World Hand-To-Hand Combat Federation (WHCF)
ARTICLE I – NAME
The name of the organization shall be the World Hand to Hand Combat Federation (WHHCF), hereinafter referred to as the “Federation.”
ARTICLE II – LEGAL STATUS
- The Federation shall be established as an independent, non-profit, non-political, and international sports organization.
- The Federation shall possess legal personality in accordance with the laws of the country in which it is registered.
- The Federation may establish regional offices, continental confederations, and national member organizations worldwide.
ARTICLE III – HEADQUARTERS
- The headquarters of the Federation shall be located in the country determined by the General Assembly.
- The Executive Board may establish branch offices where necessary.
ARTICLE IV – PURPOSES AND OBJECTIVES
The objectives of the Federation are:
- To promote and develop Hand-to-Hand Combat worldwide.
- To establish and maintain international rules and regulations.
- To organize World Championships, Continental Championships, World Cups, and other international competitions.
- To promote fair play, sportsmanship, equality, and integrity.
- To educate referees, coaches, instructors, and athletes.
- To recognize and certify national federations.
- To cooperate with international sports organizations.
- To encourage youth participation and grassroots development.
- To combat discrimination, doping, corruption, and violence in sport.
- To promote gender equality and equal opportunities.
ARTICLE V – PRINCIPLES
The Federation shall operate according to the principles of:
- Democracy
- Transparency
- Accountability
- Equality
- Fair Competition
- Respect for Human Rights
- Good Governance
ARTICLE VI – MEMBERSHIP
Membership shall consist of:
- Full Members
- Associate Members
- Provisional Members
- Honorary Members
Eligibility
Applicants must:
- Be legally recognized in their country.
- Govern Hand-to-Hand Combat nationally.
- Accept this Constitution.
- Follow Federation rules.
- Pay annual membership fees.
Only one Full Member from each country shall normally be recognized.
ARTICLE VII – RIGHTS OF MEMBERS
Members have the right to:
- Attend the General Assembly.
- Vote (Full Members only).
- Elect Federation officials.
- Organize sanctioned competitions.
- Participate in Federation events.
- Submit proposals.
ARTICLE VIII – OBLIGATIONS OF MEMBERS
Members shall:
- Respect the Constitution.
- Pay annual dues.
- Promote ethical sport.
- Apply Federation rules.
- Submit annual activity reports.
- Respect disciplinary decisions.
ARTICLE IX – GOVERNING BODIES
The governing bodies are:
- General Assembly
- Executive Board
- President
- Vice Presidents
- Secretary General
- Standing Committees
- Ethics Commission
- Disciplinary Commission
- Audit Commission
ARTICLE X – GENERAL ASSEMBLY
The General Assembly is the supreme authority.
It shall:
- Elect officers.
- Amend the Constitution.
- Approve budgets.
- Admit or expel members.
- Approve strategic plans.
- Dissolve the Federation when required.
The Assembly shall meet every four years.
Extraordinary meetings may be called by:
- The President,
- Executive Board, or
- One-third of Full Members.
Each Full Member has one vote.
Decisions shall generally be adopted by a simple majority unless otherwise specified.
ARTICLE XI – EXECUTIVE BOARD
The Executive Board shall consist of:
- President
- Up to six Vice Presidents
- Secretary General
- Treasurer
- Continental Representatives
- Additional members approved by the General Assembly
The Board manages Federation affairs between General Assemblies.
Meetings shall be held at least twice annually.
ARTICLE XII – PRESIDENT
The President shall:
- Represent the Federation internationally.
- Chair meetings.
- Supervise Federation activities.
- Sign official agreements.
- Ensure implementation of Assembly decisions.
The President shall serve a four-year term and may be re-elected.
ARTICLE XIII – SECRETARY GENERAL
The Secretary General shall:
- Manage administration.
- Maintain official records.
- Organize meetings.
- Supervise communications.
- Coordinate Federation programs.
ARTICLE XIV – TREASURER
The Treasurer shall:
- Maintain financial records.
- Prepare budgets.
- Present annual financial reports.
- Ensure responsible financial management.
ARTICLE XV – COMMITTEES
Standing Committees may include:
- Technical Committee
- Referee Committee
- Coaching & Education Committee
- Medical Committee
- Athletes’ Commission
- Women’s Commission
- Youth Commission
- Marketing & Media Committee
- Legal Committee
Additional committees may be established by the Executive Board.
ARTICLE XVI – ELECTIONS
Elections shall be:
- Democratic
- Transparent
- Conducted by secret ballot unless otherwise agreed.
Candidates must:
- Be nominated by a Full Member.
- Meet eligibility requirements.
Terms of office shall be four years.
ARTICLE XVII – FINANCE
Income may include:
- Membership fees
- Sponsorship
- Donations
- Grants
- Competition fees
- Licensing
- Merchandise
- Educational programs
Federation funds shall be used solely for Federation purposes.
Annual accounts shall be independently audited.
ARTICLE XVIII – ETHICS
All members shall comply with:
- Integrity
- Fair play
- Respect
- Non-discrimination
- Anti-corruption principles
- Anti-harassment policies
ARTICLE XIX – ANTI-DOPING
The Federation shall adopt and enforce anti-doping regulations consistent with internationally recognized standards.
Athletes, coaches, officials, and members shall comply with anti-doping requirements.
ARTICLE XX – DISCIPLINE
Violations may result in:
- Warning
- Fine
- Suspension
- Expulsion
- Loss of titles
- Disqualification
All disciplinary procedures shall respect due process.
ARTICLE XXI – DISPUTE RESOLUTION
Disputes shall first be addressed internally through mediation or the Disciplinary Commission.
If unresolved, disputes may be referred to an independent sports arbitration body designated by the Federation or otherwise resolved in accordance with applicable law.
ARTICLE XXII – INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
The Federation owns all rights relating to:
- Name
- Logo
- Championships
- Media rights
- Publications
- Official rules
Unauthorized use is prohibited.
ARTICLE XXIII – OFFICIAL LANGUAGE
The official language of the Federation shall be English.
Other languages may be adopted for communication purposes.
ARTICLE XXIV – AMENDMENTS
Amendments require:
- Written proposal.
- Distribution before the General Assembly.
- Approval by a two-thirds majority of voting Full Members present.
ARTICLE XXV – DISSOLUTION
The Federation may be dissolved only by a three-fourths majority of the General Assembly.
Upon dissolution, remaining assets shall be transferred to another non-profit sports organization with similar objectives, in accordance with applicable law.
ARTICLE XXVI – FINAL PROVISIONS
- Matters not covered by this Constitution shall be decided by the Executive Board, subject to ratification by the General Assembly where appropriate.
- This Constitution enters into force immediately upon approval by the Founding General Assembly.
- All previous constitutions and regulations inconsistent with this Constitution are hereby repealed.
