IMMAF, which has been turned down for membership repeatedly by GAISF (Global Association of International Sports Federations) is an early adopter of the Sport Integrity Global Alliance (SIGA) Universal Standards, which aims to improve further already high levels of good governance within sporting organisations.

After adopting the SIGA Standards, it means IMMAF can be independently audited and rated on the following areas - good governance, integrity and financial integrity.

To improve its levels of governance, the IMMAF Board will this week take part in a training session which will cover the following topics - what governance is, why governance is important, the risks of poor governance and areas to consider for good governance.

Training will be conducted by independent consultant and chairman of Netball Northern Ireland Geoff Wilson who said: "I currently work with several global sporting organisations on strategic planning and governance activity. 

"It is the sporting organisations with strong strategic and governance plans that are successful.

 "IMMAF is to be commended for its focus on this important subject. 

"The Federation has been very active in recent years and I look forward to working with the Board to ensure that MMA is a leading sport in the area of governance."

IMMAF chief executive Densign White said he arranged the training because he believed good governance was essential for organisations.

"The COVID-19 global lockdown gives us time to stand back and take a hard look at ourselves and to evaluate our performance in critical governance areas," said White.

"Board training has been on my radar for some time but it has been difficult to fit it in with all the demands on individual Board members in ordinary times.

"I am grateful for this opportunity that arose a few weeks ago, when Geoff Wilson offered his time and expertise to concentrate our focus on this important area."