Failure in this competition could mean that athletics is marginalised. In most countries the sport's competitors are getting tougher every day, intensifying the challenge faced by federations. Clearly, hard work, organisation, skills and vision on the part of each federation's leadership are critical to the success of the sport. The primary aim of this manual is to assist IAAF Member Federation leaders by preparing them for their roles and improving the performance of their duties. It is meant to be a practical guide containing information and ideas collected from the experiences of the Directors of the IAAF's Regional Development Centres, and international group of sport administrators and relevant publications around the world.
Management involves decision making and setting up systems to implement policy.
In the context of a national athletics federation, effective management means ensuring that the whole range of staff and volunteers involved are positively motivated, know what is expected of them and have the authority, resources and support to meet those expectations. Administrators are responsible for carrying out decisions and routine, but often important, activities and paperwork. Logic, order and method are qualities associated with smooth administration whereas effective management calls for a spectrum of skills including communication, time management, leadership, teamwork and planning. The two functions are, of course, closely linked. In many large modern organisations, such as business corporations, these two areas can be separated as specialised roles and taken by different individuals with professional training in that area.