IFMA

The Organisation

Youth Development

As the global governing body for Muaythai, IFMA’s core responsibilities towards our youth and all athletes 

  1. Ensure Physical Safety & Health

    • Establish and enforce age‑ and skill‑appropriate training guidelines to prevent overuse injuries.

    • Mandate regular medical screenings (cardiac, orthopedic, nutritional) and require qualified medical personnel at all sanctioned events.

    • Certify that venues, equipment, and emergency protocols meet international safety standards.

  2. Protect Mental & Emotional Well‑Being

    • Provide accredited sports‑psychology resources and confidential counseling services for youth athletes.

    • Train all licensed coaches in athlete‑centered, positive‑feedback methods that build resilience.

    • Promote balanced athlete lifestyles by encouraging rest periods, family engagement, and non‑sporting activities.

  3. Promote Ethics & Fair Play

    • Integrate respect, integrity, teamwork, and humility into IFMA’s coaching curricula and event ceremonies.

    • Enforce zero‑tolerance policies for cheating, bullying, discrimination, and all forms of abuse.

    • Recognize and publicize role models—coaches and senior athletes—who exemplify IFMA’s ethical code.

  4. Uphold Clean Sport & Healthy Nutrition

    • Deliver mandatory, age‑appropriate anti‑doping education in partnership with WADA and national agencies.

    • Provide official nutritional‑guidance standards and workshops on safe weight management.

    • Implement confidential welfare‑checks to identify early signs of eating disorders or substance misuse.

  5. Support Education & Life Skills

    • Coordinate with educational authorities to ensure athlete‑friendly academic accommodations.

    • Develop dual‑career pathways and mentorship programs to prepare youth for life beyond competition.

    • Offer IFMA‑led workshops in time management, financial literacy, and leadership.

  6. Empower Stakeholders

    • Supply standardized resources and seminars to educate parents on prioritizing athlete well‑being over results.

    • Institute mandatory coach‑certification programs covering youth development, safeguarding, and emergency response.

    • Maintain transparent child‑protection policies, grievance procedures, and regular compliance audits across all member associations.

  7. Champion Inclusivity & Equal Opportunity

    • Create development initiatives that remove financial, geographic, or cultural barriers to participation.

    • Respect local traditions while applying IFMA’s universal athlete‑welfare standards.

    • Administer talent‑based scholarships and grants to support under‑represented athletes.

  8. Foster Community Engagement & Long‑Term Welfare

    • Use IFMA’s platforms to advance social‑responsibility and environmental‑stewardship projects.

    • Facilitate mentorship networks pairing youth athletes with experienced Muaythai ambassadors.

    • Monitor and support athlete transitions—into coaching, administration, or retirement—to ensure lasting well‑being.