Strategic Plan
Strategic Plan
Fistball as ONE – Together We Rise
The International Fistball Association (IFA) has launched its forward-looking roadmap under the inspiring banner: “Fistball as ONE – Together We Rise.” This guiding principle sets the tone for the organization’s vision, strategic goals, and planning processes, uniting the global Fistball community in pursuit of excellence, sustainability, and inclusive growth.
This Strategic Plan functions both as a roadmap for the leadership and as a practical guide for the administrative and operational activities carried out by IFA’s dedicated staff and volunteers. It defines the shared strategic goals of the IFA Board of Directors and serves as a management tool for aligning the organization’s policies with modern standards of international sport governance.
In line with the IOC’s Olympic Agenda 2020+5, the Basic Principles of Good Governance, and the Olympic Charter, this plan reflects IFA’s ongoing commitment to implementing best practices in governance. As an International Federation, IFA embraces these principles to strengthen its structures and to move toward the objective of official recognition by the International Olympic Committee within the timeframe of this plan. The Strategic Plan also provides a framework for continuous evaluation and improvement of IFA’s governance.
With a growing membership—68 national federations and more than 80,000 players as of April 2025—IFA stands poised to further expand the sport of Fistball. This plan sets the foundation for sustainable development and improved organizational capacity, always keeping the core focus on enhancing opportunities and well-being for athletes worldwide.
The International Fistball Association (IFA) is the global authority for all Fistball disciplines, overseeing the sport’s promotion, regulation, and development worldwide. It is responsible for approving rules, sanctioning World Championships, World Cups, and other official events.
IFA aligns its governance with the Olympic Charter, Olympic Agenda 2020+5, and the IOC’s Basic Principles of Good Governance, contributing actively to their implementation. It upholds democratic values and is firmly against violence, discrimination, illegal betting, and match-fixing.
IFA promotes social and environmental sustainability, striving to create lasting positive impacts through its events and to fulfill its responsibility to society.
The federation strictly follows the WADA Anti-Doping Code, maintains a zero-tolerance policy toward doping, and supports global anti-doping efforts.
As a service-oriented federation, IFA prioritizes the needs of its member federations and fosters global dialogue on Fistball-related issues. It is committed to being modern, efficient, and athletefocused.
IFA works to:
- Ensure high-quality, athlete-centered events.
- Grow Fistball worldwide, especially among youth.
- Offer education to enhance the skills of players, coaches, referees, and officials.
- Communicate transparently and professionally.
- Raise Fistball’s profile in society through strategic partnerships.
- Expand international collaboration with key organizations like the IOC, IWGA, IPC, WADA, and others.
- Promote gender equity, diversity, safety, and Fair Play.
- Embrace Fistball as an inclusive Sport for All, accessible to every age group.
STRATEGIC GOALS – Turning Vision into Action
In its ongoing effort to strengthen its global role and enhance the growth of the sport, the International Fistball Association (IFA) has restructured its strategic plan around eight clearly defined Strategic Goals. These goals serve as the major drivers to achieve the mission, while aligning with IFA’s values, principles, and long-term vision.
This reconstructed framework provides a solid foundation for action, guiding IFA’s strategic efforts in governance, development, communication, and international recognition.
IOC RECOGNITION
Achieving formal recognition by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) is a key objective. It symbolizes international legitimacy and opens the door to broader opportunities, including inclusion in multi-sport events and access to new resources.
ATHLETE-CENTRIC APPROACH
Athletes are at the heart of all IFA activities. This goal emphasizes policies, programs, and decisions that prioritize athlete well-being, development, fair play, and competitive opportunities.
STRENGTHEN SPORT GOOD GOVERNANCE
IFA’s commitment to Strengthen Sport Good Governance ensures transparent, ethical, and accountable leadership. This approach is fully aligned with the IOC’s Agenda 2020+5 and the governance principles of the Olympic Charter, reinforcing credibility and long-term sustainability in the sport of fistball.
FOCUS ON YOUTH PARTICIPATION AND SCHOOL ADVANCEMENT
The future of fistball depends on youth engagement. This goal focuses on developing programs for schools and young players, fostering a love for the sport from an early age and building the next generation of athletes and fans.
INTEGRATE GOVERNANCE WITH MEMBERSHIP
Strengthening the connection between governance structures and member federations ensures more inclusive, responsive, and unified decision-making. It promotes a cooperative environment where all voices are heard.
STRATEGICAL COMMUNICATION
Effective communication supports all strategic goals. IFA aims to enhance its internal and external communication strategies to better connect with stakeholders, media, sponsors, and the global sports community.
HIGH QUALITY FISTBALL EVENTS
Delivering professional, engaging, and well-organized events is essential to the sport’s visibility and appeal. This goal seeks to raise standards across all IFA competitions and tournaments.
SUSTAINABLE FISTBALL GROWTH
Long-term success depends on sustainability. IFA focuses on expanding the sport in a responsible and balanced way, ensuring that growth benefits all regions and levels of the fistball community.
Values
Mission
Vision
Fistball – Fast-Paced, Powerful, and Spectacular
Fistball is a dynamic team sport that combines speed, precision, and athleticism. Played on grass or sand, the game is characterized by powerful spikes, diving saves, and rapid changes in momentum. Teams work together with strategic coordination, delivering long rallies and thrilling moments that demand both skill and endurance.
Whether indoors or outdoors, fistball captivates with its unique blend of technique, intensity, and emotion – making it a standout among global ball sports.
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Associations
In every country where fistball is actively practiced, there is a national association with passionate people who are responsible for this sport.
Events
IFA events bring together athletes from around the world, showcasing fistball at every level – from youth and club competitions to continental championships and world-class tournaments.
History
Fistball is among the world’s oldest ball games, with origins in southern Europe, evolving from a noble pastime into a competitive sport with official rules in 19th-century Germany.
WE ARE FISTBALL
INTERNATIONAL REFEREES
Without referees, there are no fistball matches! Referees operate at regional, national, and international levels.
A dedicated commission oversees their training, development, and selection for international IFA events, ensuring the highest standards of refereeing worldwide.
