IKF COMPETITION INTEGRITY AND MANIPULATION POLICY

Introduction

IKF is committed to ensuring the integrity of KEMPO by preventing competition manipulation. This policy is designed to protect the fairness and credibility of IKF events by prohibiting actions such as match-fixing, doping, betting-related manipulation, and other unethical behaviours that undermine the sport’s integrity.

Scope

This policy applies to all stakeholders involved in IKF events, including athletes, coaches, officials, and national federations.

It covers all IKF-organised events.

Definition of Manipulation

Competition manipulation refers to any action intended to alter the outcome of a competition in an improper way.

This includes the following forms of manipulation:

  • Match-Fixing: Arranging the outcome of a fight to achieve a predetermined result. For example, two fighters agreeing in advance that one will lose to benefit the other.
  • Doping: The use of prohibited substances or methods to enhance performance.
  • Betting-Related Offences: Manipulating or facilitating betting activities that influence outcomes.
  • Corruption: Improperly influencing athletes, officials, or other stakeholders. For example, bribing a judge to influence the result of a match.
  • Collusion: Agreements between participants or officials to alter the result of a competition. For example, two fighters agreeing to fix the outcome of a match in exchange for financial compensation or future benefits.

Preventive Measures

IKF will take proactive steps to prevent manipulation in its events. These include:

  • Education and Awareness: IKF will ensure that all stakeholders, including athletes, coaches, and officials, are educated on the risks and consequences of manipulation. Regular training sessions will be provided, covering topics such as match-fixing, doping, and betting-related manipulation.

All participants must complete mandatory education programs on maintaining competition integrity and reporting suspicious activities.

  • Prohibition of Betting: IKF prohibits athletes, coaches, officials, and participants from betting on any KEMPO competition, particularly those under IKF’s jurisdiction. IKF will monitor betting patterns for any suspicious activities.
  • Due Diligence for Third-Party Partners: IKF will conduct thorough checks on all third-party partners involved in its events to ensure they operate ethically and do not engage in manipulative activities.
  • Monitoring and Intelligence Gathering: IKF will implement systems to track suspicious betting patterns and competition results.

External agencies such as law enforcement and betting regulators will be involved in monitoring potential manipulation.

  • Reporting Mechanisms: IKF will establish secure and confidential channels for reporting suspicions of manipulation.

Whistleblowers will be protected, ensuring anonymity and no retaliation.

Investigation and Sanctions

IKF will investigate all allegations of manipulation promptly and thoroughly. These investigations will involve cooperation with relevant authorities, such as national federations and law enforcement agencies.

Sanctions for those found guilty of manipulating competition outcomes may include:

  • Suspension or disqualification from IKF events.
  • Bans from future participation, either temporary or permanent.
  • Legal action, if necessary, in cooperation with external authorities.

Sanctions will be proportionate to the severity of the violation.

Conflict of Interest

IKF will implement measures to identify and address any potential conflicts of interest among its staff, officials, and partners.

All stakeholders must disclose any relationships or financial interests that may conflict with their duties to ensure transparency and impartiality.

Collaboration with External Bodies

IKF will work closely with national and international organisations, including WADA and other relevant bodies, to combat manipulation and address any illegal activities related.

IKF will share intelligence and cooperate with external stakeholders to ensure that any manipulation, including match-fixing or doping, is swiftly detected and addressed.

Engagement with Athlete Representatives

IKF will involve athlete representatives in the development and review of policies related to competition manipulation. This will ensure that athletes’ voices are considered in decision-making processes.

Protection of Vulnerable Participants

IKF will provide specific education and protection for youth and vulnerable athletes, ensuring they are aware of the risks of manipulation. Extra care will be taken to prevent coercion or exploitation by those seeking to manipulate competition outcomes.

 Anti-Doping and Manipulation

IKF recognises that doping is a form of competition manipulation. All athletes must comply with IKF’s Anti-Doping Policy and the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Code.

Any athlete found guilty of doping will face severe sanctions, including disqualification and permanent bans from IKF events.

Transparency and Public Reporting

IKF will publicly disclose the outcomes of investigations into manipulation where appropriate. Information about sanctions and measures taken will be shared, while respecting the privacy of individuals involved.

Periodic Review and Updates

IKF will review this policy annually to ensure its effectiveness and alignment with international best practices.

The policy review will be conducted by an internal committee, in consultation with external experts in sports integrity, law enforcement, and anti-doping. Feedback from stakeholders, including athletes and federations, will be considered during this review.

Manipulation in the Betting Environment

IKF recognises that manipulation may occur in the betting environment, including irregular betting patterns, use of insider information, and illegal betting syndicates. IKF will collaborate with relevant bodies to monitor betting activities and investigate suspicious behaviours in collaboration with betting regulators and law enforcement agencies.

Impact on IKF’s Reputation

IKF recognises that any instance of manipulation not only damages the integrity of the sport but also affects its reputation.

IKF is committed to preserving the credibility of KEMPO by taking swift

and transparent action against any form of manipulation. This commitment includes communicating the outcomes of investigations and sanctions to maintain trust within the global KEMPO community.

Case Study/Precedent

IKF will refer to case studies and precedents from other sports organisations to ensure the policy’s effectiveness.

Implementation

IKF will designate specific roles and responsibilities for enforcing this policy, ensuring clear accountability:

  • Athletes: Must immediately report any suspicious activities.
  • Coaches and Officials: Must ensure athletes are aware of manipulation risks and prevent any involvement in corrupt practices.
  • Independent Integrity Unit: Will oversee all investigations and collaborate with external agencies as needed.

Regular audits will be conducted to assess the policy’s effectiveness and adjust as required.