STATUTE OF THE EUROPEAN SPORTS FEDERATION

Article 1 – Name

1. The name of the organization shall be the European Sports Federation (ESF).
2. The Federation is an independent, non-profit international association established under the applicable laws of its country of registration.

Article 2 – Headquarters

1. The registered office shall be located in the country determined by the General Assembly.
2. The Executive Board may establish regional offices when necessary.

Article 3 – Legal Status

1. The Federation possesses legal personality.
2. It may acquire, own, lease, and dispose of property.
3. It may enter into contracts and legal proceedings in its own name.

Article 4 – Objectives

The Federation shall:

• Promote and develop the sport throughout Europe.
• Organize European championships and competitions.
• Establish technical and sporting regulations.
• Promote fair play and ethical conduct.
• Encourage youth participation.
• Promote gender equality and inclusion.
• Protect athletes’ health and welfare.
• Combat doping, corruption, discrimination, harassment, and match manipulation.
• Cooperate with international federations and public authorities.
• Support education and coach development.

Article 5 – Principles

The Federation shall operate according to:

• Democracy
• Transparency
• Good governance
• Integrity
• Equal opportunity
• Non-discrimination
• Athlete protection
• Political and religious neutrality

Article 6 – Membership

Membership categories include:

1. Full Members
2. Associate Members
3. Provisional Members
4. Honorary Members

Full Members shall consist of one recognized national federation from each European country.

Article 7 – Admission of Members

Applicants shall:

• Be legally constituted.
• Govern the sport nationally.
• Accept this Statute.
• Accept Federation regulations.
• Maintain democratic governance.

Admission shall require approval by the Executive Board and ratification by the General Assembly.

Article 8 – Rights of Members

Members shall have the right to:

• Attend the General Assembly.
• Vote (Full Members).
• Submit proposals.
• Participate in competitions.
• Receive Federation services.
• Nominate candidates for office.

Article 9 – Obligations of Members

Members shall:

• Comply with this Statute.
• Respect Federation decisions.
• Pay membership fees.
• Promote integrity.
• Observe anti-doping rules.
• Submit required reports.

Article 10 – Suspension and Expulsion

A member may be suspended or expelled for:

• Serious misconduct.
• Failure to comply with this Statute.
• Financial default.
• Bringing the Federation into disrepute.

The member shall have the right to be heard before any final decision.

Article 11 – Organs of the Federation

The governing bodies are:

• General Assembly
• Executive Board
• President
• Standing Committees
• Judicial Bodies
• Ethics Committee
• Audit Committee

Article 12 – General Assembly

The General Assembly is the supreme authority.

It shall:

• Elect officers.
• Approve the budget.
• Approve audited accounts.
• Amend the Statute.
• Approve strategic plans.
• Decide membership matters.
• Dissolve the Federation if necessary.

Ordinary meetings shall be held annually.

Extraordinary meetings may be called by:

• The President;
• The Executive Board; or
• One-third of the Full Members.

Article 13 – Voting

Each Full Member shall have one vote.

Unless otherwise stated:

• Simple majority decides ordinary matters.
• Two-thirds majority is required for:
  • Statute amendments
  • Expulsion of members
  • Dissolution

Voting may be conducted electronically where permitted.

Article 14 – Executive Board

The Executive Board shall consist of:

• President
• Up to four Vice Presidents
• Secretary General
• Treasurer
• Additional elected Board Members

The Board shall:

• Manage Federation affairs.
• Implement Assembly decisions.
• Approve competitions.
• Adopt regulations.
• Supervise finances.

Article 15 – President

The President shall:

• Represent the Federation.
• Chair meetings.
• Ensure implementation of decisions.
• Sign official documents.
• Exercise emergency powers subject to Board ratification.

Article 16 – Secretary General

The Secretary General shall:

• Manage administration.
• Keep records.
• Coordinate meetings.
• Supervise staff.
• Maintain official correspondence.

Article 17 – Treasurer

The Treasurer shall:

• Oversee financial management.
• Prepare annual budgets.
• Present financial reports.
• Ensure proper accounting.

Article 18 – Committees

Standing Committees may include:

• Technical Committee
• Competition Committee
• Medical Committee
• Athletes’ Commission
• Women’s Commission
• Youth Development Committee
• Coaching Committee
• Legal Committee
• Ethics Committee

Committee members shall be appointed by the Executive Board.

Article 19 – Judicial Bodies

Independent judicial bodies shall include:

• Disciplinary Committee
• Appeals Committee

These bodies shall operate independently from the Executive Board.

Article 20 – Ethics

The Federation shall adopt a Code of Ethics covering:

• Conflicts of interest
• Gifts
• Confidentiality
• Integrity
• Harassment prevention
• Safeguarding
• Anti-corruption

Article 21 – Anti-Doping

The Federation recognizes and shall comply with the World Anti-Doping Code and all applicable anti-doping regulations.

Article 22 – Safeguarding

The Federation shall adopt policies protecting children and vulnerable persons participating in sport.

Article 23 – Finance

Income may include:

• Membership fees
• Sponsorship
• Grants
• Donations
• Competition revenues
• Educational activities

The financial year shall run from 1 January to 31 December.

Accounts shall be independently audited annually.

Article 24 – Liability

The Federation alone shall be liable for its obligations.

Members shall not be personally liable for Federation debts.

Article 25 – Elections

Officers shall be elected by secret ballot unless otherwise decided unanimously.

Terms of office shall be four years.

No person may serve more than three consecutive terms in the same office.

Article 26 – Conflicts of Interest

Officials shall disclose actual or potential conflicts of interest.

Affected persons shall not participate in related decisions.

Article 27 – Dispute Resolution

Internal disputes shall first be resolved through Federation procedures.

Appeals may be referred to the competent independent sports arbitration body as provided in Federation regulations.

Article 28 – Amendments

This Statute may be amended by a two-thirds majority of votes cast at the General Assembly.

Proposed amendments shall be circulated at least 30 days before the meeting.

Article 29 – Dissolution

The Federation may be dissolved only by a three-quarters majority of the General Assembly.

Upon dissolution, any remaining assets shall be transferred to another non-profit organization with similar sporting objectives.

Article 30 – Final Provisions

1. This Statute enters into force immediately upon adoption.
2. The Executive Board shall adopt implementing regulations consistent with this Statute.
3. Any matters not covered shall be decided in accordance with applicable law and principles of good governance.

Adopted by the General Assembly on: ___________________