ITF-USA : Our Constitution

INTERNATIONAL TAEKWON-DO FEDERATION

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

::CONSTITUTION ::

Preamble

We, the people and practitioners of Taekwon-do in the United States of America, hereby pledge full allegiance and affiliation to the ITF founded and nurtured by General Choi Hong Hi. We recognize the contribution that General Choi has made to Taekwon-do in America and the world. Therefore, we are forever loyal and forever students of General Choi. It is our duty to serve the art and organization of Taekwon-do in the United States of America. As citizens of the United States and practitioners of Taekwon-do, we pledge to support the United States and its laws thereof as well as the ITF constitution and by-laws as long as they do not conflict with the United States Constitution and the laws thereof.

For the purposes of this document, the terms listed below which appear thought out the Constitution, are defined as follows:

Black Belt - a person who has passed the black belt examinations set by the ITF - USA, which are sanctioned by the International TaeKwondo Federation or any other governing body to which the ITF - USA may be affiliated to.

Instructor - all ITF-USA IV Dans or higher with a valid ITF certification number issued by ITF Headquarters. They may be school owners, independent instructors, or sole practitioners ITF IV Dan Black Belts.

Student - a member of the public who trains under an Instructor, and is considered to be a member of the respective training school or training class operated by the instructor, and who is up to date on the payment of membership dues and training fees to the Instructor, and who is up to date on the payment of membership dues and training fees to the Instructor, and to the ITF-USA.

Article I

The International Taekwon-do Federation - United States of America (I.T.F. USA) is a national, non-governmental, non-political, non-profit organization of unlimited duration, which does not recognize differences of race, religion, sex or political affiliations.

I.01 The ITF-USA will consist of a Board of Directors: President, Vice-President, Treasurer, Secretary General, Director of Ethics/Disciplinary, the Marketing Director and the Technical Director ; the Marketing Committee ; the Disciplinary Committee ; the Instructors ; Black Belts ; Students ; and Executive Committee. 1.02 The Board of Directors will be elected at a Special General meeting. All instructors and black belts will be eligible for election to the Board of directors.

Article II - Objectives

II.01 To promote the Korean art of self-defense known as Taekwon-do (TKD) through friendly relations and understanding among its members.

II.02 To govern the teaching and demonstration of Taekwon-do by taking steps that shall be deemed necessary or advisable to prevent infringement of the Statutes, By-laws and Regulations of the I.T.F. and/or the I.T.F. USA Constitution, By-laws and Regulations. To regulate by introduction of proper methods or practice of Taekwon-do in America.

II.03 To insure that there shall be no discrimination against a member, an individual member or other participant in Taekwon-do for reasons of race, religion, sex, sexual orientation or politics.

11.04 To coordinate and regulate Taekwon-do activities around America through meetings, conferences, seminars, camps, championships and other events.

II.05 To study and present technical, sport, organizational, ethical and moral innovations and standards.

II.06 To resolve discrepancies and conflicts between or among members and organizations in the United States.

II.07 To unify and standardize Taekwon-do activities in the United States.

II.08 To advise on and safeguard the interest of the Art in America.

II.09 To administer its funds for the furtherance of Taekwon-do nationally, including championships, seminars, displays, competitions and to raise any monies that may be required for the purpose of the I.T.F. USA in such terms and on such security as may be required.

II.10 To purchase, take on lease or in exchange, hire or otherwise acquire any movable or immovable property and rights or privileges necessary or convenient for the purpose of the I.T.F. USA and to construct, alter, repair and maintain any buildings required for the purposes of the I.T.F. USA.

II.11 To see, improve, manage, develop, lease, mortgage, charge, dispose of, turn to account or otherwise deal with all or any part of the property of the I.T.F. USA.

II.12 To invest the money of the I.T.F. USA not immediately required for the purpose of the I.T.F. USA in or upon such investments, securities or property as may be thought fit.

II.13 To print, produce, publish, or purchase the copyright in or otherwise acquire any books, journals, newspapers, periodicals, or leaflets or any interest therein and advertise in any matter which the I.T.F. USA may deem to be desirable for the promotion of these objects and to hold lectures and courses of instruction for instructions and students and for the promotion of Taekwon-do.

II.14 To do such other lawful acts as is incidental or conductive to the attainment of the above objects or any part of them.

Article III - Powers Reserved

The powers not delegated to the I.T.F. by the I.T.F. Constitution, are reserved to the I.T.F. USA respectively, or to the members of the I.T.F. USA. The I.T.F. USA is a separate and independent national organization.

Article IV - Dept Adoption

All debts contracted and engagements entered into, before the adoption of this Constitution, shall be as valid against the I.T.F. USA under this Constitution when the Constitution has been adopted by its membership.

Article V - Headquarters

The location of the I.T.F. USA headquarters is to be determined by the Board of Directors.

Article VI - Structure and Membership

VI.01 It shall be comprised of organizations within the United States of America or individuals who are United States citizens, adopting the methods and techniques developed by General Choi Hong Hi, founder of Taekwon-do and the I.T.F.

VI.02 All members of the I.T.F. USA shall be members of the International Taekwon-do Federation that was originally founded by General Choi Hong Hi and in accordance with the I.T.F. Constitution as approved at the 14 th I.T.F. Congress in Warsaw, Poland on June 13, 2003.

VI.03 No members of the I.T.F. USA shall be a member of any other groups claiming to be the legal entity of I.T.F. other than the group that was organized and operated in accordance with the I.T.F. Constitution as approved at the 14 th I.T.F. Congress in Warsaw, Poland on June 13, 2003.This provision shall not take effect until 2 years from the formal signing and ratification of this Constitution.

VI.04 Members shall include all Taekwon-do dojangs, academics, organizations and groups registered with the I.T.F. USA functioning in a lawful manner within the United States of America.

VI.05 The Board of Directors is empowered to accept or reject any application for membership in the I.T.F. USA without assigning any reason except those reasons that violate the spirit of this Constitution.

VI.06 Application for membership of individuals, groups, organizations and dojang, must be submitted to the I.T.F. USA through the appropriate region with membership fees as prescribed by the Board of Directors.

VI.07 Membership shall be for two (2) calendar years from a date nominated by the Board of Directors.

VI.08 The amount of the fees may be amended and determined from time to time by the Board of Directors as considered appropriate.

VI.09 Each member is entitled to conduct all I.T.F. USA business directly with I.T.F. USA headquarters in accordance with this Constitution, By-laws and Rules.

VI.10 Each member should report to the I.T.F. USA through the Secretary General, its events and activities.

VI.11 The National Association and all Allied National Associations within the United States of America shall cooperate through I.T.F. USA for matters of national interest, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, such as submitting teams for world, regional and continental championships.

VI.12 Within the I.T.F. - USA there also shall be an individual member who are degree holders and who will be affiliated to the I.T.F. USA.

VI.13 No member, individual member or group of any kind shall have authority to act on behalf of the I.T.F. USA, and no member, individual, member or group of any kind shall be deemed an agent, servant, employee or representative of the I.T.F. USA unless such member, individual, member or group is a recognized body, officer or salaried employee of the I.T.F. USA and the relevant actions are being taken for the exclusive purpose of furthering the law or objectives of the I.T.F. USA.

VI.14 To become a member of the I.T.F. USA the applicant must be approved by the Board of Directors by a majority vote.

VI.15 In order for an applicant to be considered for membership within the I.T.F. USA, that applicant must be proposed to the Board of Directors by the Secretary General who will assure the Board of Directors that the applicant, calendar of activities, constituent clubs grades, individual members, technical and organization levels are of a satisfactory level. The applicant must also undertake to maintain these requirements at a satisfactory level.

VI.16 Any organization, member or individual member that tolerates, allows or organizes competitions in which discrimination is practiced shall not be admitted to the I.T.F. USA or shall be expelled if it, he or she is already a member.

VI.17 As a condition of membership, all schools, dojangs, groups or organizations must sign an agreement not to compete against the I.T.F.U.S.A. upon expulsion, resignation or suspension pursuant to the rules set forth in the by-laws.

Article VII - The Congress

VII . 01 Congressional Meeting

A . Special General Meetings will be attended by all the instructors and black belts who possess a teaching license and certificate and are 16 years old or older. All instructors and Black Belts, who have been training in I.T.F.-U.S.A. sanctioned training classes or schools for at least twice per month throughout the term of office of the Board of Directors, will be eligible to vote. All instructors and Black Belts 16 years of age and older are entitled to vote.

The quorum at Special General Meetings will consist of all the I.T.F.-U.S.A. instructors and Black Belts. Resolutions or decisions will be considered passed by majority votes from this quorum. Special General Meetings will be chaired by the outgoing President. The outgoing Secretary will present the Report of the Board of Directors, which will detail and account for the I.T.F-U.S.A. activities for the term of office of the outgoing Board of Directors, including the activities of any appointed Executive Committees. The outgoing Treasurer will present the most recent audited financial statement. At the conclusion of this presentation, the Board of Directors will be considered retired. The outgoing President will then appoint the Officer of Election to supervise the election of a new Board of Directors. The Officer of Election will accept only those nominees who meet the qualification under section VIII.01 and submit there names and qualifications to the Board of D IRECTORS three months before the Special General meeting. Each nominee must apply for and receive an application for nomination four months before the special meeting.

The Officer of Election may not be nominated for a position on the Board of Directors. The Officer of Election will ensure that only instructors and black belts eligible to vote are allowed to participate in nominations and voting, though this will not necessitate the removal of ineligible instructors and black belts from the Special General Meeting.

The Officer of Election will seek nominations for each position on the Board of Directors. Each nomination for a position on the Board of Directors must be seconded, and there will be no more than three persons nominated per position. Utilizing a secret ballot system, the Officer of Election will call for votes on each nominee. The nominee securing the most votes will be appointed to the respective position. In the case of ties, the Officer of Election will appoint the senior of nominees, the Officer of Election will consider each nominee's commencement date for training, and/or age, and will accordingly appoint the nominee who has either been training the longest or who is older.

The officer of Election will ensure that positions are nominated and elected in the following order. Technical Director, Ethic Director, Marketing Director, Treasurer, Secretary, Vice President and President.

Each Director on the board will serve a term of office of twenty-four months, whereupon each Director will be considered retired, becoming eligible for re-election at the next Special General Meeting in twenty-four months.

Upon election of the new Board, the newly appointed President will chair the continued Special General Meeting, and will see that the respective Management Committees are appointed by the respective Directors appointed to chair these committees. No executive committees will be appointed at Special General Meetings.

The new President will open discussions with instructors and black belts on any issues of concern relating to the objectives, activities, procedures and policies. Instructors and black belts may utilize the Special General Meeting to vote on resolutions related to the I.T.F.-U.S.A. activities, procedures and policies.

The discussions and resolutions will guide the Board of Directors' plans, strategies and activities over the Board's term of office.

B . Annual General Meetings will be held every year. Annual General Meetings must be held by ______________ or no later than two months after the anniversary of the election of the present Board of Directors. The President will ensure that sufficient notice is given to all Directors, instructors and black belts.

Annual General Meetings will be attended by all the instructors and black belts. Annual general meetings will be chaired by the President. The President will present the report of the Board of Directors, which will detail and account for the activities for the past year, including the activities of any appointed Executive Committees. The Treasurer will present the most recent audited financial statement. At the conclusion of this presentation, the President will then open discussions with instructors and black belts on any issue of concern relating to the objectives, activities, procedures and policies.

C . General meetings may be convened by the President, at any time. General meeting will be attended by all the I.T.F.-U.S.A. instructors and black belts. The President will ensure that sufficient notice is give to all Directors, instructors and black belts. General Meetings will be called to address matters which the President feels merits the concern and immediate attention of all instructors and black belts.

Article VIII - Board of Directors

VIII.01 The Board of directors shall consist of a President, Vice-President, Secretary General, Treasurer, Director of Ethics/ Disciplinary, Marketing Director and Technical Director. All board members must be a fourth dan or above, United States citizen and at least 32 years old. The president and vice- president of the ITF-USA must be at least 35 years old. All directors and committee persons must possess the qualities of the tenets of Taewkondo and to that end may be subject at any time to a criminal background check.

V1I1.02 One person may not hold more than one Board of Director position.

VIII.03 The corporate seal of the I.T.F.USA must be kept by the Secretary General with all official documents.

VIII.04 Duties and Responsibilities of the Directors

1. President

The President will be an IV dan or higher who is competent in managing the ITF-USA as it relates to its Objectives. The President will be responsible for ensuring that the Board of Directors plans and implements activities throughout the Boards administrative year which ITF-USA will directly or indirectly facilitate the achievement of the ITF-USA Objectives. The President will be committed to ensuring that the ITF-USA achieves ITF-USA Objectives.

The President will also be responsible for ensuring that the ITF-USA Directors obey the ITF-USA Constitution, the Rules and Regulations, the Rules and Regulations of the ITF-USA Governing Body.

The President is the senior officer of the I.T.F. USA. The President represents the I.T.F. - USA in all national/international functions. He is the leader of the I.T.F. USA. In the role of the Chairman of the Board of Directors, the President is responsible for the development and maintenance of policy affecting the affairs of the I.T.F. USA. The President shall act as Chairman of the Congress meeting and of the Board of Directors. The President shall also be a member ex officio of all I.T.F. USA Committees.

VIII.05 The Vice-President works in close cooperation with the President and shall perform such functions as the President requires.

VIII.06 The Secretary General will be in charge of the work of the General Secretariat, supervise the staff members of the I.T.F. USA, support the Board of Directors and its committees, and perform such other duties as may be assigned by the Board.

The Secretary General shall keep the official minutes of the Board of Directors meetings and they shall be distributed to the members of the Board of Directors as soon as reasonably possible following each meeting.

VIII.07 Treasurer

The Treasurer will be an Instructor or Black Belt with a professional background in accounting or finance. The Treasurer will be responsible for managing the ITF-USA Finances, and for maintaining and monitoring the ITF-USA's savings and checking accounts deposited with banks or other financial institutions.

The Treasurer will ensure that all TaeKwondo schools or affiliated organizations within ITF-USA pay whatever sanctioning fees or other fees are due to the ITF-USA, as determined by the Board of Directors. The Treasurer will ensure that funds collected are deposited promptly to the ITF-USA savings and checking accounts into with banks and/or other financial institutions.

The Treasurer will maintain accurate records of all the ITF-USA's financial transactions and will present the Board of Directors with information on all transactions, upon request.

The Treasurer is responsible for the keeping of an accurate and correct account of all monetary transactions.

The Treasurer shall not keep more than $100 in the form of cash, and monies in excess of the amount shall be deposited within three to five business days or as deemed necessary, time being of the essence.

All expenditures of the ITF-USA funds must be approved by the Board under the advice of the Treasurer, who will be responsible for ensuring that the ITF-USA funds are utilized solely to achieve the ITF-USA's objectives.

The Treasurer will give a written financial report and a statement of account and balance sheet at each annual general meeting.

VIII.08 Technical Director

The Technical Director will be an Instructor or a Black Belt with at least a VII degree black belt in TaeKwondo. The Technical Director will endeavor to ensure that all the ITF-USA Instructors and Black Belts are highly qualified.

VIII.09 Marketing Director

The Marketing Director will be responsible for conceptualizing and implementing the ITF-USA's marketing strategies, related to marketing, advertising and public relations. The Marketing Director will ensure that the ITF-USA's marketing strategies and activities are in keeping with the ITF-USA's Objectives.

The Marketing Director will be responsible for coordinating the activities of any Executive Committees formed to assist in the implementation of the ITF-USA's marketing or other promotional activities.

The Marketing Director will ensure that the ITF-USA's image is of an international professional martial arts organization, which is vibrant and progressive.

The Marketing Committee

The Marketing Committee will consist of the Marketing Director, and no more than two other persons chosen from the ITF-USA Instructors, Black Belts or Students, to assist in the conceptualizing and implementation of the ITF-USA's marketing strategies, related to marketing, advertising and public relations.

At the Special General Meeting, the Marketing Director will choose no more than two members from the ITF-USA's Instructors, Black Belts or Students to be appointed to the Marketing Committee. The Committee will meet on a regular basis to review activities and objectives, and may on occasion request temporary assistance from the ITF-USA Instructors, Black Belt or Students to assist in the implementation of specific activities.

The Marketing Committee will be responsible for arranging the advertising and media promotion of all ITF-USA's events, including tournaments, seminars, black belt examinations. The Marketing Committee will ensure that the advertising and media promotion for events which are staged by individual Schools within the ITF-USA are properly arranged by the individual Schools, and that these events are in keeping with the ITF-USA's image and standards.

VIII.10 The Director of Ethics/Disciplinary and the Ethics/Disciplinary Committee

The Ethics/Disciplinary Director and the Ethics/Disciplinary Committee (herein after referred to as the ED) will consist of no more than four persons chosen from the ITF-USA Instructors or Black Belts.

The ED Committee will be responsible for monitoring the ethics and discipline of the ITF-USA Instructors, Black Belts and Students. The ED Committee will adjudicate in all disputes and matters relating to discourtesy; lack of integrity; poor discipline; breaches of the Constitution; breaches of the ITF-USA Rules and Regulations; and breaches of the Rules and Regulations of the governing body. The ED Committee will strive to uphold justice, and also to uphold the ITF-USA's image of integrity, fairness, and objectivity.

The ED Committee may have matters referred to it by Instructors or Black Belts, or it may proceed on its own cognizance to address matters that the ED Committee considers to be in breach of the ITF-USA's Constitution, the ITF-USA's Rules and Regulations, or the Rules and Regulations of the ITF-USA's governing body, or to be displays of discourtesy, lack of integrity or poor discipline.

The ED Committee will utilize its discretion to determine which matters merit disciplinary action, as opposed to advice or reminders to Instructors, Black Belts or Students as to appropriate behavior within the ITF-USA's Constitution, the ITF-USA's Rules and Regulations, or the Rules And Regulations of the ITF-USA's governing body. The ED Committee will reserve disciplinary action for severe breaches of the ITF-USA's Constitution or Rules of Regulations, or the Rules and Regulations of the ITF-USA's governing body; or for extreme displays of discourtesy, lack of integrity or poor discipline.

Members of the ITF-USA considered in breach of the ITF-USA's Constitution, Rules and Regulations, and the Rules and Regulations of the ITF-USA's governing body; or members who have displayed discourtesy, lack of integrity or poor discipline who are referred to the ED Committee, or who in the ED Committee's opinion merit consideration for disciplinary action, will be invited in writing to a meeting of the ED Committee. Members considered in breach will receive at least two weeks' notice of said meeting.

The Director of ED will chair ED Committee meetings. The Committee will judge one dispute at a time, ensuring that the Committee's proceeding is privy only to members who are involved with the matter in question. The ED Committee will hear and receive testimony and evidence from all parties involved, either verbally or in writing, one party at a time. The Committee will then dismiss all parties involved, and will determine whether punishment or other disciplinary action is suitable or necessary. Punishment and disciplinary action will be in keeping with the ITF-USA's image of justice, integrity, fairness and objectivity. All parties involved will be called to be present to hear the Disciplinary Committee's decision and sentence on the matter. All punishment and disciplinary action will become effective three days after the meeting of the ED Committee.

Their Instructors must accompany students considered in breach to ED Committee meetings. No member of the ITF-USA will be deemed beyond the jurisdiction of the ED Committee. In matters involving Instructors or Black Belts who are of higher rank than the highest-ranking member of the ED Committee, the President will facilitate the involvement and adjudication of a higher-ranking Instructor or Black Belt, who will either be a member of the ITF-USA's, or of the ITF-USA's governing body in the particular matter. This Instructor or Black Belt will appoint a temporary member of the ED Committee, only for that particular matter.

All persons who face the ED Committee are permitted the right to appeal the Committee's decisions. Appeals must be filed in writing with the Board of Directors within three days of the decision of the ED Committee, listing grounds for appeal. The Board of Directors will then call a Special Board Meeting to discuss the matter. The Special Board Meeting must be convened no later than one month of receipt of the member's appeal. The ED's decision will be in abeyance until the Special Board Meeting is convened.

The ED Committee and the member considered in breach will be invited to the Special Board meeting. At the meeting, the Board will review the testimony received by the ED Committee, and determine whether to uphold the ED Committee's original decision, or to impose a decision of its own. The Board's decision will be viewed as final.

Discipline shall never include demotion of rank unless said rank was achieved in a dishonest way.

VIII.11 The President shall only be able to vote in the case of a tie vote and shall act as Chairman of the meetings of the Board of Directors. In the absence of the President, or in the case that he/she is unable to act, the Vice-President shall act in the President's stead.

VIII.12 No two (2) of the Directors shall be from the same school or dojang.

VIII.13 If the President ceases to carry out or is prevented from performing his/her duties, the Vice-President shall undertake the duties until the next Congress meeting. In such a case, the Congress shall elect a new President.

VIII.14 If the Vice-President, the Secretary General and/or the Treasurer cease to carry out or are prevented from performing their duties, the Board of Directors shall appoint a replacement that shall occupy that position until the next Congress. In such a case, the Congress will elect the replacement.

VIII.15 The Board of Directors shall be the executive body of the I.T.F. USA. It shall be empowered to make decisions on all matters that are not exclusive to the Congress.

VIII.16 The Board of Directors shall meet at least twice a year. It shall report on its activities at each Congress meeting.

VIII.17 At the request of five (5) members of the Board of Directors, the President must convene an extraordinary Board of Directors meeting.

VIII.18 The Board of Directors may formulate or implement such By-laws as may be necessary to conduct the business of the I.T.F. USA, as long as those by-laws are not in conflict with the Constitution.

VIII.19 Such changes to the by-laws will be noted in a report to the following regularly scheduled Congress.

VIII.20 Eight week's notice of a meeting of the Board of Directors must be given to all members. A quorum for the meeting of the Boards of Directors will be the presence of 51% or more members.

VIII.21 The Board of Directors may appoint Executive Committees when necessary, to assist in the administration of the I.T.F.-USA. Each Executive Committee will comprise no more than three members each. Each committee will be chaired by an instructor or black belt who will appoint two other members from the ITF-USA Instructors and Black Belts (Students, where deemed necessary), to assist in the planning and implementation of the activities to be pursued by the respective Committee. Executive Committees will remain in effect no longer than the administrative term of the Board of Directors who appointed the Committees, and will be dissolved at the next Special General Meeting subsequent to the Committee's appointment. All members of the Board of Directors are EX OFFICIO members of all committees or sub-committees.

Article IX - Finance

IX.01 The financial year of the I.T.F. USA shall be the 1st day of January of each year.

IX.02 Consolidated balance sheets shall be drawn for the financial year ending December 31.

IX.03 Consolidated balance sheets shall be prepared every year and presented at each Congress meeting.

IX.04 Except as stated as being the responsibility of the auditors, the control of the I.T.F. USA finances shall rest with the Treasurer.

IX.05 The Treasurer shall report as required to the Congress meeting and to the Board of Directors on the financial situation of the I.T.F. USA.

IX.06 Remuneration and expenses of the meeting of the Board of Directors and Committee Chairpersons shall be set by resolution of the Board of Directors.

IX.07 All expenses that may be eligible for reimbursement shall be set forth in the by-laws.

Article X - Auditor

An Auditor will be appointed by the Congress to hold office for two years. The Auditor will be eligible for re-appointment. The Auditor is responsible for auditing the budget and accounts and has to inform the Congress of the results. The Auditor may attend all meetings but is not entitled to vote.

Article XI - Expulsion, Resignation, Suspension

XI.01 Circumstances and procedures not covered herein shall be addressed in the by-laws and rules.

XI.02 A member and/or National Association membership can be withdrawn from the I.T.F. USA for the following reasons:

A) Expulsion

B) Resignation

C) Dissolution of the National Association

XI.03 A National Association or member may resign from the I.T.F. USA by sending a notice to the Secretary General.

Article XII - Dissolution and Disposition

XII.01 The dissolution of the I.T.F. USA will require by at least two-thirds of the members to vote as registered with the I.T.F. USA at sixty (60) days prior to the vote, which can only take place during a regular or extraordinary Congress meeting.

XII.02 In the case of dissolution, the property of the I.T.F. USA will be given to a charitable society.

Article XIII - Effective Date

This Constitution will be in force and effect immediately upon its approval by a simple majority of the Congress.

Article XIV-Amendment to the Constitution To be adopted, an amendment to the Constitution must receive the approval of two-thirds of the votes cast by the delegates present and entitled to vote during a special or annual Congressional meeting.

The undersigned, as the duly elected Working Group of the I.T.F. USA, do hereby and affirm the above constitution on the date specified below.

This __________day of_____________, 2004, at the first I.T.F. USA Congress in Orlando, Florida.