What is FISA, the World Rowing Federation?

The World Rowing Federation, FISA (from the French, Fédération Internationale des Sociétés d’Aviron) is the governing body of the sport of rowing. It is empowered by its 151 member National Rowing Federations, the National Olympic Committees and the International Olympic Committee to govern the sport of rowing.

FISA sets the rules and regulations for the practice of the sport, in all its forms including elite, para-rowing, coastal, masters and aspects of indoor rowing. FISA oversees sanctioned World Rowing events and provides advice and expertise for the organisation of rowing regattas. The Federation also works on coaching education and other matters relating to the sport and its development. 

FISA’s Goals and Objectives

To effectively and efficiently Develop, Promote, Present and Govern the sport of rowing; and to Protect the Environment through Sport.

FISA’s Vision

To encourage the development of the sport of rowing and strengthen the bonds that unite those who practice it.

FISA’s Mission

To make rowing a universally practised and globally relevant sport. To spread the sport in all its forms.

Core Values

Core Values of the sport of Rowing

  • Teamwork: Rowers work together towards a common goal.
  • Fairness: In a spirit of fair play, rowers learn self-discipline, the need for commitment and respect for their opponents.
  • Enduring: Rowers pass on time-honoured values and shared experiences from past to future generations.
  • Inclusive: Rowers combine into a single and cooperative community, irrespective of race, gender, creed, age or ability.
  • Natural: Rowers respect and safeguard the water and its surroundings.

Through its personality, rowing instils:

  • Balance: Mind and body, boat and water, all working in perfect harmony.
  • Focus: Concentration on long-terms goals; even the finish line is just the start.
  • Determination: To be stronger, faster and better today than yesterday.
  • Dedication: From early starts and hard work, to achieving the perfect stroke.

 

Core Values of FISA

  • Oldest: FISA is the oldest International Sport Federation, created in 1892, and rowing has been on the Olympic programme from the beginning in 1896.
  • Global: FISA has 151 member federations in all five continents.
  • Influential: FISA has key representatives in leadership positions in many international sports organisations and governing bodies
  • Ethical: FISA is a leading federation in the fight against doping, was the first to conduct out of competition testing and leads in protecting the health of athletes.