Organization

Overview

            The International Pole Sports Federation (IPSF) was established in 2010 with a simple goal – unite the Pole Sports athletes of the world, their countries, and take them to the World Games and the Olympics.

            The IPSF brings Olympic-caliber competition to the world of Pole Sports. The bylaws and constitution of the IPSF are dedicated to meeting Olympic requirements for sports organization including a World Congress of member countries, dedicated technical committees, anti-doping controls, and a devoted executive committee.

            The IPSF observes strict neutrality on political, social and religious grounds. No discrimination is permitted against any affiliated National Federation or any association, club, or sportsman on political, racial, or religious grounds.

            The IPSF is a non-profit organization for educational purposes designed to foster the development of the sport of Pole Sports throughout the World. The IPSF offers institutes and individuals who desire to join in membership for the advancement of Pole Sports, an opportunity to participate and contribute to that growth. These purposes are fulfilled through the following aims and objectives.

• To perpetuate, improve, and extend the sport of Pole Sports throughout the World.
  
  
• To stimulate the interest of people in healthy sport participation through Pole Sports.
  
  
• To supervise and administer a continuing Pole Sports program for the purpose of stimulating interest and developing athletes through careful preparation and planning, utilizing existing facilities, resources, and coaching.
  
  
• To unify and coordinate, the efforts of all agencies interested in promoting Pole Sports, and permit all interested parties to have a voice in the development of the sport in the entire World.
  
  
• To create and maintain research projects that will benefit all parties interested in Pole Sports.
  
  
• To provide a clearinghouse for the distribution of coaching aids, literature, films, research materials, and rules collected from sources throughout the World.
  
  
• To establish an effective means of communication for the transmission of useful ideas whereby coaches and athletes will be informed of the latest developments and techniques in Pole Sports.
  
  
• To give prompt attention and consideration to valid suggestions on how to improve the conduct of administration in Pole Sports throughout the World.
  
  
• To maintain records and disseminate information pertaining to all phases of Pole Sports.
  
  
• To train and certify competent Pole Sports officials.
  
  
• To raise money and finance improvement in the sport of Pole Sports.
  
  
• To operate exclusively for educational and charitable purposes.
  
  
• To follow and actively support the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and its principles and goals.

To achieve our goals, there is one Executive and nine formal committees: Technical, Safety, Medical, Ethics, Accreditation, Marketing, Athlete, Finance, and Event.

World Congress
The World Congress is composed of one representative from each member country and is responsible for the overall governance in the world of Pole Sports.

Executive Committee
The general management of the IPSF, under the control of the World Congress, is in the hands of the Executive Committee and it consists of these volunteers:

• President
• Executive Vice President
• Secretary General
• Treasurer
• Committee Chairs
• Eight Regional Vice-Presidents
• Two Active Elite Athletes
• Immediate Past President—non voting

Technical Committee
            Assigns point values to moves; defines recognized moves; sets judging criteria and event scoring; specifies garments, performance aids, and accessories; defines competition events; approves musical accompaniment; designates required moves; keeps event scoring and records; and proposes competition rules.

Safety Committee
            Oversees the safety of equipment; specifies authorized competition equipment; oversees the safety of participants interacting with equipment; inspects the safety and/or sets up equipment; and performs equipment, accessory, and garment research and advancement.

Medical Committee
            Oversees meeting the requirements of the World Anti-Doping Control; defines medical qualifications/disqualifications for participation; medically clears participants to compete; defines event medical services; and protects participant medical information.

Ethics Committee
            Enforces participant and judge rules, regulations, and ethical code; establishes of an ethical code of conduct; investigates violations and misconduct; and recommends disciplinary action to the Executive Committee.

Accreditation Committee
            Ensures participant members meet eligibility requirements; specifies non-medical eligibility requirements; oversees athlete transfers; education and development of coaches and judges; and qualifies and credentials judges.

Marketing Committee
            Seeks to promote and advance Pole Sports throughout the world; promote a positive and progressive image of Pole Sports; interacts with press and media; creates advertising; and ensures consistent and tasteful use of branding.

Athlete Committee
            Disseminates IPSF and Pole Sports information to the athletes; gathers athlete feedback and facilitates communication between athletes and the Executive Committee; provides athletes with Pole Sport education and development; encourage involvement; promote IPSF values, social responsibility, and excellence; promote athlete welfare; and foster sportsmanship.

Finance Committee
            The Finance Committee is chaired by the Treasurer and is charged with raising funds; identifying new sources of income; maintaining non-profit status and requirements; and securing funding from bank and government sources.

Event Committee
            Establishes and coordinates official events; procures awards/medals/trophies; arrange lighting and music; oversees participant, coach, and judge event access credentials; and defines event activities and timeline.