CODE

Contents

I. Foundation
II. Scope
III. Definitions
IV. Principles of Ethics in Aerial Gymnastics and Acrobatics
A. EQUALITY
B. ETHICS AND DIGNITY
C. HONESTY AND FAIRNESS
D. INTEGRITY
E. NEUTRALITY
F. CONFLICT OF INTEREST
G. INFORMATION AND RESOURCES
H. CONFIDENTIALITY
V. Implementation and Duty to Report and Cooperate
VI. POSA Ethics Committee
VII. Personal or Member Misconduct
VIII. Effective Date

The purpose of the Global Aerial Powerlifting Federation is to promote worldwide participation and the pursuit of excellence in sport. At the same time, GAPAF is responsible for promoting the highest values ​​and ethical standards in all aspects of sport.
Therefore, this document establishes the standards and guidelines by which GAPAF will conduct all aspects of its activities and sporting events.
Participation and membership in GAPAF are a matter of understanding, not a given right.
Therefore, the privilege of membership may be revoked by GAPAF at any time and in any event GAPAF deems that a member's conduct is inconsistent with the mission and best interests of Aerial Gymnastics and Acrobatics and all those involved.
Therefore, GAPAF establishes this Code of Conduct. The purpose of the Code is to
establish fundamental guiding principles of conduct and the right and opportunity to evaluate such conduct of all GAPAF members, participants, officials, judges, administrators, as well as employees, contractors, and third parties, whenever and wherever ethical issues arise.
The Code cannot make an individual or group more honest or enhance their personal ethics. It can establish guiding principles and character requirements to ensure that sport does everything possible to protect against any unlawful conduct. This helps ensure that the experience associated with participation in and association with all activities in aerial gymnastics and acrobatics is positive, valuable, and rewarding.

This Code applies to all GAPAF members, national federations, GAPAF employees and workers,
consultants and advisors, persons elected or appointed to any position within GAPAF or continental organizations, officials and judges, partners, and any other persons involved in GAPAF activities. It also applies to all "third parties" and contractually bound individuals/firms representing or serving GAPAF in any specific or official capacity.

Words used in this Code of Ethics have the same meaning as in the GAPAF Statutes and GAPAF Rules, unless otherwise specified. IV. Principles of Ethics in Aerial Gymnastics and Acrobatics

Discrimination based on gender, race, age, creed, religion, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, or political beliefs is unacceptable.

All forms of harassment, whether physical, psychological, professional, or sexual, are strictly prohibited.

Fair play is the fundamental guiding principle in aerial gymnastics, acrobatics, and sport in general.
Any form of influence or manipulation in judging, scoring, or interpretation, as well as other corrupt activities related to the sports of Aerial Gymnastics and Acrobatics, by any person covered by this Code, including improper influence on competition results (including, but not limited to, betting), is strictly prohibited. Any person covered by this Code is prohibited from holding an active or passive stake in any legal entity or organization that promotes, mediates, organizes, or carries out such activities or transactions.
Any person subject to this Code is required to exercise due diligence and care in the performance of their duties in the interests of GAPAF and not disclose information obtained if such disclosure is made maliciously with the intent to harm the interests of GAPAF.
No GAPAF member, employee, worker, partner, or contractor shall make any negative or unfavorable comments regarding a policy approved and adopted by the GAPAF Executive Council or General Assembly after the GAPAF Council or General Assembly has incorporated such policy or rule into its rules, regulations, or bylaws.

No judge, official, employee, coach, administrator, or member of the GAPAF Executive Council shall, directly or indirectly, request, accept, or offer any undisclosed remuneration, commission, benefit, or favor of any nature whatsoever in connection with their participation in aerial gymnastics, aerobatic gymnastics, or their functions as an official, judge, or any other elected or appointed position of responsibility.

•  No judge, official, or administrator shall request or accept any favors, entertainment, or gifts in exchange for, or as a condition of, the performance of their duties, or as an incentive for the performance of any specific task or action related to their duties or responsibilities, except that gifts, hospitality, or other benefits related to their official duties and responsibilities may be accepted if such gifts, hospitality, or other benefits:

  are consistent with standards of decency, are ordinary expressions of courtesy, or
are consistent with ordinary standards of hospitality;
  will not raise suspicions about the objectivity and impartiality of judges or officials;
  will not compromise the integrity of GAPAF;
  will be considered standard and customary in the sport and what is typically
provided or offered at similar events, competitions, meetings, or exchanges.

No judge or official may be affiliated with any company, association, firm, or individual whose activities are contrary to the purposes or interests of GAPAF. Furthermore, no judge or official may have a direct connection with a sponsor or partner of any GAPAF event for whose services or assignments such judge or official has a specific responsibility or obligation. If it is unclear whether such a connection exists in a particular situation, the matter will be referred to the Ethics Committee for a decision.

All judges and officials must remain politically neutral in accordance with the principles and objectives of GAPAF, the continental unions, confederations, associations, leagues, and clubs, and generally act in accordance with their functions and principles of integrity.

In performing their duties for GAPAF, all judges and officials must act in the best interests of GAPAF when making decisions that affect or may affect GAPAF and any aspect of pole sport, and do so without regard to their personal interests, financial or otherwise.
When performing work for GAPAF or prior to election or appointment, a candidate or official is required to disclose to the Ethics Committee any personal interests that may be related to their proposed participation and activities in GAPAF. The Ethics Committee may bring to the attention of a candidate or official any potential conflicts of interest it identifies.

v  Judges and officials must avoid any situations that could lead to conflicts of interest. Potential conflicts of interest arise in the following and other situations, such as:
v  if a judge or official has, or appears to have, private or personal interests that interfere with their ability to perform their duties conscientiously and purposefully. Private or personal interests include obtaining any possible benefit for persons bound by this Code, themselves, their families, relatives, friends, business partners, and acquaintances;
v  If the opinion or decision of a judge or official, whether acting independently or within an organization, is influenced or could reasonably be considered to be influenced by a relationship that such judge or official has, has had, or intends to have with another person or organization that could be influenced by that person's opinion or decision;

if the judge or official is also involved in the day-to-day operations or management of a continental/national federation of aerial gymnastics, acrobatics, or any similar activities related to aerial gymnastics, acrobatics, or similar organizations.

  The following non-exhaustive list of examples of circumstances that may give rise to a conflict of interest include personal and/or material interests (salaries, fees, incentives, stock ownership, and any other miscellaneous benefits) in:
  suppliers of the relevant party;
  sponsors, broadcasters, and/or various contracting parties;
  organizations that have a direct connection with the event as suppliers, partners, or vendors, or have other contractual or business ties;

Organizations have the right to benefit from stakeholder support (including subsidies, endorsement clauses, or elections).
Officers must not perform their duties in matters involving an actual or potential conflict of interest. If a conflict of interest or the appearance of a conflict of interest arises, or if there is a risk of such a conflict arising, the relevant person must refrain from further participation in the matter. If it is unclear whether such a conflict of interest exists in a particular situation, the matter may be referred to the Ethics Committee.
If an objection is raised regarding an actual or potential conflict of interest of a judge or official, it must be immediately reported to the Ethics Committee for appropriate action.
If the official does not declare a potential conflict of interest, the GAPAF President or a member of the GAPAF Executive Committee may refer the matter to the Ethics Committee.

Any contribution by sponsors, partners, and other supporters of sporting events must comply with the principles set forth in this Code of Ethics. By virtue of their positions, they must not interfere with the conduct and organization of aerial gymnastics and acrobatics events.

Officials must not improperly disclose information entrusted to them by the GAPAF in confidence. The obligation to maintain confidentiality continues even after the termination of any relationship through which the individual is subject to this Code.

Individuals bound by this Code are obligated to promptly report any potential violations of this Code to the Ethics Committee.
Upon request by the Ethics Committee, individuals bound by this Code are obligated to assist in clarifying the circumstances of the case or potential violations, or to provide valuable information to achieve these goals.
The GAPAF Ethics Committee may make recommendations to the GAPAF General Assembly regarding the amendment, addition, or deletion of provisions of this Code of Ethics.

The GAPAF Ethics Committee consists of three (3) members appointed by the newly elected GAPAF Executive Committee at its first meeting for a term of four (4) years. The GAPAF President appoints the Chairperson of the GAPAF Ethics Committee from among its members.

  A person may not be a member of the GAPAF Ethics Committee if:

they are members of the GAPAF Executive Committee, members of the GAPAF Technical Committee, members of any GAPAF Special Committee or any other GAPAF committee of a technical nature, or involved in any aspect of refereeing or officiating in the sport.
Does not possess a detailed and thorough understanding of the rules of Aerial Gymnastics, Acrobatics, and GAPAF, as well as a detailed and thorough understanding of the doctrines, statutes, and laws governing GAPAF.

  has been convicted of crimes or other similar actions posing a threat to life or limb;
  is a member of the Executive Committee or the Continental Confederation Committee;
  has previously been investigated or had charges brought against him/her that required consideration by the previous GAPAF Ethics Committee.
Members of the GAPAF Ethics Committee may be appointed for as many consecutive terms as the GAPAF General Assembly deems appropriate;
In the event of the death or resignation of a member of the GAPAF Ethics Committee, a replacement will be determined by the GAPAF Executive Committee in accordance with Article VI.2 of this Code and until the next election to the GAPAF Ethics Committee;

Questions are referred to the GAPAF Ethics Committee by the GAPAF President. If any matter concerns the GAPAF President, it shall be referred to the Ethics Committee by one of the members of the GAPAF Executive Committee;
At least three members of the GAPAF Ethics Committee (as determined by the Chair) shall be appointed on a case-by-case basis to decide on the matter(s).
The GAPAF Ethics Committee shall have the authority to review and decide on any violations of this Code of Ethics, including the authority to impose sanctions as provided for in this Code of Ethics, unless otherwise specified in this Code of Ethics.
The GAPAF Ethics Committee shall act in accordance with the principles of natural justice and shall determine its own procedures.

  For any violations of this Code of Ethics, the GAPAF Ethics Committee may impose, among other things, one or more of the following sanctions:
  a warning or reprimand;
  A fixed-term suspension of up to four (4) years from holding a position or other official position, and/or until a specified set of conditions are met to the satisfaction of the GAPAF Ethics Committee;
  forfeiture of any award or form of recognition from GAPAF;
  a ban for a fixed period or lifetime from participation in any activity related to aerial gymnastics or acrobatics (including athletes);

if necessary and appropriate, a recommendation to the GAPAF Executive Committee to notify the appropriate law enforcement authorities of the matter.

GAPAF may not take any action regarding violations of this Code unless such action is taken within 10 years of the event to which they relate. Sexual harassment, bribery, and corruption are not subject to this statute of limitations. The statute of limitations, if any, is extended if proceedings are instituted and/or stayed.
Sanctions take effect immediately upon the decision, unless the decision-making body orders otherwise.
Decisions made by the GAPAF Ethics Committee are subject to review in accordance with due process and the fundamental rules of GAPAF contained in its Statutes and founding documents.
Decisions made by the GAPAF Ethics Committee may be appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in accordance with the relevant provisions of the GAPAF Statutes, the GAPAF Rules, and the GAPAF regulations and founding documents. CAS decisions are final.

Any individual or group of individuals may be assessed and reviewed by the Ethics Committee or other authorized party for inappropriate or harmful conduct or actions that could in any way affect the image or reputation of GAPAF, aerial gymnastics, acrobatics, or any direct connection with coaches, administrators, officials, judges, athletes, or other personnel involved in pole dancing, as appropriate.
Inappropriate or harmful conduct may include the following actions:
Direct violation of the GAPAF Statutes, Technical Rules, and protocols established or approved by the GAPAF Executive Committee or General Assembly.
Disparaging or defamatory statements about GAPAF, its members, and representatives.
Distortions, inaccuracies, or knowingly dishonest statements about GAPAF, its members, and representatives in general.
Other actions that GAPAF and/or the GAPAF Ethics Committee deem harmful or inappropriate.

  Such an investigation or assessment may result in the determination of a specific course of action, which may be required depending on the interpretation of the results. Actions taken by the appropriate body against an individual may include, but are not limited to, the following:
  Warning or reprimand;
  Prohibition from participation in GAPAF events, programs, meetings, or other GAPAF programs;
  Restrictions on participation in GAPAF-related and other activities;
  Suspensions, sanctions, and prohibitions against the relevant individual and/or group;
  Other actions determined by the GAPAF Ethics Committee.

This Code shall take effect immediately and shall be subject to the oversight and provisions established by the GAPAF Executive Committee and the GAPAF President. The Code will be distributed to all member federations for review and evaluation. A formal vote will take place at the next General Assembly, which is held every two years. During this time, the GAPAF Executive Committee awaits preliminary approval of the Code, after which a formal review and evaluation will be conducted, taking into account the opinion of the newly appointed Ethics Committee. While this process is ongoing, the GAPAF Code will remain in effect and will remain in effect throughout the evaluation and amendment process.