Fédération Internationale de Volleyball

The Fédération Internationale de Volleyball (FIVB) is the big group that helps take care of volleyball all around the world. It makes the rules, organizes big games, and helps grow the sport in every country.

The FIVB’s office is in Lausanne, Switzerland. This city is full of groups that help sports all over the world. Today, the leader of the FIVB is Fabio Azevedo from Brazil. He works with teams and players to make volleyball even better.

Thanks to the FIVB, volleyball is now a favorite sport for millions of people in many countries. The FIVB organizes big events like the FIVB Volleyball World Championship. It also helps young players learn and compete at the best levels. Because of the FIVB, volleyball is played by people of all ages everywhere.

The FIVB started in France in 1947. Back then, many countries in Europe wanted a special group just for volleyball. Fourteen countries from five continents met and agreed to create the FIVB. Paul Libaud from France was the first leader.

Volleyball became an Olympic sport in 1964. By that time, 89 countries were part of the FIVB. The FIVB moved its office from Paris, France, to Lausanne, Switzerland, in 1984. Now, the FIVB has 222 member countries.

The FIVB works with five big parts of the world to help organize volleyball. These parts are:

• Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) for Asia and Oceania
• Confederación Sudamericana de Voleibol (CSV) for South America
• African Volleyball Confederation (CAVB) for Africa
• European Volleyball Confederation (CEV) for Europe
• North, Central America and Caribbean Volleyball Confederation (NORCECA) for North America

Each part helps make sure volleyball is fun and fair in their own areas. The FIVB also keeps track of how good countries are at volleyball with the Senior World Rankings. Countries earn points by how they do in big tournaments.

The FIVB helps make volleyball popular by finding sponsors and media partners. It also holds workshops for coaches, referees, and teachers. The FIVB makes sure the rules are the same everywhere and handles important issues like fair play.

The FIVB has many leaders, or presidents. Paul Libaud from France was the first. Now, Fabio Azevedo from Brazil is the president. The FIVB works hard to make volleyball a wonderful sport for everyone to enjoy.