The amount of players is one of the most important factors in the national recognition process and during 2010 – 2011 there has been much work put into achieving more players. The licensed player number jumped 300 % from 2010 to 2011 with 300 players in 2010 to over 1200 in 2011.

The KOC recognition process is divided into three different steps and the KFF is now looking forward to taking the second step, which would be receiving the provisional KOC recognition.

- We received the initial KOC recognition in 2009, but this is more of a statement that we do exist. After this the KOC evaluates the recognition for three years and we also need to prove that we are a growing sport to receive the provisional recognition, Hwang Joo Kim, from KFF says.

Hwang Joo Kim with the Korea floorball team car

New President elected

At the moment there are five active floorball provinces in Korea, but Kim informs that the KFF needs to incorporate 12 regional provinces in order to receive the KOC provisional recognition and also the political influence in the Korean sports world is of major importance.

- For some sports like the sports already on the Olympic program and the traditional Korean sports it’s easier to receive the KOC recognition. It is essential to have political contacts and power as in the end the recognition comes down to receiving enough votes. We have selected a new president who is a member of national assembly with political power, Ms. Park In Sook (in photo). For us the Provisional KOC recognition would be a real benefit as we would receive economic support for our national teams and funds for two employees, Mr. Kim explains.

Mr. Kim tells that the KFF goal is to get the provisional recognition during 2013, but it’s not easy as there are 12 other sports on the waiting list as well.

- The other sports are mostly old sports like martial arts sports, for example kick-boxing and samboo, but I think that we have a very good chance of receiving the membership as we are so popular in schools.
The next step after the provisional KOC recognition is to achieve the full recognition and after the provisional membership it takes at least three years of evaluation before a full membership can be considered. The economic support would then be increased and even more funds for employees are then allocated.

Women’s national team re-established

The KFF is also now focusing in putting together a competitive women’s national team and the men’s national team players are kept very busy as they are assisting in coaching the team. The Korean women’s national team will be the underdog in the WFC 2013, but Mr. Kim still feels that the team has a chance to qualify.

- In 2009 we had the Women’s team for the first time, but after the Asian Pacific Championships (APAC) the team was put down. Now we have setup the team again to play in the Women’s WFC Qualifications in 2013. I think the Women’ team will be tough as the Korean women are much stronger mentally than the men. I know the players are competitive and want to fight for a place in the WFC final round.

Source & more information: Korean Floorball Federation