International School Sport Federation
The International Jump Rope Union (IJRU) has taken a significant step in promoting jump rope as a global school sport by signing a Letter of Intent (LOI) with the International School Sports Federation (ISF) in October 2024. This agreement marks the beginning of a collaborative effort to integrate jump rope into school sports worldwide, outlining the intentions, roles, and objectives of both organizations.
As part of this initiative, IJRU is establishing an ISF Commission to spearhead projects focused on event organization, educational programs, youth development, and resource sharing. One of the commission’s key projects will be the 2025 jump rope demonstration at the Gymnasiade in Serbia, where jump rope will be featured as an exhibition sport. Looking ahead, the partnership will also lead to the first ISF Jump Rope Competition in 2026.
This LOI not only sets the groundwork for a long-term partnership but also reflects a shared vision to make jump rope more accessible and integrated into school sports on a global scale.
Alliance of Independent Recognised Members of Sport (AIMS)
Advancing Toward Olympic Recognition: IJRU’s AIMS Membership Application
IJRU is actively progressing through the application process to join AIMS—the Alliance of Independent Recognized Members of Sport. Founded in 2009, AIMS is an umbrella organization fully recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and plays a critical role in supporting non-Olympic sports on their pathway to IOC recognition. In April 2016, AIMS and the IOC signed a Memorandum of Understanding in Lausanne, Switzerland, solidifying their commitment to the Olympic Movement and the promotion of athletes and sport worldwide.
As one of the four key umbrella organizations recognized by the IOC—alongside ASOIF (Association of Summer Olympic International Federations), AIOWF (Association of International Olympic Winter Sports Federations), and ARISF (Association of IOC Recognized International Sports Federations)—AIMS provides guidance, resources, and strategic support to its members. Membership in AIMS will strengthen IJRU’s position within the international sport community and enhance our pursuit of Olympic inclusion.
The AIMS application is a comprehensive process, requiring detailed assessments in two major areas:
The International Federation (IJRU): This section includes 35 criteria across three primary domains—Organization, Activities, and Governance.
National Governing Bodies (NGBs): Each of our national member federations will be evaluated against 15 criteria, also within the same three domains.
To meet the eligibility requirements, IJRU must submit assessments for at least 60 active NGBs. The completion of this application represents a collective effort and will require close collaboration between IJRU and the leadership of every national federation.
This milestone journey reflects our commitment to excellence, transparency, and global unity in sport as we move steadily toward our Olympic aspirations.
World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA)
IJRU has been approved by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) as an official Signatory to the World Anti-Doping Code. This announcement is a major milestone for IJRU and is the latest step in the ongoing development of the sport of jump rope.
As the governing body for jump rope/ rope skipping, we are excited to work closely with WADA, to develop and implement policies in accordance with the World Anti-Doping Code and International standards.
WADA was founded to bring consistency to anti-doping policies and regulations within sports organisations and Anti-Doping Organisations around the world and oversees and works in cooperation with each stakeholder groups to ensure the protection of clean athletes. Approval as a Code Signatory is also a further step for GAISF Membership and paves the way for the continued progression of IJRU in the journey within the Olympic movement and family.
IJRU President, Shaun Hamilton said: IJRU is excited to become a World Anti-Doping Code Signatory and to join the global community in the fight against unhealthy and unethical practices in sport. We aspire to protect the integrity of sport and to permit athletes to compete fairly in a doping-free environment. We are determined to ensure a level playing field for all athletes and be a sport that follows WADA’s vision where athletes can participate in a doping-free sporting environment. We are grateful for the continued support of WADA, the ITA and GAISF, whose experience and expertise has been essential to IJRUs development of a robust anti-doping program.
Olympic Channel
The International Jump Rope Union (IJRU) and the Olympic Channel have announced a collaboration agreement. Through this partnership, IJRU will work with the Olympic Channel to broadcast and promote a series of jump rope events through event coverage, highlights, magazine shows, news coverage, and original programming.
“We are excited to welcome the IJRU to the Olympic Channel,” said Mark Parkman, general manager of the Olympic Channel. “The Olympic Channel platform continues to evolve and provide more exposure and reach for a number of sports to our global audience.”
This presents a major opportunity for the sport of jump rope/rope skipping, the IJRU, and our member federations. With the support of the Olympic Channel, IJRU will be able to reach a broader global audience, increase engagement, and promote our sport and athletes alongside those within the Olympic Movement.
“We are honoured to be in partnership with the Olympic Channel and the wider Olympic Movement and we are excited for the opportunity to provide greater exposure to our sport, amazing athletes and members.” said Shaun Hamilton, president of the International Jump Rope Union. “Through this partnership, we hope to highlight this fun sport’s athleticism and creativity.”
About the Olympic Channel
The Olympic Channel is a multi-platform global media destination where fans can discover, engage and share in the power of sport and the excitement of the Olympic Games all year round. Offering original programming, news, live sports events and highlights, the Olympic Channel provides additional exposure for sports and athletes 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, in 12 languages. Visit the Olympic Channel or follow them on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube.
The Association For International Sport for All (TAFISA)
TAFISA has over 320 members from more than 170 countries on all continents. Our member structure is unique and inclusive, comprising both governmental and non-governmental organizations, including:
national and international sports federations,
national Olympic committees,
ministries of health, culture, education, sport, etc.,
international, national, regional and local Sport for All organisations,
cities and municipalities,
educational institutions, and
individuals.
A list of current TAFISA members, separated by membership category, can be found via the links below. For more information on how to become a TAFISA member and membership requirements, please visit TAFISA For Members.