International Federation of Broomball Associations

The International Federation of Broomball Associations (IFBA), formally established in 1998 [http://www.internationalbroomball.com/modules.php?name=Content&pa=showpage&pid=2&NSNST_Flood=ff29fee62f8e0442ee2160b1758cd6fb] , is the world governing body for the sport of broomball.

Based in Canada, the IFBA is responsible for promoting the sport globally, organising the biennial World Broomball Championships. It also administers the sport's official rulebook and coaching and officiating programs.

Executive Committee

The day-to-day operations of the IFBA are run by the Executive Committee, a body of individuals elected by the sport's global representatives.

The current Executive Committee is [http://www.internationalbroomball.com/modules.php?name=Content&pa=showpage&pid=4] :
* President/CEO: Rick Przybysz (Canada)
* Vice-President (Operations): Marc Desparois (Canada)
* Vice-President (Technical): Conrad Morneau (Canada)
* General Secretary: Pat Cunningham (United States of America)
* Referee-in-Chief: Dave MacFeely (Canada)

Additionally there is a "Board of Governors" which meets on a timely basis. The Board of Governors is made up of representatives from each officially recognised member country of the IFBA.

Countries recognised by IFBA

The following countries have broomball programs recognised by IFBA, though they may not necessarily be members of the international body.

Americas

* Canada - Canadian Broomball Federation
* United States of America - USA Broomball

Europe

* Finland
* France
* Germany
* Italy - Comitato Italiano Broomball
* Russia
* Sweden
* Switzerland - Association Suisse de Broomball
* United Kingdom

Asia & Oceania

* Australia - Broomball Australia
* China
* India
* Japan

Expansion countries

In addition there are a number of countries that the IFBA is looking to take the game to, including:
* Belgium
* China
* Greenland
* Iceland
* Netherlands
* New Zealand
* Norway
* South Korea

World Championships

The IFBA is responsible for delivering the World Broomball Championships (also referred to by its former name, "the Challenge Cup", held biennially (every two years) in various host cities. As the vast majority of broomball players and teams are based in North America, most of the championships to date have been held in North American cities. However the 1998 version was held in Bolzano, Italy, and there have recently been calls for the likes of Australia and Japan to host the tournament.

The 2006 World Championships saw teams enter from Canada, United States, Italy, Japan, and Australia. Previously teams representing Finland, Sweden, Germany, and Switzerland have also taken part.

List of world champions

The first World Championships (then known as the Challenge Cup) were held in Victoria, British Columbia in 1991, and were attended by over 800 athletes and 44 teams [http://www.internationalbroomball.com/modules.php?name=Content&pa=showpage&pid=2] . The most recent event, held in Blaine, Minnesota, was the seventh edition of the championships.

"Key: WC = World Cup Division (top division); CC = Challenge Cup Division (second division); NAC = North American Cup (third division)"

External references

* [http://www.internationalbroomball.com IFBA official website] (accessed 28 December 2006)
* [http://www.trytel.com/~duhamel/world.html Ontario Broomball - previous world champions] (accessed 28 December 2006)
* [http://www.2006worldbroomball.com/index.html 2006 World Broomball Championships official website] (accessed 28 December 2006)