National Sports Associations (NSAs) are private, non-profit organizations, recognized as the governing body of their sport in their respective countries. They must be accredited by their respective ISFs, and must be recognized by the NOC of their country.

NSAs are responsible for the promotion of their sport in their respective countries. More specifically, these are: the recruitment, training and selection of athletes, licensing of coaches and officials, and organization of competitions.

NSAs are responsible for determining the composition of their respective teams in all international competition. They are also exclusively responsible for the participation of their teams in various competitions. However, when it comes to multi-sports games such as the Olympic, Asian or SEA Games, the NOC has the prerogative and authority to approve the team recommended by the NSAs.

The NSAs are governed by their own Constitution and By-laws and elect their own officers. The Constitution and By-laws must, however, not be inconsistent or contradictory with the provisions of the Olympic Charter.

There must be only one NSA per sport in the country, which is accredited by the ISF. This must be the same NSA recognized by the NOC in the country.

 

ROLE OF NSAs

As the governing bodies for their sport in the country, NSAs play the following important role:

1. Recruiting athletes and organizing groups of teams in clubs or other sports organizations which are capable of providing training and regular sports activities;
2. Organizing and promoting local, regional, national and international competitions;
3. Taking charge of the preparation, selection, and entry of athletes for international competitions that are held under the authority of their respective ISFs;
4. Proposing to their NOCs, athletes that it considers prepared and eligible to represent their country in regional, continental, and Olympic multi-sports competitions recognized by the IOC. This is with understanding that the NOC is the only competent body to enter the athletes in such games;
5. Providing technical assistance for implementing organizational programs to develop grassroots, educational, or fun sports;
6. Facilitating the formation of leagues or events circuits (professional, semi-pro, national, regional, or local) that are run by affiliated organizations.