The International Downhill Federation (IDF) is a non-profit, rider-orientated, democratic organization that was developed to help regulate and promote the downhill skateboard racing sports. The IDF was established in 2012 in response to some of the differences that racers, organizers and sponsors had with the International Gravity Sports Association (IGSA). The IDF group was formed with hopes of reducing the frustrations that many riders experienced on other downhill circuits, and in 2013 IDF replaced the IGSA as the sanctioning body for world cup downhill skateboarding.

The new organization made three noticeable changes:  

• Added sanctions to world-cup circuit events, including qualifying events.
• Provided the electronic RFID timing system for qualifying runs to speed up time trials and allow more timed runs and more accurate finish line results.
• Made small changes in the rulebook.

The International Downhill Federation has been positioned as the official sports governing body for international downhill skateboard, street luge and classic luge activities, but the organization does not get involved with inline skating downhill events at this time. The IDF was intended to promote, coordinate and encourage safe operation of downhill skateboard racing events all over the world. It is also a contact resource, the voice of the downhill community in communications to governments and industries, and is working hard to provide the foundation for a dynamic and exciting future for gravity sports.

• The IDF provides association members with the rankings, the services, the event planning, and the guidance they need to encourage beneficial connections and alliances between the competitors and the event organizers who sponsor and support gravity sports. These groups have direct board representation with the IDF.

• The IDF is taking the steps needed to take downhill skateboarding to a new level of growth and accountability on international levels, and the organization looks forward to many successful racing seasons. The International Downhill Federation has a lineup of high profile races on the roster:
  • Whistler Longboard Festival (Canada)
  • Brittania Classic (Canada)
  • Newton's Playground (Australia - Formerly IGSA)
  • Mount Kiera (Australia - Formerly IGSA)
  • Peyragudes Deluxe Cup (France - Formerly IGSA)
  • Bo Peep Crash and Burn (England - Formerly IGSA)
• IDF board of directors includes some of the top race organizers and racers from around the world. The rest of the IDF membership includes both riders and event organizers.

Other Downhill Governing Bodies and Organizations

There are other downhill sports governing bodies and organizations. The International Gravity Sports Association is another governing body for extreme gravity sports racing, including street luge, downhill skateboarding, classic luge, inline skating and gravity bike events. The International Inline Downhill Association (IIDA) is the organization that was established as the world sanctioning body of inline downhill skating roller sports. The International Downhill Racing Association (IDRA) is a grassroots nonprofit organization for downhill street luge and long skateboard enthusiasts.