STATUTE
of the World Mixed Martial Arts Foundation (“the Foundation”)
PREAMBLE
The World Mixed Martial Arts Foundation is established to govern, develop, promote, and regulate the sport of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) worldwide in accordance with principles of integrity, safety, fairness, and good governance, consistent with international best practice and the standards commonly applied by the International Martial Arts Confederation (IMAC).
ARTICLE 1 – NAME, LEGAL FORM, AND SEAT
- The name of the organization shall be World Mixed Martial Arts Foundation, hereinafter referred to as the Foundation.
- The Foundation is a non-profit, non-governmental, international sports organization.
- The Foundation shall have legal personality in accordance with the laws of the country in which it is registered.
- The seat (registered office) of the Foundation shall be determined by the Congress.
ARTICLE 2 – OBJECTIVES AND PURPOSES
The objectives of the Foundation are to:
- Govern and regulate amateur and professional MMA worldwide.
- Promote the development of MMA as a safe, ethical, and inclusive sport.
- Establish and enforce unified rules, regulations, and safety standards.
- Organize and sanction international competitions, championships, and events.
- Support and recognize national and continental MMA federations.
- Promote athlete welfare, anti-doping, medical safety, and safeguarding.
- Encourage education, coaching, refereeing, and officiating standards.
- Uphold principles of fair play, non-discrimination, and gender equality.
ARTICLE 3 – PRINCIPLES
- The Foundation shall be politically neutral and non-discriminatory.
- All activities shall comply with internationally recognized principles of good governance, transparency, and accountability.
- The Foundation recognizes and supports the World Anti-Doping Code.
- Athlete health and safety shall be a paramount consideration in all decisions.
ARTICLE 4 – MEMBERSHIP
4.1 Categories of Membership
Membership may include:
- Full Members – National MMA federations recognized as the sole governing body for MMA in their country.
- Associate Members – Developing or provisional national bodies.
- Continental Federations – Recognized regional governing bodies.
- Honorary Members – Individuals recognized for outstanding service to MMA.
4.2 Admission
- Applications for membership shall be submitted to the Executive Board.
- Admission of members shall be approved by the Congress.
4.3 Rights of Members
- Participate in the activities of the Foundation.
- Vote in Congress (Full Members only).
- Enter athletes and officials in sanctioned competitions.
4.4 Obligations of Members
- Comply with this Statute and all regulations of the Foundation.
- Uphold the principles and objectives of the Foundation.
- Pay membership fees as determined by Congress.
ARTICLE 5 – CONGRESS
- The Congress is the supreme authority of the Foundation.
- It shall be composed of duly accredited delegates of Full Members.
- Ordinary Congress shall be held annually.
- Extraordinary Congress may be convened as required.
Powers of Congress:
- Adopt and amend the Statute.
- Elect and dismiss members of the Executive Board.
- Approve budgets, accounts, and membership fees.
- Admit, suspend, or expel members.
ARTICLE 6 – EXECUTIVE BOARD
- The Executive Board is the executive authority of the Foundation.
- It shall be elected by Congress and include:
- President
- Vice Presidents
- Secretary General
- Treasurer
- Additional elected members
- The term of office shall be four (4) years.
Powers and Duties:
- Implement decisions of Congress.
- Manage the affairs and assets of the Foundation.
- Appoint committees and commissions.
- Ensure compliance with statutes and regulations.
ARTICLE 7 – PRESIDENT
- The President is the legal representative of the Foundation.
- The President shall preside over Congress and Executive Board meetings.
- The President shall promote the interests of the Foundation internationally.
ARTICLE 8 – SECRETARY GENERAL
- The Secretary General is responsible for the day-to-day administration.
- The Secretary General shall maintain official records and correspondence.
- The Secretary General shall implement decisions of the Executive Board.
ARTICLE 9 – COMMISSIONS AND COMMITTEES
- The Executive Board may establish standing or ad hoc commissions, including:
- Technical and Rules Commission
- Medical and Safety Commission
- Referees and Judges Commission
- Athletes Commission
- Disciplinary and Ethics Commission
- The duties and composition of commissions shall be defined by regulations.
ARTICLE 10 – DISCIPLINE AND ETHICS
- The Foundation shall maintain a Disciplinary and Ethics Code.
- Violations of statutes, regulations, or ethical standards may result in sanctions.
- Sanctions may include warnings, fines, suspension, or expulsion.
ARTICLE 11 – ANTI-DOPING AND MEDICAL SAFETY
- The Foundation adopts and enforces the World Anti-Doping Code.
- All members and athletes shall comply with anti-doping regulations.
- Medical examinations and safety protocols are mandatory for all competitions.
ARTICLE 12 – FINANCES
- The financial year shall be determined by Congress.
- Income may include membership fees, event revenues, sponsorships, and grants.
- The assets of the Foundation shall be used solely to further its objectives.
ARTICLE 13 – AMENDMENTS TO THE STATUTE
- Amendments may be proposed by the Executive Board or Members.
- Amendments require approval by a qualified majority of Congress.
ARTICLE 14 – DISSOLUTION
- Dissolution of the Foundation may only be decided by Congress.
- In the event of dissolution, remaining assets shall be allocated to a non-profit organization with similar objectives.
ARTICLE 15 – FINAL PROVISIONS
- This Statute shall enter into force upon adoption by Congress.
- Matters not provided for in this Statute shall be governed by regulations adopted by the Executive Board.
Adopted by the Congress of the World Mixed Martial Arts Foundation on [DATE] at [PLACE].
