IFAF - The Future of American Football
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by user Erooster
The sport of American Football has grown in popularity over the years. In 1998, the IFAF was founded. As of this time, there are 45 member nations.
There are three levels of membership within the group. Full Members, Associated Members, and Temporary Members.
The Full Members are Australia, Austria, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Spain, Sweden, and USA. "To qualify as full member a federation must in all times meet the following requirements: 1. have at least one regular season championship in its country 2. represent the entire country and control American Football in its country 3. be a member of the corresponding Continental Federation 4. be recognized by national laws or government authority or national Olympic committee, unless national laws so inhabits
Full member federations have voting rights in the Congress. Members of full member federations can be elected as members of the Executive Board of Directors or IFAF Committees."
The Associated list is comprised of Great Britain, Israel, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Russia, Switzerland, and Thailand. "Associated members are those federations who fullfill all membership requirements except the number of clubs (10) or who are not recognized by its national sport authorities yet. However a federation can opt to apply for associated membership instead of fill membership. Associated members have all the rights of full members except voting rights at the Congress."
Temporary Members include Belgium, Czech Republic, Ireland, Moldava, Serbia, and Ukraine. "Temporary Members are federations who do not meet the criterias of full or associated membership. Temporary Membership is limited to a three year period with the option to be extended. Temporary members do not have voting right. Members of temporary members can not be elected or appointed to the executive bodies of IFAF."
The USA has not participated in the first two World Cups: 1999 in Italy and 2003 in Germany. But, Team USA plans to participate in the 2007 World Cup in Japan. The previous winner of the two World Cups has been Japan, with Mexico taking second both times.
The US team will be headed by former Navy and University of Virginia head coach, George Welsh. "USA Football was looking for an experienced coach to lead our first National Team into the World Championship of American Football," USA Football Executive Director Scott Hallenbeck said. "George Welsh's experience and Hall of Fame credentials make him the ideal choice for this position."
Walsh is currently lining up coaches and staff for the team. The team is comprised of a 45-man roster. This will be made up of college players who complete their eligibility in 2006. "Player selection will begin late in the 2006 collge football season when head coaches at all NCAA and NAIA schools will be asked by USA Football to nominate up to two seniors from their teams for consideration."
The United States will be one of six teams competing in the tournament in Kawasaki, Japan. Along with Team USA, will be Japan (the host country and previous winner), Sweden (current European Champion), and Germany (qualified earlier). The remaining two teams will come from qualifying games held in Europe, Asia, and the South Pacific later this year.
Now you ArmchairGM football and Team USA fans have something to look forward to, at least it is something that I am looking towards. The IFAF is even in talks with the IOC to maybe, just maybe get the sport of American Football recognized as an olympic sport. Just the thought of Amercan Football in the Olympics gives me chills.
So, what do you fans out there think of this?
Date
Fri 09/08/06, 11:28 am EST
