Norges Rugbyforbund (Norwegian Rugby Federation) is governed by the Board of Directors, elected at the Federation Assembly, which is the federation’s highest authority. Our daily operations are managed by the federation’s administration led by the General Secretary.
Governance Structure
The federation is led by the Board of Directors (Forbundsstyret), elected at the Federation Assembly (Forbundstinget), which serves as the federation’s highest governing body. Daily operations are managed by the federation’s administration under the leadership of the General Secretary.
Federation Responsibilities
- Lead and promote rugby in Norway and represent rugby internationally
- Organize national-level series and match offerings
- Develop and implement training and education programs
- Provide professional guidance to clubs
- Plan and execute projects and activities in collaboration with clubs and committees
- Manage national team operations including talent development (players, coaches, referees)
- Serve as a service organization for federation members
Membership Statistics
Norwegian Sports Federation (NIF)
The Norwegian Sports Confederation and Olympic and Paralympic Committee (NIF) is the supreme body in Norway’s largest popular movement, with 2,191,374 memberships distributed across 11,595 sports clubs. NIF’s vision is “sports joy for all.”
NIF Objectives
“NIF shall work to ensure that all people are given the opportunity to practice sports according to their wishes and needs. The organization shall be a positive value creator for individuals and society and thereby strengthen its position as a popular movement and driving force in society. The organization’s work shall be characterized by volunteerism, democracy, loyalty, and equality. All sports activities shall be based on core values such as sports joy, community, health, and honesty.”
NIF has its headquarters at Idrettens hus (Sports House) at Ullevål Stadium. NIF comprises 54 special federations and 19 sports districts, with 366 sports councils.
Rugby Clubs
Clubs form the local grassroots level of the sports organization. Clubs with one sport are called special sports clubs, while clubs with multiple sports groups are called multi-sports clubs. Corporate sports clubs recruit their members from workplaces and various professional associations.
Clubs are led by a board elected at the annual meeting. We have approximately 30 active clubs or teams in the federation.
Key Club Responsibilities
- Define club and team objectives
- Administer the club
- Secure financial foundation for club operations
- Register teams in league play and arrange matches
- Recruit referees, coaches, and assistants for matches
- Arrange training facilities and schedules
It is important to remember that these are the club’s responsibilities (not just the club board’s)! All clubs need dedicated volunteers beyond the board.
Regional Structure
Sports Districts (Idrettskretser)
Sports districts are organized according to county boundaries and serve as joint bodies for all sports within their geographic area. Their role is to promote cooperation between special districts and individual sports clubs, as well as between sports organizational levels and all other county-level instances and actors responsible for sports and physical activity.
Special Districts (Særkretser)
Norges Rugbyforbund currently has two special districts:
- Oslo Rugbykrets
- Hordaland Rugbykrets
Policies & Compliance
Norges Rugbyforbund is committed to maintaining the highest standards of governance, transparency, and accountability. We operate in accordance with World Rugby regulations, Norwegian Sports Federation guidelines, and our own constitution and bylaws.