Alliances, associations, coalitions, consortiums, federations, foundations, guilds, societies, and other organizations representing, governing, or supporting sports and recreation are the focus of this part of our guide.
Organizations are essential in representing, governing, or supporting sports and recreational activities. These organizations may have various names that reflect their specific roles and structures.
Alliances and coalitions are formed when multiple organizations come together to achieve common goals. These can include efforts to promote fair play, enhance safety standards, or advocate for policy changes in sports. For example, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) is an alliance that works globally to combat doping in sports. Similarly, coalitions like the Sport and Recreation Alliance in the United Kingdom bring together various sports organizations to influence government policy and promote the benefits of sports and physical activity.
Associations and federations are often the governing bodies for specific sports. They set the rules, organize competitions, and ensure the integrity of the sport. The Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) governs soccer worldwide, overseeing international competitions like the World Cup, while the International Olympic Committee (IOC) coordinates the Olympic Games, bringing together athletes from around the globe to compete.
Consortiums and guilds are collaborative groups that pool resources and expertise to achieve shared objectives. Consortiums might focus on research and development, such as the Consortium for Academic and Research Ethics (CARE), which supports academic integrity in sports science. Guilds, on the other hand, often represent professionals within a sport, ensuring their rights and interests are protected. For instance, the UK's Professional Footballers Association (PFA) represents soccer players, providing support and advocacy on issues like contracts and welfare.
Foundations, in sports, typically focus on using sports as a platform to create social impact. They support various initiatives such as youth development, education, health and wellness, and community building by leveraging the influence of athletes or sports organizations. The Women's Sports Foundation provides girls and women with access to sports, focusing on research, advocacy, community impact, and partnerships to promote equity and empower women in sports.
Societies and other organizations often focus on the cultural and social aspects of sports and recreation. They might organize local events, promote historical research, or support community engagement. The Society for American Baseball Research (SABR), for example, is dedicated to the history and statistics of baseball. Local sports clubs and recreational societies also play a role in encouraging participation at the grassroots level.
Sports and recreation organizations are appropriate for this category. However, many of them can also be listed in specific sports categories. For example, the Society for American Baseball Research could be listed in the baseball category as well as here.
Recommended Resources
The AAU is an amateur sports organization dedicated to promoting and developing amateur sports and physical fitness programs in the United States. Founded in 1888, most national championships for youth athletes in the U.S. have taken place under AAU leadership. The AAU worked closely with the U.S. Olympic Committee up until the 1970s when it came under criticism for what some considered outdated standards. A membership overview, event schedules, and program information are featured.
http://www.aausports.org/
Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, the ACC is a collegiate athletic conference of eighteen member universities competing in the National Collegiate Athletic Association, while its football teams compete in the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision. Its fall, winter, and spring sports are highlighted, game schedules are posted, and standings and championships are listed by sport. A staff directory, brand standards, and employment opportunities are posted.
https://theacc.com/
National Collegiate Athletic Association
Headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, the NCAA is a non-profit organization that regulates student athletics among more than a thousand schools in the United States and one in Canada, as well as organizing the athletic programs of colleges and helping college student-athletes who compete annually in college sports. The organization's history, mission, priorities, governance, championships, and membership directory are featured, along with employment opportunities.
https://www.ncaa.org/
National Junior College Athletic Association
Founded in 1938, the NJCAA is the governing association of community college, state college, and junior college athletics throughout the United States. Currently, the NJCAA holds 24 separate regions across 24 states and is divided into three divisions. Each of its sports (baseball, basketball, beach volleyball, bowling, cross country, football, golf, half marathon, lacrosse, soccer, softball, swimming, tennis, track and field, volleyball, and wrestling) are featured.
https://www.njcaa.org/
The SRA is the umbrella body for sport and recreation in the United Kingdom, representing more than three hundred and twenty member organizations. Its roles include speaking up on behalf of member organizations, representing their views, and providing services to make their lives easier. The Alliance covers a wide range of activities, from large national governing bodies like the Football Association and the Rugby Football Union to smaller members in sports like stoolball and kitesurfing.
https://www.sportandrecreation.org.uk/
The WSF is an educational non-profit charity focused on female involvement in sports. Founded by Billie Jean King in 1974, the organization undertakes several initiatives and programs designed to make sports accessible to women, such as Sports 4 Life, The Travel & Training Fund, GoGirlGo!, and its WSF Athlete Ambassador Program. In partnership with the University of Michigan, the WSF established the Sport, Health and Activity Research and Policy Center for Women and Girls (SHARP) in 2010.
https://www.womenssportsfoundation.org/
The World RPS Society is dedicated to the promotion and conservation of the Rock Paper Scissors game to settle disputes. The website provides information on the game's basics, gambit plays and on advanced RPS. The website also features a strategy guide, world RPS championships, videos, RPS players profiler, photo gallery, think three blog, trading cards and a lot more. The website also provides an online museum, bullboard and an RPS store where you can purchase arts and cutting-edge clothing.
http://www.rpschamps.com
World Sport Stacking Association
The World Sport Stacking Association promotes the advancement of international sport stacking and governs sport stacking tournaments. The website is a great resource for tournaments, rules and guidelines on putting up a successful event. Aside from news and information on the Association, the website also provides a list of tournaments from state-level championship to world-level championship and also features results and records. The website also provides guidelines on setting up a new record.
http://www.thewssa.com/
Founded in 1844 as the Young Men's Christian Association, the YMCA (Y) is a worldwide youth organization based in Switzerland, with 12,000 branches worldwide. Its founding goals were to put Christian values into practice by developing a healthy body, mind, and spirit. Among its programs are a variety of youth sports programs, including aquatics, basketball, gymnastics, racquetball, and volleyball, as well as other activities and services. Some branches provide temporary accommodations.
https://www.ymca.org/
