About Us

Message from the President

Richard Erog, President, Raqball USA Federation

Raqball is a simple idea with big consequences. It's a fast, non-contact, gender-inclusive team sport that anyone can learn and everyone can love.

In the United States, our job is to build a fair, modern federation with clear rules, certified coaches and referees, safe facilities, and real pathways from school gyms to national teams.

We partner with educators, recreation leaders, and communities to make participation the default, not the exception. Innovation matters here: portable courts, smart scheduling, and programs that welcome everyone.

This is sport as a bridge, not a barrier. Join us. Play, coach, officiate, host an event, or help a new program get started.

Raqball USA: speed, skill, and respect on equal terms.

Our Mission

Raqball USA Federation serves as the Member Federation of the International Raqball Federation (IRBF), dedicated to introducing, developing, and governing Raqball across America.

As the IRBF-recognized U.S. National Federation, we are authorized to issue IRBF-sanctioned coaching and referee licenses, certify facilities and operators, organize official tournaments, and maintain international standards throughout the United States.

Our mission is to make Raqball accessible to all Americans through schools, recreation centers, community programs, and competitive leagues while upholding the sport's core values of participation, respect, innovation, and mobility.

ABOUT THE FOUNDER

Chris Oven, inventor of Raqball, during an early demonstration in France.

Chris Oven — Inventor of Raqball

Chris Oven is the original creator of Raqball, a hybrid sport born in the south of France in 2013. Blending the energy of basketball with the precision of racket sports like squash and badminton, Oven envisioned a new discipline built around speed, fairness, and creativity. His early prototypes, played on 20 × 10 meter courts with distinctive circular TARGGETS, laid the foundation for what would become an internationally recognized sport.

In 2016, Oven entrusted full development and commercial rights to entrepreneur Christophe Lehmann, founder of RZBall Company, ensuring professional manufacturing standards and global promotion. With the support of educators, engineers, and athletes, Raqball evolved from a local experiment into an organized, competitive sport with official rules, certified equipment, and international appeal.

Today, Raqball is represented worldwide through the International Raqball Federation (IRBF), which oversees national federations across Europe, the Middle East, and Latin America. Under the leadership of Richard Erog, the sport entered a new era of expansion in Turkey and the United States, where Raqball USA Inc. is officially recognized by the IRBF as the governing body for the United States.

Chris Oven's original vision of an inclusive, fast, and intelligent game played with passion and respect continues to guide Raqball's growth as it aims toward global recognition and future Olympic participation.

VISION & VALUES

🎯

Our Vision

To establish Raqball as America's premier gender-inclusive team sport, transforming physical education, recreation, and competitive athletics through innovative, accessible, and socially impactful programming.

⚖️

Participation

We believe sport should be accessible to everyone regardless of gender, age, athletic background, or physical ability. Raqball's inclusive design removes traditional barriers to team sport participation.

🤝

Respect

Our non-contact structure promotes sportsmanship, safety, and mutual respect. Players compete on skill and strategy, not physical dominance.

💡

Innovation

Raqball represents breakthrough thinking in sport design. Novel rules, portable infrastructure, and gender-neutral competition create unique opportunities.

🌍

Mobility

The RB2.0 Court Kit democratizes access to quality sport facilities. Play anywhere—schools, parks, gyms, community centers—without permanent infrastructure.

🏆

Excellence

We maintain IRBF international standards in all programs, certifications, and competitions, ensuring quality and credibility at every level.

IRBF PARTNERSHIP

IRBF Recognition

Raqball USA Federation is the official U.S. National Federation recognized by the International Raqball Federation (IRBF).

Our Authority Includes:

Issue IRBF-sanctioned coaching licenses (Levels 1-3)
Issue IRBF-sanctioned referee licenses (Regional, National, International)
Certify facilities and operators to IRBF standards
Sanction and govern official Raqball tournaments
Establish quality standards for programs and equipment
Represent USA athletes in international IRBF competitions
Develop national teams and high-performance pathways
Maintain compliance with IRBF rules and regulations

IRBF Supervision

All certification programs, tournament sanctioning, and governance activities are conducted under direct IRBF supervision to ensure international consistency and quality standards.

STRATEGIC FOCUS AREAS

🎓 Education Sector

Partner with K-12 schools and universities to integrate Raqball into physical education curricula, addressing Title IX compliance and gender inclusion challenges.

👥 Community Recreation

Work with recreation departments, YMCAs, and community centers to offer accessible Raqball programming for all ages and skill levels.

⚡ Youth Development

Create pathways for young athletes through youth leagues, camps, and competitive opportunities leading to national team selection.

🏢 Corporate Wellness

Introduce Raqball as an engaging team-building and wellness activity for corporate environments and employee health programs.

🏆 Competitive Sports

Develop tournament circuits, regional leagues, and national championships with pathways to international IRBF competitions.

🌈 Social Impact

Leverage Raqball's inclusive design to promote LGBTQ+ inclusion, gender equity, and community health initiatives.

WHY RAQBALL, WHY NOW

Title IX Compliance Solution

Schools struggle to offer equal athletic opportunities across genders. Raqball provides truly gender-neutral competition where mixed teams compete on equal terms.

Safety-First Design

Growing concerns about contact sport injuries, especially concussions, drive demand for engaging non-contact alternatives. Raqball delivers competitive excitement without collision risk.

Infrastructure Accessibility

Traditional sports require expensive permanent facilities. The portable RB2.0 Court Kit fits in two suitcases, enabling any organization to offer Raqball without capital investment.

Declining Youth Participation

Youth sport participation is declining due to specialization pressure, costs, and limited options for non-traditional athletes. Raqball offers fresh, accessible entry points.

LGBTQ+ Inclusion

Gender-segregated sports create challenges for transgender and non-binary athletes. Raqball's gender-neutral structure provides inclusive competitive opportunities.

Global Growth Momentum

Raqball is expanding rapidly in Europe, North Africa, and beyond. Early adoption in the US positions organizations at the forefront of an emerging global sport.