History

The roots of FootGolf are buried deep in antiquity. Many football players played a similar game during their trainings and out in parks. Simultaneously, in several countries small FootGolf, Football Golf or Soccer Golf courses were built and events were organised. The modern game of FootGolf evolved in The Netherlands in 2009, when a marketing agency led by Michael Jansen organized a tournament on a golf course with twenty professional football players.

FootGolf had made its first steps toward an International Federation during this first event in 2009. The International Federation for FootGolf (IFGA) was founded in Geneva, Switzerland, but besides The Netherlands, no other countries became members of this association.

In 2012 seven countries decided to create a new international federation, called the Federation for International FootGolf (FIFG). The first three members were Argentina, Hungary and the Netherlands, each also named one board member.

Rules

10 Quick Rules

1. Respect the official dress code: golf shorts, polo shirt, flat cap, sneakers or indoor/turf boots. CAUTION, NO FOOTBALL BOOTS ALLOWED!
   
2. Your ball should be easilyrecognisable. Your balls should be easily identifiable.
3. Follow the order of scores andwait your turn before playing. Your shots shouldn’t disturb other players.
4. The ball must be played in a single movement.Your foot shouldn’t accompany the ball in anyway whatsoever. “scooping” of the ball is not allowed.
5. Don’t play the ball until it has completely stopped.
6. For the first shot,put your ball in the “kick off” area and up to 2 meters behind markers.
7. Play the ball as it lies:moving of the ball or obstacles around it is forbidden.
8. Players furthest from the hole plays first.
9. If the ball falls into water or any other hazard, grab it and drop it two steps back behind the point of entry. In all cases, you receive one penalty kick.
10. Once close to the hole or on the green, the ball must be marked. If not marked and your ball gets struck, you receive a penalty kick. Regardless of the distance to the hole, there are NO “give me”. Holes must be completed.

FootGolf Attire

FGSA

FootGolf South Africa (FGSA) is the only exclusive member of the FIFG and recognised governing body for the sport of FootGolf in South Africa.

The main objectives of FGSA is to create structures, development and promote the sport of FootGolf within South Africa. A core focus on youth development and academy setups for the growth and longevity of the sport.

FIFG

The Federation for International FootGolf (FIFG) is the governing body of the sport. Its main function is to promote worldwide recognition of the sport of FootGolf as it oversee its international development and growth to ensure equitable play worldwide for all players. To reach this goal, the FIFG has established the international rules and guidelines of FootGolf under which all members agree to abide. Any deviation of established rules must be pre-approved in writing by the FIFG. The FIFG recognises only one member within its of this organisation per country. www.fifg.org

Missions

• Encourage, promote, develop and control FootGolf at all levels throughout the world
• Being judge over disagreements between members of federations and confederations
• Establish and maintain an effective administration
• Preserve the independence of the FIFG in all matters directly or indirectly concerning FootGolf without the intervention of any outside authority.

In furtherance of it’s mission, the FIFG:

• Establish rules for FootGolf and enforce them uniformly for all events throughout the world.
• Define the rules governing eligibility for the game of FootGolf to be observed by all members.
• Raise funds for the activities of the FIFG by all available means including from fees, levies and subscriptions, royalties, sponsorships and the licensing or assignment of commercial and other rights.
• Establish rules and/or regulations for the conduct of events under the jurisdiction of the FIFG. Establish rules and/or regulations for the resolution of disputes, disagreements or misconduct with respect to the affairs of the FIFG and the game of FootGolf and impose sanctions.
• Take such lawful action as is necessary or desirable for the attainment of the objects of the Federation for International FootGolf.

FIFG Members

This organisation recognizes on exclusive member per country.

Official Members – Criteria

Governance

The member is a national organisation; The member applies principles of good governance such as transparency, accountability, gender equity, non-discrimination, fairness etc. The member’s general assembly is the supreme organisation.

Universality

The member organizes 3 or more tournaments at a minimum of 2 golf courses within one year; Each event has a significant number of players.

Ethics and Responsibility

The member takes measures to promote the participation of women and persons with disabilities, sport for all, fair play, athletes’ health and safety, high standard arbitration and clear competition rules. The member must be
a signatory of the World Anti-Doping Code, have anti-doping rules in line with the World Anti-Doping Code and be actively involved in the fight against doping. The member takes measures to protect the athletes and their entourage from corruption, illegal and irregular betting, fraud, and other harmful practices linked to sport.