What is the United World Karate Federation?

The Constitution of United World Karate Federation

United World Karate Federation (UWKF)

STATUTES

Preamble

1. Definition

2. Aims

3. Structure

4. Membership

5. Participation in Competitions and Medical Codes

6. Official Languages

7. UWKF Governing Bodies

8. Ordinary Congress

9. Extraordinary Congress

10. Provisions common to discussions and decisions at Ordinary and Extraordinary Congresses

11. Executive Committee

12. Bureau

13. President

14. Vice Presidents

15. General Secretary

16. General Treasurer

17. Technical Directors

18. Place of performance of UWKF Tasks

19. Events organized and recognized by the UWKF

20. The spirit of UWKF Karate

21. Accounting period

22. Income and Expenses

23. Audit of Accounts

24. Grades and “Dan” Ranks

25. UWKF Honors and Awards

26. Amendments to the Statutes

27. Specific Regulations

28. Expulsion ‐Resignation ‐Suspension

29. UWKF Arbitral Tribunal

30. Disciplinary Commission of the first instance

31. Disciplinary Appeal Commission

32. Ethics Commission

33. Rights related to the UWKF events

34. Dissolution

PREAMBLE:

The United World Karate Federation of is composed of National, Continent, Regional and Continental UWKF Karate members.

Each Continental, Continent, Regional and National Federation of member must be recognized as the sole authority to represent its Continent, Region or National in all karate sporting activities bodies by its sports Committee, which itself is duly recognized by the National Government

The major development of UWKF Karate World-wide made it necessary to create National Federations. These Federations are in charge of implementing the policy of the United World Karate Federation in the Continent, Continent, Regional and National sporting structures

UWKF Karate was created in 2004 by unification of all karate styles namely Shotokan, Goju Ryu, Shito Ryu, Wado Ryu and Full Contact with three distinct karate formats namely Traditional Karate, General Karate and Full Contact into International Karate Federation as a united federation representing all karate. UWKF Karate is a highly codified sport in which the mind controls the expression of the body and is a sport which contributes to educating individuals.

Beyond competitions and combat, UWKF Karate involves technical research, practice of katas, kata analysis and application, physical preparation and sharpening of spirit.

As a discipline derived from ancestral traditions of karate-do from Okinawa and Japan, UWKF Karate adopts the principles of Okinawan and Japanese Karate Budo manner, and development as an eminently modern and progressive activity.

The United World Karate Federation of was incorporated in Tokyo Japan on the 10th March 2015, previously known as the United World Karate Association founded in 1992, as a Non-Profit Organization (NPO) for the unity, development and preparation of karate-ka to create a better life for all its members and supporters.

ARTICLE 1 – DEFINITIONS

1.1 STATUTES

The “Statutes” shall mean all provisions contained in this document, which have been duly approved, together with any addendums and/or appendices which may complete, amend or substitute for this document. The Preamble constitutes an integral part hereof. These Statutes replace the previous statutes.

1.2 UWKF

The United World Karate Federation of (hereinafter referred to as the “UWKF”), is a not for profit Association founded for an unlimited period of time. Its seat is in South Africa or as determined by the Congress.

The UWKF is a non-political organization. It shall not discriminate on the grounds of race, religion, gender or political opinion. In the UWKF Statutes, Regulations and Decisions, the masculine gender is used to designate all private individuals, but shall encompass both males and females, unless there is a specific provision to the contrary.

1.3 CONTINENTAL, CONTINENT, REGIONAL AND NATIONAL FEDERATION OF SOUTH AFRICA

The term “Continental, Continent, Regional and National Federation” shall refer to a Member of the UWKF.

Each National Federation is a member of one of UWKF Karate recognized Continents, Regions.

Each Continental, Continent, Regional and National Federation of becomes a member of the UWKF or loses such membership per decision of the NEC.

The liability of Continental, Continent, Regional and National Federation as members of the UWKF is limited.

All Continental, Continent, Regional and National Federation of undertake to contribute to the assets of the UWKF.

In the event the NPO is wound up, all Continental, Continent, Regional and National Federation of which are members at that time and for one (1) year afterwards, agree to pay the debts and liabilities of the NPO contracted before they cease to be members, as well as the costs, charges and expenses of winding up. For the adjustment of the rights of the contributors among themselves, such amount as may be required must not exceed ten Euros (________ €).

The term “Continental, Region and National Member” shall refer to the Continental, Continent, Regional and National Federation of karate structure accepted by UWKF of a single member per Continent, Region or National Federation which are Members of the UWKF.

Membership shall be granted to and withdrawn from each Continental, Continent, Regional or National Federation per decision of the NEC.

The decisions of the NEC to recognize a structure as a Continental, Continent, Regional or National Federation or to withdraw from a structure its capacity of Continental, Continent, Regional or National Federation must be made based on the capability of this structure to ensure the function of a Continent, Continent, Regional or National Federation in the interest of the sport of UWKF Karate.

The main criteria used to assess the capability of the structure to act in the interest of UWKF Karate shall be the number of unified UWKF National Federations and spread of karate throughout in the Continental, Continent, Regional and National Federation which are members of the structure claiming to have the capacity of Continental, Continent, Regional or National Federation status.

Each Continental, Continent, Regional or National Federation is made up of the relevant countries, except in the case of exceptional derogations authorized by the NEC.

Continental, Continent, Regional or National Federations are in charge of implementing the policies of the UWKF.

The liability of Continent, Regional or National Federations as members is limited.

All Continental, Continent, Regional or National Federations undertake to contribute to the assets of the UWKF.

In the event the NPO is wound up, all Continental, Continent, Regional or National Federations which are members at that time and for one (1) year afterwards, agree to pay the debts and liabilities of the NPO contracted before they cease to be members, as well as the costs, charges and expenses of winding up. For the adjustment of the rights of the contributors among themselves, such amount as may be required must not exceed ______________( $).

1.5 MEMBERS

A “Member” shall mean any independent person, dojo, continent, region or National Federation which country or structure is recognized the United Nations can become of UWKF and which has a flag and National anthem.

1.6 PRESIDENT

The term “President” shall mean the President of the UWKF. The President represents the organization in all matters concerning the UWKF with all parties and stakeholders.

1.7 VICE PRESIDENT

The term “Vice President” shall mean one of the Vice Presidents of the UWKF representation the five (5) Continents and represents the UWKF in all matters concerning the Continent.

1.8 EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

The term “EXECUTIVE Director” shall mean EXECUTIVE Directors of the UWKF. The EXECUTIVE Director is responsible for all operations of the UWKF and represents the UWKF in all legal, financial, and operational issues concerning the UWKF.

1.9 GENERAL TREASURER

The term “General Treasurer” shall mean the General Treasurer of the UWKF. The General Treasurer is responsible for all issues concerning the financial aspects of the UWKF including, financial management, financial contractual issues and any aspects relating to any financial nature.

1.10 BUREAU

The term “Bureau” shall mean the Bureau of the UWKF. It is comprised of the President, The EXECUTIVE Director and the General Treasurer

1.11 GENERAL SECRETARY

The term “General Secretary” shall mean the 5 (five) General Secretary of the UWKF. The General Secretary shall be responsible for the 5 Continents and shall be responsible for the administration of the Continent and shall assist the EXECUTIVE Director in the execution of all operations in the Continents as required by the UWKF.

1.12 DISCIPLINARY COMMISSION OF THE FIRST INSTANCE

The “Disciplinary Commission of the first instance” shall mean the Disciplinary Commission of the first instance of the UWKF. The Disciplinary Commission of the first instance shall be responsible for all disputes and shall implement the rules and regulations of the UWKF.

1.15 EC

The “EC” shall mean the Executive Committee of the UWKF. It shall be comprised of the President, Vice Presidents, EXECUTIVE Director, General Secretaries of the 5 (five) Continents and the General Treasurer. The EC shall also be include the Shihan Kai representing the 5 (five) Styles. The Chairman’s of the 3 (three) competition formats shall also be part of the EC.

1.16 CONGRESS

The “Congress” shall mean the Congress of the UWKF representing all Continents, Regions and National Federations, held either on an ordinary or an extraordinary basis.

1.17 GENERAL HEADQUARTERS

The “General Headquarters” shall refer to the administrative headquarters of the UWKF, where the administrative tasks of the UWKF are performed, the location of which shall be decided by the President of the EC.

1.18 HEAD OFFICE

The “Head Office” shall refer to the registered head office of the UWKF, the location of which shall be decided by the EC.

ARTICLE 2 ‐ AIMS

The UWKF has the following aims, without this constituting an exhaustive list:

– to promote cordial and friendly relations between its members, to uphold proper operating procedures of the member Federations i.e. Continent, Continent, Regional and National Federations to lead and organize UWKF Karate activities throughout the World.

– to protect the interests of UWKF Karate throughout the World.

– to organize UWKF events, to supervise events organized by its members and to participate in the organization of recognized and endorsed Olympic events.

– to develop the practice of UWKF Karate throughout the World for all categories of the population.

– to establish rules for practicing UWKF Karate and the rules applicable to Continental, Continent, Regional and National competitions organized or recognized by the UWKF.

– to improve the quality of UWKF Karate training, history and cultural development.

– to supervise the awarding of grades, including “dan” ranks, and their compliance with UWKF rules.

– to promote the ideals and objectives behind the Sports Accord or Olympic movement.

ARTICLE 3 – STRUCTURE

3.1 COMPOSITION OF THE UWKF

The UWKF is composed of the Members of Continent, Continent, Regional and National Federation.

3.2 STATUS OF MEMBERS

The Statutes and Regulations of Member of Continent, Continent, Regional and National Federation must be in compliance with the UWKF Statutes and all other Regulations and Decisions of the UWKF, as well as with the principles of the Sports Accords and the Olympic Charter. The election of the members of the National Executive Committee must comply with the same conditions.

The Statutes and Regulations of the Continent, Regional or National Federations must be in compliance with the UWKF Statutes and the By-laws decided by the EC.

The EC must be informed of the dates and places of congresses held by the Continent, Continent, Regional or National Federations one-hundred and eighty (180) days prior to the date such congresses are held.

In the event of an objection to the date and/or places of these congresses expressed by at least 1/3 of the member countries of a Continent, Continent, Regional or National Federation by way of registered letter sent to the General Secretariat of each Continent and the EXECUTIVE Director of the UWKF within 45 days of the date on which the notice to attend a Congress was sent, the Bureau of the UWKF shall be responsible for arbitrating the objection and informing the Continent, Continent, Regional or National Federation concerned of its decision for the purposes of having that decision applied.

In the event that a dispute or dysfunction is brought to the attention of the UWKF President or another subject, which is detracting from the correct functioning of an UWKF member structure, an UWKF representative appointed by the UWKF President can lead investigations which will be exposed to the UWKF EC. The EC will be able to take any measure necessary for an appropriate functioning.

3.3 AUDITING OF THE USE OF FUNDS

Any Continent, Continent, Regional or National Federation which receives UWKF funds may be audited by the UWKF as regards the use of these funds. For this purpose, their accounts shall be sent to the General Treasurer each year and must be available at all times to the auditors appointed by the UWKF.

3.4 REMITTAL OF AWARDS

All Continental, Continent, Regional or National Federations which organize a competition, for which prize money or an award will be given, must file a declaration with the UWKF regarding the origin of the funds allowing such prize money or award to be remitted and must further accept to allow the UWKF to verify the truthfulness of such declaration.

3.5 COMMUNICATION OF INFORMATION

The Continent, Continent, Regional or National Federations shall communicate to the UWKF: the agenda and the minutes of their ordinary and extraordinary congresses.

The Continent, Continent, Regional or National Federations shall submit an annual report on all activities and the development of UWKF Karate on their continents to the UWKF. This report must indicate the number of UWKF Karate-ka and clubs per Federation, the number of black belts.

ARTICLE 4 ‐ MEMBERSHIP

4.1 APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP

Only one Federation of per country including all 5 (five styles) and 3 (three) competition formats may become a member of the UWKF.

In accordance with the Sports Accord, IOC rules, Continent, Continent, Regional and National Olympic Committees can recognize as members of their NOC only the Federation recognized by the Continent, Continent, Regional and National Sporting Structures in the Federation for the disciplines for which they are responsible.

4.2 PROCEDURE

Any Continent, Continent, Regional and National Federation which would like to join the UWKF must apply for membership in writing with the UWKF General Secretary of the respective Continents and also the EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR.

The statutes of the Continent, Continent, Regional and National Federation of must mandatorily be attached to the membership application and must absolutely provide that this Continent, Continent, Regional and National Federation agrees to comply with the Statutes and all regulations and decisions of the UWKF.

An opinion from the Continent, Continent, Regional or National Federation to which this Federation belongs, giving reasons for its opinion, must also be sent in with the membership application.

4.3 DEFENSE OF MEMBER FEDERATIONS OF THE UNITED WORLD KARATE FEDERATION

The UWKF is dedicated to defending Member Federation from all attacks against democratic processes they may suffer in the area of elections held by Member Federation and their participation in competitions.

4.4 ASSOCIATED MEMBERS

At Continent, Continent, Regional or National Federation’s request, territories which do not correspond to the definition of a Continent, Continent, Regional and National member (1.5. A “Member” shall mean an independent person, dojo, region or National recognized by the UWKF and which has a flag and a Continent, Continent, Regional and National anthem) can be appointed associated members of the United World Karate Federation of and, if permitted in the Continent, Continent, Regional or National Federations Statutes, have the full‐fledged status of a Federation member and take part in all the sport events and the democratic life of the Federation

To present this candidacy to the UWKF EC, the Continent, Continent, Regional or National Federation should have the written approval of the other members in the Continent, Continent, Regional or National members on which the territory depends. If the territory is situated on another Continent, Region or National, a possible refusal must compulsorily be accompanied by the motivations which have led to this refusal.

For this candidacy to be accepted, the concerned territory should meet the other conditions apart from Continent, Regional and National sovereignty, as defined for the other members of the UWKF. (Article 1.5).

Associated members will be able to attend, without voting power, the UWKF congresses.

They will be able to participate in the UWKF official competitions only with the approval of the Continent, Continent, Regional and National Federation of and only if the participation quota is not filled by the Continent, Regional and National Federation of South Africa.

The points scored on the ranking list on this occasion will be attributed to the member Federation and to the Continent, Regional and National Sporting Structure they depend on for the Sporting selections.

Each Continent, Regional or National Federation that has co‐opted associated members has to inform the UWKF EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR by filling in the UWKF appropriate identification sheet.

5.1 ATHLETES’ RIGHT TO PARTICIPATE

To be eligible to participate in the Multi Sports Games, Olympic Games, National Championships, Zonal Championships, Continent, Regional and National Competitions and Competitions held under the supervision of or recognized by the UWKF, a UWKF Karate-ka must comply with rules of the UWKF and the Sports Accords and the IOC.

5.2 ANTIDOPING

The UWKF shall comply with Olympic Movement Medical Code and the World Antidoping Code (the rules of which are attached hereto as an appendix).

ARTICLE 6 – OFFICIAL LANGUAGES

6.1 OFFICIAL LANGUAGES

The official languages of the UWKF are English. All official documents of the UWKF must be published in this Language. Congresses, meetings and sessions must be held in this Language. All correspondence sent by Member UWKF must be written in English. In the event of a discrepancy in interpretation between the Languages, the original language in which the document was written shall prevail.

6.2 SIMULTANEOUS INTERPRETATION

Simultaneous interpretation must be asked for 6 months before Congresses

ARTICLE 7 – BODIES OF THE UWKF. SIGNING AUTHORITY.

7.1 BODIES OF THE UWKF

Bodies of the UWKF are:

– the Congress, is the supreme body of the Association. The Ordinary Congress is held every four years and is governed by Articles 8 and 10 hereafter. Powers of the Congress are listed at article 8.3. The Extraordinary Congress is governed by Articles 9 and 10 of the Statutes.

– the Executive Committee (“EC”), governed by Article 11 of the Statutes and whose powers are listed at article 11.1.

– the Bureau, governed by Article 12 of the Statutes and whose powers are listed at article 12.1.

– the Statutory Auditor, when required by law.

7.2 SIGNING AUTHORITY

The joint signature of the President, EXECUTIVE Director and the General Treasurer is required for the UWKF to be bound.

The EC may designate other persons, whose joint signature is binding upon the UWKF.

ARTICLE 8 – THE ORDINARY CONGRESS

8.1 MEETINGS

The Congress shall be held every two (2) years in the pre-Olympic and post-Olympic years at a place designated by the EC.

The Congress must be held at the same time as another UWKF event in the same city. When choosing the place where the Congress will be held, an equitable rotation amongst the different Continent, Regional or National Federations shall be taken into account.

8.2 ADDITIONAL CONGRESS MEETINGS

Additional Congress Meetings may be held, however, if the NEC deems it necessary.

8.3 POWERS

The Congress shall have the power to:

a) define, orient and control the general policies of the UWKF.

b) approve the Minutes of the preceding Congress.

c) approve the reports of the President which shall be valid as the EC Report, as well as the reports of the EXECUTIVE Director and General Secretaries and the General Treasurer.

d) approve, amend or reject the accounts of the previous accounting period and the budget for the accounting period to come.

e) hear the reports of the Vice Presidents and the Directors.

f) elect every four (4) years the members of the EC for a four (4) year term of office, with the exception of the UWKF Vice Presidents who shall automatically assume this office in their capacity of Presidents of their Regional or National Federations.

g) ratify the appointment by the President of one (1) or two (2) additional members to the EC.

h) ratify expulsions decided by the EC of one of the EC members.

i) decide on the expulsion of an EC member if requested by at least one-third (1/3) of the Regional and National Federation of of three (3) different Regional or National Federations.

j) approve the Statutes and the Regulations, with the exception of Technical Regulations and anti‐doping Regulations and make all necessary amendments thereto.

k) decide on sporting and technical issues and issues related to refereeing, UWKF Karate training, development and promotion.

l) decide on disputes relating to a Regional and National Federation capacity to be a member of the UWKF or to the power of a representative of a Continent, Regional and National Federation.

m) decide in the last resort on all issues relating to the aims of the UWKF.

n) decide on all proposals submitted by Member Continent, Regional and National Federation Continent, Regional or National Federations and the EC.

o) decide on any other issues set down on the agenda.

8.4 PROPOSALS OF MEMBER FEDERATION OF CONTINENT AND REGIONAL OR NATIONAL FEDERATIONS

At least one-hundred and eighty (180) clear days prior to the Congress, the General Secretaries in conjunction with the EXECUTIVE Director must invite the Member Federations and the Continent Regional and National Federation to submit points they would like to include on the agenda. These proposals must be sent in at least one-hundred and fifty (150) clear days before the date scheduled for the Congress.

8.5 AGENDA AND CONVENING OF THE CONGRESS

The Congress may consider only those items which are included on the Agenda. The Agenda shall be decided on by the EC between ninety (90) and one-hundred and fifty (150) clear days prior to the Congress. The Agenda must naturally include all issues within the Congress’ powers.

At least ninety (90) clear days before the date scheduled for the Congress, the General Secretaries in conjunction with the EXECUTIVE Director will send to the Member of the Continent, Regional and National Federation, and the EC Members, notice to attend the Congress, signed by the President or by the EXECUTIVE Director, together with the Agenda drawn up by the EC and the reports of the President, the EXECUTIVE Director the Vice Presidents, the 5 (five)General Secretaries, the General Treasurer and the Directors.

Notices of the Congress shall be sent to the members via email, and a return receipt requested. In the event that the acknowledgment of receipt is not received by the UWKF EXECUTIVE Director, a registered letter will be sent after a 10 day period, with a return receipt requested. The date of the email with return receipt request is sent shall be the sole date used as proof that notice was validly given within the required time limit.

8.6 URGENT MATTERS

The EC shall decide on the order in which the items on the Agenda will be discussed.

Matters which the NEC considers urgent and which have arisen too late for inclusion on the agenda may be brought before a Congress.

8.7 REPRESENTATION OF MEMBER CONTINENT, REGIONAL AND NATIONAL FEDERATION

Each Member Continent, Regional and National Federation may be represented at the Congress by two (2) delegates of the same Continent, Regional and Nationality as that Federation who must mandatorily be chosen from among the members of their own Executive Committees, on the condition they were democratically elected by the clubs or its structure in its country.

They must be registered on the attendance sheet. Only one of them shall have the right to vote, as each Member Continent, Regional and National Federation of shall have a single vote.

8.8 CREDENTIALS

Each delegate of a Member Continent, Regional and National Federation must be in possession of credentials in the form of a power of attorney signed by the President of his Continent, Regional and National Federation of unless the delegate is the President himself.

Delegates of Member Continent, Regional and National Federation of must be citizens of the country of the Federation of they represent.

8.9 REPRESENTATION OF CONTINENT, REGIONAL OR NATIONAL FEDERATIONS

Each Regional or National Federation may be represented at the Congress by its President or by a member of its Executive Committee who is appointed by its President.

8.10 INTERPRETING ASSISTANCE

Any member Continent, Regional and National Federation whose language is not one of the official languages being used may also have their own interpreter in attendance.

8.11 OBSERVERS

Observers may be invited to the Congress by the EC in a consultancy role. 8.12 VOTING RIGHT CREDENTIALS COMMISSION

The verification of valid membership of Continent, Regional and National Federation of and of the credentials held by the representatives of Continent, Regional and National Federation with valid membership in the UWKF shall be carried out the day prior to the Congress by the Voting Right Credentials Commission. This Commission shall be composed of three (3) to five (5) members appointed for this purpose by the NEC and assisted by the legal advisor or attorney of the UWKF. In the event of a dispute, the Voting Right Credentials Commission shall hear the claims of the parties, draw up a summary of these claims and submit the dispute to the Congress held the following day so that the Congress may settle such dispute by way of a vote before any other business is dealt with.

8.13 CHAIRMANSHIP OF THE CONGRESS

The Congress shall be chaired by the President of the UWKF or if absent, by a Member of the EC appointed by the President.

8.14 CHAIRMANSHIP PRO-TEM

During the election of the President or a non-confidence vote against the President, the President will surrender his seat to a member of the EC appointed by the EC as a Chairperson Pro-Tem to conduct the said election or non-confidence vote.

In the case of elections for President, the newly elected President will immediately take over the chair after the election.

If a non-confidence vote against the President is ratified, the `Chairperson Pro-Tem` will chair the Congress until it is closed. However, if the non-confidence vote is defeated, the President will resume the chair and will chair the Congress until it is closed.

8.15 QUORUM

The Chairperson of the Congress may only declare the official opening of the Congress when at least one-third (1/3) of the Member Continent, Regional and National Federation are present or represented, and when at least three (3) different Continent, Regional or National Federation representatives are present.

If the quorum to open the Congress is not met, another Congress must be convened and must be held within a maximum period of one-hundred and twenty (120) clear days with no condition related to quorum. The agenda will be identical to that of the first Congress, as well as the conditions for giving notice of the meeting.

8.16 Proxies

Voting by proxy is not allowed.

8.17 VOTING RIGHTS

The Members of the EC do not have voting rights at Congress. Any person who is elected or appointed as a Member of the EC shall automatically surrender their right to vote at Congress forthwith. This person shall be replaced by the second delegate from his Federation of if such other delegate registered and signed the attendance sheet at the beginning of the Congress.

8.18 DECISIONS

The Congress shall decide by a relative majority of the votes cast unless otherwise defined in the Statutes. Abstentions and invalid ballots shall not be counted.

For questions of particular importance or sensitive issues or whenever one-third (1/3) of the Member Continent, Regional and National Federation of present at the Congress so demand, voting shall be conducted by secret ballot.

8.19 Voting procedures

Voting for elections must be conducted by secret ballot unless there is only one (1) candidate for the offices of President, General Secretary and General Treasurer. If there is only one (1) candidate for one (1) of these offices, that person may be acclaimed, unless one third (1/3) of the Member Continent, Regional and National Federation of present at the Congress request that a vote by way of secret ballot take place.

Voting in elections for the offices of President, General Secretary and General Treasurer shall be carried out by successive elimination of candidates receiving the least number of votes until only one (1) candidate remains or until one (1) candidate obtains more than fifty percent (50%) of the votes cast.

8.20 VOTING BOARD AND PRESENTATION OF CANDIDATES

The Voting Board and presentation of candidates will be made up of the EXECUTIVE Director together with the 5 (fine) General Secretaries representing the 5 (five) continents. It will be responsible for giving each contesting candidate adequate time to present their credentials and their presentation if required for any election.

8.20.1 SCRUTINEERS AND VOTING STEWARD

The Congress shall organize a voting board by electing Scrutineers and a Voting Steward, chosen from among those delegates of Member Federation of who are not presenting any candidates for office.

They shall be in charge of all matters in connection with voting.

The EC shall suggest the number of scrutineers to be elected

8.20.2 PRESENTATION OF CANDIDATES

If an election is being held, each candidate for the office of President will be allowed a maximum of seven (7) minutes in which to give a presentation and present his list of running mates.

Each of the other candidates for General Secretary and General Treasurer will be allowed a maximum of three (3) minutes to give a presentation.

If there is more than one candidate per office, the speaking order shall be determined by way of alphabetical order based on the candidates’ surnames.

8.21 VOTING PROCEDURE

The voting procedure shall be determined by the EC, which shall send information on such procedure together with the agenda for the Congress.

8.22 COUNTING OF VOTES

Once the voting procedure has been completed, the Chairman of the Congress shall announce that the vote is closed and shall ask the Voting Steward to start counting the votes cast.

The Voting Steward, with the assistance of the scrutineers shall proceed with counting the votes.

8.23 CHALLENGE OF ELECTIONS

In the event the validity of an election is challenged, the President shall be immediately notified thereof and shall submit the case to the EC. If the EC takes the challenge into consideration, it must be reported to the Congress where a re-examination, re-election, re-vote or any other action as deemed necessary by the EC shall occur. Only UWKF Member Federatio present at the Congress may challenge the election.

8.24 VOTING ROUNDS

In the event of an equal vote during an election by way of secret ballot, a second and final round of votes shall be conducted.

In the event that the second and final vote also results in a tie, the election result shall be determined by the drawing of lots conducted by the Chairperson.

For all other elections, when an equal number of votes is cast, the status quo shall be maintained.

8.25 KEY POINT INFORMATION

The EXECUTIVE Director in conjunction with the General Secretaries of the 5 (Five) Continents shall provide a statement of the key points regarding decisions passed at the Congress immediately upon the completion of Congress. This statement shall be distributed by the Presidents of the Continent, Regional or National Federations to their Member Continent, Regional and National Federation of upon its approval by the EC.

8.26 MINUTES

Each EC Member shall receive a copy of the draft Minutes of the Congress within ninety (90) days after the Congress is held.

The EC shall approve the draft Minutes at the first EC Meeting held after the said ninety (90) day period.

The approved Minutes shall be given to each Continent, Regional or National Federation President and sent to the Member Continent, Regional and National Federation of by the UWKF Secretariat.

8.27 SURVEILLANCE OF CONDUCT

The Chairperson of the Congress shall have the right to take all measures to stop any disruptive conduct obstructing the efficient administration of the Congress.

ARTICLE 9 – EXTRAORDINARY CONGRESS

In this case, the Extraordinary Congress must be held within ninety (90) clear days of the date on which:

– either the request containing the reasons for the meeting has been sent via registered mail by one third (1/3) of the Member Continent, Regional and National Federation representing at least three (3) different Continent, Regional or National Federations,

– or the EC has decided to convene the Extraordinary Congress.

9.3 AGENDA

The Agenda for the meeting must indicate the reasons for the Extraordinary Congress and shall constitute the sole items on the agenda. Only those items on the agenda shall be discussed.

9.4 DECISIONS

The discussions and decisions passed at an Extraordinary Congress shall have equal validity as those passed at an Ordinary Congress.

The discussions and decisions passed at an Extraordinary Congress must meet the same conditions as Ordinary Congress.

10.1 CHALLENGE

Decisions passed at an Ordinary or Extraordinary Congress may not be annulled if, in spite of the existence of one or several voting irregularities, the vote held on such Decisions would have passed in any event.

10.2 INTERNAL APPEAL PROCEDURE

The Continent, Regional or National Federations as well as all legal entities or private individuals directly or indirectly connected to them shall have no right to take legal action against the UWKF on the basis of discussions or decisions passed by the Congress without having first submitted their complaint to UWKF Executive Committee.

ARTICLE 11 – EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

11.1 POWERS

The EC shall determine the orientation for UWKF activities and shall ensure implementation thereof within the limits of the aims of the UWKF and subject to the powers expressly attributed to the Congress under these Statutes.

– The EC shall handle all issues related to the proper operation of the UWKF and shall settle business it is involved in by way of decisions.

– The EC shall carry out all audits and verifications it deems necessary.

– The EC shall validate urgent decisions under its authority made by the President or the Bureau.

– The EC has the power to decide on all issues that have not been placed under the authority of another UWKF governing body pursuant to these Statutes.

– The EC shall decide on the admission and expulsion of members.

11.3 PRESIDENCY

The EC shall be chaired by the President. In the event the President cannot be present at a Meeting of the EC, the President shall appoint another member of the EC to replace him.

11.4 FILING OF CANDIDACIES

Candidacies in single names of candidates for the offices of President, General Treasurer must be received by the EXECUTIVE Director and the General Secretary of the Continent the candidate is coming from, at least one-hundred and twenty (120) clear days before the date scheduled for the Congress.

The list of EC Members on the candidates’ lists who are running for the office of President must be received by the EXECUTIVE Director and General Secretary of the Continent the candidate is coming from, at least ninety (90) clear days before the date scheduled for the Congress.

The Executive Director and General Secretary of the Continents shall send the names of the candidates and the lists of the persons nominated as Members of the EC by the candidates for the office of President with the notice and documents for the Congress at least sixty (60) clear days before the date scheduled for the Congress.

Nomination of candidates from the floor will not be accepted at a Congress.

Individual candidacies and the candidates presented on the lists of the candidates for the office of President must be duly signed by the President of the Continent, Regional and National Federation the candidate is a member of. All candidates must also be citizens of the countries of the Federation of presenting their candidacies.

Any EC Members running for re-election do not need the confirmation of their Continent, Regional and National Federation.

11.5 TERM OF OFFICE

The Members elected to the EC shall remain in office until the Ordinary Congress convened in the fourth year of their term.

Elections for President and the President’s list composed of ten (10) to twelve (12) members must take place at the time of the Congress held the year after the Olympic Games or the Multi Sports Games which is agreed by the EC.

Elections for the offices of General Treasurer must take place at time of the Congress held the year before the Olympic Games or the Multi Sports Games which is agreed by the EC.

11.6 PLURALITY OF OFFICES

Vice Presidents – who are the Presidents of the Continents, – shall automatically be Vice President by virtue of their election in their respective Continents.

No Member Continent, Regional and National Federation of shall have more than two (2) members on the UWKF EC.

No Member Continent, Regional and National Federation of may present more than two (2) candidates for the UWKF EC.

11.7 VACANT SEATS

If because of death, resignation, a long-term impediment, impeachment or any other reason, a seat of a Member elected by the Congress to the EC becomes vacant, the EC may appoint an interim Member to serve until the next Congress, when the Congress will elect a candidate to fill the vacant seat for the term of office remaining initially.

11.8 EC MEETINGS

As a general rule, the EC shall meet at least once per year and particularly during the days preceding a Congress. A meeting of the EC may, however, be convened by the President each time the President deems it necessary or at the request of a majority of the members of the EC. If a Vice President cannot attend an EC Meeting, he must either appoint another EC member from his Continent, Regional or National Federation as a substitute or give a proxy to another UWKF EC member.

If any other elected member of the EC (with the exception of the Vice Presidents) cannot attend the EC meeting for a valid reason, this member may give a proxy to another UWKF EC member, but cannot send someone as a substitute unless this person is a member of the EC.

11.9 AGENDA

An agenda must be established for each meeting. The EC members shall submit to the EXECUTIVE Director and the General Secretary of the Continents they come from the items they wish to have included on the agenda thirty (30) clear days prior to the date scheduled for the meeting. The EXECUTIVE Director in conjunction with the General Secretaries shall prepare the agenda, inform the President and then circulate the notice of the meeting, together with the agenda and the necessary working documents fifteen (15) clear days prior to the meeting. If an urgent matter arises, it may be added to the agenda and discussed in the EC Meeting pursuant to a decision of the EC.

11.10 WRITTEN CONSULTATION

When, for any reason whatsoever, an ordinary EC meeting cannot take place, the required decisions may be passed by way of a vote in writing. Decisions passed by way of written consultation shall have the same validity as decisions passed at ordinary EC meetings.

11.11 DECISIONS

Decisions shall be passed by the EC by way of simple majority vote. In the event of a tie, the President or the EC Member the President appointed as a substitute, shall have a casting vote.

The EC Member who substitutes for the President shall have the right to cast his own vote, in addition to the vote of the President.

11.12 QUORUM

In order for decisions to be validly passed, the meeting of the EC must have been properly convened and at least one-half (1/2) of its members must be present or represented and the Meeting must be chaired by the President or by the EC Member chosen by the President as a substitute.

11.13 COMMISSIONS

The EC may be assisted by Standing Commissions or Commissioners to work on the following topics, such as but not limited to:

– Refereeing

– Styles

– Training

– Medical

– Fight against doping

– Sports

– Media

– Ethics

– Discipline

– Development

– Women’s UWKF Karate

– Athletes

– Marketing

– Business management

– Finance

– Ranking systems

– Social issues

– Veterans

– “UWKF Karate for peace”

11.14 ORGANIZATION OF COMMISSION WORK

The composition and the responsibilities of the Standing Commissions, as well as the responsibilities of Commissioners and Directed by an EC member. All the Members of the EC are accountable to the EC and the Congress.

11.16 KEY POINT INFORMATION

The EXECUTIVE Director shall provide a statement of the key points regarding decisions made at EC Meetings before the Members leave the Meeting.

11.17 IMPEACHMENT

If an EC Member commits gross negligence or is repeatedly absent at EC Meetings, the EC may impeach that Member by way of a non-confidence vote passed by the majority of two-thirds (2/3) of its Members. Impeachment will be applicable immediately. The EC shall appoint an interim Member to replace the impeached member by way of a simple majority vote. The EC shall put the ratification of the decision to impeach the EC Member on the agenda for the next Congress.

The EC shall also put the impeachment of an EC Member on the agenda of the next Congress at the request of one-third (1/3) of the Continent, Regional and National Federation from three (3) different Continent, Regional or National Federations.

If the non-confidence vote is passed by the Congress, the said EC member will immediately be impeached from his seat on the EC and the EC shall appoint an interim Member to replace the impeached member.

ARTICLE 12 – BUREAU

12.1 Powers

The Bureau shall administer the UWKF and shall apply or have applied by others the decisions of the EC. The EC shall thus ensure management of the UWKF to this extent and shall report at least once a year to the EC.

12.2 COMPOSITION

The Bureau shall be composed of the President, the EXECUTIVE Director 5 (five) General Secretaries representing their respective Continents, the General Treasurer, the Shihan Kai of the 5 (five) style representative, the Chairman of the 3 (three) karate competition formats and by no more than five (5) additional members who shall be chosen by the President from among the Members of the EC.

The Bureau shall also be composed of at least two (2) Vice Presidents. If a Vice President is a member of the Sport Accord or IOC, he shall automatically be a member of the Bureau.

13.1 POWERS

The President shall direct the UWKF and represent the UWKF towards third parties.

The President must comply with the UWKF Statutes and the Rules and Decisions of UWKF governing bodies.

The President shall chair Congresses, EC Meetings and Bureau Meetings.

Unless decided otherwise by the EC, the EC shall entrust the President each year with the power to make all decisions regarding human resources management. The President’s power, unless withdrawn by the EC, shall be tacitly renewed each year.

The President has the power to decide on all urgent questions under the authority of the EC.

The EC must be notified of any decisions made on this basis at its next Meeting and validate such decisions.

The President shall be free to organize the secretariat of the UWKF General Headquarters as he sees fit.

13.2 VACANT SEAT

In the event the President is prevented from holding office during his term of office due to resignation or for any other reason, the Presidency shall be assumed by an EC Member to be appointed by the EC.

The interim President shall serve until the next Congress when a new President will be elected for the remaining duration of the initial term of office.

If a member of the EC is also a member of the Sport Accord or IOC, that member shall serve as interim President.

ARTICLE 14 – VICE PRESIDENTS

14.1 COMPOSITION

The Vice Presidents shall be the Presidents of the Continents who are elected by the Congresses of their respective Continent.

14.2 POWERS

The Vice Presidents shall represent the Member Federation of their Continent within the UWKF and represent the UWKF in their respective Continent. Federations.

15.1 POWERS

The EXECUTIVE Director and the responsible for the Secretariat of the UWKF he will be assisted by General Secretary of the particular Continent, shall be responsible for the administration of the Secretariat and relations with the Continent, Regional or National Federations. . The EXECUTIVE Director and the General Secretary of the Continents shall benefit from the services of a personal secretariat in his city of residence.

The EXECUTIVE Director and the General Secretary of the Continents has the right to represent the UWKF towards third parties by way of an express power of attorney given by the President.

15.2 RESPONSIBILITIES

The EXECUTIVE Director and General Secretary of the Continents shall be responsible for the administrative work of the UWKF in accordance with the Statutes and regulations and for application of the Decisions of the EC and of the Congress. The EXECUTIVE Director and General Secretary of the Continents shall keep close contact with UWKF EC members, the Chairpersons of Commissions, General Secretary of National Federations.

The EXECUTIVE Director and General Secretary of the Continents shall be responsible for the information and the correspondence within the UWKF in cooperation with the relevant departments at UWKF Headquarters.

The EXECUTIVE Director and General Secretary of Continents shall be responsible for the organization of Congresses and EC meetings.

The EXECUTIVE Director and General Secretary of the Continents shall establish the agendas for those meetings after consulting the EC.

The Executive Director is responsible for administrative coordination of Headquarters, for sending invitations and regulations for the World Championships and other important events.

In cooperation with the Continents, Regional and National Recognised Championships Organizing Committee (OGOC), he shall inform the Continent, Regional and National Federation of about the regulations and other technical details of the Olympic UWKF Karate Competitions. The EXECUTIVE Director shall draft the minutes of Congress and EC meetings, together with Key Point Information.

15.3 VACANT SEAT

In the event the EXECUTIVE Director is prevented from holding office during his term of office due to resignation or for any other reason, his office shall be assumed by an EC Member to be appointed by the EC until the next Congress when a new Executive Director will be appointed for the remaining duration of the initial term of office.

ARTICLE 16 – GENERAL TREASURER

16.1 POWERS

The General Treasurer shall be responsible for managing the Treasury of the UWKF and shall keep regular accounts, prepare financial statements and draw up the annual finance plan which will be presented for approval at each Congress.

The General Treasurer administers the capital of the UWKF and settles its financial obligations. The General Treasurer must be consulted on all financial matters.

The General Treasurer shall explore possibilities of increasing the Treasury of the UWKF and shall submit proposals to the EC.

The General Treasurer shall participate in negotiations with UWKF official suppliers and shall coordinate with the President the TV rights to the UWKF Karate Championships, as well as the financial aspects related to any Games. The General Treasurer is also in charge of managing the copyright protecting the UWKF emblem.

16.2 BUDGET

All income and expenses must be included in the annual provisional budget as approved by the EC. Any expenses not included in the budget or which have not been approved by the EC shall require prior authorization by the President and the General Treasurer before they are incurred

16.3 FINANCIAL POSITION

For each EC meeting, the General Treasurer shall provide an up-to-date report of the UWKF’s financial position

16.4 VACANT SEAT

In the event the General Treasurer is prevented from holding office during his term of office due to resignation or for any other reason, his office shall be assumed by an EC Member to be appointed by the EC until the next Congress when a new General Treasurer will be elected for the remaining duration of the initial term of office

ARTICLE 17 -TECHNICAL DIRECTORS

17.1 APPOINTMENT

The Technical Directors shall be appointed by the EC at the motion of the President from among the Members who were on the President’s list and who were elected by the Congress along with the President. The technical directors will be appointed and divided into areas of responsibilities one to develop the 5 (five) style groups and the other to develop the 3 (three) competition formats, the determination of their roles and responsibility shall be vested with the President.

Technical Directors are accountable to the EC and the Congress.

In the event a Technical Director is prevented from holding office during his term of office due to resignation or for any other reason, his office shall be assumed by an EC Member to be appointed by the EC until the next Congress when a new Member will be elected for the remaining duration of the initial term of office. The duties entrusted to the EC Member replacing him shall be defined by the EC based on the proposal made by the President.

17.2 SPORTS DIRECTORs

The Sports Directors shall guide and manage the sporting activities of the UWKF.

The Sports Directors shall also be responsible for proposing new developments of and changes to the Rules and Regulations of sporting activities, as well as for the improvement of competition systems.

The Sports Director shall be responsible for sporting activity and its development and shall supervise sporting activities.

The Sports Director shall manage the preparations and the course of the competitions with the assistance of other members of the EC and Commission members. The Sports Director shall assume the role of Technical Delegate for the various Continent, Regional and National UWKF Karate events organized by other Associations, Federation and Organizations.

The Sports Director shall act as the chairperson of the Sports Commission. The Members of the Sports Commission shall be nominated by the Continent, Regional or National Federations and validated by the EC.

17.3 REFEREEING DIRECTORS

The Refereeing Directors shall guide and manage the refereeing activities of the UWKF under the 3 (three) kumite (fighting) formats and the 5 (five) Kata (Form) formats in one competition and re responsible for proposing new developments of and changes to the Rules and Regulations regarding the refereeing of UWKF Karate.

The Refereeing Directors shall act as the Vice Chairman’s for their respective area of the Refereeing Commission, the Refereeing Commission chairperson shall be an EC member appointed by the EC.. The Members of the Refereeing Commission shall be nominated by the Continent, Regional or National Federations and validated by the EC.

The Refereeing Directors shall appoint the technical directors within his scope of authority for the World Championships, Multi Sports Games and the Olympic Games.

17.4 EDUCATIONAL DIRECTOR

The Educational Director shall guide and manage the educational activities of the UWKF and shall be responsible for proposing new developments and changes in the field of UWKF Karate education, including culture, history and other important aspects of karate.

The Educational Director shall design the annual Educational Plan, including the Olympic Solidarity schedule and shall compile statistics. The Educational Director shall be in charge of studies to further the development of UWKF Karate.

The Educational Director shall act as chairperson of the Educational Commission. The Members of the Educational Commission shall be nominated by the Continent, Regional or National Federations and validated by the EC.

ARTICLE 18 – PLACE OF PERFORMANCE OF UWKF TASKS

Administrative tasks shall be performed at the place where the administrative premises are located, known as General Headquarters. The President shall make a proposal to the EC regarding the location of General Headquarters.

All original UWKF documents shall be finalized and archived at General Headquarters.

The Bureau and the EC shall meet at the place stated on the notice for the relevant Meeting as chosen by the President.

The operating budget for the various departments at Headquarters shall be set by the EC.

ARTICLE 19 – EVENTS ORGANIZED AND RECOGNIZED BY THE UWKF

19.1 RIGHT TO ORGANIZE

The right to organize the World, Continental or Zonal Championships and events will only be granted to those Member Continent, Regional and National Federation of which are able to guarantee entry into their territory of all participants of Member Continent, Regional and National Federation of wishing to participate and which have proven that they are competent to organize such Championships and events.

Member Continent, Regional and National Federation must agree to comply with the specifications and all rules applicable to the championship they host.

UWKF events are composed of the UWKF Karate events at Multi Sports Events and the Olympic Games, The World Championships and the tournaments and events recorded on the official UWKF Schedule published annually.

19.2 CANDIDACY

All member Continent, Regional and National Federation shall have the right to apply as a candidate to organize an UWKF event, other than the Multi Sports Games and Olympic Games, the Senior World Championship and the Ordinary Congress. Continent, Regional and National Federation which are candidates must apply to the General Secretariat of their region first and then to the EXECUTIVE Director as defined in the relevant Regulations.

The EC shall designate the organizer, except for the Olympic Games, the Senior World Championship and the hosting of the Ordinary Congress.

The Congress shall designate the organizing for the Senior World Championship and the Ordinary Congress.

19.3 CANDIDACY AFTER EXPIRATION OF DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS

If there is no candidate to host a particular UWKF event scheduled to take place prior to the holding of a Congress, the EC shall appoint the Member Continent, Regional and National Federation to organize the event.

19.4 Application Procedure to organize the Senior World Championship or the UWKF Ordinary Congress

Member Continent Regional and National Federation must submit an application to organize the Senior World Championship and/or the UWKF Ordinary Congress one hundred and eighty (180) clear days prior to the relevant Congress to the General Secretary who shall forward the applications to all EC Members. The application must contain a file giving a detailed description to support the candidacy. After examining the quality of the applications, the EC shall submit those application files which comply with the specifications to the Congress.

19.5 Application procedure to organize all UWKF events other than the Olympic Games, the Senior World Championship and the UWKF Ordinary Congress

Member Continent, Regional and National Federation of must submit an application to organize an UWKF event within the time limit set by the EC to organize an UWKF event other than the Senior World Championship, the UWKF Ordinary Congress and the Olympic Games.

The EC shall provide applicant Federation of with an answer within the time limits it has set in the Regulations organizing the application procedure.

For each event, the EC shall inform all Member Federation of via the UWKF Web Site of the specifications for the event, as well as the regulations organizing the application procedure containing the time limit to file applications and to receive an answer from the EC on the application.

ARTICLE 20 – SPIRIT OF UWKF KARATE

Delegations participating in UWKF events or in events recognized by the UWKF, as well as the organizers of such events must respect the spirit of UWKF Karate and behave accordingly.

ARTICLE 21 – ACCOUNTING PERIOD

The financial, tax and accounting period of the UWKF shall start on 1 January and end on 31 December each year.

ARTICLE 22 – INCOME AND EXPENDITURES

22.1 Resources

The resources of the UWKF shall be derived from the annual membership fees paid by the Member Continent, Regional and National Federation, TV broadcasting rights, sponsorship agreements, marketing of activities, visuals, merchandise and UWKF license fees, investments in moveable and immoveable property, as well as donations and all remittances from other sources.

The UWKF may also benefit from contributions in kind, such as equipment and the services of personnel made available by other organizations.

In addition, the UWKF shall collect all royalties for participation in and organization of UWKF events.

22.2 Membership Fees

The Members of the UWKF are liable for the payment of membership fees directly to the UWKF. The amount shall be determined by the break-even point of the Federation and calculated every 4 (four) years.

In the event a member of the UWKF has not paid its membership fees within the required time limit, the UWKF reserves the right to deduct this amount from payments it makes to the Continent, Regional or National Federation of the member which has not paid the fees.

22.3 Non-payment of membership fees, all other fees, royalties or debts

A Member UWKF whose membership fees or any other fees, royalties or debts to the UWKF or Continent, Regional or National Federation to which they belong have not been paid by the 31st of May of each year, will not be authorized to take part in any events held under the auspices of the UWKF.

22.4 Events Profits

The Continent, Regional or National Federations will receive a percentage, prescribed by the Congress, at the motion of the EC, of the net profit (all income minus all expenses of the event) from the Continent, Regional and National Recognised Championships and the National Championships. If there are fees or royalties outstanding owed by any Member Continent, Regional and National Federation or Continent, Regional or National Federation, such amount will be deducted from the amounts to be paid by the UWKF.

22.5 OUT-OF-POCKET EXPENSES

The elected representatives of the UWKF shall offer their services without pay. Their travel and living expenses, as well as a per diem for personal expenses, will be borne by the UWKF if the fund are available, during all official meetings and missions, with the exception of meetings or missions for which expenses are borne by another organization.

22.6 RIGHTS TO EVENTS

UWKF events are the exclusive property of the UWKF, which holds all rights related to such events, including without limitation, all rights related to the organization, exploitation, broadcasting and reproduction of such events by any means whatsoever. No office bearer of UWKF can own any rights in his own name, or any Intellectual Property for that matter.

22.7 MEDIA RIGHTS

All television, radio, photographic, film, Internet, telephone and other media rights to UWKF events known of or unknown of today are the exclusive property of the UWKF. These rights may not be sold or negotiated without the written agreement of the EC, which may delegate its powers to negotiate the sale or use of these rights, but which shall retain the sole responsibility for the final decision to sell and for the use of the income from the sale of these rights.

22.8 EMBLEM

All author’s rights (copyright) of the UWKF are owned by the UWKF. Member Continent, Regional and National Federation are authorized to use the emblem only for the purpose of developing UWKF Karate in their own Federation or Federations.

ARTICLE 23- AUDITING OF ACCOUNTS

The General Treasurer shall recommend to Continent Regional and National auditing firm to the EC for approval for the purpose of auditing and verifying the UWKF accounts.

The General Treasurer shall participate in the auditing process of the UWKF accounts organized by the firm appointed. Auditing shall take place for each accounting period just prior to the Congress. The firm appointed may also be instructed by the EC to audit UWKF members using UWKF funds.

At the request of the EC, a representative from the auditing firm appointed may attend EC and Congress Meetings.

ARTICLE 24 – GRADES AND “DAN” RANKS

The UWKF officially recognizes only those grades and “DAN” ranks which are awarded by the United World Karate Federation through its “DAN application and issuing program” to their own members, to the exclusion of all others.

A Continent, Regional and National Federation may not award a grade and/or a “dan” rank to a member of another Member Continent, Regional and National Federation or of the Continent, Regional and Nationality of this Federation of without the written agreement United World Karate Federation EC. Any grade or “dan” rank awarded without this agreement will not be validated by the UWKF.

Each Member Continent, Regional and National Federation is in charge of representing the UWKF for the purpose of ensuring compliance with Continent, Regional and National regulations on grades and “dan” ranks throughout its Continents, Regional and National territory.

24.2 GRADE DIPLOMAS

UWKF grades and “dan” ranks shall be awarded by the President of the UWKF on the recommendation of the 5(five) style group and the Continent, Regional or National Federation where the student originates from.

24.3 AMOUNT OF FEES

The amount of fees paid for awarding of grade and “dan” diplomas and for ID Cards shall be set by the EC.

24.4 APPLICATION PROCEDURE

The awarding of UWKF grades and “dan” ranks shall be performed according to the procedure validated by the EC.

From the 1st to the 4th “Dan”, ranks shall be awarded under the responsibility of Member Continent, Regional and National Federation.

The 5th Dan, 6th Dan and 7th “Dan” shall be awarded upon the proposal of Member Continent, Regional and National UWKF by the Executive Committees and recommended by “Dan” Rank Director is given.

As of the 8th “Dan”, Ranks shall be awarded by the EC upon the proposal of Member Continent, Regional and National UWKF and after the opinion of the Continent, Regional or National Federations has been given, as well as the opinion of the Grade and “Dan” Rank Commission of the UWKF.

ARTICLE 25 – UWKF HONORS AND AWARDS

25.1 OUTSTANDING SERVICE TO THE UWKF

The EC may submit a motion to Congress to bestow the title of Honorary President, Honorary Member or Honorary Officer to key persons who have been of outstanding service to the UWKF.

25.1.1 PROCEDURE

Nominations for such positions shall be presented by the NEC, at the request of Continent, Regional or National Federations and Continent, Regional and National Federation.

Proposals for UWKF Honors and Awards shall be submitted in writing to the General Secretary of each Continent and the EXECUTIVE Director, to the attention of the EC. The nomination must include all supporting details of the candidate’s background and services the candidate has rendered to the field of UWKF Karate.

25.1.2 CRITERIA

Honorary President of the UWKF: the candidate must have served as President of the UWKF for a term of office of over eight (8) years.

Honorary Officer of the UWKF: the candidate must have served as a Member of the UWKF NEC for a term of office of over eight (8) years.

Honorary Member of the UWKF: the candidate must have served as a Member of the UWKF EC for a term of office of over four (4) years or as a Member of an UWKF Commission or as the President of a Continent, Regional and National Federation of for a term of office of over eight (8) years.

25.2 HONORARY ATTENDANCE

Honorary Presidents, Honorary Officers and Honorary Members shall have the honor of attending Congresses and other UWKF events in this capacity.

25.3 Key figures outside of the UWKF who have been of outstanding service or have made significant contributions to the UWKF

The NEC may bestow awards to key figures or dignitaries who have been of outstanding service or who have made significant contributions to the UWKF. Nominations for such awards shall be presented by the NEC, the Regional or National Federations and the Continent, Regional and National Federation.

The NEC shall examine the compliance of such nominations based on the rules for such awards.

ARTICLE 26 – AMENDMENTS TO THE STATUTES

26.1 PROCEDURE

Amendments to the Statutes must be presented by the EC to the Congress and must be approved by a minimum of a two-thirds (2/3) majority of the Member Continent, Regional and National Federation present or represented at the Congress from at least three (3) different Continent, Regional or National Federations.

26.2 DATE OF APPLICATION

Amendments to the Statutes become effective upon approval by the Congress, unless the Congress votes otherwise.

ARTICLE 27 – SPECIFIC REGULATIONS

The EC shall establish specific regulations in special fields that are not covered under these Statutes.

ARTICLE 28 – EXPULSION, RESIGNATION, SUSPENSION

28.1 GROUNDS

A Continent, Regional and National Federation may be suspended or expelled from the UWKF on one of the following grounds:

– serious breach or gross negligence, pursuant to a final decision of one of the UWKF Discipline Commissions,

– as a result of expulsion from its Continent, Regional or National Federation, under the conditions provided for in Article 28.4.

28.2 Suspension or expulsion: submission of the case to the Discipline Commission 28.2.1 If a Continent, Regional and National Federation violates the Statutes of the UWKF or acts against the legitimate interests, the principles or the objectives of the UWKF, the EC may submit the case to the Disciplinary Commission of the first instance and propose to the Commission all measures it deems fit to put an end to the prejudice being caused to the UWKF, including by way of restricting or suspending participation in activities or expelling the relevant Continent, Regional and National Federation.

Suspension applies to all sports, administrative and social activities.

28.2.2 If an individual member of a Member Continent, Regional and National Federation of the UWKF violates the Statutes of the UWKF or acts against the legitimate interests, the principles or the objectives of the UWKF, the NEC may, after hearing the opinion of the Continent, Regional and National Federation, the Continent, Regional or National Federation or the UWKF, submit the case to the Disciplinary Commission of the first instance and propose to the Commission all measures it deems fit to put an end to the prejudice being caused to the UWKF, including by way of suspending or expelling the relevant individual member.

28.2.3 Sanctions may only be laid down after a hearing of a representative of the Continent, Regional and National Federation of or the individual member of the Regional and National Federation whose case has been submitted to the Disciplinary Commission of the first instance and/or Appeal under the conditions provided for in Articles 30 and 31.

28.2.4 The Disciplinary Commission of the first instance and/or Appeal may, however, order suspension as a temporary protective measure prior to the hearing, if the Commission has a strong reason to believe that the Continent, Regional and National Federation of or the individual member of the Continent, Regional and National Federation of concerned will continue or repeatedly engage in misconduct or commit any other offence against the legitimate interests, principles or objectives of the UWKF.

These Disciplinary Commissions may also decide that the sanction to suspend or expel is to be immediately enforceable even if the sanction is not yet final.

28.3 Suspension or expulsion of a Member Continent, Regional and National Federation.

The EC must submit a proposal to Congress to suspend or expel a Continent, Regional and National Federation of on a final basis as decided by one of the Disciplinary Commissions.

Confirmation of suspension or expulsion must be decided by way of a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote of the Congress. 28.4 Expulsion of a Member Federation of by its Continent, Regional or National Federation.

All Regional or National Federations have the right to expel one of their members or individual members.

The Disciplinary Commission of the Continent, Regional or National Federation concerned must comply with the rights of the defense.

The case may be appealed before the UWKF Disciplinary Appeal Commission.

28.5 Relations with dissident organizations or Member Federation of which have been suspended

Member Continent, Regional and National Federation are prohibited from having sporting relations with organizations which are not UWKF Members, unless permission is given by the UWKF EC.

Sporting relations with Member Continent, Regional and National Federation of which have been suspended are likewise prohibited.

Any Member Continent, Regional and National Federation of which violates this provision will immediately be suspended and reported to the Disciplinary Commission, which will take the necessary disciplinary action.

28.6 Relations with countries which are not yet UWKF Members

In the interest of developing UWKF Karate and raising its technical level in all countries, friendly sporting relations with countries which are not yet members of the UWKF are authorized.

However, UWKF Members are under the obligation to act cautiously and must verify that the third parties they have relations with and which are not UWKF Members have not violated the rules or decisions of the UWKF in their country.

ARTICLE 29 ‐ UWKF ARBITRAL TRIBUNAL

29.1 ARBITRATION

The Court of Arbitration for Sport in Lausanne is the only organism empowered by the UWKF to ensure the arbitration between the parties.

29.2 ADHERENCE OF UWKF MEMBERS

Adherence to the Statutes as a Member of the UWKF automatically entails:

– acceptance of the principle to comply with UWKF disciplinary system in the event of a dispute falling under its authority;

– waiver of the right to appeal the Arbitral Tribunal’s awards in the future, other than the right to appeal

ARTICLE 30 – DISCIPLINARY COMMISSION OF THE FIRST INSTANCE

30.1 SCOPE OF AUTHORITY

The Disciplinary Commission of the first instance may lay down the sanctions listed in the UWKF Disciplinary Code against UWKF Members, legal entities or private individuals directly or indirectly connected to them, athletes, referees and officials.

30.2 COMPOSITION

The Disciplinary Commission of the first instance shall be composed of a President, a Vice President and three (3) other Members who shall all be appointed by the EC.

These Members must be legal specialists who are independent from the UWKF and who have not provided consulting services for the UWKF Continent, Regional or National Federation, and who appear on the list proposed by the member Federation of and validated by the UWKF EC.

30.3 OPERATING PROCEDURES

The operating procedures for the Disciplinary Commission of the first instance shall be governed by the UWKF Disciplinary Code.

ARTICLE 31 – DISCIPLINARY APPEAL COMMISSION

31.1 SCOPE OF AUTHORITY

The Disciplinary Appeal Commission has the authority to decide on appeals filed against the decisions made by the Disciplinary Commission of the first instance.

31.2. COMPOSITION

The Disciplinary Appeal Commission shall be composed of a President, a Vice President and three (3) other Members who shall all be appointed by the EC.

These Members must appear on the list of the UWKF experts as defined in the Article 30.2 and must not have sat on the Disciplinary Commission of the First Instance.

31.3 OPERATING PROCEDURES

The operating procedures for the Disciplinary Appeal Commission shall be governed by the UWKF Disciplinary Code.

ARTICLE 32 – ETHICS COMMISSION

32.1 THE ETHICS COMMISSION HAS THE AUTHORITY TO:

a) provide conclusions and recommendations to the EC on topics submitted by the President of the UWKF and to give its opinion at the request of UWKF Members.

b) investigate cases of violations of the IOC Code of Ethics submitted to it and to make recommendations to the Disciplinary Commission of the first instance and the Disciplinary Appeal Commission of the UWKF.

32.2 COMPOSITION

The Ethics Commission shall be composed of seven (7) persons nominated by the Regional or National Federations for the EC’s approval and of two (2) persons nominated by the UWKF EC and shall be selected for their qualities in the field of human relations, ethics and law.

ARTICLE 33- RIGHTS RELATED TO THE UWKF EVENTS (IOC TEXT-ORIGINAL IN ENGLISH)

33.1 The UWKF exclusively owns and controls all commercial rights in and to all the competitions recorded on the official UWKF Schedule (“Commercial Rights”), such Commercial Rights to include, without limitation and in each case on a World-wide basis, all:

(a) audio, visual and audio-visual and data rights (in every medium, whether or not existing as at the date of these statutes);

(b) sponsorship, advertising, merchandising, marketing and other forms of rights of association;

(c) ticketing, hospitality and other concession rights; and

(d) other rights to commercialise the competitions recorded on the official UWKF Schedule (including without limitation any so called “event rights” and any right to authorise the taking of bets on the competitions recorded on the official UWKF Schedule).

33.2 The UWKF shall be entitled to exploit the Commercial Rights in such manner as it considers appropriate, including granting licences in respect of the same or part thereof to its Members or other third party(ies) (each an “Exploiting Body”) from time to time.

33.3 Each body provided for in Article 33.2 shall, and shall ensure that their members, officials, players, delegates and other affiliates shall:

(a) comply with any and all rules, regulations and/or guidelines in relation to the exploitation of the Commercial Rights which may be issued from time to time by or on behalf of the UWKF; and

(b) provide such rights, facilities and services as are required to enable (as relevant) the UWKF and/or the relevant Exploiting Body to fulfill their obligations under any arrangements for the exploitation of any of the Commercial Rights and shall not by any act or omission infringe any exclusive rights granted there-under or otherwise cause any breach thereof to occur. Nevertheless, only the UWKF may assert its rights on application of this rule against a [Member] and no third party shall be entitled to do so.

ARTICLE 34 – DISSOLUTION

The UWKF may not be dissolved except by way of a Congress especially convened for this purpose and at a motion carried by a majority of two-thirds (2/3) of the votes cast. In the event of dissolution, the property and funds of the UWKF shall be divided among its Members, with the exception of the Regional or National Federations which must follow the same procedure.