What is the correct top-to-bottom pyramid hierarchy for European sport?

• A. International sports federations → European sports federations → National sports federations → Regional sports federations → Grassroots federations/clubs
• B. Grassroots → Regional → National → European → International
• C. European → International → National → Regional → Grassroots
• D. National → International → European → Grassroots → Regional

Answer: (A)

The main idea here is how sport governance is structured from the global level down to local participation. International federations sit at the apex, drawing rules and standards that apply worldwide. Beneath them, European (continental) federations organize and coordinate sport across the continent, aligning with global guidelines while running Europe-wide competitions. National federations are the authorities within each country, applying those standards domestically, organizing national events, and connecting to the continental bodies. Within each country, regional or county federations handle local leagues and clubs, feeding participation and development up to the national level. At the base are grassroots clubs and programs that provide the entry point for players and growth of the sport. This creates a top-to-bottom sequence: international → European → national → regional → grassroots/clubs, which matches the correct ordering.

The other options shift or reverse this flow. Starting at grassroots and moving up is the reverse of a top-to-bottom pyramid. Placing European before International misorders the hierarchy, since the continental level operates under the global umbrella. Reversing or swapping levels in other ways breaks the typical governance structure where global voices set the framework that filters down through regional and national structures to the grassroots.