Whether you are watching the Olympics at Wembley Stadium in London, kicking back and enjoying the game of cricket in England, or cheering on your favorite team during an AIFS Abroad study or intern abroad program, international sports bring a special flavor to a city. They are also a window into the culture of a place, and there is nothing more unifying than hearing (and feeling) a crowd go wild when their team scores!
Generally, each sport has an international organization that governs it. For example, the modern Olympic Games are governed by the International Olympic Committee. Soccer (football) is governed by the FIFA. These governing bodies set rules for the game, regulate players and agents, ensure compliance with a code of ethics and other policies, and resolve disputes. They are supported by regional sports organizations and national-level organizations such as the governing body for hurling, a Gaelic sport that looks like a combination of rugby, field hockey, and soccer.
Many international treaties and declarations address issues related to sports. These include human rights, discrimination, violence in sports, and gender and sport. In addition, the World Anti-Doping Agency and a number of regional anti-doping agreements have been established. Finally, the Copenhagen Declaration on Gender and Sport and Title IX in the United States help to define a range of sports-related legal issues.