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RFEF, RFAF, FEB, RFEBM (Spanish federation acronyms)

Acronyms of the main Spanish sports federations: national (RFEF, FEB, RFEBM) and regional (RFAF and similar). Structure sport organisation by modality.

Definition

Spanish sport is organised in a federation pyramid with three levels: international federations (FIFA, FIBA, IHF), national Spanish federations (RFEF for football, FEB for basketball, RFEBM for handball, RFEDH for ice hockey, RFEH for field hockey, etc.) and regional federations (RFAF Andalusian, FCF Catalan, FFCM Castile-La Mancha, etc.).

Each national federation regulates the modality nationally (national teams, inter-regional competitions, top tier); regional federations regulate within their region (regional leagues, grassroots competitions, licence management). Common acronyms: RFEF (Royal Spanish Football Federation), FEB (Spanish Basketball Federation), RFEBM (Royal Spanish Handball Federation), RFEN (Swimming), RFET (Tennis), RFEC (Cycling), RFEDA (Athletics). Regional ones follow a similar pattern adding the regional name.

When does it apply?

Applies to correctly identify the club's counterpart federation. Amateur clubs habitually interact with the regional federation (RFAF in Andalusia, FCF in Catalonia, etc.). Knowing the acronyms avoids confusion when filling forms, reading regulations or searching official info.

Practical example

C.F. Aluvión, in Almería, pays its federation fees to the RFAF (Royal Andalusian Football Federation). RFAF in turn is the regional federation integrated within RFEF (Royal Spanish Football Federation), which organises national competitions and selections. For regional matters (Andalusian under-19 league, refereeing, grassroots sanctions), Aluvión talks to RFAF. For national matters (Junior Cup of Champions, regional selections) RFEF acts.

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