Standards for Success
For international competition to thrive uniformity of rules, qualifications, and formats are prerequisites to success. These elements all exist at an operational level. However, at an aspirational level we want to standardize a shared mission — putting roundnet on a path to the Olympics.
Roundnet is still in an early stage of development. Accordingly, creating shared standards should not be confused with stifling innovation or putting off necessary progress. Quite to the contrary, the IRF understands that roundnet needs change to reach its potential.
The IRF aims to establish the necessary framework to proliferate impactful international competition and collaboration.
There are a number of areas where a unified approach is necessary for a stronger international community:
Rules
First and foremost, international competition cannot flourish unless everyone is playing by the same set of rules. This mean greater efforts toward providing accurate translations of the official rules for international play. Further, the IRF will actively work to eliminate subjectivity that leads to regional/national discrepancies of interpretation.
Referees
A more rigorous referee training and certification process is necessary to create a fair environment for international competition. Roundnet needs a globally shared system of referee training and certification that is robust enough to ensure consistent implementation of the rules and accessible enough to provide a geographically diverse group of qualified referees.
Formats + Schedules
Providing consistent opportunities to compete on an international stage is crucial to roundnet’s growth as a global sport. International points systems, world rankings, and major event qualification criteria all rely on universally shared formats and schedules. The IRF supports coordination of big events while creating an even playing field for all countries involved.
National Governing Bodies
NGBs are the building blocks of all international federations. The IRF enables NGBs to come together around a shared mission. By creating clear goals, standards, and support systems we strengthen the collective power of the international roundnet movement. This structure helps promote efficient collaboration, effective advocacy , and eye-opening possibilities.
