INTERNATIONAL AMATEUR ATHLETIC FEDERATION

(IAAF) track-and-field organization of national associations of more than 160 countries; founded at Stockholm, Sweden, 1912. In 1936 the IAAF took over regulation of women's international track-and-field competition from the Fdration Sportive Fminine International, which had been founded in 1921. The major aims of the IAAF are to establish friendly cooperation between members; eliminate hindrance to participation in international meets on racial, religious, or political grounds; and compile rules and regulations governing competition. The IAAF is the ratifying body for all official world records in track-and-field events. It is recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and is financed by members' fees, publication sales, and the promotion of championships. Headquarters are in London.