Intercollegiate Athletic Association

The Intercollegiate Athletic Association (IAA) was an early organization formed in the late 19th century to coordinate college athletics, primarily football, among American colleges and universities. Its purpose was to establish rules, promote fair play, and organize competitions to manage the growth of college sports. As one of the first bodies of its kind, the IAA helped standardize standards and practices, paving the way for future, more comprehensive athletic associations. It played a key role in shaping organized college sports, emphasizing amateurism, safety, and sportsmanship.