Codes-Policies
Coming Soon
Codes & Policies
PDF Version can be downloaded here: IFMA_Code_of_Ethics
PREAMBLE
The fundamental purpose of the IFMA Code of Ethics is to assist the IFMA members in making consistent choices when faced with ethical dilemmas and to set out ethical principles and standards, that are in-line with the International Olympic Council’s (IOC) ideals and therefore applicable throughout the Muaythai community and sport governed by IFMA. The IFMA members herein undertake at all material times to respect and to ensure compliance of the following principles:
Fairness: Operating within the spirit of the rules, never taking an unfair advantage and making informed and honorable decisions at all times.
Respect: Recognizing the contribution which all people make to sport, treating them with dignity and consideration, as well as caring for the property and equipment they use. Respect is for all irrespective of age, sex, religion or race.
Responsibility: Taking responsibility for one’s actions and being a positive role model at all times.
Safety: Encouraging healthy and safe procedures, preventing and reporting dangerous behavior, while demonstrating concern for others.
Integrity: A set of principles derived from honesty, fairness and consistent respectability of good character.
Equity: Practicing fairness and applying social justice to all situations and decision making processes. Ensuring that all individuals are respected, have equal opportunities and have their rights protected.
Transparency: This is a fundamental principle of any form of modern governance. To ensure that any and/or all transactions, events, decisions and practices are fully transparent so as to ensure fairness and equity.
Accountability: This principle encourages responsible decision making and ensures sound decisions. IFMA members can play a vital role in such decisions and hence accountability is an important precept.
Art. 1
The present Code applies to IFMA and each of its members and staff, including but not limited to members of the Executive Committee, members of Commissions, the affiliated National Federations and their members and staff, and all officials, athletes, coaches and referees (hereinafter the “Parties”).
The Parties shall pay particular attention to observing the IFMA Ethical Principles, including but not limited to fair play and sportsmanship, when participating in IFMA’s championships and all other activities.
Principles
Art. 2
The Parties must comply with the following principles:
1. Human dignity – a fundamental requirement of Olympism is to safeguard the dignity of the individual. All doping practices at all levels are strictly prohibited. The provision against doping in the World Anti-Doping Code shall scrupulously be observed.
2. Nondiscrimination, either on the basis of race, gender, nationality, ethnic origin, religion, philosophical or political opinions, sexual preference or any other grounds.
3. Nonviolence, including abstaining from any kind of pressure and harassment, whether physical, mental, professional or sexual.
4. Friendship, mutual aid and fair play.
5. Integrity – the parties shall respect the rules concerning conflicts of interests and used due care and diligence in fulfilling their mission.
6. Good Governance and Resources – principles of good governance of the IOC movement – transparency, responsibility and accountability.
7. Priority to the interests of the sport of Muaythai and the athletes in relation to financial interests.
8. Protection of the environment.
9. Universality and Political neutrality – to maintain harmonious relations with state authorities.
10. Promotion of the Olympic Movement ideals.
Art. 3
The Parties shall use due care and diligence in fulfilling their mission. They shall, on all occasions and to the best of their ability, serve the interests of Muaythai and IFMA. They shall refrain from any behavior which might jeopardize Muaythai, and they must not act in any manner likely to tarnish the reputation of IFMA.
Integrity
Art. 4
The Parties shall refrain from asking, accepting or proposing, either directly or indirectly, any payment or commission, any advantages or services of any kind, in exchange for the performance of their duties for IFMA or for their work carried out for IFMA, unless they have previously obtained an express authorization in writing from the competent IFMA authority. IFMA must be informed of any offers of this kind which are made to a Party. IFMA shall adopt proper measures to ensure protection of such Parties, so that they can inform IFMA without risk of reprisal.
Art. 5
The Parties may receive or accept gifts only as a mark of respect or friendship and of nominal value in accordance with prevailing local customs. Any gifts offered to a third party must have been previously authorized by IFMA. Gifts may only be offered by IFMA or on behalf of IFMA; the Parties shall refrain from offering any gifts in their personal names. Any gifts received must be reported to IFMA. Any gifts exceeding US$ 150 in value must be immediately sent to IFMA and shall become the property of IFMA. An overall sense of moderation should prevail concerning hospitality and accommodation.
Art. 6
The Parties must not be involved nor have relationships with any organizations, firms or persons whose activities are incompatible with the IFMA Ethical Principles.
Art. 7
The Parties who represent IFMA in an outside body shall be obliged to intervene and to vote in accordance with any instructions that they have received from the competent authority at IFMA. They shall not accept any instructions as to how to vote from any third-party.
Confidentiality
Art. 8
The Parties shall refrain from disclosing any information concerning IFMA or its activities that has not been made public, unless such a disclosure has been authorized by the competent authority at IFMA or is required by law.
Art. 9
The disclosure of information must not be aimed at making profit or taking any personal advantage, nor may it be motivated by malicious intent to damage the reputation of any person.
Conflict of interests
Art. 10
A situation of a potential conflict of interests arises when the opinion or decision of a Party may be reasonably considered as liable to be influenced by relations that such Party has, has had or is on the point of having with another person or organization that would be affected by the Party’s opinion or decision. A case of conflict of interests is constituted when a Party, having abstained from declaring a situation of a potential conflict of interests, expresses an opinion or takes a decision in the circumstances described in the above paragraph.
Art. 11
In assessing the situations described in Article 10 above, direct as well as indirect interests must be taken into account. This also includes the interests of a third person or entity (e.g. parent, spouse, relation, dependent, contractor, or contractee). The circumstances in which a conflict of interests could arise are, for example:
– a personal or material involvement (salary, shareholding, other various benefits) with suppliers of IFMA;
– a personal or material involvement with sponsors, broadcasters, various contracting parties;
– a personal or material involvement with an organization liable to benefit from the assistance of IFMA (e.g. subsidy, approval clause or election).
Art. 12
It is the responsibility of each Party to avoid any case of conflict of interests.
Faced with a situation of a potential conflict of interests, the Party concerned must refrain from expressing an opinion, from making or participating in making a decision or from accepting any form of benefit whatsoever. However, if the Party wishes to continue to act or is uncertain as to the steps to take, the Party must inform the Ethics Commission of the situation.
Art. 13
The Ethics Commission shall propose to the Party concerned a solution as, for example:
– registering the declaration without any particular measure;
– removal of the Party from expressing the opinion or from making or participating in making the decision at the root of the conflict;
– relinquishment of the management of the external interest causing the conflict.
In the event that a Party neglects to declare a situation of potential conflict of interests or refuses to act according to the solution proposed by the Ethics Commission, the Ethics Commission shall propose to the IFMA President and to the Disciplinary Commission a decision that may include the measures provided in the above paragraph, as well as possible sanctions. The IFMA President and the Disciplinary Commission are responsible, in the final instance, for taking decisions and/or sanctions concerning conflicts of interests.
Mission and composition
Art. 14
An independent IFMA Ethics Commission (hereafter the “Commission”) is charged with the following mission:
1. to assist IFMA in developing and updating a framework of ethical principles, including the IFMA Code of Ethics, based upon the values and principles enshrined in the IFMA Code of Ethics, Statutes, Bylaws, Disciplinary Code, Procedural Rules, Technical & Competition Rules and in the Olympic Charter, all such values and principles being hereafter referred to as “IFMA Ethical Principles”;
2. to help ensure compliance with the IFMA Ethical Principles in the policies and practices of IFMA;
3. to provide assistance, including advice or proposals, upon request by the IFMA President, the Executive Committee, the Disciplinary Commission or the Congress, in order that the IFMA Ethical Principles are applied in practice;
4. to investigate complaints or other issues submitted to the Commission by the IFMA President, the Executive Committee, the Disciplinary Commission or the Congress, and raised in relation to the non-respect of the IFMA Ethical Principles, and, if necessary, to recommend sanctions or other action to be taken by IFMA, its President, its Executive Committee, its Disciplinary Commission or its Congress;
5. to bring to the attention of whatever entity it finds appropriate, including but not limited to the IFMA President, the Executive Committee, the Disciplinary Commission or the Congress, any matter infringing the IFMA Ethical Principles and recommend actions or sanctions;
6. to advise on how to avoid or resolve conflicts of interests;
7. to pursue any other tasks relating to the development and implementation of the IFMA Ethical Principles, as requested by the IFMA President, the Executive Committee, the Disciplinary Commission or the Congress.
Art. 15
The Commission shall be composed of five members, designated as follows:
– a Chairman and a Vice Chairman, appointed by the IFMA President;
– three members appointed by the Executive Committee.
Neither the Chairman, nor the three members to be appointed by the Executive Committee shall be members of IFMA. The Vice Chairman can be chosen among members of IFMA.
Art. 16
Members of the Commission must all be familiar and acquainted with the values and
Ethical Principles of the Olympic Movement, preferably through personal experiences; one member at least of the Commission shall have a background in the legal profession and another member at least in the carrying out of high level executive office or public service.
Art. 17
The duration of the term of a member of the Commission shall be four years. Such term is renewable twice.
Art. 18
A member of the Commission may only be removed from office by a unanimous decision of the Executive Committee or, in the absence of such decision, by decision of the Congress.
Art. 19
In the event of vacancy due to death, resignation, incompatibility or inability of a member to perform his functions, the member shall be replaced. The new member shall complete the term of the member he replaces and may be appointed for one new four year term.
Art. 20
Members of the Commission may not take any measure nor exercise any authority in relation to a matter where any conflict of interests or any other form of conflict exist or is perceived to exist.
Indemnification and expenses
Art. 21
Members of the Commission shall be indemnified by IFMA in relation to any claim by any third party deriving from the carrying out of their duties as members of the Commission.
Art. 22
Members of the Commission serve as volunteers. They are entitled to be reimbursed by IFMA for all their travel expenses as well as to a per diem allowance to cover their other costs.
Art. 23
The Commission shall be assisted by a secretary designated by the Chairman of the
Commission, whose costs will be reimbursed by IFMA.
Procedures
Art. 24
The Commission establishes its own rules of procedure.
Art. 25
The Ethics Commission shall forthwith make a report to the Disciplinary Commission. The Disciplinary Commission shall then assess and make it’s recommendation(s) to the Executive Management Committee. A written decision shall then be made by the Executive Management Committee based on the report and recommendation(s) of both the Ethics and Disciplinary Commissions.
Art. 26
The Commission shall present every year a report to the Congress on the conduct of its activities.
PDF Version can be downloaded here: IFMA_Conduct_Policy
I. INTRODUCTION
This policy defines a code of conduct for Member associations of the International Federation of Muaythai Amateur (“IFMA”) and such individual associations’ members, including athletes sponsored by the Member, officials, officers and other affiliated parties (“Constituents”). It details all the bodies that manage any matters related to conduct, and it describes the procedures for addressing instances of improper or inappropriate conduct. The primary mechanism for dealing with disputes is direct discussion between the persons or parties involved. This policy takes effect in the event the latter is unsuccessful and/or in matters of import wherein formal redress is required.
A. Basis in the Bylaws
The basis for this policy is based upon the IFMA Bylaws which state:
ARTICLE X – DISPUTE RESOLUTION
The Executive Committee shall have the authority to establish policies, subject to approval of the Congress, to adjudicate disputes among Members or between Members and itself. Such disputes may include, but shall not be limited to, disputes regarding eligibility for membership, eligibility for individual participants in Sanctioned Events, rulings with regard to world records, rulings involving anti-doping violations, and rulings with regard to disciplinary issues concerning events or events sanctioned by IFMA. The Executive Committee, with the approval of the Congress, shall establish conduct policies for the on-site adjudication of disputes at events sanctioned by IFMA and for the off-site decision-making procedures for dispute resolution. In addition, such policies shall provide for a fair and appropriate appeal process within IFMA. In no circumstance whatsoever shall differences between the disputing parties be taken to a court of law, and as a condition of membership IFMA shall require Members to renounce the right to take a dispute before a court of justice. IFMA shall only recognize and accept the decisions of the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Lausanne (Switzerland) should the necessity of an appeal against an IFMA decision arise.
B. Scope of the IFMA Conduct Policy
When it comes to conduct policy and potential disciplinary action, IFMA has jurisdiction and the right to adjudicate issues relating to IFMA Sanctioned Events or issues arising between or amongst two or more Members and/or their Constituents. IFMA does not take responsibility or have the right to adjudicate issues between or amongst the Constituents of one Member that do not involve an IFMA Sanctioned Event or other Members and their Constituents but may accept such jurisdiction when all parties to the issue are willing to submit to its jurisdiction. This jurisdiction is wholly discretionary and is based on the consent of the Executive Board.
Above and apart from its own rules, IFMA expects all Members and their Constituents to respect and abide by the laws, regulations and statutes of the legal jurisdiction in which they participate in for any event or activity, whether at an IFMA-sanctioned events or not. IFMA, its officers, directors, agents, and affiliates shall extend its full co-operation with the relevant authorities to ensure compliance with such laws, regulations and statutes, and it is expected that all Members and their Constituents shall do the same. In the event the Members and their Constituents breach and/or contravene any of the laws, regulations and statute of the legal jurisdiction in which they had participated in any event or activities, IFMA can also initiate its own disciplinary proceedings for such Members and Constituents.
C. Good Conduct
Although much of this document deals with inappropriate conduct and potential disciplinary procedures required addressing such conduct, it is to note that good conduct is encouraged and commended by IFMA through several awards recognizing individuals and teams which uphold and demonstrate the tenets, precepts and spirit of Muaythai through fundamental sporting principles of fair play and respect.
II. ACTING DISCIPLINARY AUTHORITIES AND THE CONDUCT COMMITTEE
IFMA employs a dual system, independent and operating in parallel, to ensure proper conduct in all Muaythai-related activities over which it has jurisdiction. One system is overseen by the on-site administration during a Sanctioned Event and the other by the Executive Committee or its designated Conduct Committee for any and all matters.
A. Acting Disciplinary Authorities
IFMA shall and must enforce its conduct policy and be able to institute real-time resolutions, decisions, and penalties if there are conduct infractions in the midst of a specific Sanctioned Event or program. These resolutions, decisions, and penalties are to be administered by an Acting Disciplinary Authority, which may be an Event Director, designees of the Event Director such as an Event Rules Group (TRG), an officer or Executive Committee of IFMA, or some other IFMA-appointed individual or group. An Acting Disciplinary Authority may, as necessary, impose sanctions or penalties for violations of the Code of Conduct described herein, in order to ensure expedient administration of its duty. However, the potential sanctions or penalties are limited to participation at the specific Sanctioned Event or program in progress, and could include limited redress such as censure for inappropriate behavior, to sitting out one bout or event in a multi-tier event, to not being allowed to participate in the balance of the Sanctioned Event or program, to entire event disqualification for the individual or entire team if the infraction is very serious.
(i) Event Rules Committee
An Event Rules Committee (ERC) shall be established at each IFMA Sanctioned Event before the event begins. The ERC shall arbitrate disputes between athletes, officers, staff and members of the public. The ERC is chaired by the Chair of the Relevant Committee or the delegated representative, and one(1) delegate each from four(4) countries which are represented at the event. The ERC will address formal requests, complaints or protests about any issue concerning event or off-event activities. Requests, complaints or protests may be brought to the attention of ERC by any Representative or registered athlete. Requests, complaints or protests may be brought at any time during the period starting from the beginning of the Sanctioned Event to midnight on the final day of play. Upon receipt of a request, complaint or protest the ERC will meet at its earliest convenience and make a decision available to all parties involved at least two (2) hours before the start of play the following day. The decision shall be posted in writing where all athletes may have access to read the outcome. Further, any issue that is reviewed by the ERC or that involves any ejection of an athlete from a game, match or balance of an event must be reported to the IFMA Executive Board in writing by the chairperson of the ERC within 30 days from the end of the Sanctioned Event. The ERC may, at its discretion, disqualify an athlete or an entire team from any event or from the entire event whenever that athlete or team exhibits violent, obscene, abusive, disruptive or illegal behavior; cheats or otherwise attempts to create an unfair advantage for themselves or disadvantages others through circumvention of the rules; or otherwise causes substantial hardship, inconvenience or annoyance to spectators, officials or athletes. The ERC may also censor an individual athlete or team orally or in writing; alter or nullify the result of any event; or order an event to be partially or completely refought. In the event of an extremely serious conduct violation the ERC may, after disqualifying an athlete or team from competition, refer the matter for later review and sanctioning actions by the IFMA Executive Board. Any athlete or team disqualified from the event shall forfeit all fees paid. Should any member of the ERC have a vested interest in any matter, that member shall be withdrawn to be replaced by another representative, or in the case of a delegate from one of the four countries another delegate from another country. Should two or more members of the ERC have a vested interest in the matter put to the ERC they shall be replaced by unbiased IFMA officials available at the event. Should an issue be brought to the ERC that effects the general interest of all or a group of teams participating in the event, the ERC may call an advisory Meeting of all or selected teams. The calling of such a meeting does not in any way reduce the powers of the ERC and the ERC is in no way bound to suggestions or decisions made by such a Meeting. Should any athlete or team, or group of teams, choose to challenge a decision made by the ERC in the course of handling a request, complaint or protest during an IFMA World Championship event, they should file a written protest to the IFMA Executive Board within 30 days of occurrence.
(ii) Conflicts or Additional Actions
It is feasible that more than one Acting Disciplinary Authority may have jurisdiction over an event. In such cases, the multiple Acting Disciplinary Authorities with jurisdiction should coordinate their efforts, in order to determine a consistent and appropriate course of action. The immediate decisions of an Acting Disciplinary Authority are essential for the proper administration of the sport and are not recorded as violations of the conduct policy. For example, the TRG has the authority to eject a violent athlete from an event. In such case, the ejected athlete may face further sanctions if a violation of conduct is found to have occurred after a complaint is submitted to the Conduct Committee — a separate enforcement body.
B. The Conduct Committee
The second system of ensuring proper conduct is the disciplinary oversight of the Executive Committee directly or through the establishment of an ad hoc Conduct Committee. The Executive Committee, or Conduct Committee acting as proxy, employs a complaint-defense-review-appeal process to ensure justice in resolving allegations of improper conduct. In the example of the ejected athlete, if a conduct complaint is filed and the Executive Committee or Conduct Committee determines that the complaint merits hearing, the athlete shall be given an opportunity to submit a written defense against the allegations, and, as described below, the Executive Committee or Conduct Committee will rule based on the complaint, the defense, and its own investigations. The defendant may appeal the ruling. The Executive Committee or Conduct Committee ensures that conduct complaints are adjudicated equitably and in fairness and those violations are met with appropriate punishments, independent of those necessary to keep events running smoothly. Both systems of enforcement protect the same standards of conduct as in this herein Conduct Policy. The two pronged regulatory structure described here ensures the expedient administration of Muaythai-related activities by IFMA as well as swift and equitably enforcement of its Code of Conduct.
III. CODE OF CONDUCT AND OTHER REGULATORY CODES
A. Code of Conduct
IFMA Members and their Constituents are expected to behave in a manner consistent with the ideals and vision of the organization. This responsibility manifests itself in and outside of the Ring, in interactions with the administration and officers of IFMA, and in dealings with other Members and their Constituents.
(i) Conduct During Sanctioned Events
“Conduct During Sanctioned Events” refers to the actions of Members and their Constituents during the entire course of a IFMA Sanctioned Event; this is applicable both to actions during a competitive match as well as to actions outside of competition-related matters. Members and their Constituents are expected to treat one another with respect, to conduct themselves in a safe and orderly manner, and to adhere to the rules of Muaythai while competing inclusive of all cultural rules – donning of the MonKong and performance of the Wai Kru, in addition to adhering to any specific tournament and site regulations, including the IFMA rules on anti-doping. Violations of conduct occur upon the breach of these expectations. Sanctioned Event Conduct violations may therefore include (with the clause being violated appearing in parentheses), but are not limited to, abusive heckling (respect), dangerous conduct (safety), spitting at another athlete (respect), cheating (rules), deliberate fouling (rules), reckless and improper behavior at a tournament party (order, safety), drinking on the sidelines when prohibited (site regulations), taunting (respect), and violence against another athlete (respect, order, safety). Repeated, excessive or deliberate inappropriate conduct constitutes a violation of this conduct policy. An individual instance of inappropriate conduct may also warrant sanctioning by the Conduct Committee if the action is severe enough. Such a sanction may be in addition to any sanctions or penalties imposed by an Acting Disciplinary Authority. Physical violence against another competitor or Officials can never be condoned and will always be sanctioned. Violations of the IFMA Anti-Doping Rules are governed under the specific provisions of that policy. Actions that result in the involvement of local legal authorities will be reviewed with particular scrutiny.
(ii) Conduct regarding IFMA
“Conduct regarding IFMA” refers to actions by a Member or its Constituents in dealing with Tournament Directors and their staff, officers and administrators of IFMA, including but not limited to actions, statements, emails, written words, or documents of a Member’s officers or staff, or athletes or teams governed by a Member. Members and their Constituents are expected to be truthful and respectful in their dealings with officials of IFMA. Violations of conduct occur upon the breach of these expectations. Violations of Conduct regarding IFMA may therefore include, but are not limited to, filing a fraudulent roster; hacking the IFMA Website; supplying fraudulent membership data to IFMA; hosting a IFMA Sanctioned Event but excluding a competitor based on a personal grievance; theft of privileged information from IFMA or its directors, officers or administrators; obstructing an agent of IFMA from performing his/her duty; and libel or slander (defamatory) against a director, organizer or administrator regarding IFMA-related activity. For example, an athlete who groundlessly accuses a Board member of embezzlement while being interviewed live on television may violate this Code of Conduct on the grounds of slander, even if that athlete later recants while off camera. Tournament Directors and their staff, members of the administration of IFMA, and other such IFMA-appointed individuals or groups may serve as Acting Disciplinary authorities with respect to violations of the Conduct regarding IFMA, provided the conduct pertains to an event or process reasonably under their jurisdiction. For example, a Tournament Director is the Acting Disciplinary Authorities for Conduct regarding IFMA in connection with a Sanctioned Event. A Tournament Director who finds that a team has filed a fraudulent roster (one that has ineligible participants of other nations on it, or an over-aged junior athlete) may upon confirmation from members of IFMA’s or Continental Federation’s Executive Board exclude that team from competition. Any further disciplinary action beyond that imposed by an Acting Disciplinary Authority can only occur as a result of a complaint submitted to the Conduct Committee or Board.
(iii) Conduct within the IFMA Community
Members and their Constituents are expected to act consistently with the mission of IFMA to Promote Muaythai. Actions inimical to Muaythai are violations of conduct. Such violations may include, but are not limited to, libel or slander (defamatory) against Members and their Constituents in the media, publicly bad-mouthing other Disciplines, obscene acts on televised media featuring Muaythai, and vandalism or other destructive behavior toward a Sanctioned Event facility.
B. Other Regulatory Codes
Note that an Acting Disciplinary Authority may adopt any of a number of reasonable regulatory measures for administering penalties for the violator(s) within the course of a Sanctioned Event:-
i. a stern warning with a discretionary monetary penalty (fine not less than US$500 and not exceeding US$2,000);
ii. exclusion, suspension and/or barring of the violator(s) from the Tournament and any other sanctioned events including but not limited to Championships, World Meets, Meetings, Seminars and Games. Period of exclusion, suspension and barring to range from one (1) to five (5) years;
iii. rehabilitative initiatives decided upon by the Conduct Committee;
iv. dismissal or expulsion from IFMA and/or Continental Federation(s);
v. any other measures decided upon by the Conduct Committee.
Such regulatory guides must conform to the outlines of this Code of Conduct. Actions resulting in penalties administered through the application of such guides do not constitute conduct violations unless a complaint is filed by the Acting Disciplinary Authority or eyewitness member and are deemed so by the Board or Conduct Committee as proxy. Likewise, actions which receive no rebuke under such codes may still be considered as improper conduct upon complaint and review, and thus are subject to sanctioning under this policy.
IV. THE ADJUDICATION PROCESS
A. Complaint
(i) Complaint to or by an Acting Disciplinary Authority
A complaint against a Member or its Constituents may be made by directly contacting an appropriate Acting Disciplinary Authority, which may act upon such a complaint as it sees fit. No written complaint is necessary. Further, an Acting Disciplinary Authority may originate a complaint if they personally witness a perceived violation of the Conduct Policy.
(ii) Complaint to the Conduct Committee
A complaint against a Member or its Constituents can be filed by any other Member or its Constituents, or group thereof, any Acting Disciplinary Authority, any member of the administration of the IFMA, or by any officer or other person or entity designated by IFMA. In the case of a complaint against on-field conduct, the complainant must be a witness to the conduct in question. An individual who hears of but does not witness offensive conduct may request an investigation by the administration or officers or directors, who may act on such requests at their discretion. A complaint is lodged by completing a Complaint Form and submitting it to IFMA. The complaint must be filed within thirty (30) days of the conduct in question, unless an extension has been granted by the Executive Committee or Conduct Committee as proxy. Multiple complaints regarding a single allegation of poor conduct may be treated as a single complaint. The Executive Committee or Conduct Committee as proxy will determine whether a complaint is credible enough to warrant a hearing. In the event that it is, the Executive Committee or Conduct Committee will inform the defendant of the complaint, making known to him/her the allegations being charged. The defendant will have thirty (30) days to submit a written defense.
B. Review
Actions by an Acting Disciplinary Authority may be taken without a formal complaint and without a hearing. However, it is encouraged that the Acting Disciplinary Authority uses its discretion in this authority, and ensures that all the facts are known prior to exercising its authority, and a hearing which gives all affected parties an opportunity to present their perspective on a situation will often be appropriate. Whenever there is a conduct complaint, the Executive Committee of IFMA will appoint an ad hoc Conduct Committee comprised of three Executive Committee members with no direct connection to or conflict of interest with the complainant or the defendant. The Conduct Committee acts as the disciplinary committee on behalf of the full Executive Committee of Directors. The Executive Committee retains the right to revoke such delegation and hear a complaint as a full Executive Committee if it so chooses. Rulings of the Conduct Committee are based on majority vote when no consensus can be reached. In the event of a tie, the chair of the ruling committee casts the deciding vote (i.e., the Chair of the Conduct Committee as proxy). Rulings of the Executive Committee are based on majority vote as defined by the IFMA Bylaws. Rulings must be delivered within sixty (60) days of receipt of the defendant’s statement (or failure to file or stated waiver of the right to file, whichever is earliest). Unless otherwise stated, rulings take effect immediately. The Executive Committee or Conduct Committee will adjudicate based on the complaint, the defense, and any pertinent evidence obtained in the course of investigating the complaint.
C. Appeal
(i) Appeal of Decision of an Acting Disciplinary Authority
A sanction imposed by an Acting Disciplinary Authority can be appealed by submitting a written appeal to IFMA within thirty (30) days of the sanction. Such appeals are heard by the President together with the Chair of the Committee for the involved event. For example, an appeal to the action of an Event Director at a Sanctioned Event for World Championships would be heard by the President and the Chair of the Executive Committee. The President has the sole vote in such appeals. Appeals will be decided within thirty (30) days of receipt.
(ii) Appeal of the Executive Committee or Conduct Committee
A member found to have been in violation of proper conduct will have the opportunity to challenge the decision of the Executive Committee or Conduct Committee by submitting a written appeal to IFMA within thirty (30) days of notification of the decision. Appeals may contest the decision, challenge the appropriateness of the punishment, or introduce compelling new evidence. Appeals which merely restate a case will be deemed frivolous and need not be heard. The IFMA Executive Committee will review appeals (quorum of 8 Executive Committee members) and rule within ninety (90) days of receipt. Rulings on appeals of the Executive Committee are based on majority vote as defined within the IFMA Bylaws. Unless otherwise stated, rulings on appeal take effect immediately. In the event that a penalty or sanction by the Executive Committee or Conduct Committee pertains to an impending event, the appellant may request an expeditious hearing of his/her appeal. Despite any and/or all jurisdictional claims no case may be taken to a court of law, and as a condition of membership IFMA shall require Members to renounce their right to take a dispute before a court of justice in any jurisdiction. IFMA will only recognize and accept the decisions of the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Lausanne (Switzerland) should the necessity of an appeal against an IFMA decision arise.
(iii) Appeals of Rulings Involving Violations of IFMA Anti-Doping Rules
Cases involving further appeals of rulings involving violations of IFMA Anti-Doping Rules shall be governed under the specific rules contained in IFMA’s Anti-Doping Policy.
V. SANCTIONS
A. Sanctions by an Acting Disciplinary Authority
An Acting Disciplinary Authority may impose all sanctions necessary for its administration of duties.
Such sanctions include but are not limited to assessment of foul or demerit points against a team or athlete, ejection of a team or athlete from a single bout, ejection of a team or athlete from the remainder of a Sanctioned Event, or rejection from a match-up or bout.
No Acting Disciplinary Authority may suspend any athlete or team from participation in any event other than the immediate Sanctioned Event being administered by that authority. The same restriction applies to probation.
B. Sanctions by the Executive Committee or Conduct Committee
The Executive Committee or the Conduct Committee acting as proxy is not limited in its range of sanctions, except by the legal requirement of proportionality with the severity of the action or its consequences. Such sanctions include but are not limited to any sanctions that an Acting Disciplinary Authority may impose, public or private censure, demand of public or private apology, a demand for the completion of service to the Muaythai community, probation, and suspension from participation in IFMA Sanctioned Events. Suspensions or penalties imposed for a period of time longer than one (1) year will be reviewed annually by the Executive Committee.
VI. CONCLUSION
IFMA encourages and promotes the precepts of inter ties respects between all Members and their Constituents. Members and Constituents are to exercise sincerity and considerate in their dealings within the Muaythai community. These standards of conduct are to be maintained by the strong tradition of etiquette and sportsmanship within the Muaythai community, and by good-faith resolutions of disputes among the parties involved. In the rare event that self-governance does not suffice, the IFMA Code of Conduct is enforced by two bodies: (1) through Acting Disciplinary Authorities and (2) by the Executive Committee, through the Conduct Committee. During IFMA events, the Acting Disciplinary Authority may take such steps and impose such penalties as necessary to keep events running smoothly. An athlete or team thus penalized may appeal to IFMA Executive Committee or the designated Conduct Committee.
The Executive Committee oversees the conduct of IFMA members through a complaint-defense-review-appeal process. Complaints are filed within thirty (30) days of an incident and individual defendants and their representative Member Associations are given thirty (30) days to submit a defense. Rulings are made by the Executive Committee-designated Conduct Committee within sixty (60) days, and appeals filed within thirty (30) days of a ruling are then decided within ninety (90) days of receipt by the full Executive Committee (quorum of eight-8) Executive Committee Members) . The Executive Committee or Conduct Committee is not limited in its range of sanctions, but suspensions or penalties imposed for a period of more than one (1) year will be reviewed annually. The two systems of enforcement operate independently.
This Policy defines commitments of the International Federation of Muaythai Amateur (IFMA) to support gender equality and the principles expressed in the UN’s Universal Declaration of Human Rights, including the UNESCO International Charter of Physical Education and Sport, the Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) and the Brighton Declaration on Women and Sport.
The Policy also recognizes and contributes to the gender equality objectives of Goal 5 of the United Nations Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). The Policy reflects on the principle of the Olympic Charter “to encourage and support the promotion of women in sport at all levels and in all structures.”
The IFMA Gender Equality Policy reflects the commitment of the IFMA Constitution Article II that all members of the IFMA family do not face discrimination of any kind including and not limited to; race, ethnicity, skin tone, gender, sexual orientation, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status.
The Gender Equality Policy of the International Federation of Muaythai Amateur (IFMA) aims to promote gender equality in the sport of Muaythai.
The IFMA Gender Policy (Updated 07/19) can be downloaded HERE.
This Policy defines commitments of the International Federation of Muaythai Associations (IFMA) to support a safe and enjoyable environment throughout IFMA events and daily operation of the international federation, that safeguard welfare of athletes and IFMA family members from any kind of discrimination, harassment and abuse.
The IFMA Safeguarding Policy reflects the commitment of IFMA Constitution Article II that all members of the IFMA family do not face discrimination of any kind such as race, ethnicity, skin-tone, gender, sexual orientation, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status
The IFMA Safeguarding Policy (Updated 11/20) can be downloaded HERE.
To help our members determine the efficacy of their policies and activities towards ensuring a safe environment for children and young people in sport, we have created this SAFEGUARDING ASSESMENT TOOL.
PDF Version can be downloaded here: IFMA Whistleblower Policy
International Federation of Muaythai Amateur is dedicated to conducting all of its practices ethically, morally and within a legitimate frame work to the highest degree. Anyone reporting on another person to have participated in acts deemed as, unlawful, regarding incorrect financial data or violating IFMA bylaws, policies and procedures, or improper conduct which violates the IFMA will be supported and matters will be handled with the utmost of professionalism.
- Reporting Responsibility
The IFMA Whistleblower Policy is intended to encourage and enable employees, promoters, spectators and everyone involved in the sport to bring to attention any illegal practices or serious violations with regard to IFMA policies, so that they can be addressed and the correct conduct and action can be taken. The individuals or groups that can be reported regarding these matters include, the federation itself, its leadership or others acting on its behalf with matters relating but not limited to accounting, auditing, ethical violations, harassment or discrimination as well as any other acts or behaviours deemed as improper conduct.
- Anonymity
IFMA holds the capacity for complainants to have their identity disclosed when reporting information on others and every effort will be made to ensure this. However, we would advise for those wishing to file a complaint to submit their names so that a solid case can be built and increase the likelihood of the alleged acts being taken more seriously as a more thorough investigation can be conducted.
- Method for Reporting
Complainants wishing to pass on information are able to do so using our “Whistleblower’s Box” on the IFMA website. Aside from been convenient this will help ensure anonymity for those seeking it and will actively encourage people to pass on information without fear of repercussion. The information will then be dealt with by our compliance officer and addressed immediately.
- No Retaliation
It is contrary to the values of IFMA in the event of a report to retaliate against any staff, volunteers or member associations filing a complaint in good faith regarding a violation or suspected violation. However, IFMA also reserves the right to discipline anyone who makes an accusation under false pretenses.
- Compliance
In order for our goal of transparency and accountability to be achieved IFMA must ask for full compliance from all of its members. It is the responsibility of all board members, officers, employees and volunteers to report concerns about violations of IFMA’s code of ethics or suspected violations of law or regulations that govern IFMA’s operations.
The International Federation of Muaythai Amateur (IFMA) will, to the extent not covered by any existing insurance from whatever source, indemnify and provide a legal defence for any of its elected officials covered as to any and call claims, lawsuits, demands, liability and expenses which such elected officials may incur by reason of “covered acts” in the discharge of their duties, and in the space and course of their official duties. The indemnification and legal defence liability and financial limit will be determined on a case by case basis at the time of the accepting defence of the matter.
Definition
“Covered Acts” is defined as all acts and official duties, as stated within the IFMA Constitution, excluding any/and/or all proceedings brought under the Criminal Code or law of the jurisdiction concerned.
Such exclusion may be exempt only upon the express consent of the Executive Committee.
- INTRODUCTION
We, the International Federation of Muaythai Associations, located at Maison du Sport International, Avenue de Rhodanie 54, Building B – 2nd Floor, 1007 Lausanne, Switzerland, (hereinafter referred to as “IFMA”) process certain information about yourself, including personal data, when you use certain functionalities of one of IFMA websites (hereinafter referred to as “Website”) or take part in Certain activities and services operated by IFMA on IFMA Website. This Privacy Notice is designed to inform you about how we collect, use, disclose, and protect your personal data as a data subject.
This Privacy Policy applies to all digital services such as websites, Newsletters, registrations systems offered on one of IFMA Websites (www.muaythai.sport, www.ifmalive.com, and all subdomains). IFMA Website may contain hyperlinks to websites owned and operated by third parties. These third parties websites have their own privacy notices and IFMA encourages you to review them. IFMA does not accept any responsibility or liability for the privacy practices of such third parties websites and our use of such websites is at your own risk.
For the purposes of this privacy policy “personal data” means any information relating to an identified or identifiable person, in particular with reference to an identifier such as a name, an identification number, location, data, an online identifier or to one or more factors specific to the physical, physiological, genetic, mental, economic, cultural or social identity of that natural person.
- COLLECTION AND PROCESSING OF PERSONAL DATA
IFMA collects the following personal data about you:
2.1. Personal data which you provide directly to IFMA
In general, you can visit the Website without providing personal data. However, data are generally requested when you wish to take part in certain activities available on the Website, create an account, communicate with us. In such cases, you may be invited or required to provide personal data about yourself such as first name, last name, nationality, age, country of residence, home address and/or email address, phone number, business organisation, job title. Subscription to certain services may require further data. In such a case IFMA will inform you of any additional information needed to provide the services which you have requested. By providing IFMA with your personal data, you expressly authorize IFMA, its partners, subcontractors and/or affiliates to collect and subsequently process such data in accordance with the terms defined herein to provide you the services which you have selected.
Please note that if you do not provide data required, it may prevent you from making full use of IFMA services.
2.2. Personal data which IFMA collects automatically when you visit the IFMA Website
When you use the Website, IFMA may collect personal data about you by implementing an automatic tracking process (cookies) gathering anonymous information, such as browser type, operating systems and the date and time of access to help improve the content of the Website, to customize the Website for our visitors and to learn more about them and how they use the Website. For use of cookies please see below Article 3.
- USE OF COOKIES
IFMA uses cookies to store visitors’ preferences and to record session information, for purposes including ensuring that visitors are not repeatedly offered the same advertisements and to customize newsletter, advertising and web page content based on browser type and user profile information. We do not link the information we store in cookies to any personally identifiable information you submit while on the Website. You may be able to configure your browser to accept or reject all or some cookies, or to notify you when a cookie is set (each browser is different, so check the “Help” menu of your browser to learn how to change your cookie preferences). However, you must enable cookies from IFMA Website in order to use some of its functions. Please note that Website might allow third party advertisers that are presenting advertisements on some of our pages to set and access their cookies on your computer. Advertisers’ use of cookies is subject to their own privacy policies, not the IFMA Privacy Policy.
- PURPOSE OF THE COLLECTION AND PROCESSING OF PERSONAL DATA
Pursuant to this Privacy Policy, IFMA will collect and process your personal data solely for the following purposes:
(a) to contact you for services which you have subscribed to, signed up for or participate in;
(b) to manage your user account;
(c) to manage our relationship with you or comply with our contractual obligations;
(d) to fulfil subscription to the IFMA Newsletter;
(e) to fulfil subscription to IFMA media channels (i.e. Youtube, Facebook, Twitter);
(f) to communicate with you;
(g) to track traffic flows and make IFMA Websites easier for you to use;
(h) to maintain and develop IFMA’s services;
(i) to send you marketing communication to promote the services and activities of IFMA.
(j) to ensure IFMA compliance with the World Anti-Doping Code: Managing whereabouts of athletes included in IFMA’s Registered Testing Pool (RTP), processing of Therapeutic Use Exemptions (TUE) etc. (For full details, please see IFMA’s Anti-Doping Privacy Notice.)
- SPAMMING
IFMA will not engage in spamming and will not authorize the use of your personal data for commercial or advertising purposes by third parties, except with your express consent.
Any marketing communication you receive from IFMA will always include a clear, simple option to refuse, or ‘opt-out’ of such future communications. You may also opt-out at any time by contacting IFMA (see below Article 13).
- LEGAL BASIS OF THE DATA PROCESSING ACTIVITIES
We only process your personal data in the cases permitted by law. Most frequently, the legal basis for the processing of your personal data by IFMA:
(a) Contractual need: contractual necessity applies to justify the following uses of your personal data when personal data are necessary for providing the services you have subscribed for or for the performance of any other contract that we have entered into or are about to enter into with you, for communicating with you, for managing your registration and user account, for sharing data with IFMA’s partners, including transferring, storing or processing data outside EU, in relation to the provision of services. Any processing contained in paragraphs (a) to (f) in Article 4 above may be justified by a contractual need;
(b) Legitimate interests of IFMA or third parties, provided that your own interests do not prevail: such legitimate interest is deemed to be given when we process your data to establish, exercise or defend our legal claims, to prevent fraud, misuse of our services, to detect any dysfunction of our services and/or Websites, to ensure and improve security of your IT system and network, to process data for statistical purposes. The processing contained in paragraphs (g) to (i) in Article 4 above are necessary for the purposes of IFMA’s legitimate interest;
(c) Compliance with legal obligations incumbent upon IFMA, especially in the area of archiving and data retention;
(d) Consent which you have given after having been duly informed: such consent is deemed to be given in relation to the sending of advertising offers and marketing materials, such as newsletters and other promotional offers. This consent may be withdrawn at any time as described in the Article 9 below. This withdrawal will not, however, affect the lawfulness of consent-based processing prior to withdrawal.
- HOSTING AND TRANSFER OF PERSONAL DATA
IFMA’s data is hosted in the cloud on AWS (Amazon Web Services) by our technology partners; RSportz Inc. Specific data is held in specific global locations dependent upon where the information is collected. Example; data collected in Europe is hosted in the appropriate European Region. There are six European regions, East, West, North & South, depending on where the data is collected. The regions are isolated from one another to maintain strict security protocols. Therefore, any personal data for Europe submitted to IFMA will be hosted in a Member State of the European Union. The United Kingdom has it’s own AWS cloud as it has left the E.U.
As a matter of principle, IFMA will never transmit your data to other third parties without your prior consent. However, by registering to the IFMA Website, you accept that IFMA may share your data to its technology partner, RSportz Inc and any other subcontractors, including outside European Union, if IFMA deems it necessary for the purposes mentioned in Article 4. IFMA will take all the measures required to ensure that the receiving entity has agreed to keep your data confidential and secure. If the level of privacy protection in a country does not comply with internationally recognized standards, IFMA will ensure by contracting specific safeguards, such as standard clause or express consent, that data transfers to databases in that country are equally protected and that a transfer of data to third parties in such countries do not occur. IFMA and its subcontractors reserve the right to release your data if required under law to do so, or based on the good-faith belief that such release is necessary to comply with applicable legislation.
We may share your personal data with:
- Our affiliated sport federations or organisations for membership and event-related purposes.
- Service Providers: Third-party service providers assisting us with event management, communication, analytics, and more.
- Regulatory Authorities: When required by law or in response to legal requests.
- DATA RETENTION
IFMA will retain your personal data only as long as necessary for the purposes set forth under Article 4 above. Please note that personal data may be kept for a longer period of time exclusively for mere statistical purposes and IFMA shall use anonymous data wherever possible.
IFMA periodically, but at least every 3 (three) years, checks that no data is stored for longer than needed.
- YOUR RIGHTS
Your principal rights under the data protection law are as follows:
Right to access: you have the right to confirmation as to whether or not IFMA processes your personal data and, where IFMA does, access to the personal data, together with certain additional information. That additional information include details of the purposes of the processing, the categories of personal data concerned and the recipients of the personal data. Providing the rights and freedoms of others are not affected, IFMA will supply to you a copy of your personal data.
Right to rectification: you have the right to have any inaccurate personal data about you rectified and, taking into account the purposes of the processing, to have any incomplete personal data about you completed.
Right to erasure: in some circumstances you have the right to have your personal data erased. Those circumstances are: (i) the personal data are no longer necessary in relation to the purposes for which they were collected or otherwise processed; (ii) you withdraw the consent on which the processing is based and there is no other legal ground for the processing; (iii) you object to the processing of your data and there are no overriding legitimate grounds for the processing; (iv) the personal data have been unlawfully processed; the personal data have to be erased for compliance with a legal obligation to which IFMA is subject; (v) the personal data have been collected in relation to the offer of information society services directly to a child.
Right to restrict processing: in some circumstances you have the right to restrict the processing of your personal data. Those circumstances are: (i) you contest the accuracy of the personal data; (ii) processing is unlawful but you oppose erasure; (iii) IFMA no longer needs the personal data for the purposes of our processing, but you require personal data for the establishment, exercise or defence of legal claims; or (iv) you have objected to processing, pending the verification of that objection. Where processing has been restricted on this basis, IFMA may continue to store your personal data. However, IFMA will only otherwise process it: with your consent; for the establishment, exercise or defence of legal claims; for the protection of the rights of another natural or legal person; or for reasons of important public interest.
Right to object to processing: you have the right to object to IFMA’s processing of your personal data on grounds relating to your particular situation, but only to the extent that the legal basis for the processing is that the processing is necessary for the purposes of the legitimate interests pursued by IFMA or by a third party. If you make such an objection, IFMA will cease to process the personal data unless IFMA can demonstrate compelling legitimate grounds for the processing which override your interests, rights and freedoms, or the processing is for the establishment, exercise or defence of legal claims. You have the right to object to IFMA’s processing of your personal data for direct marketing purposes (including profiling for direct marketing purposes). If you make such an objection, IFMA will cease to process your personal data for this purpose. You’ll be able to opt-out from emails IFMA sends you by clicking on the unsubscribe link at the bottom of those emails. You have the right to object to our processing of your personal data for scientific or historical research purposes or statistical purposes on grounds relating to your particular situation, unless the processing is necessary for the performance of a task carried out for reasons of public interest.
Right to data portability: to the extent that the legal basis for IFMA’s processing of your personal data is: (i) consent; or (ii) that the processing is necessary for the performance of a contract to which you are party or in order to take steps at your request prior to entering into a contract, and such processing is carried out by automated means, you have the right to receive your personal data from IFMA in a structured, commonly used and machine-readable format. However, this right does not apply where it would adversely affect the rights and freedoms of others.
Right to withdraw consent: to the extent that the legal basis for IFMA’s processing of your personal data is consent, you have the right to withdraw that consent at any time. Withdrawal will not affect the lawfulness of processing before the withdrawal.
Automated individual decision making: IFMA does not carry out this kind of decision making. However, for your information, you have the right not to be subject to a decision based solely on automated processing, including profiling, which produces legal effects concerning you unless this is necessary for our contract, is authorised under applicable law or is based on your explicit consent.
You may exercise any of your rights in relation to your personal data by emailing info@muaythai.sport. If IFMA has doubts concerning your identity, IFMA will require a piece of identification to prove your identity. IFMA tries to respond to all legitimate request within one month. Occasionally it may take longer than a month, up to two additional months, if your request is complex or IFMA has a number of requests. In this case IFMA will let you know of the extended delay within one month following your request. You can also update your personal data at any time by accessing your user account.
- DATA SECURITY
IFMA is committed to ensure the best possible level of security of your personal data, and will take adequate technical and organizational measures to protect your data against the risks of damage, destruction, loss or unauthorized access.
- COMPLAINT WITH THE COMPETENT AUTHORITY
If you consider that the processing of personal data relating to you infringes the legal regulations, you have the right to lodge a complaint with the competent authority of the place where you have your habitual residence or place of work or the place of the alleged infringement.
- AMENDMENT OF THIS PRIVACY POLICY
IFMA reserves the right to change any of the terms and conditions contained in the present Privacy Policy, at any time and in its sole discretion. When Changes are made, the last updated version will be effective immediately upon posting on the Website. Your continued use of the Website following the posting of changes will constitute your acceptance of such changes. IFMA encourages you to review the Privacy Policy periodically to be informed of any change.
- CONTACTING IFMA
If you have any queries, comments or complaints regarding this Privacy Policy, please contact IFMA at: privacy@muaythai.sport.
- Introduction
This Information Security Policy outlines the measures and guidelines adopted by the International Federation of Muaythai Associations (IFMA), the IOC recognised International Sport Federation governing the sport of Muaythai, to ensure the protection, confidentiality, integrity, and availability of personal and sensitive information. This policy serves as a framework for safeguarding data against unauthorised access, breaches, and other security risks.
- Scope
This policy applies to all employees, contractors, volunteers, and stakeholders who have access to personal and sensitive information within IFMA. It encompasses all information assets, including electronic, paper-based, and verbal communication.
- Information Classification and Handling
We classify information based on its sensitivity and criticality. Categories include:
- Public: Information suitable for public dissemination.
- Internal Use: Information intended for internal purposes only.
- Confidential: Sensitive and confidential information that requires special protection.
- Highly Confidential: Extremely sensitive information subject to strict access controls.
All personnel must follow appropriate handling and storage procedures for each classification.
- Access Control and Authorization
Access to personal and sensitive information is granted on a “need-to-know” basis. Access controls are enforced through user authentication, role-based access, and other technical measures. Authorisation for access is managed by the IFMA Director General.
- Physical Security
Physical access to facilities housing personal information is restricted. Security measures, including access badges, locks, and surveillance, are implemented to prevent unauthorised entry.
- Data Protection and Retention
Personal information is retained only for as long as necessary to fulfil the purposes for which it was collected and in compliance with legal requirements. When data is no longer needed, it is securely disposed of in accordance with IFMA’s data retention policy.
- Information Handling Procedures
All personnel must adhere to secure information handling practices:
- Encryption: Sensitive data in transit and storage must be encrypted using approved methods.
- Secure Disposal: Disposal of paper documents and electronic media must follow approved methods to prevent unauthorised retrieval.
- Email and Communication: Exercise caution when sharing sensitive information via email and other electronic means.
- Security Awareness and Training
Regular security awareness and training programs are conducted to educate personnel about information security best practices, policies, and procedures.
- Incident Response
In the event of a data breach or security incident, IFMA’s incident response plan is activated to mitigate the impact, investigate the breach, notify affected parties, and take corrective actions.
- Third-Party Management
Third-party vendors and partners who have access to personal information are required to adhere to security standards consistent with this policy.
- Compliance and Monitoring
This policy is aligned with applicable data protection regulations, including but not limited to the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Regular audits and assessments are conducted to ensure compliance.
- Reporting Security Concerns
All employees, contractors, and stakeholders are encouraged to report any security concerns, breaches, or vulnerabilities promptly to privacy@muaythai.sport.
- Policy Review and Updates
This policy is subject to periodic review and updates to ensure it remains relevant and effective.
By adhering to this Information Security Policy, we demonstrate our commitment to protecting the personal and sensitive information entrusted to IFMA and maintaining the highest standards of information security.
PDF version can be downloaded here: IFMA Regulations of Manipulations of Competitions
PREAMBLE
International Federation of Muaythai Amateur, being aware, that:
-Without sports there is no sports betting
-Betting has been an integrated part of sports since the beginning and is a legitimate pursuit
-Illegal or fraudulent betting can cause global damage for sport, the betting industry and governments alike
– One of the most important avenues for financing sport comes from sports betting, offered by national lotteries or private operators
-Sports betting allows the public to demonstrate their attachment to athletes and fans
-The integrity of sports competitions must be upheld and IFMA will do whatever is in its power to fulfil that
-National legislation differs from one country to another regarding the participation of sports betting operators to the financing of the sports movement
-Fair play should be adhered to ensure a fair return from betting operators, not only for the organisers of sports events, but more generally for the continual development of sport
Definitions
“Benefit” is to receive an amount of money or the equivalent either directly or indirectly, this can include but is not limited to, bribes, gains, gifts and other advantages including, without limitation, winnings and/or potential winnings as a result of a wager. The afore mentioned does not refer to any official prize money, appearance fees or payments from the sponsorship or other contracts
“Participant” refers to any person or group actively involved in a sports competition and can be broken down into the two following categories:
a. “athlete” refers to any individual or group participating in a sports competition.
b. “athlete support personnel” refers to any individual or group of persons working with or treating participating athletes and can refer to the following: coaches, trainers, managers, agents, team staff, team officials, team families, medical or paramedical personnel.
“Competition” refers to any sports event, match or tournament organised and in accordance with rules of a sports organisation or affiliates.
“Inside information” refers to any non-public information relating to any sport event or competition an individual or group has obtained as a result of their position which is not intended to be shared with the general public such as tactics or injuries. This does not include factual information or information that has been published and disclosed in accordance with the rules and regulations governing the relevant competition.
“Official” refers to any owner, shareholder, executive or staff entities that organise and/or promote sports competitions, this also includes referees, jury members and any other accredited persons. This term also refers to the executives and staff of the sports organisation or other competent sports organisations or clubs that recognise the competition.
“Sports Betting, Bet or Betting” means any wager of a stake of monetary value in the expectation of a prize of monetary value, subject to a future and uncertain occurrence related to a sports competition.
“Match Corruption” refers to any participant attempting to fix or influence the result of a sport event by promising, offering, giving, requesting or receiving any bribe or other reward.
Regulations
1. Prohibition of betting: IFMA prohibits all of its participants to be involved in any form of, or support any betting related to competitions.
2. Prohibition of match-fixing: IFMA participants are obligated to protect the integrity of the sport by abstaining from influencing any elements of a competition which would be contradictory to the ethics of the sport.
3. Prohibition to disclose inside information: IFMA participants are prohibited to disclose any confidential material that may deemed as inside information.
4. IFMA Code of conduct on sports betting integrity for athletes and officials: IFMA establishes a code of conduct on sports betting integrity for athletes and officials and participants. All participants are required to sign the code of conduct before receiving admittance to the event.
5. IFMA Representative: IFMA will appoint a representative to deal with all matters relating to match-fixing and betting. This representative will be chosen by the IFMA Executive Board under procedures given by itself.
6. Confidentiality: IFMA commits to ensuring confidentiality with regard to unproven allegations of match fixing.
7. Offences: IFMA considers as offences as per these rules the following actions:
a. Participants in any sporting event including their entourage participating in any form of, or support for, gambling or betting relating to matches and competitions in their sport.
b. Purposefully failing for reward.
c. Encouraging others to bet.
d. Making sure a particular incident goes ahead to support a bet from which he/she will receive a reward.
e. Disclosing any information that may be deemed as inside information which may be used for betting purposes.
f. Withholding information to the IFMA or competition authority any approach or invitation to conduct an act that would amount a breach of IFMA or competition rules relating to betting.
g. Being unwilling to provide any information or circumstancing evidence with regards to an alleged breach being investigated by the IFMA or sports competition such as, itemised telephone bills, bank statements, internet service records and any other requested information.
h. To be complicit in or attempt to cover up any acts previously described committed by a participant, in this case the participant shall be viewed as having committed such acts themselves and will be held liable.
8. Disciplinary Procedure: In the case of a breach of any of the IFMA rules the disciplinary procedure will be determined according to the IFMA Conduct Policy. This includes matters such as the right to be heard and to appeal, a possible sanction in the event of a breach and the determination of the enquiry body.
In the event that participants are found in breach of the sports regulations relating to sports betting, IFMA will have the right to all appropriate measures including to cancel a sports event where a risk of fraud has been established, as well as temporary or permanent bans on future sports activities. In addition to this IFMA has the right to demotion, points reduction, return of rewards, reimbursement of caused material damage, fines etc… Similarly, IFMA has the right to prohibit participants from entering competitions for betting related offences.
IFMA disciplinary procedures are in line with agreed international principles of law which promote the fundamental rights of suspected participants and include the following which is adhered to:
a. The reporting and disciplinary bodies are distinct from each other.
b. Every participant has the right to be heard and informed of the charge.
c. Every participant has the right to a fair hearing and to be assisted or represented.
d. IFMA will provide clear and enforceable provisions for appealing against any judgement made.
e. A possible sanction in the event of an established breach.
IFMA agrees to fully recognise suspensions and sanctions imposed by other organisations and government authorities.
9. Guidelines concerning financial agreements with betting operators: The guidelines which concern financial agreements with any betting operator stipulate:
-No emblem of IFMA shall be used without prior consent, additionally there shall be no use of the IFMA brand.
-There shall be a strict respect of the game rules of muaythai as a sport.
-Events involving minors exclusively will not have betting.
– Certain types of events and parts of the competition will not have betting.
– There shall be involvement in financial partnerships only with betting operators who are willing to work in close cooperation and share data with the monitoring system being used.
-There shall be an economic fair return from all betting operators for both the organisers of the sports event and also for the development of all sports.
10. Communication, Education and Prevention Program: A Communication, Education and Prevention Program will be implemented by IFMA and its national members which will include:
-A media plan to communicate that IFMA, or the respective member federation, are tackling the issue of betting in sport.
-The use of programs which include the provision of information and educational material to athletes and their entourage focusing on young people, this will utilise new media and the constituents’ Athletes’ Commissions, especially during competitions.
-Best practices between the constituents of the Olympic Movement (the IOC, IFMA and the national members associations) will be exchanged.
-A confidential “hotline” will be set up for people to pass on information if they become aware that there is corruption which could threaten the integrity of the sport. This can be found on the IFMA Website HERE
11. Co-operation with public authorities: IFMA will work closely with its national member associations to establish a working relationship with the public authorities as well as their agencies to ensure that legislation and public policies are adhered to which in turn will help preserve the integrity of the sport as well as tackle corruption whilst at the same time ensuring a fair return from the betting operators, not only for the organisers of sporting events but also to help develop sport in general. In addition to this IFMA and its national member associations will help build relationships with police investigation agencies, such as, Interpol and Europol to assist in criminal enquiries and the exchange of information in the event of suspicious betting patterns or breach of the rules.
IFMA constantly works on the instruments that enables further development of the sport of Muaythai and allows to govern the sport in efficient manner. One of these instruments are rules, regulations and guidelines that has been developed to facilitate mediation of disputes and procedures for settling disagreements among members.
IFMA publishes relevant rules and codes on the website, and regularly conducts workshops and seminars that are targeting athletes, officials (referees & judges), members of the entourage, IFMA executives, and representatives of the NFs. In this manner, it is hoped that every stakeholder will find the relevant guidelines to help avoid disputes or conflicts, or to understand contexts in which they have the right to seek redress.
Internal Dispute Resolution
The party (an individual, an NF, a CF, etc) bringing the complaint must submit a formal request in writing that the other side meet, in order to discuss the matter and resolve the dispute. The IF must accept any such requests, and respond formally within 21 days. IFMA will designate a member of the Executive Board to attend the meeting as a representative. No fees are to be charged for participation in such a meeting.
After IFMA’s formal response, the meeting must occur promptly, at a location and time agreed to by all parties. If distance is a factor and travel would be expensive for all parties, the parties may agree to meet via a telephone conference call or electronic medium, such as skype. If the parties prefer the meeting to happen face to face, both sides must bear their own expenses (travel and/or accommodation, as necessary).
Once the meeting is in session, the parties must each clearly state the facts of their respective positions and reasoning. Discussion must be conducted in a good faith, in an effort to resolve the dispute.
Should agreement between the parties be reached, such resolution must be put into writing and signed by all the parties involved. Such agreement is understood to be binding if it satisfies two criteria: a) that it is not in contravention of the law, or IFMA’s governing articles, and b) that the representative of IFMA present had the authority to agree to a settlement, or that the settlement is ratified by the IFMA Executive Committee.
“Appeals Against Disciplinary Action.” In such cases where an individual or member NF seeks to appeal a disciplinary action taken by IFMA in accordance with IFMA’s Constitution, Rules & Regulations, Anti-Doping Code Conduct Policy or Code of Ethics, the IDR process may be used, but in such a case the representative member of the IFMA Executive Committee attending the meeting does not have authority to reach a settlement alone.
Instead, he or she must submit a report for review by the Executive Committee, which shall then vote on the matter. If disciplinary action is not amended, there is no right to a second appeal within the IFMA mechanism.
PDF Version can be downloaded here: IFMA_Entourage
Preamble
The International Federation of Muaythai Associations (IFMA) as an active member of the Olympic Movement has established the following guidelines for the conduct of the Athlete`s Entourage. These regulations apply mutatis muntandis to private and professional entourages. The IFMA Executive Board based on the initiative of the IFMA Entourage Commission may from time to time and if necessary modify these guidelines as to fulfill the requirements made by the Olympic Charter and other regulations established by the respective International Organizations.
1. Definition
The Entourage comprises all the persons associated with any and or all athletes within IFMA and its Continental and National Federations, including, without limitation, managers, agents, coaches, physical trainers, medical staff, scientists, sports organizations, sponsors, lawyers and any person(s) promoting the athlete’s sporting career, including family members and relations.
2. General Principles
The Entourage must respect and promote ethical principles, including those contained in the Olympic Charter, the IOC Code of Ethics, the WADA Code, the IFMA Constitution, the IFMA Code of Ethics and IFMA Conduct Policy. The Entourage must, in accordance with such principles, always act in the best interests of the athlete. Minors must be given special care and consideration. Members of the Entourage should be adequately qualified to work in their area of expertise, through licenses, certificates or diplomas, particularly when such are proposed by IFMA and any national member association.
3. Integrity
The Entourage shall act in good faith and demonstrate the highest level of integrity, in particular respecting the following principles:
– Avoid conflicts of interest.
– Fight against any form of bribery and take resolute and appropriate action against any form of cheating or corruption in sport.
– Reject any form of doping; Comply with the WADA code and support its programs.
– Refrain from any form of betting or promotion of betting activity on the athlete’s sport.
– Refrain from any form of harassment.
– Refrain from any abuse of a position of influence.
4. Confidentiality
The Entourage must respect confidentiality, including the content of their contract/relationship and personal information. The Entourage must protect any inside information, such as any non-public information obtained by the person by the virtue of his/her position within the athlete’s entourage, within the framework of the regulations of the sports’ organization concerned.
5. Transparency
The Entourage’s interactions within the relevant populations must be clearly defined, in a written contract where applicable. IFMA will provide standardized contract templates developed by the Entourage Commission. Member Associations are encouraged to use these contracts for their Entourage members. The Entourage must be transparent about their personal and professional background with regard to matters which could affect the relationship, including, but not limited to doping, sexual misconduct or financial matters.
Sports organizations have a responsibility to inform athletes about their rights and obligations, including the legal means to resolve any disputes.
6. Responsibility/Accountability
The Entourage must always act with due diligence and in the best interest of the athlete; short term interests should not take precedence over a successful and balanced athletic career and a long-term partnership. Contractual relationships with athletes must be based on balanced conditions, including fair financial conditions and professional liability insurance. The Entourage must always respect the moral, physical and psychological integrity of the athlete. The Entourage must respect and promote the rules and regulations of the sport, and encourage the athlete to behave accordingly. The Entourage must keep the athlete fully informed of all dealings and arrangements made on the athlete’s behalf.
The Entourage must comply with best accounting practices and make available to the athlete full and accurate accounts and records and, where applicable, to the relevant authorities.
7. Sanction
Any breach of the IFMA regulations by a member of the Entourage shall be punishable. The terms of the appropriate punishment and the disciplinary procedures are defined by the IFMA Conduct Policy.
8. Athletes’ Responsibility
The athletes have a responsibility to act responsibly, choosing their Entourage members with care and with the exercise of due diligence and to use their best efforts to ensure that any contract is negotiated with fair conditions.
9. Athletes’ Entourage Commission
To supervise the execution of these guidelines and advise members of the Entourage on its rules and procedures IFMA will establish an Entourage Commission. This commission will be comprised of such members as determined by the IFMA Executive Board and will be selected under procedures determined by such Board. Any final decision on questions related to the Athletes` Entourage will be taken by the IFMA Executive Board based on the procedures of the IFMA Conduct Policy.
PDF Version can be downloaded here: Intelligence Collection Policy & Procedure
Collection of Anti-Doping Intelligence
External Sources
- IFMA has made a link to the WADA Whistleblowing program through its website through the link https://speakup.wada-ama.org/
- Other sources of information that are available but have not been used
- We could get from the IOC through the integrity hotline data www.olympic.org/integrityhotline.
- Other sources of information that are available but have not been used
Internal Sources
- Anonymous sources: IFMA has made a Whistleblowing program on its website through the link http://www.muaythai.sport/whistle-blower-box/
- Information received from Medical Commission, Athletes Commission, Ethics commission, Technical/Medical Delegates on-site
Open Source Information
- General information received through social media and press
- Athletes, athlete support personnel, sample collection personnel, national federations, other anti-doping organisations
IFMA is committed to ensuring that persons providing information can do so on a confidential basis.
Regardless of the source of information, IFMA ensures that the information is handled securely and confidentially, and in particular that any person receiving or having access to the information has agreed to the terms of IFMA’s Confidentiality Policy.
Assessing of Anti-Doping Intelligence
IFMA assesses all information it receives concerning anti-doping matters to identify:
- The relevance of the information to the anti-doping activities carried out by IFMA, and/or to anti-doping activities carried out by another Anti-Doping Organisation
- The credibility of the information, by reference to the source of the information, the nature of the information itself, and whether the information is corroborated by other information held by IFMA, or is capable of corroboration by reference to information that may be held by another organization
- Whether the information should be shared with another organisation
Use and Sharing of Anti-Doping Intelligence
IFMA will use anti-doping intelligence to:
- assist in developing, reviewing and revising its Test Distribution Plan and/or in determining when to conduct Target Testing
- determine whether an anti-doping investigation should be initiated
- support or supplement an existing anti-doping investigation or existing anti-doping disciplinary proceedings
IFMA may, in addition to using anti-doping intelligence for its own purposes, share information with
- other Anti-Doping Organisations (if the information relates to Athletes or other Persons under their jurisdiction)
- WADA
- law enforcement and/or other relevant regulatory or disciplinary authorities (for example, if the intelligence suggests the possible commission of a crime or regulatory offence or breach of other rules of conduct)
- any organisation with an established integrity, investigation and intelligence operation, if IFMA has information that it believes may be relevant to that organisation’s anti-doping program.
The sharing of anti-doping intelligence by IFMA will be undertaken in compliance with national data protection legislation, the provisions of the International Standard for the Protection of Privacy and Personal Information (ISPPPI), and where appropriate, pursuant to an Information Sharing Agreement entered into between IFMA and the recipient of the information.
PDF Version can be downloaded here: IFMA Conflict of Interest Policy
1. INTRODUCTION
IFMA is committed to the highest possible standards of openness, probity and accountability as well as conducting business in a manner that ensures business judgment and decision making is not influenced by undue personal interests.
We are expected to act impartially and objectively, and to take steps to avoid any conflict of interest arising as a result of the membership of, or association with, other organisations or individuals.
When an employees’ personal interests either influence, have the potential to influence, or are perceived to influence their decision making at IFMA, a conflict of interest situation results.
This Policy explains the relevant principles and rules for preventing or managing conflicts of interest and how such principles and rules are to be implemented.
2. GOAL OF THE POLICY
This Policy explains IFMA’s position regarding conflicts and potential conflicts of interest that may arise during the course of our business. It also serves to raise awareness with all colleagues about conflicts and to provide guidance on how to manage conflict of interests so that colleagues can act in the best interests of IFMA.
3. WHAT IS A CONFLICT OF INTEREST?
Conflicts of interest may arise where a colleague’s personal, family or business interests or loyalties conflict or appear to conflict with those of IFMA. Such conflicts may create problems such as inhibiting free discussions or impair the ability to act or think objectively. This may result in actions or decisions that are not in IFMA’s best interests. Even where a colleague has acted impartially a perceived conflict of interest can be damaging to IFMA’s reputation.
Examples of potential conflicts of interest include, but are not limited to:
- Awarding a contract to an organisation in which the employee has a financial interest or personal connection.
- Having personal or business dealings with organisations which detract from the aims of IFMA.
- Using IFMA facilities to pursue personal business, commercial or consulting activities.
- Personal or close-family involvement in an organisation that is attempting to obtain a contract or business with IFMA and you are involved in the pricing or placing of the contract.
All staff working on any new key projects/procurements/sponsorships etc. should be asked for declarations of any Conflicts of Interest at the outset. ‘Nil’ declarations should be made where there are none, with both positive and negative declarations recorded in the relevant system.
IFMA recognises that as we carry out our business, conflicts of interest will arise. We need to be able to identify and manage these conflicts so as to reduce the risk of any actual or perceived wrongdoing.
4. DECLARATION OF INTERESTS
IFMA understands that avoiding a conflict of interest may not always be possible or practical. The required action for an employee, official, executive committee or commission member who does not or cannot avoid a conflict of interest is to disclose it.
Having a conflict of interest is not necessarily wrong. However, it can become a problem or a legal matter if an employee tries to influence the outcome of business dealings for direct or indirect personal benefit. This is why transparency, in the form of disclosure, is critical and helps to protect the integrity and reputation of IFMA and its Employees, Officials, Executive Committee or Commission Members.
The onus is upon each of us, as employees, officials and executive members of a non-profit recognised International Sport Federation, to declare any actual or potential conflict of interest at the earliest opportunity. It is not the responsibility of IFMA to seek this out.
To manage the identification of potential conflicts of interest all employees, officials, executive committee and commission members are required upon appointment to complete a DECLARATION OF INTEREST FORM. On an annual basis each individual will be required to review and update the declaration of conflicts of interest.
The IFMA Employees, Officials, Executive Committee or Commission Members should declare in respect of themselves and their immediate family (spouse/partner, children and parents) the following interests:
Membership or involvement with sports club and/or governing bodies of sport
Membership or involvement with other organisations that might be eligible to apply to IFMA for financial support
Commercial interests in companies and organisations that may undertake business with IFMA
Secondary employments that may impact the employees ability to prioritise work at IFMA
Where individuals are unsure about whether they should declare an interest, they should seek guidance from IFMA administrative office. However, as a general guide, they should ask themselves “Would the reputation of IFMA and my own reputation be damaged if this was reported in a national newspaper?” “Is my flexibility or capability to prioritise IFMA work affected by this activity?”
The IFMA Employees, Officials, Executive Committee or Commission Members are responsible for amending their declarations of interests as soon as possible following any change in their circumstances and for reviewing their declaration of interests at least annually regardless of any changes in circumstances.
5. ADDRESSING A CONFLICT OF INTEREST
Addressing a conflict of interest is the process of identifying and implementing strategies and practices to minimize the risks associated with the disclosed conflict of interest. One example: if an IFMA Employee, Official, Executive Committee or Commission Member’s spouse is a Senior Executive at a potential IFMA sponsor, the IFMA Administration may decide the best way to mitigate p Employee from any role where he/she can make decisions about or influence the outcome of that sponsor’s activities.
Addressing a conflict of interest is the responsibility of the Director. Specifically, IFMA expects the Director to:
- Treat the information disclosed by the IFMA Employee, Official, Executive Committee or Commission Member with appropriate confidentiality and without bias
- Fairly evaluate the conflict of interest situation disclosed by the Employee, including the risks to the business interests and reputation of IFMA
- Seek guidance if needed from the Ad-Hoc Management Committee (AHMC) and from supporting commissions, including Legal and Ethics
- Make a pragmatic decision to address the conflict of interest so that risks to IFMA are minimised and the personal interests of the IFMA Employee, Official, Executive Committee or Commission Member are protected as far as possible
- Communicate the decision and its reasoning to the IFMA Employee, Official, Executive Committee or Commission Member and follow up to ensure the individual understands and complies with it
- Retain documentation of the decision using the standard Conflict of Interest Form and provide a copy to the individual (or use the local online disclosure system)
Many conflict of interest situations can be addressed in a simple and mutually acceptable manner; pro-active, open dialogue between the IFMA Administration and the relevant individual is essential to support this outcome.
6. MONITORING & REVIEW
All new appointees and/or elected officials will be asked upon joining to complete a declaration of conflicts of interest form.
Additionally, on an annual basis, each employee, official or committee member will be required to review and update the declaration of conflicts of interest.
AHMC members will receive an annual report of the declarations to assess whether a potential conflict of interest may exist and will sign off on this. IFMA’s internal and external auditors may also periodically review our declaration of interest forms to assess whether we are properly managing our conflicts of interest.
Additional declarations may be requested in the event of staff working on any new key projects/procurements/sponsorships etc. at the outset. ‘Nil’ declarations should be made where there are none, with both positive and negative declarations recorded in the relevant system.
