lajiliiton

A lajiliitto is the national governing body for a specific sport or discipline within a country. Its primary role is to organize, promote, and regulate the sport, ensuring that national rules align with international standards and that the sport develops in a safe and inclusive way. Lajiliiton oversees national competitions, leagues, and championships, and maintains national records and rankings. It also administers coaching, refereeing, and other qualifications, and provides education on coaching methods, officiating, safety, ethics, and safeguarding.

The organization is typically a member-based association composed of clubs and regional bodies. Members elect a general assembly or council, which in turn appoints a board and various committees. Day-to-day operations are carried out by staff and supported by volunteers. Revenue comes from membership fees, sponsorships, event income, and sometimes government subsidies and grants. Lajiliiton must comply with national law and with the sport’s international federation, of which it is usually the representative body for the country. It often collaborates with the national Olympic committee or a broader multi-sport federation on high-performance sport and Olympic pathways.

Lajiliiton responsibilities also include development and talent identification, youth programs, and governance standards to ensure integrity, fair play, and safe participation for athletes of all ages. The concept is common across many sports, with each discipline having its own dedicated lajiliitto to manage its unique rules, structures, and community.”