The IWGA was constituted under Swiss law as a non-governmental and non-profit-making organisation.

Since 2014, IOC recognition has become a prerequisite for International Federations to become a Member of the IWGA.

[5] Sports that want to be recognised by the IWGA need to have a worldwide significance but actually must not be in the programme of the Olympic Games.

Increasingly, international sports federations that take part in the Olympic Games have maintained a presence in the World Games for the disciplines and events that cannot be included in the Olympics, e.g. compound and field archery, acrobatic and aerobic gymnastics.

Since 2020, Affiliate Status was introduced for full Members of ASOIF and AIOWF.