International Pole Sports Federation

Ethical Code of Conduct

By-Laws – Article X

www.polesports.org

Code of Ethics

Requirements and guidelines

May 15th, 2013©

This is an open working document

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Introduction 3 2. Competitors 3

2.1 Ethical Considerations for Competitors 3

2.2 Standards of Competing Conduct 4 3. Judges 5

3.1 Ethical Considerations for Judges 6

3.2 Standards of Judging Conduct 7 4. Coaches 7

4.1 Ethical Considerations for Coaches 8

4.2 Standards of Coaching Conduct 8

5. Complaints Procedure 9

6. Regulations for Conflict of Interests 11

6.1 Introduction 11

6.2 Related parties, personal interest and a conflict of interest 12

6.3 Preventing a conflict of interest 12

6.4 Resolving a conflict of interest 13

6.5 Consequences of violating conflict of interest regulations 14

7. National federations 14

7.1 Ethical Considerations for National Federations 15

1. Introduction

The Code of Ethics exists as a set of beliefs that have been written to serve as guidelines for

the way in which all Members, be they competitors, officials, coaches, administrators,

federations or others, and should strive to conduct themselves as Members of the

International Pole Sports Federation (IPSF). Members join the IPSF of their own free will and

in doing so agree to abide by the Constitution and Rules of which the Ethical Code of

Conduct forms an integral part. Any Member who is found to have contravened the Code of

Ethics may be subject to disciplinary or other measures. The standards, procedures and

sanctions set forth in this code of ethics are not equivalent to criminal laws and procedures.

Rather, they concern the rights and privileges of IPSF membership, including, but not limited

to, the privileges in competitions, events, or other activities as a member of IPSF. The

actions and behaviour of individuals participating in IPSF activities, or in events sponsored

by or sanctioned by the IPSF shall be lawful and in accordance with all IPSF rules and

regulations and consistent with the principles of fair play, good sportsmanship, honesty, and

respect for the rights of others.

2. Competitors

i. IPSF competitors are obligated to follow this Ethical Code of Conduct.

ii. Any competitor participating in an event accredited and recognised as such by the

IPSF, is considered to be a Member for the duration of the competition from receipt

of application to the close of the event and therefore obligated to adhere to all

applicable rules and codes of conduct.

iii. Any competitor registered with the IPSF under the Recognition Programme is

deemed to be a continuing member and therefore obligated to adhere to all

applicable rules and codes of conduct for the duration of their registration.

2.1 Ethical Considerations for Competitors

i. All competitors must agree to abide by the international rules of fair play upon

participation of any IPSF event in any capacity.

ii. Fair play is defined as much more than playing within the rules. It incorporates the

concepts of friendship, respect for others, and always participating with the right

spirit. Fair play is defined as a way of thinking, not just a way of behaving. It

incorporates issues concerned with the elimination of cheating, gamesmanship,

doping, violence (both physical and verbal), the sexual harassment and abuse of

competitors and officials, exploitation, unequal opportunities, excessive

commercialisation and corruption.

iii. Fair play is a positive concept. Pole Sports is a social and cultural activity which,

practiced appropriately, enriches society and the friendship between nations. Pole

Sports is also recognised as an individual activity which offers the opportunity for

self-knowledge, self-expression and fulfilment as well as personal achievement, skill

acquisition and demonstration of ability surrounded by social interaction,

enjoyment, good health and well-being. The IPSF promotes involvement and

responsibility in society.

iv. All competitors will be valued and treated in an equitable and fair manner regardless

of ability, age, sex, religion, social and ethnic background or political persuasion.

v. Competitors must be free of obligation to any interests connected to IPSF officials.

All such connections must be declared prior to the event for IPSF Executive

Committee consideration.

vi. Any decisions which are slanted by personal bias are dishonest and unacceptable.

vii. Anything which may lead to a conflict of interest, either real or apparent, must be

avoided.

viii. Gifts, favours, special treatment, privileges, employment or a personal relationship

with a team, school or individual which can compromise the perceived impartiality of

officiating must be avoided.

ix. Competitors have an obligation to treat IPSF officials with professional dignity and

courtesy.

x. Competitors have an obligation to treat other competitors with professional dignity,

respect and courtesy and recognise that it is inappropriate to criticize other

competitors publicly.

xi. Competitors are expected not to undertake inappropriate conduct and shall attempt

to eliminate all practices which bring discredit to the rules and values set by IPSF.

xii. Competitors agree to abide by all of the current the WADA Code and International

Olympic Committee anti-doping rules as adopted by the IPSF for each event.

2.2 Standards of Competing Conduct

i. Competitors are expected to know and abide by the IPSF competition rules and

regulations and the ethical considerations of Pole Sports.

ii. Competitors are expected to accept success and failure, victory and defeat, equally.

iii. Competitors will accept the decision of the event officials without protest unless

they deem a contravention has been broken. In this instance the competitor is

entitled to make a complaint in accordance with the IPSF complaints policy and

procedure. However, until such time as the complaint can be made, the competitor

will continue to exhibit respectful and appropriate behaviour and conduct

themselves accordingly.

iv. Competitors will avoid words or actions which may mislead an event official.

v. Competitors will be expected to sign a code of conduct form at every event they

compete in.

vi. Competitors SHALL NOT:

Use drugs, except for medical purposes, while travelling, competing, socialising,

and/or using facilities including lodging spaces.

Consume alcohol before or while competing.

Strike, attempt to strike or otherwise physically abuse an official, competitor,

spectator or coach.

Intentionally engage in or incite participants and/or spectators to engage in abusive

or violent action.

Use obscene gestures, profanity, or disrespectful language.

Violate any IPSF host accommodation and laws of the city, state or country an event

is held in.

Exhibit nudity before, during, or after the competition.

3. Judges

i. The IPSF believes the duty of Judges is to act impartially in Pole Sport competitions.

We believe this duty carries with it an obligation to perform with accuracy, fairness,

and objectivity through an overriding sense of integrity.

ii. It is vital every official approach each assignment in a professional manner. Because

of their authority and autonomy, officials must have a high degree of commitment

and expertise.

iii. Judges who are "professionals" voluntarily observe a high level of conduct, not

because of fear of penalty, but rather out of personal character. They accept

responsibility for their actions. This conduct has as its foundation a deep sense of

moral values and use of reason which substantiates the belief a given conduct is

proper, simply because it is.

3.1 Ethical Considerations for Judges

i. Judges must be free of obligation to any interest other than the impartial and fair

judging of Pole Sports competitions. Any decisions which are slanted by personal

bias are dishonest and unacceptable.

ii. Anything which may lead to a conflict of interest, either real or apparent, must be

avoided. Gifts, favours, special treatment, privileges, employment, or a personal

relationship with a team, school or individual which can compromise the perceived

impartiality of officiating must be avoided.

iii. Judges have a responsibility to continuously seek self-improvement through study of

the sport, rules, mechanics and the techniques of pole fitness management. They

have a responsibility to accurately represent their qualifications and abilities when

requesting or accepting officiating assignments.

iv. Judges have an obligation to treat other officials with professional dignity and

courtesy and recognize that it is inappropriate to criticize other officials publicly.

Whilst officiating, judges should protect the public (fans, administrators, coaches,

players, et al.) from inappropriate conduct and shall attempt to eliminate from the

officiating avocation/profession all practices which bring discredit to it.

v. All judges will have to sign a code of conduct form at every event they judge an

event as an accredited IPSF judge.

3.2 Standards of Judging Conduct

i. To apply honestly, impartially, and objectively all of the rules governing

competitions.

ii. To safeguard the interests of all competitors on equal terms.

iii. To cooperate in providing the best possible conditions for the benefit of the

competitors, other officials, and administrators.

iv. To respect the feelings and competitive drive of the Pole Sports athletes, and to

make reasonable allowances for their heightened emotions in the heat of

competition.

v. To respect the Constitution and Rules and the requirements of an effective

administration and to cooperate willingly and promptly with the officially elected or

appointed administrators and other officials in the carrying out of their duties and

responsibilities.

vi. To cooperate with the organizers of the competitions by rendering decisions clearly

and promptly, and in accordance with the requirements of the competition or

judging procedures.

vii. To refrain from attempting to influence the decisions of other judges or officials, and

to respect their individual opinions and decisions.

viii. To honour the special trust conferred upon them in their selection as judges and to

adhere to the standards of personal conduct expected of a sports official.

ix. To cooperate with the Pole Sports athletes, other officials, and administrators in the

development of high standards, both moral and physical, for the sport of Pole Sports

and in the progressive furtherance of the objects of the IPSF.

4. Coaches

i. Coaches are key to the establishment of ethics in all sporting activities. Their concept

of ethics and their attitude directly affects the behaviour of competitors under their

supervision. Coaches are, therefore, expected to pay particular care to the moral

aspect of their conduct. Set out below is IPSF Coaches Code of Conduct which

reflects the standards expressed by the National Coaching Foundation and the

National Association of Sports Coaches.

4.1 Ethical Considerations for Coaches

ii. Coaches have to be aware that almost all of their everyday decisions and choices of

actions, as well as strategic targets, have ethical implications. It is natural that

winning constitutes a basic concern for coaches. This code is not intended to conflict

with that. However, the code calls for coaches to disassociate themselves from a

“win-at-all-costs” attitude.

iii. Increased responsibility is requested from coaches involved in coaching competitors.

The health, safety, welfare and moral education of the competitor are a first priority,

before the achievement or the reputation of the club, school, or coach.

4.2 Standards of Coaching Conduct

i. Coaches must respect the rights, dignity and worth of each and every person and

treat each equally within the context of the sport.

ii. Coaches must place the well-being and safety of each performer above all other

considerations, including the development of performance.

iii. Coaches must adhere to all guidelines laid down by IPSF governing bodies.

iv. Coaches must develop an appropriate working relationship with each competitor

based on mutual trust and respect.

v. Coaches must not exert undue influence to obtain personal benefit or reward.

vi. Coaches must encourage and guide performers to accept responsibility for their own

behaviour and performance.

vii. Coaches must ensure that the activities they direct or advocate are appropriate for

the age, maturity, experience, and ability of competitors.

viii. Coaches should, at the outset, clarify with the performers exactly what is expected

of them and also what they are entitled to expect from their coach in relation to the

IPSF event.

ix. Coaches must co-operate fully with other specialists (e.g. other coaches, officials,

sports scientists, doctors, physiotherapists) in the best interests of the competitor.

x. Coaches must always promote the positive aspects of the sport (e.g. fair play) and

never condone violations of the rule, behaviour contrary to the spirit of the Poles

Sports or relevant rules and regulations or the use of prohibited substances or

techniques.

xi. Coaches must consistently display high standards of behaviour and appearance.

xii. Coaches must not use or tolerate inappropriate language.

xiii. All coaches will be expected to sign a code of conduct form when in an official

capacity at an IPSF competition.

5. Complaints Procedure

i. Any IPSF competitor may initiate procedures under this code of ethics by filing a

written complaint along with a £500.00 (GBP) administrative fee within 10 days of

competition or other situation with the IPSF Ethics Committee. In the case of any

accusation that does not fall clearly under the "Standards of Judging Conduct"

above, the Ethics Committee shall have the authority to decide whether the alleged

conduct is within the scope of the code of ethics. If a written complaint is not

possible, the appropriate officer will take an oral complaint and write it for the Ethics

committee’s procedures.

ii. A written or oral complaint will need to include these details:

Name, address, telephone number and email address of complainant.

Date complaint is made.

The date the incident took place.

Location the incident took place.

Name of any other persons involved with their relationship to the complaint,

e.g. is a complaint being made about them, are they a witness etc.

Full description of the complaint that is to be made.

Any other information deemed to be relevant.

iii. In the case of each alleged violation that is within the scope of the code of ethics, the

following steps shall occur within 90 days of the competition:

A factual inquiry shall be made by the Ethics Committee, assisted as necessary by the

IPSF staff.

Previous findings of the Ethics Committee or other IPSF entities may be included

among the evidence considered by the Ethics Committee, if relevant to the

circumstances of the present case.

As a part of such an inquiry, any person accused of unethical conduct shall have the

right to examine the evidence against him or her, the right to respond to the

accusation, and the right to produce written evidence in his or her behalf.

iv. Appropriate sanctions, if any, shall be recommended by the Ethics Committee. In

recommending sanctions, the Ethics Committee may consider any previous ruling or

finding of the Ethics Committee, or other IPSF entity, pertaining to the past conduct

of the person being sanctioned. In recommending sanctions, the person being

recommended for sanctions must be informed of this fact. Any person against whom

sanctions have been recommended shall be notified within 10 days of such decision.

v. Recommended sanctions shall be deemed final, except as specified in unless

appealed to the Executive Board by the person or persons upon whom the sanctions

have been imposed, or upon the initiative of any member of the Executive Board.

vi. Such an appeal must be made within 30 days of the date that notification of

recommended sanctions occurred, except that the Executive Board may extend the

deadline for appeal if in its judgment an unavoidable delay in communications or

other valid cause prevented a timely appeal. If an appeal has not been filed by the

deadline the recommended sanctions shall be placed into effect.

vii. Upon appeal, a review of the facts and the appropriateness of the recommended

sanction shall be undertaken by the Executive Committee. The person against whom

the sanction has been recommended, as well as the person filing the initial

complaint, shall be given notice of the time and place the Executive Committee will

review the case. The person against whom the sanctions have been recommended

shall have the right to appear before the Committee and present evidence. In all

appeals the recommended sanctions imposed by the Ethics Committee shall not be

in effect until the appeal hearing is completed. The recommended sanctions shall

either be confirmed, modified, or revoked by the Executive Committee.

viii. If the person against whom sanctions have been recommended is a member of the

IPSF Executive Committee, he or she may not appeal the sanctions to the Executive

Committee, but may appeal to the IPSF World Congress at its next scheduled

meeting.

ix. If any member of the Ethics Committee or of the IPSF Executive Committee has a

conflict of interest of any kind that might preclude objective participation in the

consideration of any case, that person may not act in the capacity of a committee or

board member on the case.

6. Conflict of Interest

The Regulation is developed and approved by the General Meeting of Members of The

International Pole Sports Federation (hereinafter referred to as "the Federation") to avoid

any conflicts related to the performance of the main functions by the Federation.

The Regulation establishes concepts used to define a conflict of interest in the Federation,

general mechanisms preventing a conflict of interest and legal settlement of cases when

interests of a person, who is able to influence decisions adopted by the Federation, may

result in inflicting damage on the Federation or its members.

6.1 Related parties, personal interest and a conflict of interest

i. Related parties are persons (members of the Federation; persons holding office in

regulatory bodies of the Federation; judges (at any events hosted by the Federation);

its personnel acting under employment agreements or civil law contracts) having

interest in particular actions to be undertaken by the Federation including

transactions with other organisations and individuals.

Related parties include:

members of the Federation

members of regulatory bodies of the Federation

the President of the Federation

persons holding office in other regulatory or supervisory bodies controlling

activities of the Federation established both at the date of adopting the

Regulation and afterwards

personnel of the Federation acting under employment agreements or civil

law contracts

Judges at any events including competitions and contests hosted by the

Federation.

ii. Personal interest is material or other interest which has or may have influence on

ensuring rights and legal interests of the Federation and (or) its members.

iii. Interest in particular actions to be undertaken by the Federation results in a conflict

of interest between related parties and the Federation.

iv. A conflict of interest is a situation when personal interest specified in Clause 1.1 of

the Regulation.

v. Has or may have influence on performing professional duties.

vi. Results in contradictions arising between such personal interests and legal interests

of the Federation.

vii. Results in possible contradictions which may violate legal interests of the Federation.

6.2 Preventing a conflict of interest The Federation may not perform activities and undertake actions leading to a conflict of

interest between the Federation and its members or creating a threat of such conflict, and

namely:

i. The President of the Federation shall not:

Perform actions specified in Clause 3.1 of the Regulation on behalf of the

Federation.

Purchase securities in relation to which members of the Federation, their

subsidiary, accredited and affiliated companies act as issuers or debtors.

Enter into any property insurance, loan or other agreements with members

of the Federation, their subsidiary, accredited and affiliated companies.

ii. Officials holding office in regulatory bodies of the Federation and members of the

Federation shall serve interests of the Federation, primarily in relation to:

Necessity to achieve objectives of its activities specified in statutory

documents and correspondence of all actions and transactions of the

Federation therewith.

Avoiding the use of capacities of the Federation in their own interests.

Avoiding the use of capacities of the Federation in commercial interests of

the third parties.

iii. Related parties shall serve interests of the Federation, primarily in relation to

objectives of its activities and shall not use capacities of the Federation or allow their

use for any other purposes except those specified in statutory documents of the

Federation. Related parties shall not use official powers in personal interests, as well

as exploit their positions and powers, hold events at their own discretion

(unauthorised by the Federation).

iv. For the purposes of the Regulation, "capacities of the Federation" shall mean any

property owned by the Federation, property and non-property rights, possibilities of

business activities, information about activities and plans of the Federation which is

of value to it.

6.4 Resolving a conflict of interest

i. If related parties specified in Clause 1.1 of the Regulation are interested in

transactions or actions of which the Federation is or intends to be a party, as well as

in case of any other conflict of interest between the said parties and the Federation

in relation to existing or expected transactions:

Such parties shall notify the Committee responsible for settling the conflict of

interest about their interest before the decision about entering into the

transaction is adopted.

The transaction shall be approved by the Executive Committee of the

Federation or by the General Meeting of Members of the Federation

ii. Should the transaction be approved by the Executive Committee of the Federation

or by the General Meeting of Members of the Federation (such approval may be

given after entering into the transaction), related parties shall not be held liable for

negative consequences arising out of such transaction.

6.5 Consequences of violating conflict of interest regulations

i. Should persons performing employment functions under employment agreements

or providing services under civil law contracts violate requirements of the

Regulation, the President of the Federation, the Executive Committee of the

Federation shall have the right to adopt resolutions on earlier termination of

employment agreements (civil law contracts or IPSF accreditation) entered into

between the Federation and the said persons.

ii. Should any member of the Federation violate requirements of the Regulation, such

member shall bear disciplinary responsibility to the extent of being excluded from

the Federation. Accreditation granted by IPSF to accredited persons (sports

organisations or federations) shall be cancelled.

iii. If requirements of the Regulation are not fulfilled, a related party shall be held liable

before the non- profit organisation to the extent of losses caused by such party to

the non-profit organisation. If losses are caused to the non-profit organisation by

several related parties, they shall be held jointly and severally liable before such non-

profit organisation.

iv. The transaction which is deemed to be a related-party transaction or entered into

with violation of requirements of the Regulation shall be contestable and may be

recognized as invalid either by the resolution of the President of the Federation (the

Executive Committee of the Federation) or in a court.

7. National Federations

i. All accredited Associate and Full National Federations are obligated to follow this

Ethical Code of Conduct as well as adopting the entire Code of Ethics for

dissemination and use within their own country.

ii. Any National Federation registered with the IPSF under the Membership Recognition

Programme is deemed to be a continuing member and therefore obligated to adhere

to all applicable rules and codes of conduct for the duration of their registration.

7.1 Ethical Considerations for National Federations

i. National Federations should ensure that all competitions held in their country

accredited by the IPSF follow the ethical considerations and rules for competitors,

coaches and judges. This will include having national code of conduct forms for

competitors, coaches and judges to sign and ensuring that all competitors have

access to the Ethical code of conduct.

ii. National Federations will ensure that all ethical considerations for competitors,

coaches and judges will be adhered to.

iii. As members of the IPSF, National Federations have an ethical duty to ensure they

follow the rules of fair play in sportsmanship. This includes the conduct of all

committee members who are subject to each and every code of conduct as well as

those regarding the conflict of interest. If any National Federation member is found

to have conducted themselves immorally in order to keep their membership status,

an inquiry will be undertaken.

iv. National Federations are beholden to uphold the ethos and positivity of Pole Sports

within their country in accordance to the IPSF Ethical Code of Conduct. Should any

National Federation committee decide to work outside of these expectations, they

need to inform the IPSF Executive Committee immediately to discuss their IPSF

accreditation and membership.

International Pole Sports federation Ethical Code of Conduct May 2013©