Sections are units of a central federation or umbrella association. They can be independent associations or form a sub-unit of the central federation. The sections’ autonomy (decision-making power) with respect to the umbrella organisation may vary considerably. It can be very limited or provide a great deal of independence. Some umbrella associations stipulate what the sections’ articles of association should be like and define the appearance of their sections. Other associations give more freedom to their sub-units. An association with sections is called a federation. Sections can be referred to as bodies of the umbrella association.