As per the Olympic Charter Rules 26 and 27,
WDSF and DanceSport were granted full recognition by the 106th Session of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) on 4 September 1997, with all the rights and obligations that this entails.
For it to be recognised by the IOC, DanceSport had to meet a stringent set of criteria comprising
Universality
Popularity
Governance
Athlete Welfare
Development
For WDSF to renew the recognition periodically, its statutes, practices and all its activities must keep in conformity with the Olympic Charter, and it is specifically required to
Enforce comprehensive anti-doping policies and regulations that comply with the the World Anti-Doping Code of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).
Continue to stage world and continental championships at regular intervals.
Implement youth development programmes.
Maintain its robust and independent governance structure.
Through its recognition, WDSF became a member of the Association of IOC Recognised International Sports Federations (ARISF), an organisation constituted through and recognised by the IOC. ARISF is one of the pillars to the Olympic Movement, with its 32 Member
International Federations (IFs) committed to respect and foster the latter's values and principles.
"The 32 IF Members of ARISF are a part of the Olympic Movement. In these fast-changing times where the interests
of young people are rapidly evolving, the Olympic Programme for the Summer and Winter Games is constantly under review to ensure it remains relevant to young generations. When the IOC Programme Commission looks at the programme of the Games, it does not only
consider ways of enhancing the sports that are already on the programme, but also looks at the IOC-recognised sports to evaluate their potential contribution to the future Games."
Dr Jacques Rogge, Honorary IOC President
"The future Olympics will hopefully have some new sports and disciplines coming from the ARISF IF community."
