Federation of International Bandy

Origins and headquarters

FIB traces its foundation to 1955, when representatives came together in Stockholm to create a single international body for the sport. Since 1979 the federation has maintained its administrative base in Sweden, and its present office is located in Söderhamn. The day-to-day operations are led by a Secretary General, while an elected President provides broader strategic direction.

History and name

After its creation, the organization initially used the name International Bandy Federation (IBF). In 2001 the federation adopted the English name Federation of International Bandy (FIB) following a request from the International Olympic Committee; the change also avoided confusion with another international federation using the IBF abbreviation. The IOC granted further recognition to FIB in the years that followed, helping the sport gain visibility on a wider international stage.

Rules, competitions and standardization

One of the federation’s early priorities was unifying the rules of play. Before FIB’s standardization, some countries—most notably Russia—had variations in rules and playing practices. A consistent rule set enabled regular international competition and fair adjudication of matches.

• FIB organizes the major international tournaments, including the long-established men’s Bandy World Championship and the women’s World Championship.
• The men’s world tournament has been staged since the late 1950s, while the women’s championship began in the early 2000s to reflect growing participation.
• The federation also oversees refereeing standards, coaching education, youth development programs, and anti-doping compliance.

Role, significance and variants

Beyond competition management, FIB acts as the sport’s representative in discussions about multi-sport events and Olympic recognition. It supports regional associations and new national members to expand the sport’s footprint. The federation pays particular attention to both classic outdoor bandy—played on a large ice field—and rink bandy, a smaller-sided form suitable for indoor rinks and regions with limited ice surfaces.

Notable competitions and links

The men’s world championship remains one of the sport’s flagship events and has played a central role in keeping international interest alive since its inception; details about this and related tournaments are maintained by the federation and national associations. For more information on major events, rules, and development programs see the FIB resources and event pages maintained by the sport’s authorities.

References and further reading are available through official federation pages and historical summaries of the sport’s development, including documentation of international competitions such as the men’s world championship and subsequent women’s tournaments. For primary sources and current governance information consult official outlets linked by the federation and national bodies. Men’s world championship information and additional materials provide historical results and organizational details.