Source: http://www.iwsf.com/org/bylaws/IWSF%20Bye%20Laws%202007.htm
Timestamp: 2020-04-06 09:13:30
Document Index: 665360822

Matched Legal Cases: ['art. 14', 'art. 15', 'art. 13', 'art. 19', 'art. 20', 'art. 20', 'art. 20', 'art. 20', 'art. 21']

6.2 Duties of Affiliated Members
7. CONFEDERATIONS
8. PRESIDENT EMERITUS
9.1 Financial Resources
9.2. Treasurer
9.2.2 Powers
10.1 Powers of the Congress
10.2 Resolutions
11. DIVISIONAL COUNCILS
11.1 Duties and proceedings
11.2 Composition and Voting
11.3 Frequency of Meetings
11.4 Election of Chairman
11.5 Election of EB Representative
12.1 Set up of Committees
12.2 Composition
13.1 Athletes Commission
13.2 Special Commissions
14. OFFICIAL COMPETITONS
14.1 Descriptions
14.2 Rights
14.3 Restriction
14.4 Calendar
14.5 Entry Fees
15. CATEGORIES OF EVENTS
15.1 Multi-Sport Games
15.2 Titled events
15.2.1 Bidding for titled events
15.2.2 Precedence
15.2.3 Rules of Eligibility for competitors
15.2.4 Rules of Eligibility for Officials
15.2.5 Late Entries for titled events
15.2.6 Medals and Titles
15.2.7 Prize-giving ceremony
15.2.8 Dress at award ceremonies
15.2.9 Selection process for the chief officials
15.2.10 Restrictions for selection
16.1 Personal Insurance - Competitors
16.2 Personal insurance - Officials
16.3 Public Liability Insurance
17. OBLIGATIONS OF COMPETITORS
18. OBLIGATIONS OF OFFICIALS
19.1 Infringements
19.2 Disciplinary action
20. SANCTIONS
20.1 Appeals
20.2 Appeals Committee
21.1 Purpose and scope
21.2 Parties concerned
21.3 Compulsory arbitration
21.4 Initiation of arbitration
21.5 Method of arbitration
22. AWARDS AND RECOGNITION OF SERVICES
22.1 Divisional skier / rider of the Year
22.2 IWSF Athlete of the Year
22.3 Order of Merit
The Bye-laws are supplementary to the Articles of the Association. The Letter of Agreement and Obligations for Titled Events, the Rules of Eligibility, Technical Rules of each Division and the Anti-Doping Policy are extensions of these Bye-laws.
Bye-laws shall be drawn up by the Executive Board. They shall contain administrative and technical rules together with directives necessary or convenient for the management of IWSF affairs and competitions within the scope of these Bye-laws.
Bye-laws shall be effective as soon as they have been communicated in writing by registered mail to affiliated Federations. Bye-laws and modifications thereto must he submitted to the next Congress for ratification.
The International Water Ski Federation was founded in Geneva, Switzerland on 27 July 1946 under the name of the International Water Ski Union. On 12 August 1955 the name was changed to World Water Ski Union. The current name of International Water Ski Federation was adopted on 1st January 1989.
The official abbreviation of the Name in any language is IWSF.
To promote and support the development of water skiing all over the world without discrimination or distinction for race, colour, religion or political persuasion
-- enabling mutual recognition of Member Federations in their dealings with each other by establishing friendly co-operation between member Federations.
-- upholding the Laws of water skiing as adopted and amended from time to time.
-- achieving uniform interpretation of the Laws & Rules of water skiing and of control of competitions by developing and communicating recommendations to officials;
-- printing and publishing from time to time the official and definitive text of the Laws of the IWSF and the Technical Rules of the Divisions.
-- encouraging the observance of the rules of water skiing in competitions and of the Technical Rules of the Divisions in all international competitions.
-- encourage the organisation of international competitions open to all athletes of the affiliated national federations, and to ensure that all international competitions are governed by the IWSF Technical Rules of the Divisions.
-- employing the funds of the Federation in such manner as deemed expedient in the interests of water skiing.
-- making regulations for World Titled Events and other international competitions and publishing these as the Technical Rules for each discipline of the Sport.
-- establishing lists of duties and obligations for events containing the word “World” in their title.
-- drawing up and establishing rules for the ratification of world records and ratify records in accordance therewith.
-- appointing judges and officials for World Titled Events.
-- preparing and distributing relevant information concerning water skiing to Members and internationally appointed Council, Committee and Commission Members and Officials.
-- representing and promoting water skiing in general and water skiing interests of affiliated Federations in particular, with the IOC, international organisations and institutions.
-- encourage the formation of national federations in countries where Water skiing is not developed.
-- establish international championships under the titles of IWSF World Water Ski Championships, IWSF World Cup, Continental Championships and to take part in the organisation of events of the Olympic cycle and the Olympic Games.
-- establish measures of development aid.
The Headquarters of the IWSF shall be in the country of residence of the President, unless the General Assembly shall decide otherwise.
The IWSF uses the following emblems:
The IWSF reserves all rights for the use and the disposal of its emblems.
The Executive Board is empowered to deal with the membership of the IWSF during the period from one World Congress to the other.
This concerns especially:
- Provisional affiliation of new Federations to the IWSF and the Confederations
- Suspension of member Federations due to non fulfilment of statutory, administrative or financial obligations
Such decision must be made by a 2/3 majority of the EB members.
a) Athletes, Officials and Clubs of Affiliated Federations shall recognise the authority of the IWSF and respect its Statutes, Bye-laws and decisions.
b) The admission of a Federation to affiliated membership constitutes its formal agreement to respect the Statutes, Bye-laws and Technical Rules; to conform to decisions of the IWSF and its Confederations; and to pay subscriptions and fines which may be imposed with the authority of the IWSF or its Confederations.
c) All affiliated Federations and their members shall recognise the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Lausanne as the only external body for jurisdiction.
National Federations are obliged to impose the said recognition on their athletes and members in all areas subject to the authority of the IWSF.
d) All member shall adhere to the IOC requirements on doping, and co-operate fully with the IWSF in its measures to detect or penalise infringements of those requirements.
Each Confederation shall independently regulate their administrative structure and internal proceedings in complying with the Rules and Regulations of the IWSF.
a) the President Emeritus shall be invited to all EB meetings and the Congress. He shall have the same privileges as the other EB members except with no vote.
b) The President Emeritus shall be directed from time to time by the Bureau to represent the IWSF.
The financial resources of the IWSF include:
a) annual subscriptions from Affiliated Federations and/or Confederations
b) sanction fees for World Titled Events.
c) television rights, commercial rights, intellectual rights and other surpluses from water skiing events organised by or under the auspices of the IWSF.
d) other membership fees.
e) IOC, Government or other public or private subsidies, donations and legacies.
f) investment income.
g) various contributions depending on circumstances and needs.
-- to maintain the accounting records of the IWSF; issue invoices and collect debts due to the IWSF and arrange for the payment of its liabilities.
-- to prepare the annual accounts and submit them for examination.
-- to circulate the examined accounts to Members of the Executive Board and Member Federations together with a Treasurer's report.
-- to prepare arid submit annual budgets for the ensuing two years to the Executive Board and Member Federations in a Congress year.
-- to assist with negotiations for and the awarding of World Titled Events other than those approved at World Congress and to receive copies of all signed Letters of Agreement and Indemnities.
-- to invoice and collect monies due in accordance with agreements signed for World Titled Events to advise an other forms of income which the IWSF may from time to time levy or raise.
-- to obtain advice on investments and make recommendations to the Executive Board and Bureau who shall always consider the safety of investments as paramount.
-- to obtain Executive Board or Bureau approval for any bank overdraft facilities or any other borrowings.
-- to keep the IWSF finances under continuous review and make recommendations to the Executive Board or Bureau for material variations to approved budgets.
-- to have the Treasurer's recommendations on financial decisions recorded in the minutes.
-- to be an authorised signatory to all IWSF bank accounts with the right to request information direct from banks and financial institutions.
-- to require Council and Committee chairmen to provide proposals for their budgets for a two year period and to incorporate the Treasurer's recommendations an such budgets into the overall IWSF budget.
-- to recommend to the Bureau and/or Executive Board penalties to be introduced as Bye-Laws for the late payment of debts.
-- to levy such penalties as approved
-- to request and receive details of accounts of the Confederations, Councils and Committees.
Congress is the supreme governing body within the IWSF. Its functions shall include, but not be limited to:
a) determining the principle lines of conduct regarding policy in general and the functioning of the Executive Board, Bureau and Councils.
b) receiving reports on the activities of the IWSF and its financial statements.
c) receiving the report of the Executive Director.
d) receiving reports on decisions taken by the Executive Board and by the Bureau.
e) receiving reports on bids for World Titled Events and decide if necessary.
f) modifying the Memorandum and Articles of Association.
g) receiving from the Executive Board for ratification modifications to the Bye-laws and the List of Obligations for World Titled Events.
f) deciding an other matters on the Agenda.
A resolution is an expression of intention or agreement or decision by the members of a company. In relation to companies incorporated under English law, resolutions and the procedures by which they are adopted are regulated by statutory provisions found in the Companies Act 1985. Failure to comply with such regulations would potentially render a resolution that was purportedly adopted, void or voidable. The formal resolutions recognised under English law are:
10.2.1 Ordinary Resolution
An ordinary resolution is not defined by the Companies Act 1985 (the “Act”) but is the resolution used for all matters not requiring another type of resolution under the Act or the company’s articles of association (the “Articles”). An ordinary resolution may be adopted by way of a simple majority at a general meeting of a company, i.e., more than 50% of the members who are entitled to attend and vote do so in favour of the resolution. Other than in relation to the Annual General Meeting (“AGM”) of the Company or any other general meeting convened for the adoption of a special resolution (see below), not less than fourteen (14) days’ advance written notice to all members is required to convene an Extraordinary General Meeting (“EGM”)
of the Company where only ordinary resolutions are tabled. Subject to compliance with certain provisions of the Act, shorter or, in certain instances, longer notice may be given to convene such EGM.
10.2.2 Special Resolution
A special resolution is one which has been adopted by a majority of not less than 75% of members who are entitled to attend and vote, and who do so at a general meeting of which not less than twenty-one (21) days’ advance written notice has been given.
Special resolutions are required for important matters such as alterations to the memorandum and articles of association and change of the company’s name. Subject to compliance with certain provisions of the Act, the notice period for the calling of a general meeting at which a special resolution is tabled or required may be shortened.
A copy of a special resolution must be filed with the Registrar of Companies within fifteen (15) days of it being passed.
10.2.3 Extraordinary Resolution
An extraordinary resolution is one which has been passed by such majority as is required for a special resolution, i.e., not less than 75% of members who are entitled to attend and vote. Where only extraordinary resolutions are to be proposed at a general meeting (other than the AGM) of the company, not less than Twenty one (21) days advance written notice to all members is required to convene such general meeting.
Extraordinary resolutions are required for certain matters relating to winding-up of the company and the modification of class rights.
A copy of an extraordinary resolution must be filed with the Registrar of Companies within fifteen (15) days of it being passed.
10.2.4 Elective Resolution
Despite any contrary provision in the Articles, a company may adopt a resolution in general meeting for any of the following purposes:
Election as to dispense with laying of accounts and reports before the members at general meeting;
a) Election to dispense with holding of an AGM;
b) Election to dispense with annual appointment of auditors.
Such a resolution is known as an elective resolution, and must be adopted by all members entitled to attend and vote at a general meeting convened by not less than twenty-one (21) days’ advance written notice stating that the elective resolution is to be proposed and stating the terms of the resolution. Subject to compliance with certain provisions under the Act, the notice period may be shortened. A copy of an elective resolution must be filed with the Registrar of Companies within fifteen (15) days of it being passed.
10.2.5 Written Resolution
Anything which a company can do by resolution (whether ordinary, special, extraordinary or elective) of the members in general meeting can be done without a meeting and advance written notice having been given by way of a resolution in writing. Such resolutions are known as written resolutions and each must be signed by, or on behalf of, all members who, at the ‘date of the resolution’, would be entitled to attend and vote at the general meeting that would have been convened to adopt such resolution if not for the written resolution.
The ‘date of resolution’ means the date on which the resolution is signed by, or on behalf of, the last member to sign. All signatures need not be on the same document provided each copy accurately states the terms of the resolution.
Water skiing has the following Divisional Councils:
-- Barefoot
Each Divisional Council shall be responsible for preparing and proposing promotion and development plans for its division and shall have, at a minimum, the following duties:
-- to establish Technical Rules for World Titled Events and Homologated events.
-- to establish practical and theoretical examinations of international judges and officials.
-- to examine and approve the site, the installations and equipment as appropriate for World Titled Events.
-- to set the conditions to be observed for the establishment and the homologation of records.
-- to maintain Standings and Rankings Lists of athletes in the IWSF according to their verified performances in homologated competitions.
-- to circulate minutes of the Council meetings without undue delay.
-- to report to the Executive Board and refer any matters as appropriate to the Executive Board for guidance.
Each Council Chairman may delegate roles and duties to their Council member as is necessary to share the work load. If any Council member does not fulfil their duties to the satisfaction of the Council, the Council chairman can request the Confederation President to consider the removal of the member from the Council and the appointment of a replacement.
Each Council may make their own policies and procedures on how they want to conduct their business. However, Byelaws 11.2, 11.3, 11.4 and 11.5 shall apply to every Council.
11.2 Composition &Voting
Each Continental Confederation shall have three voting members on a Council.
The IWSF Athletes Commission shall appoint one member to each Council unless at least one elite athlete as defined by the AC policies and procedures is already among the nine voting members.
Councils have the authority to appoint one other voting member if they feel it necessary for the work of the council.
This will give a maximum of eleven (11) voting members.
Except where stated otherwise in the divisional Technical Rules all voting shall be determined by simple majority.
Each Continental Confederation shall also elect an Alternate member.
The Athletes Commission shall also appoint an Alternate member unless at least two elite athlete as defined by the AC policies and procedures are already among the nine voting members..
Alternate members may attend meetings and shall have voice but no vote unless replacing an absent member.
A Council Chairman may invite such individuals with voice and no vote to attend all or part of a meeting as may be necessary to fulfil the functions of the Council.
The Council shall meet biennially at the Divisional World Championships.
It is however recommended that the Council schedule a second meeting in the off year either in person, via teleconference, video conference or similar electronic medium.
The Chairman shall be elected from among and by the members of the Council every two years to coincide with the meeting at the Divisional World Championships.
Any vacancy in the role of Chairman at any time will be filled by a further election and will be valid until the next election meeting.
It is recommended but not mandated that the Chairman of a World Council should not also be the Chairman of a Continental Confederation Council.
The EB Representative shall be elected from among and by the members of the Council every two years to coincide with the meeting at the Divisional World Championships.
It is recommended that the Council Chair be the EB representative.
Any vacancy in the role of EB Representative will be filled by a further election and will be valid until the next election meeting.
The Executive Board and the Bureau may establish Committees charged with the study of precisely defined matters on which they shall report their findings with proposals for measures to be taken or with specific duties.
At present the special committees are:
-- Marketing & Media
-- Medical and Safety
-- Mediterranean Games
-- Women and Sport
-- World Cup Management
-- Water Ski World Cup
-- Wakeboard World Cup
The Chairman shall be appointed by the Executive Board. The committee shall include at least one person from each Confederation with a minimum of 4 and a maximum of 6 persons. The EB may appoint one of their members to sit on the committee.
The Athletes Commission will consist of 8 athletes, 3 from the Tournament division (1 per Confederation), 1 each from the Barefoot, Cable Ski, Disabled, Racing and Wakeboard disciplines.
The Athletes Commission shall appoint from amongst its members 2 representatives preferably from different disciplines and different genders to the Executive Board.
The Athletes Commission shall appoint 1 representative for each Divisional Council. They shall be voting members.
13.1.2 Definition of the Athlete
Athletes who are members of Affiliated Members of the IWSF and who satisfy at least one of the following criteria, are qualified to be members of and vote for the Athletes Commission:
-- Athletes who are actively engaged in IWSF sanctioned competition and competing at a level of proficiency for selection to a national Water ski team.
-- Athletes who have been competing as a member of an National team in a World Titled Event or other major international competition within the ten years preceding appointment to the Commission, which is consistent with the IOC Athletes’ Commission definition of an Athlete Representative.
Such international competitions shall include: Confederation Championships, World Games and Region Games.
Special commissions are set up like the Councils, but will have no Council status. They are working under the responsibility of the Executive Board or a specific Council and are charged to govern a discipline or a specific category of events.
At present the special commissions are:
-- World University Water Ski
-- Cable Wakeboard
The following words may not be used in the title of a competition without the authority of the Executive Board or Bureau:
· “World” or related/similar terminology in any language
· “Intercontinental” or related/similar terminology in any language
· “Championships” applied to competitions other than those involving only members of the same Federation or Continental Confederation.
The organisers of all competitions containing the words "World" or “Intercontinental” in their title are bound by the provisions in the Letter of Agreement and Obligations which form an addendum to these Bye-laws.
No affiliated member Federation or Confederation may promote or support any event containing the words "World" or “Intercontinental” in its title unless it has received approval from the Executive Board or Bureau.
The rights to all competitions described in art. 14.1 containing the words "World" or “Intercontinental” on their title belong to IWSF. The Bureau is empowered to negotiate such contracts and sign the Letter of Agreement and Obligations together with the appropriate Council Chairman on behalf of the IWSF.
No other Water ski competition shall be allowed to take place on the same site in conjunction with a World Titled Event without prior approval of the relevant council and the Executive Board.
A Calendar for World Titled Events for the next two years shall be finalised 14 days after a Congress.
No event shall be approved for the Calendar unless the organiser has returned the signed Letter of Agreement and Obligations and Indemnity to the President of the IWSF and provided the required guarantee.
No entry fees shall be payable for events subject to the Letter of Agreement and Obligations, unless specified at the time the bid is approved.
The participation of Water Skiing at World or any other Regional Multi-Sport Games shall take place under the authority of the IWSF or the appropriate Confederation.
A titled event is one for which the Letter of Agreement and Obligations forms a contract between the host Federation and IWSF.
Federations may bid for such events up to six years in advance of the date proposed for the event. Bids must be in writing, submitted to the President with copies to the Secretary General and the Chairman of the Council concerned. To be considered at an Annual Congress full bids with the required guarantee should arrive at least 30 days beforehand.
Bids shall be in writing and should be supported by the following:
-- Confirmation that the List of Obligations will be fully honoured
-- Proposed site with maps and pictures if possible
-- Dates of training and competition
-- Accommodation and costs
-- Name of proposed sponsor if known
-- Visa requirements
-- Any proposed entry fee and charge for tickets to the final dinner including the currency in which it will be payable.
-- Currency used for hotel and other expenses and which credit cards will be accepted for such payments.
Bids for events within 3 years shall be submitted in writing to the same persons with the same information's as above for approval by the Executive Board.
Once a bid has been accepted no exceptions to the List of Obligations will be permitted unless approved by the Executive Board or Bureau.
Any contract entered into by the organiser before the Letter of Agreement and Obligations has been signed and returned shall be at the organisers own risk.
The order of precedence of the Executive Board members at events organised under the auspices of IWSF is:
-- The Secretary General
-- The IWSF Vice-Presidents and the Treasurer
-- The Chairman of the Council concerned
-- The President of the Host Confederation
-- The Presidents of the other Confederations
-- The members of the Executive Board
15.2.3 Rules of Eligibility for Competitors and Officials
Rules of Eligibility for competitors and officials shall be determined by each Divisional Council, for Bureau approval.
15.2.4 Late Entries for titled events
Unless otherwise specified in the Technical Rules of a Division, the following will apply:
A late entry fee of 10.-- Swiss Francs per day per athlete shall be levied on each entry not received 10 days before the first official day of familiarisation or the first day of competition if there is no familiarisation.
Late entries will only be accepted with the consent of the Organiser and Chief Judge.
15.2.5 Medals and Titles
The distribution of the IWSF medals (gold, silver, bronze) at World Titled Events shall be determined by each Divisional Council but subject to approval by the Executive Board.
Each Divisional Council shall decide whether a World Championships or a World Trophy (no titles) shall be held. Such decision shall be stated by the Council before the bid is made. Once a Championships has been held it cannot revert to a Trophy.
15.2.6 Prize-giving ceremony
Medal ceremonies for each of the Events will take place at the site of the respective Event. The President (or his duly appointed representative as the case may be) shall decide who shall present the medals for the Events. Medals may be presented by the President himself, the appropriate Council Chairman or by members of the Executive Board. The President (or his duly appointed representative as the case may be) may select other persons as presenters.
The Organiser undertakes skiers will follow for the ceremony the guidelines on clothing extracted from the Bye-laws of the IOC and attached to this Schedule.
The Organiser shall procure that:
-- skiers are dressed in their official team uniform.
-- the winner will be in the centre of the podium with second on the left and third on the right (when facing the podium).
-- skiers will be called to the podium and presentation made in the order - third, second, first.
-- after the three medals have been awarded a short version of the anthem of the winner’s nation will be played and during the playing of the anthem the flags of the medal winners’ nations will be raised.
15.2.7 Dress for Officials
Officials shall wear at the World Championships the appropriate cloths as determined by each Divisional Council, for Bureau approval.
It is the responsibility of each National Federation to ensure its medal winners wear the appropriate team uniform. Personal sponsorship on clothing shall not be permitted.
For the Open, Junior and Senior World Championships the President of the IWSF shall appoint the Chief Judge, Assistant Chief Judge, Homologator and Chief Scorer no later than six months before the announced first day of the event.
The officials shall be appointed through the following procedures:
15.2.9.1 Tournament
One nomination for each position shall be submitted by each Confederation Tournament Council no later than 8 months before the announced first day of the championship. Nominations shall be accompanied by resumes outlining the expertise and experience of each nominee. The President of the IWSF shall select and appoint one of the three nominations.
The President of the IWSF shall formally notify in writing all the above appointed officials personally with copies to the federation of the official and the relevant Divisional World Council or Commission Chairman.
15.2.9.2 Barefoot, Cable, Cable Wakeboard, Disabled Racing and Wakeboard
The relevant World Council or Commission shall submit one nomination for each of the positions of Chief Judge, Assistant Chief Judge, Scorer(s) and Homologator (Scrutineer for Racing). Such nominations shall be submitted to the President of the IWSF no later than eight months before the announced first day of the championship. Each nomination shall be accompanied by a resume outlining the expertise and experience of each nominee. The President of the IWSF shall accept and ratify these nominations unless he has just cause for not doing so. If the President rejects the proposed nomination he will notify his decision to the relevant Divisional Council or Commission Chairman who shall submit a new nomination.
For all other World Titled Events the officials as per art. 15.2.9 shall be appointed by the relevant Divisional Council or Commission no later than six months before the announced first day of the championship.
If any of the appointments as per art. 13.2.9 are not made in due time or in case of the non availability of any appointed person within the six months prior to the World Championship the President of the IWSF shall make the appointment after consulting with the relevant Divisional Council or Commission Chairman.
In order to assure publication of these rules, each Divisional Council shall add the parts of the above rules applying to their division to their Technical Rules.
No person shall be eligible for selection for the same official position in successive events with the same World Title. No person shall be eligible for selection in any official capacity for three successive events with the same World title. Upon recommendation of the relevant Council, dispensation may be granted by the IWSF President.
15.2.11 Eligibility of transgender/transsexual/sexual reassigned athletes
The IWSF adheres to current International Olympic Committee criteria for eligibility for transgender/transsexual/sexual reassigned athletic participation in IWSF sanctioned events. All relevant decisions will be made by the IWSF Medical Committee according to such criteria and will be final."
It is the responsibility of each Federation when entering competitors for a World Titled Event to ensure that its competitors are adequately insured for personal accident, permanent disabilities, death and medical expenses.
The IWSF shall insure the Executive Board, Executive Director and Council members, for competitions and meetings which they attend and all Officials whom it appoints to events covered by the Letter of Agreement and Obligations. The insurance cover shall be:
Death: 500,000.-- Swiss Francs
Permanent Disability: 500,000.-- Swiss Francs
Cover will be effective from the commencement of their travel to the competition or meeting and continue until the safe conclusion of their travel after the event or meeting to their home, place of work or next place of stay, whichever is reached first.
It is the responsibility of each member Federation of IWSF to have valid insurance cover for Public Liability of a minimum of 2 Million Swiss Francs for any and all accidents, physical or material, caused to third parties by the organisers, their helpers, assistants or other persons taking part in the event. This shall also apply to the material and installations used in the competition, during the training, competition and at any time during the event. This shall apply to all events, races or competitions.
Competitors competing in competitions shall at all times comply with the Rules governing competitions.
In the case of an infraction sanctions varying from a written warning to temporary or permanent exclusion from IWSF activities may be applied by the appropriate authority (see art. 19.2). The Appeals procedure shall be as art. 20.1.
Competitors participating in any titled event under the authority of IWSF or any other competition covered by these Bye-laws accept them without restriction.
Officials, whether or not appointed to an event, shall act in a proper manner in keeping with their responsibilities and positions.
At all times they shall:
-- Act impartially, completely disregarding nationality.
-- Be in possession of and follow scrupulously and conscientiously all rules and regulations published by the IWSF.
-- Comply with the decisions of the Chief Judge and/or the Jury.
-- Make no personal comments, either in private or in public, on matters which are or have been the subject of discussion within the Jury.
-- Uphold the authority and dignity of the IWSF.
-- Attend all events to which they are appointed unless having given prior reasonable notice to the organisers.
In the case of an infraction sanctions varying from a written warning to temporary or permanent exclusion from IWSF activities may be applied by the appropriate authority (see art. 20.2). Appeals procedure shall be as art. 20.1.
No athlete, official, athletes family or representative shall transgress the generally accepted norms of ethical sporting behaviour.
Federations or athletes may be held responsible for the actions of an athlete’s family or representative.
The appointed team officials are responsible for the behaviour on and off the water of their athletes from the time of arrival to the time of departure from the competition.
Such transgressions include, but are not limited to the following:
-- Violence or injury to others
-- Theft
-- Vandalism
-- Insulting or offensive words or behaviour
-- Abuse of equipment
In the case of failure to observe the rules National Federations have responsibility in case of non observation of these rules to apply sanctions where within their jurisdiction. They shall inform IWSF, the Confederations and all other Federations of the action taken. Other Federations so notified shall, where applicable, enforce the sanction.
Otherwise, failure to comply with these rules shall be subject to a disciplinary action varying from a written reprimand to temporary or permanent exclusion from IWSF activities.
The disciplinary action may be taken by
-- the Bureau
-- the Executive Board
-- the Divisional Council
-- the Chief Judge and/or the Jury
Action taken by the Chief Judge and/or Jury shall have effect at the time and place of the competition at which the infraction occurs and shall be limited to that competition.
A report of the complaint and the action taken shall be made to the World Divisional Council and to the Federation of the person concerned within 14 days.
An infraction calling for action beyond that applicable to a competition shall be reported to the Bureau by the Chief Judge, the Organiser and the World Divisional Chairman within 7 days of the occurrence, accompanied by depositions from Officials concerned and/or witness to the infraction. The Bureau shall afford the parties concerned an opportunity to state their case which may include depositions from witnesses and other evidence.
Action taken by the Bureau shall be notified to the offender, their Federation and the World Divisional Council as soon as possible.
In the case of a more serious offence, the Bureau shall refer the matter to the Executive Board for action. The Executive Board shall investigate the matter and decide by postal/fax exchange or at a meeting, the action to be taken.
The Secretary General shall notify the offender, their Confederation, Federation and the World Divisional Council as soon as action is decided upon.
Action decided upon by the Bureau or the Executive Board shall be suspended if the Federation concerned takes action which, in the opinion of the Bureau or the Executive Board is appropriate and sufficient. Such action taken by a Federation must be notified to the Bureau within 30 days of the infraction, or when the action to be taken by the Bureau or the Executive Board is to come into effect, whichever is the sooner.
For contravention of any Article or Bye-laws the Executive Board may apply such sanctions as it deems appropriate including
-- imposition of a fine.
-- removal of the whole or part of the Federation's voting power at the Congress.
-- suspension for a period of time or from a specified competition or competitions of the Federation's Team or competitors.
In case of a sanction taken other than at a competition the person concerned may have recourse to the Appeals Committee (see art. 20.2)
Appeals against decisions to be valid shall be sent to the President of IWSF, Secretary General, the Confederation, National Federation and the Council chairman concerned within 15 days of the receipt of the decision being contested.
The Executive Board shall select an Appeals Committee of 5 persons for a 2 year term. They shall not be members of the Executive Board or a Divisional Council.
In case of a vacancy occurring the remaining members of the Appeals Committee will appoint a person to fill that vacancy until the next Congress.
A member of the Appeals Committee personally involved in a dispute shall be replaced for the duration of the hearing. The remaining members of the Appeals Committee will appoint a person to fill the temporary vacancy.
Decisions of the Appeals Committee are subject only to further appeal to the Court of Arbitration of Sport.
The overall aim of these article is to avoid unnecessary conflicts within our sport by means of an agreed procedure for unforeseen disputes in areas not covered by existing rules. The points below shall not overrule, overlap or interfere with Statutes, Bye-laws, competition rules, or disciplinary measures described elsewhere in documents adopted by the Congress.
The article shall apply to, and settle, all issues or disputes extending across the boundaries between any and all of the parties mentioned in art. 21.2 including:
-- financial claims
-- alleged violations of Statutes, Bye-laws and other official rules adopted by the IWSF
-- disputes over the interpretation of same
-- disputes over alleged unfair or unsportsmanlike conduct
-- other administrative or organisational disputes.
-- bringing the sport into disrepute.
The article shall not apply to:
-- disputes over competition and disciplinary rules, or other subjects where full authority resides with the IWSF
-- disputes within any single country
-- issues that are unrelated to the sport of water skiing
-- issues involving civil or criminal offences under the jurisdiction of any member country.
Committed by the rules will be the IWSF, its Bureau, Executive Board, Councils, Committees, Confederations, Affiliated Members, Athletes and clubs of Affiliated Members and officials.
Also committed will be outside organisers of an international competition, whether commercial or not and it will be the responsibility of the relevant Federation to see that this requirement is observed.
If a claim or a dispute cannot be resolved by mutual agreement within 12 months of its origin, either party is entitled to demand a settlement by arbitration. The demand for arbitration shall be made by registered letter to the President and Secretary General of the IWSF, with a copy to the other party or parties.
Arbitration may be initiated upon expiration of the said 12 months by any of the parties or by the IWSF President with a copy to both parties involved.
In case of urgency, arbitration may be initiated prior to the expiry of 12 months, provided the IWSF President gives his consent in writing.
Disputes which cannot be settled by agreement between the parties shall be referred to the Court of Arbitration for Sport as a final authority. The decision of the Court shall be final and binding on all parties.
22. AWARDS & RECOGNITION OF SERVICES
At the end of each season each Divisional Council of the IWSF will be asked to choose their Male and Female skiers/riders of the year. In choosing their skier/rider of the year each Council should ensure the award is based on athletic achievement in the current year. The results of each skier/rider should be considered in an unbiased manner.
Once chosen these skiers or riders will be announced as:
Barefoot Barefooters of the Year
Cableski Cable Skiers of the Year
Disabled Disabled Skiers of the Year
Racing Ski Racers of the Year
Tournament Skiers of the Year
Wakeboard Boat Riders of the Year
Wakeboard Cable Cable Riders of the Year
At the end of each season the skiers and riders chosen under Article 22.1 will be named to the IWSF Executive Board. The EB members will then vote to chose the Male and Female IWSF Athletes of the Year.
Election process of Athlete of the Year
The Election will be a closed ballot of the EB members sent only to the Administrative Office for tallying. Each Executive Board member MUST vote for a first and second choice from the recommended nominations of the Councils. First choice will be assigned two points and second choice will be assigned as one point. The nominee with the most votes will be judged the winner.
The winners will be known by the title IWSF Athletes of the Year.
The International Water Ski Federation may confer an award named the “Order of Merit” upon any person who, in any capacity, has rendered particularly outstanding service within the aims of the IWSF internationally. This award shall be granted by the Executive Board on behalf of the International Water Ski Federation and shall consist of a specially created award.
Nominations for consideration for the Order of Merit may be submitted by any EB member, Council, Committee or Commission.
These Bye-laws were approved by the Congress at Biella on September 27, 2001 and additional changes were made by the Congress in Roquebrune on September 21, 2002 and the Congress in Howey in the Hills on September 18, 2003.
Further changes were approved by the IWSF Congress in Austria in August 2007.
They are in force with immediate effect.