Nowadays, more than a hundred sports federations (bringing together about 180,000 clubs and associations) exist in France. Many sports organizations offer different physical and sports activities such as, fencing, badminton, volleyball, judo, basketball, handball, swimming, gymnastics, athletics, disabled sports and many others.
These different sports federations are essential in the sports sector, especially for the associated clubs. Indeed, in accordance with Article L. 131-1 of the Sports Code, the purpose of this is the organisation of one or more sports disciplines. This sports law also announces that competitions are also taken into account, regardless of the level (departmental, regional, international).
We will tell you all about the place and role of a sports federation for associative life.
The importance of a sports federation
Benefiting from the status of the 1901 law, a federation is an association whose aim is to bring together other associations of the same law. Multiple players in the sports environment can be members such as:
- Natural persons to whom the federation gives them a sports licence
- For-profit sports clubs with a theme for the exercise of several sports disciplines (she also agrees to issue a license)
- Sports companies that can take the form of a SAS or other
- Sports institutions that participate in promoting sport despite it not being their main activity
This is why we owe the importance of this organisation of sport, which is a pillar in terms of the advancement of associations and the evolution of the sports sector. It is therefore necessary for the actors of the sports world to create actions for the development of sport. Not to mention the delivery of sports licenses and the authorization to the associated sports associations to hand them out in their name.
Namely:
Through the acts carried out by the FF, we also count the reception of major sporting events at the international level. Indeed, matches or duels that have a favorable impact on French sport and the targeted field are very important. Many other actions can be carried out, such as the development and development of the Pathways of Sports Excellence, for example.
Sports federations and the State: what is the link?
Generally, a sports association has the right to carry out its duties in total freedom. There are still rules and obligations to be respected, Article L.111-1 of the Sports Code states that the State:
- Exercises the supervision of the federations, normally guaranteed by the Ministry of Sports (except for school sports federations placed under the supervision of the Ministry of National Education)
- Ensures compliance with the laws and rules imposed
In addition to these functions, the government is proving to be a partner for sports associations.
It can therefore agree and attest to an agreement that extends over several years including all the objectives of the sports federations. This contract will of course take into account the federation’s programmes but also the government’s priorities. It is an act of commitment dedicated to the evolution of sport where the federations represent their associated clubs to the State.
The different categories of federations and their roles
Approved sports federations
Considered as public utility organizations, approved federations obtain approval from the Minister in charge of sports. These sports organizations will participate in the realization of projects related to the evolution and popularization of sports leisure activities as well as promote the practice of sports. Their statutes take into account rules to be respected according to a model regulation. In any case, these approved federations are entitled to draw up contracts of common interest for the benefit of their associated bodies. These joint agreements, limited to four years, must:
- rely on buy or sell actions
- give rise to a call for tenders
All the more so since, according to Article L. 131-10 of the Sports Code, it is possible for them to make use of the rights granted to the civil party in relation to offences affecting the common interests of their members.
Delegated sports federations
These federations concerned also obtain a delegation from the Ministry of Sports. The fact remains that in all sports fields, only an approved federation can benefit from this delegation for a defined period. The tasks of these federations are as follows:
- Complete preparation of sporting events and issuance of titles
- Constitution of the national teams
- Creation of a charter of ethics and professional conduct
- Establishment of essential rules in the field of sport
Good to know
According to Article L. 131-17 of the Sports Code, delegated and approved sports federations are the only two federations that can take the name of “French Federation of” or “National Federation of”.
The roles of a sports federation in relation to associated bodies
A sports entity must join forces with a federation. Indeed, it is very important for a sports club that wants to be part of competitions or championships. If the club wins, for example, it is the assurance of recognition of its title of winner, but also a way to network because the associated organizations will be able to share their knowledge, skills and equipment to reach the top!
In addition to licences, the federations support and encourage club members to achieve their goals. For example, they will offer them training, provide them with a legal service, etc. They represent the clubs and associations in front of the government and support the group’s projects and interests (particularly by taking care of signing contracts).
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