National Olympic Committee

The British Olympic Association (BOA) is the National Olympic Committee (NOC) for Great Britain and Northern Ireland. It was formed in 1905 in the House of Commons, and at that time consisted of seven National Governing Body members from the following sports: fencing, life-saving, cycling, skating, rowing, athletics, rugby, football and archery. The BOA now includes as its members the thirty-three National Governing Bodies of each Olympic sport, both summer and winter.

Great Britain is one of only five countries which have never failed to be represented at the Summer Olympic Games since 1896. Great Britain, France and Switzerland are the only countries to have been present at all Olympic Winter Games. Great Britain has also played host to two Olympic Games in London: in 1908 and 1948. In 2005, London was selected as the host city for the 2012 Olympic Games.

The BOA is one of 205 NOCs currently recognised by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). The IOC’s role is to lead the promotion of Olympism in accordance with the Olympic Charter. The Charter details the philosophy, aims and traditions of the Olympic Movement. The IOC co-opts and elects its members from among such persons as it considers qualified. Members of the IOC are its representatives in their respective countries and not delegates of their countries within the IOC.

A member of each of the Olympic sports makes up the National Olympic Committee (NOC), the BOA's decision and policy-making body. The NOC elects four officers: a President, Chairman and two Vice-Chairman, each for a four year term. Six members of the NOC are also elected to the Board. This Board is involved in more detailed work of the BOA and will also put forward specific proposals for decision by the NOC.

Click here to download detailed information on the members of the NOC and the BOA Board.