WORLD BOXING COMMISSION
STATUTES / CONSTITUTION
World Boxing Commission (WBC)
PREAMBLE
We, the members of the World Boxing Commission, united in our commitment to the development, regulation, integrity, safety and promotion of boxing throughout the world, hereby establish these Statutes.
The World Boxing Commission (“WBC”) shall operate according to the principles of integrity, fairness, transparency, athlete welfare, equality, sporting excellence and respect for the rules of boxing.
The interests, health, safety and dignity of boxers shall remain fundamental considerations in all decisions of the Commission.
ARTICLE 1 — NAME, STATUS AND PURPOSE
1.1 Name
The organization shall be known as the WORLD BOXING COMMISSION, abbreviated as WBC.
1.2 Legal Status
The WBC shall be established as a non-profit international sporting organization, subject to the laws of the jurisdiction in which its headquarters are established.
1.3 International Character
The WBC shall be an independent international organization open to recognized national, continental and regional boxing organizations that accept these Statutes.
1.4 Purpose
The purposes of the WBC are to:
a. promote and develop boxing internationally;
b. establish and maintain fair and consistent boxing standards;
c. protect the health, safety and welfare of boxers;
d. promote integrity and transparency in boxing;
e. establish and administer international competitions and championships;
f. establish rankings and championship procedures;
g. develop officials, referees, judges, coaches and other boxing personnel;
h. prevent corruption, manipulation of competitions, doping and other misconduct;
i. promote equality and non-discrimination;
j. encourage youth development and participation in boxing; and
k. represent and advance the interests of boxing internationally.
ARTICLE 2 — FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES
The WBC and its Members shall conduct their activities according to the following principles:
- Integrity and honesty;
- Fair competition;
- Respect for athletes;
- Athlete health and safety;
- Equality and non-discrimination;
- Independence of officials;
- Transparency and accountability;
- Good governance;
- Financial responsibility;
- Zero tolerance for corruption and competition manipulation.
No person shall be discriminated against on the basis of race, nationality, ethnic origin, religion, sex, disability or other status protected by applicable law.
ARTICLE 3 — POWERS AND JURISDICTION
3.1 Authority
The WBC shall have authority over matters expressly delegated to it by these Statutes and by agreements with its Members.
3.2 Regulations
The WBC may adopt:
a. Competition Rules;
b. Championship Regulations;
c. Medical and Safety Regulations;
d. Anti-Doping Rules;
e. Ethics and Integrity Rules;
f. Disciplinary Regulations;
g. Officials’ Regulations;
h. Ranking Regulations;
i. Safeguarding Regulations; and
j. other regulations necessary to achieve its purposes.
3.3 Compliance
Members and persons participating in WBC-sanctioned activities shall comply with these Statutes and applicable WBC regulations.
ARTICLE 4 — MEMBERSHIP
4.1 Members
Membership may be granted to national or other eligible boxing organizations that:
a. are legally constituted;
b. actively administer boxing;
c. accept these Statutes;
d. demonstrate appropriate governance;
e. comply with WBC regulations; and
f. meet membership requirements established by the WBC.
4.2 Categories
Membership may include:
a. Full Members;
b. Associate Members;
c. Continental Members;
d. Provisional Members; and
e. Honorary Members.
4.3 Admission
Applications for membership shall be reviewed according to procedures approved by the Executive Board and shall be subject to approval by the Congress or another body authorized under these Statutes.
4.4 Rights of Members
Members in good standing may:
a. participate in WBC activities;
b. nominate candidates for elected positions;
c. vote at Congress where entitled to vote;
d. enter eligible athletes and officials in WBC competitions; and
e. exercise other rights established by these Statutes.
4.5 Duties of Members
Members shall:
a. comply with these Statutes and WBC regulations;
b. maintain appropriate standards of governance;
c. protect athletes;
d. pay applicable membership fees;
e. provide accurate information to the WBC; and
f. respect decisions properly made under the WBC’s disciplinary and judicial procedures.
ARTICLE 5 — CONGRESS
5.1 Supreme Authority
The Congress shall be the supreme legislative authority of the WBC.
5.2 Composition
The Congress shall consist of eligible representatives of Members in accordance with the Voting Regulations.
5.3 Powers
The Congress shall:
a. approve and amend these Statutes;
b. elect the President and other elected officers;
c. elect or approve members of the Executive Board as provided by these Statutes;
d. approve annual financial statements;
e. appoint or approve the external auditor;
f. admit, suspend or expel Members where applicable;
g. approve strategic plans;
h. receive reports from the Executive Board and Committees; and
i. exercise all other powers assigned to it by these Statutes.
5.4 Ordinary Congress
An Ordinary Congress shall be held at least once every calendar year.
5.5 Extraordinary Congress
An Extraordinary Congress may be convened by:
a. the President;
b. the Executive Board; or
c. Members representing at least [ONE-THIRD] of eligible voting rights.
5.6 Voting
Each eligible Member shall have voting rights determined under the WBC Voting Regulations.
No person shall cast more than one vote on behalf of the same Member.
ARTICLE 6 — EXECUTIVE BOARD
6.1 Composition
The Executive Board shall consist of:
a. President;
b. Vice Presidents;
c. Treasurer;
d. Athlete Representatives; and
e. other elected or appointed members determined by Congress.
6.2 Responsibilities
The Executive Board shall:
a. implement decisions of Congress;
b. manage the affairs of the WBC;
c. approve regulations;
d. oversee competitions;
e. supervise finances;
f. protect the reputation and integrity of the WBC;
g. appoint Committees and Commissions where authorized;
h. supervise the administration; and
i. perform other functions assigned by Congress.
6.3 Meetings
The Executive Board shall meet as often as reasonably necessary to conduct the affairs of the WBC.
6.4 Conflicts of Interest
Members of the Executive Board shall disclose actual, potential or perceived conflicts of interest and shall not participate in decisions where their conflict materially affects their independence.
ARTICLE 7 — PRESIDENT
7.1 Role
The President shall be the principal elected representative of the WBC and shall chair the Congress and Executive Board unless these Statutes provide otherwise.
7.2 Duties
The President shall:
a. represent the WBC internationally;
b. ensure implementation of Congress decisions;
c. chair Executive Board meetings;
d. promote good governance;
e. protect the independence and integrity of the WBC; and
f. perform other duties assigned by these Statutes.
7.3 Term
The President shall serve a term of [FOUR] years and may be re-elected subject to applicable term limits.
ARTICLE 8 — ATHLETE REPRESENTATION
8.1 Athlete Voice
The WBC shall ensure meaningful representation of boxers in its governance.
8.2 Athlete Representatives
At least [TWO] Athlete Representatives shall participate in the governance structure of the WBC, with voting rights where specified by these Statutes.
8.3 Athlete Committee
An Athlete Committee shall advise the WBC on matters affecting athletes, including:
a. competition;
b. health and safety;
c. athlete welfare;
d. safeguarding;
e. career development; and
f. disciplinary and integrity matters affecting athletes.
ARTICLE 9 — COMMITTEES AND COMMISSIONS
The WBC may establish permanent or temporary Committees and Commissions, including:
- Medical and Safety Committee;
- Sport and Competition Committee;
- Finance and Audit Committee;
- Ethics and Integrity Committee;
- Disciplinary Committee;
- Athletes’ Committee;
- Coaches and Officials Committee;
- Development Committee;
- Legal Committee; and
- Safeguarding Committee.
Their composition, responsibilities and procedures shall be established by regulation.
ARTICLE 10 — BOXING COMPETITIONS
10.1 Sanctioning
The WBC may sanction, organize or recognize international boxing competitions.
10.2 Championships
The WBC may establish:
a. World Championships;
b. Continental Championships;
c. Regional Championships;
d. Youth Championships;
e. Masters Championships;
f. Para/adaptive boxing competitions; and
g. other competitions approved by the Executive Board.
10.3 Competition Rules
All WBC competitions shall be conducted according to approved Competition Rules.
10.4 Officials
Referees, judges and technical officials shall be selected according to transparent and competency-based procedures.
ARTICLE 11 — WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS AND TITLES
11.1 Championship Titles
The WBC may establish official World Championship titles and other international titles.
11.2 Eligibility
Eligibility for a championship shall be determined according to the applicable Championship Regulations.
11.3 Defences
Champions shall defend titles according to mandatory defence and championship regulations.
11.4 Vacant Titles
A championship may be declared vacant where:
a. the champion is medically unable to compete;
b. the champion fails to meet mandatory obligations;
c. the champion relinquishes the title;
d. disciplinary action requires removal; or
e. other circumstances specified by regulation occur.
ARTICLE 12 — RANKINGS
12.1 Rankings
The WBC may maintain official rankings of eligible boxers.
12.2 Ranking Criteria
Rankings shall be determined according to objective criteria, which may include:
a. results;
b. quality of opposition;
c. activity;
d. championship performance;
e. sporting merit; and
f. other published criteria.
12.3 Independence
Ranking decisions shall be protected from improper commercial, political or personal influence.
ARTICLE 13 — MEDICAL AND SAFETY PROTECTION
13.1 Principle
The health and safety of boxers shall take priority over commercial or competitive considerations.
13.2 Medical Standards
The WBC shall establish minimum medical standards for sanctioned competitions.
13.3 Medical Personnel
Appropriately qualified medical personnel shall be available at WBC-sanctioned events.
13.4 Medical Suspension
A boxer may be medically suspended where required for health and safety.
13.5 Return to Competition
A medically suspended boxer shall not return to competition until the applicable medical requirements have been satisfied.
ARTICLE 14 — ANTI-DOPING
The WBC shall maintain anti-doping rules consistent with applicable international anti-doping standards and shall cooperate with competent anti-doping organizations.
Athletes and athlete support personnel participating in WBC activities shall comply with applicable anti-doping requirements.
ARTICLE 15 — INTEGRITY AND ETHICS
15.1 Integrity
The WBC shall maintain a zero-tolerance approach to:
a. bribery;
b. corruption;
c. competition manipulation;
d. illegal betting-related conduct;
e. abuse of authority;
f. harassment;
g. discrimination; and
h. other conduct damaging to the integrity of boxing.
15.2 Code of Ethics
The Executive Board shall maintain a Code of Ethics applicable to persons under WBC jurisdiction.
15.3 Independent Oversight
Where appropriate, complaints involving senior WBC officials shall be referred to an independent body or independent adjudicator.
ARTICLE 16 — SAFEGUARDING
The WBC shall establish safeguarding policies designed to protect children, young athletes and vulnerable persons from abuse, exploitation, harassment and other forms of misconduct.
All Members shall cooperate with safeguarding procedures established by the WBC.
ARTICLE 17 — DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES
17.1 Jurisdiction
The WBC may take disciplinary action against persons and Members subject to its jurisdiction.
17.2 Sanctions
Sanctions may include:
a. warning;
b. reprimand;
c. fine;
d. suspension;
e. removal from office;
f. withdrawal of accreditation;
g. withdrawal of sanction;
h. suspension of membership; and
i. expulsion.
17.3 Due Process
No disciplinary sanction shall be imposed without reasonable notice of the allegations and an opportunity for the affected party to respond, subject to emergency measures permitted by regulation.
17.4 Appeals
Disciplinary decisions shall be subject to appeal according to the WBC Appeals and Judicial Regulations.
ARTICLE 18 — INDEPENDENT JUDICIAL BODY
The WBC shall establish an independent judicial mechanism to hear disciplinary, ethical and other disputes within its jurisdiction.
Members of the judicial body shall be independent and shall not participate in matters in which they have a conflict of interest.
Where applicable, final decisions may be appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), subject to the applicable rules and jurisdiction.
ARTICLE 19 — ELECTIONS
19.1 Elections
Elections shall be conducted fairly, transparently and without improper influence.
19.2 Eligibility
Candidates shall meet eligibility requirements established by these Statutes and the Election Regulations.
19.3 Election Regulations
The WBC shall publish election procedures covering:
a. nominations;
b. candidate eligibility;
c. campaigning;
d. campaign financing;
e. voting;
f. scrutiny;
g. conflicts of interest; and
h. election disputes.
19.4 Secret Ballot
Where contested elections are held, voting shall normally be conducted by secret ballot unless otherwise provided by the Statutes.
ARTICLE 20 — FINANCE
20.1 Financial Principles
The WBC shall manage its finances responsibly, transparently and for the advancement of its purposes.
20.2 Sources of Income
Income may include:
a. membership fees;
b. competition fees;
c. broadcasting and media rights;
d. sponsorship;
e. licensing;
f. grants;
g. donations; and
h. other lawful sources.
20.3 Financial Year
The financial year shall be determined by the Executive Board and approved by Congress.
20.4 Budget
The Executive Board shall prepare an annual budget for approval according to the applicable financial regulations.
20.5 Audit
The accounts of the WBC shall be independently audited annually.
20.6 Financial Transparency
The WBC shall publish appropriate financial information and shall maintain effective controls against fraud, corruption and misuse of funds.
ARTICLE 21 — COMMERCIAL AND INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS
The WBC shall own or control, to the extent permitted by applicable law, its official:
a. name;
b. logo;
c. trademarks;
d. championship titles;
e. competition marks;
f. rankings;
g. media rights; and
h. other intellectual property.
Use of WBC intellectual property shall require appropriate authorization.
ARTICLE 22 — TRANSPARENCY AND GOOD GOVERNANCE
The WBC shall promote:
- transparency in decision-making;
- accountability of elected officials;
- independent auditing;
- disclosure of conflicts of interest;
- athlete representation;
- fair elections;
- publication of relevant regulations; and
- appropriate public reporting.
ARTICLE 23 — OFFICIALS
Officials shall be selected, trained and appointed according to competence, integrity and independence.
No official shall improperly influence a competition or participate in an appointment where a conflict of interest exists.
ARTICLE 24 — AMENDMENTS TO THE STATUTES
24.1 Proposal
An amendment may be proposed by:
a. the Executive Board; or
b. Members representing at least [ONE-THIRD] of voting rights.
24.2 Notice
Proposed amendments shall be circulated to Members within the period prescribed by the Congress Regulations.
24.3 Approval
Unless otherwise provided, amendments shall require a [TWO-THIRDS] majority of valid votes cast at Congress.
24.4 Fundamental Provisions
Amendments affecting the fundamental principles, purposes or independence of the WBC shall require the enhanced majority specified by Congress.
ARTICLE 25 — SUSPENSION AND EXPULSION OF MEMBERS
A Member may be suspended or expelled for:
a. serious violation of these Statutes;
b. failure to meet membership requirements;
c. serious misconduct;
d. corruption;
e. competition manipulation;
f. failure to protect athletes; or
g. conduct seriously damaging to the WBC or boxing.
The affected Member shall be afforded appropriate procedural rights.
ARTICLE 26 — DISSOLUTION
The WBC may be dissolved only by a resolution of Congress adopted by the majority required under applicable law and these Statutes.
Upon dissolution, remaining assets shall be transferred to a non-profit organization with purposes substantially similar to those of the WBC, subject to applicable law.
No assets shall be distributed for the private benefit of Members or officers.
ARTICLE 27 — INTERPRETATION
The Executive Board may interpret these Statutes where necessary, subject to the authority of Congress.
Where a provision is ambiguous, it shall be interpreted in a manner consistent with:
a. the purposes of the WBC;
b. athlete safety;
c. sporting integrity;
d. fairness;
e. good governance; and
f. applicable law.
ARTICLE 28 — LANGUAGE
The official language of the WBC shall be [ENGLISH].
The WBC may publish official translations into other languages.
In the event of inconsistency between versions, the official language version shall prevail unless otherwise determined by Congress.
ARTICLE 29 — ENTRY INTO FORCE
These Statutes shall enter into force upon their approval by the World Boxing Commission Congress on [DATE].
All previous constitutional provisions inconsistent with these Statutes shall cease to have effect from the date of entry into force.
FINAL DECLARATION
The World Boxing Commission shall exist to serve boxing, protect boxers, uphold fair competition and promote the responsible development of the sport throughout the world.
Every official, Member, athlete and participant subject to these Statutes shall respect the principles of integrity, fairness, dignity, safety and sporting excellence.
Adopted by the World Boxing Commission Congress
