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Constitution of All Europe Taekwon-Do Federation

PART I
Name of the Organization, Headquaters and Legal Form

Art. 1.

The Federation is called All Europe Taekwon-Do Federation, in short A.E.T.F.

Art. 2.

A.E.T.F. gathers the National Governing Bodies (NGB) of the independent states of the European Continent.

Art. 3.

Europe is the area of A.E.T.F. activities.

Art. 4.

A.E.T.F. is a voluntary, self-governing, and permanent federation with non-profit objectives.

Art. 5.

The official headquarters A.E.T.F is Lublin, Poland. A.E.T.F. operates according to the law of the Republic of Poland.

Art. 6.

English is the A.E.T.F's official language.

Art. 7.

A.E.T.F. has the status of an international, non-governmental, non-political organization that does not recognize differences of race, religion, politics, and sex.

Art. 8.

A.E.T.F. defines its objectives, operating schedule, and organizational structures by itself and it passes internal acts concerning its activities.

Art. 9.

A.E.T.F. is affiliated to International Taekwon-Do Federation, in short ITF.

Art. 10.

A.E.T.F. bases its activities on a voluntary work of its members - to run its business it is allowed to employ employees.

Art. 11.

A.E.T.F. can be a member of those international organizations that have the same or similar profile of activities.

Art. 12.

A.E.T.F. is allowed to have its organization badges and stamps.

Art. 13.

A.E.T.F. cooperates with Governmental Administration Organs of a member country, sports, and social organizations.

Art. 14.

Any and all activities related to organizing and practicing Taekwon-do must be consistent with regulations valid in A.E.T.F.

Art. 15.

A.E.T.F. recognizes only those grades which are officially granted by the International Taekwon-do Federation (I.T.F.).

Art. 16.

A.E.T.F. is entitled to express its opinions on public matters.

PART II
Objectives and Activities

Art. 17.

The objective of A.E.T.F. is to develop and promote Korean self-defence art known as Taekwon-Do (TKD) through activities mentioned in art. 18-22.

Art. 18.

Promoting friendship and understanding between members and organizations from other continents.

Art. 19.

Coordinating Taekwon-Do activities in Europe.

Art. 20.

Searching for solutions of technical, sports and organizational regulations and submitting them to the International Taekwon-do Federation.

Art. 21.

Organizing and coordinating meetings, training camps, championships, seminars, shows, and other events performed in Europe.

Art. 22.

Solving discrepancies that may appear between member organizations (National Governing Bodies).

PART III
Members, Their Rights and Duties

Art. 23.

Each country can be represented by one Governing Body. If more associations within a country claim representation, the right shall be given to the one which is recognized by the International Taekwon-do Federation (ITF).

Art. 24.

National Governing Bodies are the representatives of A.E.T.F in their respective countries. They have the right and duty to take part in all A.E.T.F. activities, in its Congresses, they present their national achievements and needs and they report and accept proposals concerning its rules.

Art. 25.

In order to become a member of A.E.T.F the President of the National Governing Body must submit its statute, schedule of activities, number of clubs, grades, and members and the documentation which shows its technical and organizational level.

Art. 26.

The Secretary General proposes a member to the Board of Directors which after discussing it submits it for approval during the subsequent Congress.

Art. 27.

The Congress decides on whether to accept or reject the candidature. The candidate must be represented by an official delegate during the Congress.

Art. 28.

A member of A.E.T.F. can be expelled only in a way defined in this Constitution.

Art. 29.

A.E.T.F. membership shall cease due to the following reasons:
  • expulsion
  • resignation
  • dissolution of the National Governing Body.

Art. 30.

A.E.T.F. member may be expelled definitively for:
  • omission of payment the amount of three annual membership fees
  • by majority decision of the Congress

Art. 31.

A.E.T.F. member must pay an annual fee as fixed by the Congress. A.E.T.F. member who has not paid the annual fee on the fixed date shall be excluded from A.E.T.F. international activities until complete amount due is paid.

Art. 32.

A.E.T.F. member who does not pay its debts until the date when the Congress takes place shall keep the right to participate in the Congress but not the right to speak or vote.

Art. 33.

Any A.E.T.F. member may resign from A.E.T.F. membership at any time, however notification shall only be made in writing and be directed to the Board of Directors.

Art. 34.

The Board of Directors may impose financial or disciplinary sanctions upon A.E.T.F' s members who have not fulfilled their obligations associated with organization of championship or any other obligation as previously fixed in a written form.

Art. 35.

Members who have been expelled have the right to appeal to the Congress within 30 days from receiving the resolution from the Board of Directors.

PART IV
Federation's authorities

Art. 36.

A.E.T.F. authorities are:
  1. A.E.T.F Congress
  2. The Board of Directors
  3. The President
  4. The Auditing Commission

Art. 37.

The term of A.E.T.F authorities lasts four years. Voting for Authorities should be done by secret or open ballot depending on Congress resolution.

A.E.T.F. Congress

Art. 38.

The highest authority of the Federation is the A.E.T.F. Congress. On the matters in which the statute does not determine the competence of Federation authorities passing resolutions rests with the Congress.

Art. 39.

The Congress may be reporting, voting, or extraordinary.

Art. 40.

The Reporting Congress shall be held every year between January 1st and December 31st in a place which has been designated at the previous Congress. In case the place has not agreed during the a/m meeting the decision shall be taken by the Board of Directors.

Art. 41.

The Voting Congress is convened by Board of Directors every 4 years at least a month before the expiry of term of the retiring Board of Directors.

Art. 42.

Powers of the Congress include:
  • electing the Board of Directors, the Auditing Commission and approval or rejection of their reports and decisions,
  • approving of the Constitution,
  • passing resolutions on changes in the Constitution or dissolution of the Federation,
  • granting and depriving of the honorary titles,
  • considering appeals against the resolutions of the Board of Directors:
    1. exclusion and suspension of the Federation member rights,
    2. lodged by members of the Federation,
  • passing resolutions concerning Federation's property,
  • approving of the regulations of the actions performed by the Board of Directors, the Auditing Commission and Committees,
  • passing regulations for Congress assembly,
  • considering complaints about the actions of the Board of Directors made by members of the Federation,
  • passing resolutions regarding applications for membership and proposals submitted by Federation members and the Board of Directors,
  • passing resolutions regarding any other matters which concern A.E.T.F.

Art. 43.

The Congress may consider only items that are included in the Agenda. Any other matter shall need approval of the simple majority of votes by the Congress.

Art. 44.

Two months before the Congress, the General Secretary must submit to each Federation member the list of issues included in the Congress Assembly Agenda.

Art. 45.

Proposals of issues to be included in the Congress Assembly Agenda reported by Federation members and the Board of Directors should be written in an official language.

Art. 46.

The Board of Directors is obliged to prepare the Assembly Agenda and the Secretary General should send documentation to all Federation members one month before the Congress meeting.

Art. 47.

Each Federation member may be represented at the Congress by two delegates who shall have the right to speak, however only one shall have the right to vote.

Art. 48.

Delegates being in the possession of authorization signed by the National President of National Governing Body which must unequivocally indicate which one of them has the right to vote. The President of National Governing Body who attends the Congress does not need such an authorization.

Art. 49.

Verification of authorizations is carried out by the Vice-President and the Secretary General before the Congress. In case of any doubts the Secretary General shall submit the same to the Congress.

Art. 50.

Members of the Board of Directors do not have the right to vote with the exception of those who represent Federation members.

Art. 51.

Observers may be invited to the Congress by A.E.T.F President or on his authority, however the right to speak they can only have with consent of the President of the Congress.

Art. 52.

The President of A.E.T.F. shall preside the Congress. If the President is absent the Vice- President can take his place. The President shall be assisted by the Secretary General or in case of his absence by the Vice-President.

Art. 53.

Decisions and discussions remain valid when the majority of the Federation members are present at the Congress.

Art. 54.

The Congress shall decide by majority of votes given by raising one hand or by roll call. Even if only one delegate puts forward a motion, voting shall be by done by secret ballot.

Art. 55.

Federation member can be represented by other Federation member attending the Congress only if it is given an official authorization signed by the President of the National Governing Body.

Art. 56.

If at least two-thirds of Federation members demand summoning of Extraordinary Congress or if the Board of Directors considers it necessary. Extraordinary Congress may be convened at a place chosen by the Board of Directors no later than two months from receiving the motion. Decisions taken shall be equally valid and shall be abided by the same conditions as those taken at Ordinary Congress.

Art. 57.

The Agenda of Extraordinary Congress must give the reasons for its summoning.

Art. 58.

The Extraordinary Congress holds debates only those issues which it was convened for.

Board of Directors

Art. 59.

The Board of Directors is composed of 9 members:
  • The President
  • The Vice-President
  • The Secretary General
  • Six (6) Members
The Secretary General shall be proposed by the President for Congress approval. The remaining members of the Board of Directors shall be elected directly by the Congress.

Art. 60.

Candidatures for the Board of Directors should be presented by the NA of the country of the candidate. The candidacy letter must be sent to the Secretary General signed by the President of the NA of the candidate accompanied with a signed letter of the Candidate (a) expressing his wish to be a candidate for the position of Board Member; and (b) stating that his/she is fully aware of all the duties and responsibilities related to same position and an irrevocable undertaking to abide by these duties and responsibilities

Art. 61.

Except for the President, no two members of the Board of Directors will be allowed to serve at the Board of Directors on the same term. If there will be two or more candidates from one country that met the procedure under Art. 60 and all of them will receive enough votes entitling them to be elected to the Board, only the person with the highest number of votes will be chosen to the Board and this will apply also in case where there will be no sufficient Board members from other countries.

Art. 62.

A member of the Board of Directors may stand to be re-elected for another term however only with the endorsement of his/her NA. Art. 60, in all its conditions, will apply also in cases of candidacy to be re-elected

Art. 63.

Meetings will be convened by the Secretary General at the President's request.

Art. 64.

The Board of Directors debates issues included in the Agenda established by the President and the Secretary General and urgent current issues. Each decision must be ratified at the subsequent Congress.

Art. 65.

In case of vacancy in the Board of Directors it will appoint the first candidate who was not elected from the last elections.

Art. 66.

Resolutions of the Board of Directors are taken by the majority of votes with at least 1/4 of the Board members present including but not limited to the President or Vice-President.

Art. 67.

Powers of the Board of Directors' include:
  1. Realization of resolutions of the Congress.
  2. Presenting proposals of technical, sports and organizational solutions to the International Taekwon-do Federation.
  3. Managing A.E.T.F. property and finances.
  4. Determining the amount of registration, membership and other fees.
  5. Coordination of championships in Europe.
  6. Giving the rights to organize European junior and senior championships.
  7. Designating members of European teams to represent Europe in intercontinental competitions.
  8. Nominating and dismissing Committees' members.
  9. Passing resolutions regarding acceptance or termination of membership.
  10. Convening the Congress.
  11. Solving disputes related to A.E.T.F. and its members' activities.
  12. The Board of Directors may bestow distinctions (medals, diplomas, cups etc.) upon persons who have rendered special services to the development of Taekwon-Do.
  13. Others which are not restricted to be in scope of powers of other A.E.T.F. authorities.

PRESIDENT

Art. 68.

The President is elected by the Congress. He presides over A.E.T.F. and represents it outside and acts on its behalf.

Art. 69.

In case of a temporary or permanent absence during the term or in any other case whatsoever, the President's rights shall be assumed by the Vice-President until the next Congress is held.

Art. 70.

In case the number of votes is equal it is the President's vote that decides.

VICE-PRESIDENT

Art. 71.

The Vice-President is elected by the Congress, he shall assist the President and replace him whenever it is necessary.

GENERAL SECRETARY

Art. 72.

The Secretary General shall be proposed by the President and ratified by the Congress. He shall be responsible for the General Secretariat work with the assistance of administration staff, he shall be responsible for keeping regular contacts and information exchange with Federation members and he shall act as delegate of the President outside.

Art. 73.

The Secretary General will be in charge of the finances especially for keeping regular accounts.

Art. 74.

He prepares a financial report for each Congress.

REVISORY COMMISSION

Art. 75.

Candidature for the Revisory Commission should be presented by the NA of the country of the candidate. The candidacy letter must be sent to the Secretary General signed by the President of the NA of the candidate, accompanied with a signed letter of the Candidate (a) Expressing his/her wish to be a candidate for the position of Member of the Revisory Commission; and (b) stating that hi/she is fully aware of all the duties and responsibilities related to such position and an irrevocable undertaking to abide by these duties and responsibilities.

Art. 76.

No two members of the Revisory Commission representing the same country will be allowed to serve at the Commission on the same term.

Art. 77.

A member of the Revisory Commission may stand to be re-elected for another term, however only with the endorsement and support of his NA. Art. 75 all its conditions, will apply also in cases of candidacy to be re-elected

Art. 78.

  1. The Revisory Commission consists of 3-5 members, including the Chairperson and the Secretary.
  2. The Revisory Commission carries out the inspection of the whole scope of activities of the Federation at least once a year, especially taking into consideration the management of its finance, with regard to its expediency, efficiency and thrift.
  3. Minutes of the performed inspections are submitted by the Revisory Commission to the Board of Directors.
  4. The Revisory Commission is entitled to apply to the Board of Directors with motions resulting from the findings of the inspection and demanding explanations and removal of irregularities.
  5. The Chairperson of the Revisory Commission or its authorized member may take part in the sessions of the Board of Directors and other agencies of the Federation with advisory capacity.
  6. The Revisory Commission submits the report of the activities of Board of Directors with a motion for discharging or not discharging them to the General Assembly.
  7. The Revisory Commission acts on the basis of the by-law approved by the Congress.

COMMITTEES

Art. 79.

The following Committees operate at A.E.T.F:
  • Technical Committee
  • Tournament &Umpire Committee
  • Disciplinary Committee
  • Scientific Research Committee
Each Committee will consist of one (1) Chairman and two (2) Members. The Chairman and Members are elected by the Directing Committee and shall hold their position for four years.

PART V
Awards and Distinctions

Art. 80.

A.E.T.F. may bestow the title of Honorary President or Honorary Title upon persons distinguished for Taekwon-Do. Nominations shall be presented at the Congress by the Board of Directors and to the Board of Directors by Federation members.

Art. 81.

Honorary President shall have the right to attend Congresses or meetings organized by A.E.T.F. with the right to speak but not to vote.

Art. 82.

The Board of Directors may bestow distinctions (medals, diplomas, cups etc.) upon persons who have rendered special services to the development of Taekwon-Do.

PART VI
Solving disputes and penalties

Art. 83.

  1. There is the Disciplinary Commission appointed by the Board of Directors for solving specific matters by the Board.
  2. Having carried out the explanatory proceedings, the Disciplinary Commission submits an appropriate motion to the Board of Directors.
  3. The decision of the Board of Directors on imposing penalties can be appealed to the Congress A.E.T.F. acting as the second instance no later than 30 days from the receipt date of the Board of Directors' decision

Art. 84.

  1. Powers of the Disciplinary Committee include:
    1. applying to the Board of Directors with regard to issues related to infringement of technical and disciplinary rules during sports contests or in connection therewith, them,
    2. specifying the principles and the procedure of changing competitors' affiliation to clubs and National Governing Bodies in other countries,
    3. considering complaints made by Federation members and their representatives,
    4. carrying out explanatory proceedings at the request of the Board of Directors,
    5. working out disciplinary by-laws of the Federation,
    6. applying to the Congress or to the Board of Directors for imposing penalties on:
      1. federation members,
      2. activists,
      3. competitors,
      4. trainers and instructors,
      5. referees
      6. champions.

Art. 85.

The following kinds of penalties are provided:
  1. drawing attention to recognizing infringements and demanding their removal in due time,
  2. refusal to help and support until the infringements have been eliminated
  3. admonition,
  4. reprimand,
  5. financial penalty,
  6. suspension in members' rights consisting in periodical deprival of constitutional rights especially the right to participate in sports tournaments system, to grand training degrees and to other activities,
  7. exclusion of a member for activity to the detriment of the Federation after prior explanatory proceedings carried out by the Disciplinary Commission.

PART VII
Federation's property and funds

Art. 86.

  1. The property of the Federation consists of immovables, movables, and funds.
  2. Federation funds consist of:
    • receipts from tournaments, championships and shows organized by the Federation,
    • subsidies,
    • yearly fees paid by A.E.T.F. members,
    • donations,
    • other receipts gained from Federation constitutional activities.
  3. The Federation is allowed to take care credits and incur loans.

Art. 87.

Validity of statements concerning proprietary rights and obligations of the Federation requires cooperation of two persons: the President and the Secretary General.

Art. 88.

Members of the Board of Directors work voluntarily with the exception of the President and the Secretary General. However, their travelling and living expenses incurred during their official meetings may be covered by A.E.T.F.

Art. 89.

All expenses need to be approved by the President.

PART VIII
Changes of constitution and dissolution of the Federation

Art. 90.

With regard to issues which are not included in the current Constitution the Board of Directors shall take actions in accordance with Congress decisions or it shall take necessary decisions which need to be submitted for approval at the subsequent Congress.

Art. 91.

Changes to the Constitution or dissolution of A.E.T.F. require the majority of the two thirds of votes from all Federation members.

Art. 92.

In the case of dissolution of the Federation, A.E.T.F. property shall be given to charitable ends.



Amended on October 11th, 2019

A.E.T.F. Constitutions
A.E.T.F. Constitution, July 2002
A.E.T.F. Constitution (E.T.U.), April 1995 | download as pdf document
First version of the A.E.T.F. Constitution | Download as pdf document