About the International Korfball Federation
History
The International Korfball Federation (IKF) was founded in Antwerp (Belgium) on 11 June 1933 as a continuation of the International Korfball Bureau established in 1924 by the Dutch and Belgian Associations. The IKF was officially recognised by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in 1993 and is affiliated to the Association of the IOC Recognized International Sports Federations (ARISF), the International World Games Association (IWGA) and the Global Association of International Sports Federations (GAISF).
Korfball is the only full (gender) equal sport in the world. With 100% gender-equal teams, included in the Playing Rules since the existence of the sport in 1902, it is fair to say that (gender) equality is part of the DNA and the key value for korfball.
IKF Executive Committee 2021
VISION AND MISSION
1. VISION
“Driving gender equality globally through korfball; the true mixed gender sport”
The IKF believes in a world where every individual, regardless of their gender, has equal opportunities, respect, and representation. Korfball is gender equal by design, and the IKF energetically advocates this fundamental principle both on and off the pitch. The organisation aspires for people all over the world to personally experience the profound values of gender equality through korfball, at every level and in every role. The IKF is passionately committed to using its platform to transcend the boundaries of sports and spotlight the urgent need for change. In its vision, gender equality includes all genders, acknowledging that there may still be unanswered questions regarding the inclusion of different genders in korfball, but continually working towards a truly inclusive community.
2. MISSION
“Create acceleration by advocating korfball and its values, and by facilitating local korfball organisations.”
By actively promoting korfball and its values of equality and collaboration, the IKF works to accelerate the growth of the sport and support local korfball organisations. This includes strengthening the korfball community and building a robust ecosystem that engages all stakeholders.
3. APPROACH
“Cooperation is key to our success, both on and off the pitch.”
Working together is at the heart of korfball; we need each other to be able to win and shine. We also leverage on this strength off the pitch.
The korfball community is lucky to have the most passionate volunteers imaginable that work together to reach collective goals and ambitions.
By valuing differences between people, organisations and country situations, IKF can use these differences to our advantage to increase learning, bridge gaps and further develop korfball.
IKF is determined to strengthen the organisation by professionalising at all levels and structurally engaging with external organisations, creating a strong ecosystem.
Organisational Structure
The IKF is organised in five Continental Confederations – IKF Africa, IKF Americas, IKF Asia, IKF Europe and IKF Oceania – since 2011.
The IKF General Meeting is the highest authority in the IKF. The IKF is managed on a daily base by the IKF CEO, who reports to the IKF Executive Committee – 6 members – and the IKF Council – 10 members.
The members of the IKF EXCO are:
- Mr. Gabi Kool – President
- Ms. Joana Faria – Secretary General
- Mr. Jorge Alves – Senior Vice President
- Ms. Anita Derks – Member
- Mr. Björn Elewaut – Member
- Mr. Marc Verberk – Treasurer
- Mr. Dean Woods – Special Delegate
The IKF Council is staffed by the IKF EXCO Members, the Continental Vice Presidents, and the chair of the Athletes Committee:
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- Mr. Inglish Huang – Asia Continental Vice President
- Mr. Yves Daelmans – Europe Continental Vice President
- Mr. Tim Miller – Oceania Continental Vice President
- Mr. Jordan De Vogelaere – Chair of the Athletes Committee
For an elaborate explanation of the IKF organisational structure, responsibilities of committees, all committee members and contact details of the committees, click here.
IKF Officials
IKF Officials are crucial for the successful organisation of IKF Events and development projects. National Federations can nominate referees and jury members for the IKF Referee list and the IKF Jury Members list. Furthermore, the IKF appoints a group of IKF Coordinating Officers, IKF Assessors and IKF Instructors in alignment with the National Federations. These Officials are appointed for IKF Events and projects, where they work on a volunteer basis.
A list of nominated IKF Officials can be found below:
IKF Coach Instructors – list to be added
Distinctions
The IKF honours those who have contributed to the development of korfball and the organisation in remarkable ways. There are three distinctions: IKF Honorary Member, IKF Badge of Honour and IKF Pin of Merit. The overviews linked below show the complete list of distinguished members and include links to the news articles about their distinction.