landslagsráð

Landslagsráð, literally meaning “national team council,” is a governance body used within Icelandic sports federations to coordinate and oversee activities related to national teams. It functions as an advisory and decision-making unit that aligns the federation’s strategic aims with the practical needs of national teams across age groups and levels.

The core responsibilities of landslagsráð typically include setting long-term and short-term priorities for national teams, establishing selection policies and criteria, and supervising the recruitment and performance of coaching staff, medical and welfare personnel, and support services. It also oversees scheduling of international fixtures, training camps, and competitive calendars, while ensuring compliance with national and international regulations, as well as safeguarding and ethical standards.

Composition and appointment vary by federation but commonly involve representatives from the federation’s board, senior coaches, medical and development staff, and, in some cases, players’ associations or athlete representatives. Members are usually appointed for defined terms and operate through regular meetings to review performance, budget allocations, and logistical planning.

In practice, landslagsráð serves as a bridge between the federation, clubs, and players, coordinating resources, development programs, and policy implementation to support national teams at all levels. While the exact structure and powers differ among sports and organizations, the council typically aims to ensure coherent national-team strategy, consistency in coaching and player development, and effective international engagement. The concept is widely used in Icelandic sports governance to centralize oversight of national-team activities.