ITF-Union By Laws | itfunion-europe.com

Introduction

ITF UNION – BY-LAWS

The wish and efforts of our founder General Choi Hong Hi has always been always to be one ITF only, therefore in order to reunite all the ITF’s under one umbrella ITF UNION has been founded.

The ITFU strives that all the practitioners of ITF Taekwon-Do regardless their group affiliation feel that the ITFU rules and regulations correct the shortcomings, obligations and economics of other existing ITF organizations.

ITFU is an International identity dedicated to promote Taekwon-Do ITF throughout the world and helping all affiliated Federations, Associations, Schools and Gyms to promote the teachings of Taekwon- Do ITF as developed by its founder General Choi Hong Hi.

ITFU will offer a home for all Federations, Associations, Schools and Gyms and will provide expert training courses, championships and international travel opportunities. The ITFU will help all affiliates affording to host seminars and advancing in rank.

ITFU does not allow its member to be part of other international TKD organization or federation. The Executive Committee should approve any exception.

ITFU does not follow the doctrines, rules or regulations set by prior Taekwon-Do organizations. ITFU is an independent organization and follows its own rules, regulations and by laws.

ITFU is open to actual and former ITF members as well as all martial artists practicing the Chang Hon system, and offers the opportunity for WT members to join to develop the teachings of Gen. Choi Hong Hi.

Art. 1. ITFU HQ and Contact Information.

The International Taekwon-Do Federation - Union also known as ITFU has its HQ in Ireland. Email – iutf@hotmail.com / Website - www.itfunion.com.

Art. 2 Purpose and Objectives

Purpose

The purpose of the ITFU is to emphasize traditional values, traditional, sports training, and build strong and lasting relationships with all federations, associations, schools, gyms, individuals and/or others

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looking to become part of the ITFU.

The ITFU base art is the Chang-Hon system of Taekwon-Do. The ITFU does not interfere in the internal training systems of national groups. Thus, members are open to cross training in other martial arts styles.

Objective

1. To stimulate interest and growth in Traditional and Sports Taekwon-Do.
2. To establish and maintain relations with chartered members and affiliate ourselves with other organizations who wish to remain loyal to the teachings of Gen Choi Hong Hi.
3. To encourage ITFU Grand Masters, Masters, Instructors and members to contribute to the organization, their schools, and their communities.
4. To apply standardized testing, promotions and techniques taught throughout the ITFU.
5. To welcome instructors and their students of other martial arts who wish to continue to learn, begin to learn, or change over to the Chang-Hon system of Taekwon-Do.
6. To offer schools, instructors, and students the opportunity to update themselves, advance in the art, and become part of a larger martial art family working together for the goals and benefits.

Art. 3 Membership

ITFU consist of Federations, Associations, Schools and or Gyms. One of the mentioned will be appointed as National representative

Members of the ITFU will be persons willing to be actively training, following the tenets, and helping others to learn about the art and shall be bound by the Constitution and By-Laws, policies, rules, and regulations of the ITFU and shall be subject to the authority of the same.
Federations, Associations, Schools and Gyms must pay their dues to keep in good standing with the ITFU.
Federations, Associations, Schools and Gyms charters must be kept current.
Instructor and Assistant Instructor Certifications must be kept current.
Black Belt tests must follow the ITFU requirements and all ranks on file must be in consecutive order.
Black Belts must be in possession of the ITFU Black Belt certificate.

7. Any member teaching must be in possession of the ITFU IAMCs (Instructor Annual Membership Certificate).

Any Black Belt degree member participating at an ITFU World and/or Continental Championship must be in possession of the ITFU Black Belt certificate.
Members can lose their membership by resigning or by being expelled.

10. Members have the right to leave the Federation voluntarily at any time, but this does not exclude them

from fulfilling pending obligations.
Membership affiliation is based on the following entities:

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a) National ITFU Representative
b) Allied ITFU Representative
c) School/Gym ITFU Representative

A Federation or Association is an entity affiliated to the ITFU and composed of several schools/gyms. Their members are integrated and follow the rules and regulations laid down by their Federation/Association. The Federation/Association keeps the direct connection to ITFU.

The ITFU Executive Board shall appoint a Federation / Association based on selection criteria, including the number of IAMCs (Instructor Annual Membership Certificate), as the national representative of the ITFU in the country.

National ITFU representative

a) The National representative shall be responsible of the day-to-day work of their affiliated teaching licence members and their students.
b) The National representative is able to organize National, Open or Local events as championships, seminars, promotion tests, camps etc. They are able at official request to organize ITFU world events like World Championships, World Cups and/or other ITFU qualified events.
c) The National representative coordinates the request of other ITFU member Federation/Associations, Schools or Gyms by allowing their officials and/or competitors to become part of the National Team. In case of a dispute, the Executive Board shall take the decision.

Allied ITFU Representative

Other Federation/Associations have rights to be a member following the ITFU By-Laws. They are able to organize local events like school and/or open championships, seminars, promotion test, camps etc (communicating at a reasonable time to the National Representative).

School/Gym ITFU representative

A School or Gym is an entity not affiliated to a Federation or Association however has rights to be a member following the ITFU By-Laws. They are able to organize only local events like school championships, seminars, promotion test, camps etc (communicating at a reasonable time to the National Representative).

All members have the right of using our logo and organize their Association events, open championships, seminars, promotion test, camps, etc (communicating at a reasonable time to the National Representative)

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however the Official National Championship will be organised by the National Representative (this event will be open to all ITF UNION members)

Any new ITFU applicant members will be directed to the Continental President for an initial interview who will in turn direct to the National ITFU Representative.

Member organization will work together to insure positive growth and harmony between the other member groups in their countries, and showing proper courtesy and respect.

Any member who wants to stop holding their initial ITFU organization and continue to be part of ITFU under another organization must have approval from their previous one. In case of a dispute, the Executive Board shall take the decision.

New members will have a period of 6 months of additional waiting time; any exception should be approved by the Promotion Committee.

Art.4 Advantages of the ITFU

1. Standardized techniques, theories, and requirements. 2. Degree Black Belt (Black Belt) certification.
3. Instructor and Assistant Instructor certification.
4. Seminars at international, regional, or local level.

5. Championships offered as well as assistance to run your own sanction event. 6. National filing of all Black Belt and Certified Instructor ranks.
7. A uniform dress code in relationship to the Dobok worn by ITFU members. 8. Training aids – written material, videos, etc.

9. Testing material for school owners and instructors.
10. The ability to train at any ITFU, or affiliated organizations location in the World.
11. Assistance in writing or revising your school curriculum.
12. Build lasting friendships and relationships with other martial artists from around the country.
13. Take pride in being part of an organization that cares about you, wanting you to be the best you can be and be a role model to others.
14. International travel, events, continental and world championships.

Art. 5. Executive Board

The executive board consist of a minimum of five (5) to a maximum of seven (7) persons.

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Members of the executive board shall be those chosen by the President and consists of one (1) Chairman acting as the President, one (1) Honorary President, one (1) Sr Vice President and from two (2) to four (4) Vice Presidents.

The President and the chosen members of the executive board shall officiate for a 5 years term.

Alternatively, if the President finds it necessary he may appoint other persons not being part as Executive Board Members for the General Secretary and Treasurer positions.

Art. 6 ITFU Courses

Courses:

1. ITFU Instructor Course – IIC - (Includes Protocol/Do, Harmony, Kids, Special Needs and Coaching) 2. ITFU Umpire Courses - IUC.
3. ITFU International Technical and/or Competition courses/seminars.

Art. 7 ITFU Certification

1. Senior Grand Master certificate (9th degree) 2. Grand Master certificate (9th degree)
3. Senior Master certificate (8th degree)
4. Master certificate (7th degree)

5. IAMCs (Instructor Annual Membership Certificate) 6. Black Belt Degree certificate
7. Instructor Course certificate
8. Umpire Course certificate

Art. 8 ITFU Championships events:

1. World Championships.
2. World Cups.
3. Continental Championships.

Art. 9 ITFU Rank System and Time Requirements

Rank System
1. In the Chang-Hon system of Taekwon-Do, there are several classifications:

a. Gup – under Black Belt – consisting of 10 levels.
b. Degree Black Belt – Black Belt – consisting of 9 degree levels

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c. The first eight Black Belt ranks represent skill and physical application of the art of Taekwon-Do.
d. The 9th degree Black Belt rank is awarded based on the outstanding devotion and representation of the

art of Taekwon-Do.

2. There are distinct classifications within the Black Belt ranks as well:

1st through 3rd Degree Black Belt are considered novice.
4th through 6th Degree Black Belt are considered expert.
7th and 8th Degree Black Belt are considered Master – at these ranks the Black Belt is entitled to be

addressed as Master.
The rank of 9th Degree Black Belt is reserved for the title of Grand Master, the highest rank a Black

Belt may receive.
The rank of 9th Degree Black Belt is reserved for the title of Senior Grand Master, the highest rank and

honor a Black Belt may receive.

3. Titles of Instructors:

Senior Grand Master – this title will be held by a Black Belt of at least 65 years old and who hold the rank of 9th Degree Black Belt and his devoted his entire life to Taekwon-Do.
Grand Master – this title will be held by a Black Belt who hold the rank of 9th Degree Black Belt and is

actively instructing. th c. Master – this title will be held by a Black Belt who holds the rank of 7

and/or 8

Degree Black Belt

and is actively instructing.
d. Instructor – a Black Belt will not hold this title until they have obtained the rank of 4

Degree Black

Belt or higher and passed the International Instructor Course.
e. Assistant Instructor – this title can be held by a 1st, 2nd and or 3rd Degree Black Belt and passed the IIC

certification course and actively instructing. Degree waiting Time Requirements
1st to 2nd degree - 1.5 years
2nd to 3rd degree - 2 years

3rd to 4th degree - 3 years (a candidate testing for 4th degree must have at least 21 years old) 4th to 5th degree - 4 years
5th to 6th degree - 5 years
6th to 7th degree - 6 years (a candidate for 7th degree must be at least 38 years old)

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7th to 8th degree - 7 years

ITF UNION – BY-LAWS

8th to 9th degree - 8 years (a candidate for 9th degree must be at least 55 years old)

Any exception should be approved by the Promotion Committee.

Every member Organization and Instructor must certify all Dan tests and Dan ranks with ITFU. It is possible to give a national Dan Certificate but that Certificate must be ratified with ITFU.

Deduction time

In order to receive a reduction time between degree only those participating at an IIC may deduct a maximum period from 3 to 6 months during their waiting time for any new degree.

There is NO obligation to participate at an IIC however, it is highly recommended. Deduction schedule
3th to 4th degree

a) participation
b) participation

4th to 5th degree

a) participation
b) participation

5th to 6th degree

a) participation
b) participation

6th to 7th degree
a) participation

at one IIC / 3 months reduction during waiting time
at a second IIC / 6 months reduction during waiting time

at one IIC / 3 months reduction during waiting time at a 2nd IIC / 6 months reduction during waiting time

at one IIC / 3 months reduction during waiting time

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b) participation at a 2nd IIC / 6 months reduction during waiting time 7th to 8th degree

a) participation at one IIC / 3-months reduction during waiting time
b) participation at a 2nd IIC / 6 months reduction during waiting time

8th to 9th degree – No deduction time given

N.B.; to receive a reduction any participant from 3rd to 9th degree must be in posession of the IAMC.

Additional Requirements

Anyone who is willing to work hard and meet the Federation, Association, School, Gym training requirements will be able to obtain the rank of 1st Degree Black Belt.

In order to proceed to the following ranks you must:

2nd Degree Black Belt – consistently and willingly assist with classes and attend school and ITFU sanctioned events.
3rd Degree Black Belt – take on the responsibility leading classes, help with the operation of the school or program, attend and help lower rank students at school and ITFU sanctioned events.
4th Degree Black Belt or higher – demonstrate the ability to take on your own club or program. Show that you are willing and capable to grow and develop others in the martial arts and be a successful leader for your school and instructor.

Art. 10 Uniform Dress Code (formal ITFU events)

The official ITFU dobok shall be standardized within December 31st, 2022 therefore all members will eventually wear this dobok whose design and branding is authorised by the Executive Board.
ITFU logos are the sole property of ITFU. Any member leaving the ITFU may not use the ITFU logos. ITFU logos may be used on posters, colour belt certification and advertising.

Art. 11 Instructor Requirements / Promotion test requirements

Any member teaching must be in possession of the Instructor Annual Membership Certificate and must be at least a 1st Degree Black Belt with the minimum age of 18 years old.

Any IAMC instructor with the rank of 1st, 2nd or 3rd degree Black Belt is recommended to train with an instructor who is an ITFU 4th Degree Black Belt or above at least 1 time per quarter.

a. 4th degree ITFU certified instructor holding his own school may promote to 2nd degree black belt.

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b. c. d. e. f.

ITF UNION – BY-LAWS

5th degree ITFU certified instructor holding his own school may promote to 2nd degree.
6th degree ITFU certified instructor holding his own school may promote to 3rd degree.
7th degree ITFU certified Master instructor may promote to 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th degree black belt. 8th degree ITFU certified Master instructor may promote to 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th degree black belt

9th degree ITFU certified Master instructor may promote to 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th degree black belt

Promotions to 7th, 8th or 9th degree Black Belt with the title of Master are examined and promoted by a minimum of two (2) GM ́s and confirmed by the International Grand Masters & Master Promotion Committee.

9th degree Grand Master promotions shall be confirmed by the International Grand Masters & Master Promotion Committee.

Attention!

In exceptional circumstances, a certified instructor 1st to 3rd may obtain written permission from the ITFU President to conduct a Colour and/or Black Belt examination.

Art. 12 Championships, Seminars and/or Camps

It is highly encouraged that all ITFU affiliates attend sanctioned ITFU championships, seminars and/or camps.

ITFU affiliates are also encouraged to host local or regional championships or camps of their own.

Submit date of tournament or camp for approval to the ITFU HQ at least six months in advance to ensure dates do not conflict.

Rules and divisions must be that of the ITFU (see ITFU Tournament Rules) to ensure all competitions are uniform and consistent.

Submit flyer and tournament information to ITFU HQ to be shared with all schools to involve all members.

Note:

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Any ITFU Federation, Association, School and or Gym that hosts a seminar, camp or tournament must provide their own insurance, presenting a copy to ITFU HQ.

The organizer must indicate in the waiver/bulletin that the ITFU and all involved officers are not being held responsible for any injuries or accidents.

Art. 13 Standing Committees

ITFU has the following standing committees:

1. International Instructor Committee – see art. 15
2. International Tournament & Umpire Committee – see art. 16
3. International Communication Committee – see art. 17
4. International Grand Masters & Master Promotion Committee – see art. 18 5. International Women Committee – see art. 19

The Executive Board appoints and/or removes committee members whenever is needed. Any other Standing Committee might be created whenever it is needed.
Art. 14 The Standing Committees

Each Standing Committee consist of a Chairman and up to four (4) members.

The Standing Committees:

In order to become part of a standing committee and to get a relevant position an appointed member must accept to be trained, prepared and work professionally.
A position will never be given due to political influences and/or cronyism.
Are empowered to promulgate and act according to their rules, which must not be in conflict with

the Constitution or By-Laws, subject to approval of the Executive Board.
On their own initiative or at the request of the Executive Board, give opinions; make suggestions

and recommendations within the scope of their responsibilities.
Apply all policies, rules, and procedures within the scope of theirresponsibilities.
Set objectives, outline action plans, and identify resources needed to reach those objectives.
Present a formal annual progress report to the Executive Board.
Advice and report to the Executive Board at least once a year or upon its request.

Other matters:

1. The Chairman of the Committees is responsible to track the member’s involvement and in case of any

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inactivity, lack of involvement or presence in meetings of committee members, the Chairman of the Committee will report such to the Executive Board by asking for a replacement of such member, if needed.

Changes of members in the Committees are determined by the Executive Board based upon suggestion from either the Executive Board itself and/or through recommendation from the relevant Committee. Before deciding any changes of members of the Committees, the Chairman of the Committees must be involved.
The Executive Board has the power to appoint new and/or other committees, which are deemed necessary in order to deal with specific matters. In this regard, the Executive Board shall determine the specific role and tasks of such committees as well as their duration and activity of report to the Executive Board.
In case of changes in the Committees (as structure and/or mandate and/or appointment of temporary Committees), such changes can be decided and executed by the Executive Board and come into effect immediately and before the relevant changes are inserted in these By-laws.
If a member of a committee resigns, unable to perform his duties or being removed by the majority decision of the Executive Board, the Executive Board may appoint another member to serve for the remainder of his term.

Art. 15 The International Instructor Committee (IIC)

The IIC teaching team is composed of 9th degree Grand Masters and for any exception should be approved by General Secretary

If necessarily others instructors shall be invited to assist.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Provide standardization of the 24 patterns, sports training, protocol/Do, harmony, kids, special needs and coaching.
Answer technical questions from members and consult members about their technical needs.
Provides articles for the ITFU website at request of the communication committee.
Review and redefine contents of training programs for all levels and all ages.
Develop and update training tools (techniques, mental development, moral culture, ethics, etc.) using

all available media.

Art. 16 The Tournament & Umpire Committee (TUC)

Duties and Responsibilities: Tournament

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Run the Tournament inside the Competition Area, supervises the organization inside the Sport Stadium and all the Ceremonies during the Tournament schedule, which will be carried out by the local Tournament Organizing Committees.
Make the competition schedule and electronic draws, supervises the official weigh in and supervises any other issue the T&U Committee considers of importance.
Keep track of the results.
Set standards, deadlines, and other requirements like Internet Online Registration.
Modernize rules to promote safety.
Ensure application of the official Tournament rules during competition.
Introduce the use of computers and other new technology for tournament organization and scoring.
Assist and supervises preparation with the local organizer(s) and report results to the Executive Board periodically.

9. Develop guidelines on how to organize a competition at national and international levels.
10. Visits the candidate countries venue, hotels and other matters involved hosting an ITFU world

event.
11. Presents qualified candidates for the World Championship and/or World Cup to the Executive

Board.

Umpire
Duties and Responsibilities:

Train and qualify class “A” Umpires at the International Umpire Course.
Monitor qualification and training of class “B” Umpires.
Answer technical questions from members.
Select and assign Umpires for World Cups and World Championships.
Monitor performance and conduct of Umpires during Competition.
Arrange the daily ring councils for the Umpires during Competition.
Modernize rules of competition, ensure fairness and enhance ease of understanding.
Keep a very close relation with the IIC Committee.

N.B.: In order to request an "A" class Umpire Certificate the candidate must have participated in an Official ITFU Umpire Course.

Art. 17 The Administrative and Communication Committee (CC)

Duties and Responsibilities:

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Processes membership applications.
Maintaining a filing system, including files on national and individual members.
Issuing all ITFU certificates
Performing other administrative tasks as required.
Provide at request assistance for strategic planning, pilot projects, and financing.
Maintains the ITFU Web site to be attractive, informative, interactive, and user-friendly in

cooperation with the ITFU webmaster.
Update information on the ITFU Web site regularly and frequently in collaboration with affiliated

organizations.
Publish articles.
Establish contacts for coverage by major martial arts magazines and other media.
Develop an image of the ITFU as a dynamic, growing organization that listens to and helps its

members to promote that image.
Planning and implementation for communications.
Keeping relations with the press and public relations.
Keeps a strong relation with all Standing Committees.
Finding the very best streaming and or TV companies to transmit the ITFU world events.

Art. 18 The Grand Masters & Masters Promotion Committee (GMPC)

Duties and Responsibilities:

Recognizes certificates from other organizations obtaining approval from the Executive Board.
Checking correct waiting periods between degree, proper certification and /or replacement Degree certificates of candidates coming from other organizations.
Receives applications for 7th, 8th and 9th degree and provides the necessarily documentation and recommendation to the ITFU Executive Board.
Answer questions from members.
In charge of organizing a Masters and Grand Masters Camp whenever possible.

Art. 19 Women Committee (WC)

Duties and Responsibilities:

Consider questions related to women activities development and/or equal possibilities for the gender and to provide advice to the organization.
Represent the rights and interests of women athletes/members and to make related recommendations.
Seek information and/or to involve appropriate persons within ITFU related to disciplines not

represented in the Committee.
Maintain in contact with related international women committees when applicable.
Responsible for communicating to representatives in all Continents.

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Art. 20 The Secretary General

The Secretary General is appointed by the President, and might be a member of the Executive Board or another NON Executive Board member.

The appointed Secretary-General is responsible for:

Handling correspondence and enquiries about ITFU.
Forwarding correspondence to the appropriate officer or committee and ensuring it is followed-up.
Ensuring regular dissemination to members of the Executive Board and Chairs of Standing

Committees of information pertinent to their mandates or of general interest.
Agenda, logistics, and minutes of meetings of the Executive Board.
Using e-mail or other means to transmit to members of the Executive Board documents about current

files, requesting that they vote or give their opinion and ensuring it is followed-up.
Consulting the Executive Board about actions to be taken in urgent matters.
Generating a year Budget and coordinating the activities with the sponsors.

Art. 21 The Treasurer

The Treasurer is appointed by the President, and might be a member of the Executive Board or another NON Executive Board member.

The appointed Treasurer is responsible for:

1. Implementing and maintaining the ITFU accounting system.
2. Preparing the budgets for operations, development and promotion.
3. Ensuring application of appropriate policies and procedures for accounting.
4. Producing detailed quarterly and annual financial statements and other financial reports as required. 5. Consulting the Executive Committee about actions to be taken in urgent matters.

Art. 22 Teaching / Promotion/ Development

An Instructor, Master or Grand Master may teach in countries other than his home country however, they must request approval through the ITFU HQ.

The ITFU approve or disapproves the visit and teaching abroad and provides the final decision.
A Master or Grand Master may promote candidates in countries other than his home country however,

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they must request approval through the ITFU HQ.

Anyone who wishes to develop ITFU in regions not yet served by ITFU must present his project to the ITFU Executive Committee.

Art . 23 International Activity Participation.

Any member participating in an ITFU World event is fully responsible for his own insurance regarding injury, trauma and/or fatal accident.

ITFU is only the promoter of those events and cannot be held responsible for any injury at any level. Any ITFU member is free to participate in activities of other organizations.

Any ITFU member wishing to invite an Instructor, Master or a Grand Master from another ITF Taekwon-do organization shall request ITFU permission.

By-Laws amended and in charge of February 1st, 2021