Philosophy 
Enshrined in the Objects of the IAAF Constitution is the strongest possible commitment to world-wide development of athletics. This, of course, is a huge and complex task. The challenge is to create the conditions under which as many athletes as possible can express their potential in competition and derive the maximum benefit from the sport in the country of each IAAF Member Federation.

The central principle of the IAAF's development philosophy is co-operation between the IAAF, its Member Federations and other partners. As each Member Federation is responsible for athletics within its country, it has a leading role in operating and developing the sport. The IAAF's contribution is to assist Member Federations in fulfilling this role as effectively as possible.

Strategy

The IAAF development strategy focuses on seven areas of activity which contribute to and are indispensable for the growth and strength of sport in any country:

• Athletics Culture.
• Member Federation Activities and Administration.
• Coaching.
• Officiating
• Competition Opportunities and Organization.
• Facilities and Equipment.
• Scientific and Medical Support.

Programme

Under the direction of the IAAF Development Commission, the Development Department, working closely with athletics experts around the world, is responsible for the design, implementation and monitoring of a wide variety of activities to address the needs in the above mentioned areas. These include:

• Educational measures.
• Technical publications.
• Consultancies.
• Financial assistance.
• Scientific research.

The IAAF invests more than $6 million annually in the Development programme. In addition, the IAAF works closely with other agencies throughout the world involved in development activities.

Regional Development Centres

The strongest sign of the IAAF's commitment to development is its network of Regional Development Centres (RDCs). The main role of the RDCs is to function as a "branch office" of the IAAF supporting the work of the Member Federations and providing a focal point for the programme of development actions in the areas they serve. The IAAF Development Department's role is the macro-management of the programme, while the RDCs are responsible for its micro-management. The activities of the RDCs include:

• Regular communication with the Member Federations of their region.
• High level courses and seminars for coaches and technical officials.
• Seminars and workshops for the other specialist personnel of Member Federations such as General Secretaries, competition organisers, sports medicine personnel, statisticians etc.
• Co-ordination of grass root level courses for coaches, technical officials, etc. in the countries of their region.
• Publication of regional technical bulletins and other materials.
• Research projects.
• Training camps for young athletes.

Presently the IAAF operates the following 10 RDCs:

• RDC Adelaide, Australia (serving Oceania).
• RDC Beijing, China (serving East Asia).
• RDC Cairo, Egypt (serving Arabic-speaking Africa and Asia).
• RDC Dakar, Senegal (serving French-speaking Africa).
• RDC Jakarta, Indonesia (serving South and south-east Asia).
• RDC Lisbon, Portugal (serving Portuguese-speaking Africa).
• RDC Moscow, Russia (serving Europe and central Asian countries).
• RDC Nairobi, Kenya (serving English-speaking Africa).
• RDC Salinas, Puerto Rico (serving Central America and the Caribbean).
• RDC Santa Fe, Argentina (serving South America).

Coaching

To carry out their work effectively coaches need proper education and training. The IAAF has established a world-wide Coaches Education and Certification System (CECS), featuring basic level courses taught in each country as well as advanced courses staged at the IAAF's RDCs.

Officiating

Technical Officials are essential for the conduct of competitions. The IAAF has developed a Technical Officials Education and Certification System (TOECS), featuring basic levels courses taught in each country as well as more advanced courses taught at the IAAF RDCs.