Competitions
We organize premier tournaments including the IFAF World Championship, IFAF Flag Football World Championship, Women’s World Championship, and youth-level events. These events provide athletes with the opportunity to represent their nations and showcase their talents on the world stage.
Development Programs
From coaching certification to officiating workshops, we provide education and training tools to support the growth of American football around the world.
Rules & Standards
We maintain and publish international rules for tackle and flag football, ensuring consistent and fair play globally.
Governance & Membership
IFAF supports its member federations through transparent governance, collaborative initiatives, and democratic decision-making. We aim to empower local federations to lead the sport in their regions.
Our Values
Unity
We believe in the power of sport to bring people together. IFAF promotes collaboration between nations, cultures, and communities.
Excellence
From officiating to competition, we strive for the highest standards in everything we do. Our focus is on continuous improvement and performance at all levels.
Inclusion
We are committed to making American football accessible to everyone — regardless of age, gender, or background.
Integrity
We uphold the principles of fairness, transparency, and accountability in all our operations and competitions.
Meet the IFAF Team
Our leadership and executive committees include passionate professionals with years of experience in sport administration and American football development.
We work closely with national federations, technical committees, and regional representatives to ensure a global, inclusive, and strategic approach.
Our Members
IFAF’s membership includes national federations from countries across:
North America
Europe
Asia
South America
Africa
Oceania
Testimonials
“Competing in the IFAF World Championship was a life-changing experience. The organization, the level of play, and the atmosphere were unmatched.”
— USA National Team Player
“IFAF’s coaching development program helped our federation build a stronger and safer youth football structure.”
— Coach, Germany