Qualifying the scope, intended use, and limitations of IAAF benchmarking and accreditation. Please read this page before relying on or communicating any outcome from the platform.
Last updated: June 2026
Summary. IAAF benchmarking and accreditation evaluate the quality of an impact assessment report against the IAAF Standard. They are not audits of project performance, do not independently verify reported outcomes, and Level 1–2 scores must not be used for external accreditation claims.
The IAAF benchmarking and accreditation process is an evaluation of the extent to which the impact assessment report demonstrates conformity with the IAAF Impact Assessment Accreditation Standard.
The benchmarking or accreditation process does not constitute an audit, inspection, verification, validation, certification, assurance engagement, or forensic review of the project, programme, intervention, implementing organisation, funding organisation, or any reported outcomes or impacts.
Unless explicitly stated otherwise within the scope of engagement, IAAF does not independently verify or authenticate:
The benchmarking and accreditation is undertaken based on the documentation, evidence, explanations, and representations made available by the submitting organisation.
An IAAF benchmarking outcome or accreditation decision relates solely to the quality, methodological robustness and transparency of the impact assessment report and the assessment process.
It shall not be interpreted or represented as:
The responsibility for the design, implementation, monitoring, reporting, and substantiation of project outcomes and impacts remains solely with the project owner and the organisation submitting the report for benchmarking or accreditation.
Level 1 and Level 2 benchmarking scores, ratings, or benchmarking outcomes shall not be communicated, published, advertised, or otherwise represented externally as evidence of accreditation, certification, endorsement, validation, assurance, or approval by IAAF.
Only organisations that have successfully completed the requirements of Level 3 Accreditation or Level 4 Accreditation may publicly communicate their accreditation status, and only in accordance with the communication guidelines and conditions prescribed by IAAF.
The benchmarking and accreditation outcomes are based on the information and evidence submitted by the organisation at the time of assessment.
IAAF accepts no responsibility for omissions, inaccuracies, misrepresentations, or subsequent changes in circumstances that may affect the outcome.
Should additional information become available after completion of the benchmarking or accreditation process, IAAF reserves the right to reconsider, amend, suspend, or withdraw a benchmarking outcome or accreditation decision where such information materially affects the original assessment.
The benchmarking and accreditation are intended solely for the purpose described herein and should not be relied upon for any other purpose.
IAAF, its assessors, reviewers, Advisory Council members, technical experts, employees, and affiliated organisations shall not be liable for any decision, action, loss, damage, cost, claim, or consequence arising from the use of, reliance upon, or interpretation of the benchmarking or accreditation beyond the scope of the engagement.
This page is provided for transparency and does not constitute legal advice. IAAF recommends organisations seek independent counsel where their reporting or communication obligations require it.