KUDO INTERNATIONAl FEDERATION (“KIF”) – CODE OF ETHICS(PURPOSE)
Art. 1.

The rules set out in this document (“the Code”) aim at establishing the basic principlesof ethics to be adhered to, to maintain and increase the credibility of KIF in the eye ofthe public.

(SCOPE OF APPLICATION)
Art. 2.

The Code applies to all members, officials and employees of the KUDO International
Federation.

(COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS AND REGULATIONS)
Art. 3.

All registered members of the Federation, its officials and employees shall abide byapplicable laws and regulations, by the Articles of Association of KIF and its internal
rules and regulations, as well as take into consideration society’s expectations in theiractions.

(PROHIBITED ACTS AND BEHAVIORS)
Art. 4.

Register members of the Federation, its officers and employees shall not engage in thefollowing acts and behaviors. In particular, people in leadership position shall holdthemselves to stringent standards and be careful not to find themselves in violations.
1. Discrimination
There shall be no discrimination, whether on the basis of gender, race orethnicity, religion, nationality, political beliefs, or any other ground.
2. Physical or moral violence
Regardless of the circumstances, one shall not resort to physical or moralviolence (direct violence, insult, intimidation, excessive pressure…)
3. Slander (*)
In keeping with the dignified behavior expected of Kudo practitioners, one shallrefrain from slander or calumny against others. In particular, one should strictly
refrain from slander on social media an similar means.
4. Sexual harassment
One shall not cause discomfort by inappropriate sexual behavior or expressions.
1) One shall strive to recognize that their counterpart may feel discomfort
even when a conduct or expression is intended a a way to teach or1

express familiarity
2) Even in the absence of such intention, a conduct may amount to sexual
harassment if their counterpart feels uncomfortable
3) When someone feels they are sexually harassed, they should expressly
mention their discomfort to the other party
5. Abuse of mandate
One should refrain from inappropriate take advantage of mandates with which
they are entrusted. As a general rule, organizations in each country should bemanaged democratically through proper governance structures such as boardsof directors, and there should be no excessive concentration or monopolizationof power for the profit of a few individuals.
6.

Abuse of leadership position
People in leadership position shall not use that position to act improperly.
They should also refrain from intimidation, bullying, discrimination etc. when
having power as hierarchical superior, “sempai”, tournament supervisor, etc.

7.

Doping and use of prohibited substances
Doping is not only contrary to the spirit of fair play, it is also harmful to theathletes’ heath and should never be tolerated.
1) Even when an athlete has no intention of committing doping, somemedicine may contain prohibited substance. Care should therefore beexercised when taking medication.
2) The use of narcotics is not only antisocial but it is also harmful to themental health and personality of the user. Such use should always beavoided.

8. Inappropriate conduct in the management of tournament or use of facilities.
Any behavior that prevents the smooth running of tournaments or result indamage to facilities should be avoided. At all time, KIF members, officers
and employees shall behave in a manner appropriate for representatives of
the Federation and KUDO.
9. Inappropriate actions relative to accounting and handing of funds.
Embezzlement, undue profit sharing bribery, fraudulent accounting andrelated acts are prohibited.
10. Relationships with antisocial forces / criminal organizations.
All relationships with antisocial forces / criminal organizations must
resolutely be avoided.

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(HANDLING OF VIOLATIONS)
Art. 5.

Handling of violations to the above shall be done in accordance with the Articles of
Association and with the relevant rules and regulations of the Federation.

(WHISTLEBLOWING)
Art. 6.

The Federation shall establish an internal reporting channel allowing the notification andhandling of violations. Such channel shall be established separately.

(CHANGES TO THE CODE)
Art. 7.

Changes to the code shall be subject to a resolution of the Board of Directors.

(*) Supplemental elements relative to Article 4 (3)Prohibited behaviors covered under Art 4 (3) include
disrespecting or insulting specific individuals, groups, ethnic groups, ideas, beliefs, religions,politics, etc., defaming, or making offensive, discriminatory, sexually derogatory comments
or statements.

posting information of doubtful authenticity on social media.

making unilateral criticisms or offensive, discriminatory, or aggressive comments orstatements based on personal opinions or beliefs.

Adopted in April 2017
Updated in April 20243