Membership & Chapters

Join the Global TSG Movement.

Become part of the only international body dedicated to safeguarding traditional sports and games as living cultural heritage. ICTSG offers three membership pathways - open to governments, national organizations, and sports federations worldwide.

Membership Types

Three Pathways to Join

National Chapter

Government bodies, national sports councils, and ministries

✓ Official ICTSG National Chapter status
✓ Recognition in ICTSG Encyclopedia
✓ Access to SRETS Elevation Framework support
✓ Eligibility to host World and Continental Games
✓ UN and UNESCO engagement through ICTSG
✓ TSG Day global co-branding rights
✓ Inclusion in ICTSG Annual Report

🤝

Member Federation

International or national sports federations

✓ ICTSG Member Federation status
✓ Sport profiled in online encyclopedia
✓ SRETS elevation pathway support
✓ Voting rights in ICTSG General Assembly
✓ Joint promotional campaigns
✓ Research & Publication Commission access

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Associate Member

NGOs, universities, research bodies, and civil society organizations

✓ ICTSG Associate Member recognition
✓ Collaboration on research and publications
✓ Participation in ICTSG conferences
✓ Access to training and capacity-building
✓ Newsletter and media partner access

Why Join ICTSG

The Benefits of Membership

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Global Network

Connect with 100+ countries, 14+ member federations, and intergovernmental partners including UNESCO and the United Nations.

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SRETS Framework

Benefit from ICTSG's Six-Stage Elevation Framework - a proven, structured pathway from community documentation to UNESCO heritage listing.

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Games Eligibility

Become eligible to host or participate in ICTSG World Traditional Games, Continental Championships, and TSG Day global events.

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Encyclopedia Listing

Get your sports officially documented and profiled in the ICTSG Online Encyclopedia - the world's only comprehensive TSG database.

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Policy Influence

Participate in UNESCO consultations, UN SDG reporting, and international policy-making affecting cultural heritage and sport.

📡

Global Visibility

Co-brand with ICTSG on TSG Day (August 14), joint press releases, and international media exposure across 100+ countries.

Application

Start Your Application

Submit your expression of interest. ICTSG's membership team will review and respond within 5–7 business days.

FAQ

Common Questions

Is there a membership fee?

ICTSG offers membership based on mutual commitment to the TSG mission. Fee structures are discussed during the membership review process and vary by organization type and capacity.

How long does the application process take?

Initial response: 5–7 business days. Full membership review and approval: typically 4–8 weeks, including a consultation call with the ICTSG membership team.

Can an individual join ICTSG?

ICTSG's formal membership is for organizations, federations, and government bodies. Individual researchers and advocates can engage through ICTSG's Research & Publication Commission or partner programs.

What is a National Chapter?

A National Chapter is an ICTSG-recognized body representing traditional sports and games at the national level - typically a ministry, national sports council, or officially constituted national TSG organization.

Do I need to be a UNESCO member state?

No. ICTSG welcomes organizations from all nations regardless of UNESCO membership status. ICTSG itself maintains independent observer and collaborative relationships with UNESCO.