O.N.A.K.A.I. Official National Amateur Karate Association of Ireland

O.N.A.K.A.I. Official National Amateur Karate Association of Ireland CONSTITUTION Amended, Re-Categorised and Adopted January 29 th 2012 Amended and Adopted January 4 th 2015

O.N.A.K.A.I. CONSTITUTION INDEX Section 1 Objections and Functions of O.N.A.K.A.I. Page 3 Section 2 Membership Page 4 Section 3 Composition of O.N.A.K.A.I. Page 6 Section 4 The O.N.A.K.A.I. Executive Committee Page 6 Section 5 Duties and Powers of the O.N.A.K.A.I. Executive Committee. Page 7 Section 6 Duties of the Principle Officers Page 8 Section 7 Annual General Meetings. Page 9 Section 8 Extraordinary General Meeting. Page 10 Section 9 O.N.A.K.A.I. Regional Committees. Page 10 Section 10 O.N.A.K.A.I. Technical Committee. Page 11 Section 11 Appointment of Match Officials. Page 12 Section 12 Championships and Competitions. Page 12 Section 13 Dissolution. Page 12 Section 14 Advertising Page 12 Section 15 Anti-Doping Page 13 Section 16 Dispute Resolution Page 13 Section 17 Child Protection Page 13 Section 18 Interpretation of This Constitution. Page 13 Section 19 Alteration to this Constitution. Page 14 ***************************************************************************************** 2

NAME:- The Association shall be called the Official National Amateur Karate Association of Ireland SECTION 1. Objection and Functions of O.N.A.K.A.I. :- O.N.A.K.A.I. 1.1 To Foster and develop the Sport and Art of Karate in Ireland. 1.2 To cater to and provide for all the Karate needs and requirements for all Karate practitioners in Ireland. 1.3 To organise all and any O.N.A.K.A.I. events pertaining to the Sport and Art of Karate in Ireland and to host O.N.A.K.A.I. annual National Karate Championships. 1.4 To provide a National governing body (N.G.B.) for Karate in Ireland, to represent all Karate Clubs within the Island of Ireland ( 32 Counties). 1.5 To promote, monitor and maintain the highest standards for Karate practices in Ireland and to ensure the implementation of best practices, as recommended by the Irish sports Council (I.S.C.) or the appropriate government appointed Agency. 1.6 To adopt and oversee the implementation of the Irish Sports Council s Code of Ethics and Good Practice for Children in Sport and also to adopt and oversee the implementation of the Irish Sports council s and the World Anti-Doping Agency s (W.A.D.A.) anti doping programmes. 1.7 To Select and train athletes and teams to represent Ireland at International Competitions and events. 1.8 To select and appoint delegates to represent Ireland in International Bodies concerned with the Sport of Karate. 1.9 To uphold O.N.A.K.A.I. s unique status as the only Irish Karate body to be recognised by the European Karate Federation (E.K.F.) which is the governing body for Karate(all Styles) in Europe and also the World Karate Federation (W.K.F.) which is the governing body for Karate (all styles) in the World. 1.10 (a)to take all reasonable steps to provide a safe environment and have consideration for the physical safety and well being of all O.N.A.K.A.I. members. (b) To provide equal opportunity for participation and the practice of Karate by all irrespective of Race, Colour, Creed, Religion, Sex, Sexual Preference, Impairment or Disability. 3

SECTION 2. MEMBERSHIP The membership can be made up of: Association Membership. Club Membership. Individual Membership. An Association shall mean :- A group of Clubs of not less than five (5) in number which are so organised as to have a National Executive Committee of its own and who have a recognised and approved Constitution, Structure and Code of Conduct in keeping with the Objectives and Functions of O.N.A.K.A.I. and who are prepared to be bound by all that Membership of O.N.A.K.A.I. entails. A Club shall mean:- A group of persons (Junior & Senior) of not less than ten (10) in number who train in the Sport/Art of Karate in a style recognised by O.N.A.K.A.I. and who are not affiliated to an Association ( as defined above) and who are properly constituted as a Club with an approved Constitution, Structure and Code of Conduct in keeping with the Objectives and Functions of O.N.A.K.A.I. and who are prepared to be bound by all that Membership of O.N.A.K.A.I. entails. An Individual shall mean:- An Individual adult ( over the age of 18 years) who is not a Member of an Association or Club and who wishes to advance his/her position within the Sport of Karate in an Officials capacity and who has a recognised rank within an O.N.A.K.A.I. recognised style of Karate and who is prepared to abide by this Constitution and O.N.A.K.A.I. s Code of Conduct and who is prepared to be bound by all that Membership of O.N.A.K.A.I. entails. Obligations of O.N.A.K.A.I., Member Associations, Clubs and Individuals:- 2.1. All Membership applications and renewals, together with the appropriate fees should be submitted to the O.N.A.K.A.I. Treasurer/Registrar no later than the 31 ST January of each year. Failure to comply may result in a Club s voting rights being fortified for that year. 2.2. All Individual are responsible for their individual conduct and behaviour and all Members, Clubs and Associations are responsible for the conduct and behaviour of their individual members. 2.3. All Individuals, Member Clubs and Associations are strictly bound by the Articles of this Constitution and any breach of the Articles of this Constitution may result in penalties, including suspension or expulsion of the Individual Member or member Club or Association. 2.4. Any individual Member, or individual member of a Club or Association who behaves in a manner which brings the Sport and Art of Karate into disrepute, or impugns the integrity of O.N.A.K.A.I. will be liable to penalties including suspension or expulsion. 2.5. An Individual, the Treasures or Club Leader of each Member Club or Association will forward annually to the O.N.A.K.A.I. Treasures/ Registrar the Individual Membership Fee, The Association Fee or The Club Fee which has been predetermined by the O.N.A.K.A.I. Executive Committee. 2.6. Any Individual, Association or Club which has not paid its annual fee by the due date may be suspended from participation in any O.N.A.K.A.I. events. 2.7. The O.N.A.K.A.I. Executive Committee reserves the right to refuse any membership Application if it considers that such Membership would be prejudicial to the interests of O.N.A.K.A.I. 2.8 Competitions and Events: An Individual Member, Member of an Association or a Member of a Club, shall not assist in the promotion of, or participate in a competition or event not sanctioned by O.N.A.K.A.I. 2.8.1. An Individual Member, A member of a Member Association or Member Club which is organising an International Event shall, before advertising the details of the programme for such an Event, obtain the permission of and submit the proposed programme to the O.N.A.K.A.I. Executive Committee. 4

2.8.2. A Competition or Event which will include Karateka from outside Ireland shall not be arranged by an Individual Member, Member Club or Association without the sanction of the O.N.A.K.A.I. Executive Committee. O.N.A.K.A.I. Member Associations:- 2.9. A Member Association shall comprise not less than five (5) Clubs and shall be properly Constituted (i.e. have a Constitution to present for approval upon application for membership to the O.N.A.K.A.I. Executive Committee), Shall have elected officers, namely, President/Chairperson, Secretary, Treasurer/Registrar and at least one Instructor of 3 rd Dan Grade or higher and an Association Children s Officer. 2.10. The Member Association s Executive Committee Shall consist of the President/Chairperson, Secretary, Treasurer/Registrar and at least three other members aged 18 years and upwards all of whom shall be elected at least every two years by ballot. 2.11. The duties of a Member Association s Executive shall be:- To carry out the general policies the Member Association in accordance with this Constitution. To provide for the administration, management and control of the affairs and property of the Member Association. To determine the remuneration of the Secretary if the Member Association should decide that the Secretary for the time being should be salaried. To conduct the National and International activities of the Member Association. 2.12. The Member Association s Executive Committee may Draft and Enact Bye-Laws, provided that such By-Laws are not opposed to or inconsistent with this, The O.N.A.K.A.I. Constitution. A copy of such Bye-Laws shall be forwarded to the O.N.A.K.A.I. executive committee for approval and registration. 2.13. The Secretary of each Member association shall furnish to the secretary of O.N.A.K.A.I.,before the 1 st of March each year a list showing the names and addresses of its Officers and Elected Members, together with a list of Clubs within it s Association. 2.14.In the event of a complaint or dispute, which requires the intervention by the O.N.A.K.A.I. Executive Committee, a Member Association shall furnish on demand all or any of its records for inspection by a duly authorised official or officials of the O.N.A.K.A.I. Executive Committee. 2.15. Any other body who claims to represent a style of Karate not known by the O.N.A.K.A.I. Executive Committee and of which O.N.A.K.A.I. approves and which such a body, in all other respects, complies with the O.N.A.K.A.I. Constitution, may be admitted to full membership of O.N.A.K.A.I. by decision of two thirds of the delegates present and voting at the O.N.A.K.A.I. Annual General Meeting. Misconduct and Expulsion of Members:- 2.16. All Members are required to report to the O.N.A.K.A.I. Executive Committee any action or behaviour of an individual Member, Club or Member Association which is considered by the reporting Member to be detrimental to the Sport and practice of Karate and contrary to the interest of O.N.A.K.A.I. 2.17. No Club or Member Association will impose suspension or expulsion until the individual or subordinate body to be affected by the order has been given an opportunity to show cause why the proposed suspension or expulsion should not be put into effect. Every Member, Club or Association or Subordinate Body of O.N.A.K.A.I. suspended, Expelled or otherwise aggrieved shall have the right of appeal, such appeal must be received in writing by the O.N.A.K.A.I. Secretary within 21 days from the suspension or expulsion. 2.18. The order of appeal shall be to the O.N.A.K.A.I. Executive Committee. 2.19. Final appeal decision lies with the O.N.A.K.A.I. Executive Committee. 5

SECTION 3. Composition of O.N.A.K.A.I. Where described in this Constitution all Officer Positions in Clubs, Member Associations and O.N.A.K.A.I. Executive Committee should read honorary (i.e. non-paid status) 3.1 O.N.A.K.A.I. is a democratic organisation structured in the following way:- General Meeting Officers. Executive Committee. Regional Committees. Member Associations. Clubs. SECTION 4 The O.N.A.K.A.I. Executive Committee. 4.1. The O.N.A.K.A.I. Executive Committee shall consist of not greater than twelve Members who shall be elected by the Annual General Meeting from the list of submitted nominations. 4.2. Only Members who have served at least one full two year term on the O.N.A.K.A.I. Executive Committee may be nominated to the position of President, Secretary or Treasurer/Registrar. All other positions to be appointed from within the elected Committee and should include a National Children s Officer and a Public Relations Officer. 4.3. A Quorum for meetings of the O.N.A.K.A.I. Executive Committee shall be six Committee members which must include at least two Officers, however in the event for whatever reason that the O.N.A.K.AI. Executive Committee is less than twelve, The O.N.A.K.A.I. Executive Committee will decide a quorum. 4.4. A vacancy among the Officers caused by illness, resignation or expulsion will be filled by the O.N.A.K.A.I. Executive Committee with their nominee, who will hold Office until the election of Officers at the next O.N.A.K.A.I. Annual General Meeting. And who will be eligible for election at such meeting. 4.5. Any Committee Member who misses three (3) consecutive meetings without reasonable cause will be deemed to have resigned from his/her position on that Committee. 4.6. All questions will be decided by a simple majority of the Members present and voting thereon at a meeting of the O.N.A.K.A.I. Executive Committee. 4.7. In the case of equality of votes the Chairperson of the O.N.A.K.A.I. Executive Committee will have a casting vote. 4.8. The O.N.A.K.A.I. Executive Committee will meet as often as is necessary on the requisition of the Chairman or Secretary or at the behest of any three or more members of the O.N.A.K.A.I. Executive Committee but in any case not less than four times a year. 4.9. The management of O.N.A.K.A.I. shall be the responsibility of the O.N.A.K.A.I. Executive Committee with the exception of matters which are considered by the O.N.A.K.A.I. Executive Committee to be more appropriately dealt with by the O.N.A.K.A.I. General Meeting ( such as general policy changes, alterations to O.N.A.K.A.I s Constitution etc..) 6

SECTION 5. Duties and Powers of the O.N.A.K.A.I. Executive Committee. The duties of the O.N.A.K.A.I. Executive Committee shall be:- To conduct the general business of O.N.A.K.A.I. To provide for the administration, management and control of the affairs, property and funds of O.N.A.K.A.I. To determine the remuneration of the Secretary if the O.N.A.K.A.I. Executive Committee should decide that the Secretary for the time being shall be salaried. To conduct the National and International activities of O.N.A.K.A.I. To Maintain a Register of all O.N.A.K.A.I. member Associations and Clubs. To appoint representatives of O.N.A.K.A.I. for the purpose, inter alia, of investigating complaints. To consider the nominations to the O.N.A.K.A.I. Technical Committee and appoint accordingly. To ratify the selection of Individuals and Teams which shall be proposed by the appointed National Coaches and Coaches Committee to represent Ireland in Competitions and Events. 5.1. The O.N.A.K.A.I. Executive Committee shall be the supreme governing body of O.N.A.K.A.I. between the Annual General Meetings and the sole final authority to interpret the O.N.A.K.A.I. Constitution. It s jurisdiction shall extend over the whole of O.N.A.K.A.I. in all matters, including those that pertain to the funds, investments and property of O.N.A.K.A.I.. It may appoint trustees for the proper exercise of this jurisdiction. 5.2. The O.N.A.K.A.I. Executive Committee s decisions on all matters appertaining to O.N.A.K.A.I. are binding on the Members of O.N.A.K.A.I.. 5.3. The O.N.A.K.A.I. Executive Committee, may at any time, summon an Extraordinary General Meeting of O.N.A.K.A.I. or of any Member Association or Club. 5.4. The O.N.A.K.A.I. Executive Committee may enact Bye-Laws, and in particular where such Bye Laws may have a bearing on the terms and conditions of funding bodies and where such Bye Laws are approved by such or any funding bodies, provided such Bye-Laws are not opposed to, or inconsistent with the O.N.A.K.A.I. Constitution and Aspirations. It is further empowered to give a ruling on any matter appertaining to the O.N.A.K.A.I. Constitution that may be referred to it. 5.5. The O.N.A.K.A.I. Executive Committee may fill vacancies by co-option. 5.6. The O.N.A.K.A.I. Executive Committee may appoint any other Sub- Committees it may deem necessary. Should the O.N.A.K.A.I. Executive Committee not designate the Chairperson, the Sub-Committee shall elect a Chairperson from amongst its Members at the first meeting of the Sub-Committee. Any Members of O.N.A.K.A.I. may be co-opted to serve on Sub-Committees. The Chairperson, Secretary, Treasurer/Registrar of the O.N.A.K.A.I. Executive Committee shall be Ex-Officio Members of all Sub-Committees. 5.7. The O.N.A.K.A.I. Executive Committee may suspend or expel any Individual Member, Member Club or Member Association. It may expel or suspend any Member of O.N.A.K.A.I. offending against the Constitution. It May also reinstate suspended or expelled Members at its discretion. 5.8. The O.N.A.K.A.I. Executive Committee may inquire into and examine the working of any Member Association or Club and order that all necessary records and documents be produced at such an inquiry. 5.12 The O.N.A.K.A.I. Executive Committee shall decide upon the appropriate Annual Association/Club Membership Fee to be charged and shall notify all Member Associations/Clubs of same. 7

SECTION 6 Duties of the Principle Officers 6.1.The Chairperson shall:- Preside over and conduct the proceedings of the O.N.A.K.A.I. General Meetings which may be held during his term of office. Preside over O.N.A.K.A.I. Executive Committee Meetings which may be held during his term of office. 6.2. The Secretary shall :- Consult with the Chairperson and draw up the Agenda for each meeting. Prepare and present the minutes of all meetings. Present to meetings, deal with and file all correspondence. Prepare the Annual Report. Prepare reports and Articles as required by the press. Maintain a record of all major achievements of O.N.A.K.A.I. Members. 6. 3. The Treasurer/Registrar Shall:- Receive all monies and in conjunction with the Executive Committee take control of the finances of O.N.A.K.A.I. Discharge the liabilities of O.N.A.K.A.I. with the executive Committee s approval. Keep Account Books in which he/she enters all receipts and payments. Lodge, without delay, in an approved Bank, all monies received to the credit of O.N.A.K.A.I. Present the Books for inspection or audit when required to do so. The Treasurer shall present a report on the financial condition of O.N.A.K.A.I. and shall furnish a balance sheet to the Annual General Meeting. A copy of the Balance Sheet shall be sent or given to every Member association or Club which is authorised to send a delegate to such Annual General Meeting/s. Expenses: 6.4 The O.N.A.K.A.I. Executive Committee may authorise the payment of reasonable travelling or out of-pocket expenses to any Official or Member travelling by request on the business of the O.N.A.K.A.I. Executive Committee, provided that the O.N.A.K.A.I. Executive Committee s approval is obtained before such expenses are incurred. 6.5. The O.N.A.K.A.I. Executive Committee may authorise payments to be made to Karateka in respect of sundry expenses arising from participation in Karate Competitions or Events. 6.6. No person may incur expenses on behalf of O.N.A.K.A.I. without the prior express permission of the O.N.A.K.A.I. Executive Committee. 8

SECTION 7. Annual General Meetings. 7.1. Notice of the Annual General Meeting of O.N.A.K.A.I. shall be given at least two Calendar Months in advance. 7.2. The Annual General Meeting of O.N.A.K.A.I. shall consist of the Officers and the Elected Members of the outgoing O.N.A.K.A.I. Executive Committee together with at least one voting representative elected by each Member Club of each Member Association and each Member Club. 7.3. Each fully paid-up Member Club of each Member Association and each Member Club within O.N.A.K.A.I. will be entitled to one (1) vote at the A.G.M. and that vote must be exercised by a Club Member. Voting by proxy is not allowed. 7.4. The outgoing O.N.A.K.A.I. Executive Committee shall hold office until the conclusion of the business of the A.G.M. and each Executive Committee Member shall have one (1) vote. However, the Chairperson will have a casting vote in the event of a tie at the A.G.M. 7.5. Any Individual Member, Club or Association wishing to put forward a proposal or motion to be included at the Annual General Meeting must submit, in writing that proposal or motion to the O.N.A.K.A.I. Secretary not later than twenty eight (28)clear days prior to the date of the A.G.M. 7.6. The Agenda for the A.G.M of O.N.A.K.A.I. shall be considered by the O.N.A.K.A.I. Executive Committee who will only include Items, Proposals or Motions on the Agenda provided that if it considers such Items, Proposals or Motions to be sufficiently important for discussion. If such an Item, Proposal, or Motion is thus excluded, it may be brought before the A.G.M. under Any Other Business on the Agenda, if such an Item, Proposal or Motion is supported by not less than 50% of Delegates present in addition to the Individual, Club or Association which submitted the Item, Proposal or Motion. 7.7. Nominations for the election of Members to the O.N.A.K.A.I. Executive Committee must be made by the Member Clubs or Associations at least twenty one days prior to the date of the A.G.M.. From the elected O.N.A.K.A.I. Executive Committee, the A.G.M. will then elect the President, Chairperson, Secretary, Treasurer/Registrar. Any other positions deemed necessary will be filled from within The O.N.A.K.A.I. Executive Committee including National Children s Officer and Public Relations Officer. 7.8. The procedure at O.N.A.K.A.I. Annual General Meetings shall be as follows:- Examine the credentials of those who signed the attendance roll. Confirm the minutes of the previous A.G.M. Receive the Secretary s Report. Receive the Treasurer s Report. Elect at every second Annual General Meeting, Officers for the next two (2) years. Elect Committee Members from nominations received. Deal with any other business as appropriate. 7.9. Voting: Voting on Items, Proposals or Motions shall be by a show of hands. Voting for the election of Officers from the O.N.A.K.A.I. Executive Committee shall be by ballot. The ballot papers shall be retained for one (1) month after the election. Ballots may be held in secret. 9

SECTION 8. Extraordinary General Meeting. 8.1. Authority to summon an Extraordinary General Meeting of the Members of O.N.A.K.A.I. shall be exercised as follows:- A two thirds of the O.N.A.K.A.I. Executive Committee may demand an Extraordinary General Meeting of O.N.A.K.A.I. Two Thirds of the properly-constituted Membership of O.N.A.K.A.I. can demand an Extraordinary General Meeting of O.N.A.K.A.I. 8.2. The Chairperson shall summon the Extraordinary General Meeting to convene as soon as is practically possible but no later than twenty eight days from the Date of request for the said meeting. 8.3. Every request for the assembly of an Extraordinary General Meeting shall set forth the business for which it is required to be assembled and ( and NOTICE of such business shall be circulated to all Members not later than fourteen days ( 14 Days) prior to the date of the said meeting ) NO other business shall be considered at the Extraordinary General Meeting. 8.4. The constitution of an Extraordinary General Meeting shall be similar to that prescribed for an Annual General Meeting. SECTION 9. O.N.A.K.A.I. Regional Committees. 9.1. O.N.A.K.A.I. Regional committees will be subordinate to the O.N.A.K.A.I. Executive Committee. 9.2. The Annual General Meeting will elect four Provincial Committees from nominations received by the O.N.A.K.A.I. Secretary from affiliated Members from each Province. These nominations should be forwarded to the O.N.A.K.A.I. secretary at least fourteen (14) days prior to the Annual General Meeting which has as part of its Agenda an election of Committees. 9.3. Member Clubs may only nominate Members from their own Province. 9.4. Upon election each O.N.A.K.A.I. Regional Committee will nominate one Member to sit on the O.N.A.K.A.I. Executive Committee and from its Membership will elect a Chairperson, Secretary, and Children s Officer. 9.5. Funding for agreed expenses will be provided for O.N.A.K.A.I. regional Committees by the O.N.A.K.A.I. Executive Committee from the O.N.A.K.A.I. Account. 9.6. All monies collected by O.N.A.K.A.I. Regional Committees in the running of Regional Competitions, Courses, Events or National Fundraising must be forwarded to the O.N.A.K.A.I. Treasurer/Registrar detailing the source of income and receipts for any expenditure incurred. Monies raised through Local Initiative and Local Support will, where possible, be used for the benefit of that Region. 9.7. Duties of the O.N.A.K.A.I. Regional Committees:- To be responsible for implementing O.N.A.K.A.I. policy within their Province. To organise and run Regional Competitions, Courses and Events sanctioned by the O.N.A.K.A.I. Executive Committee. 10

SECTION 10. O.N.A.K.A.I. Technical Committee. 10.1. The O.N.A.K.A.I. Executive Committee shall appoint a Technical Committee of not less than six Members from the nominations received, and shall appoint from this Committee a Technical Committee Chairperson. 10.2. The Technical committee should include four Members representing each style of Karate in O.N.A.K.A.I. and one member from each of the following groups:- Coaching Ireland Committee. O.N.A.K.A.I. Coaching Committee ( One Kata and one Kumite Coach). National Referees Committee. 10.3. The only persons eligible for appointment to the O.N.A.K.A.I. Technical Committee are Karateka of 3 rd Dan Grade or above who:- Are of Irish Nationality. Are Members of Clubs or Member Associations which for a period of not less than six months immediately preceding the appointment have been Members of O.N.A.K.A.I. Hold a valid O.N.A.K.A.I. club Membership. 10.4. The Officers of O.N.A.K.A.I. will be Ex-Officio Members of the O.N.A.K.A.I. Technical Committee, but will have no voting rights at meetings of this Committee, unless they have also been nominated by their Member Club/Association and have been appointed. 10.5. The O.N.A.K.A.I. Executive Committee may, at their discretion, cancel the appointment of any Member of the technical Committee, other than the Ex-Officio Members, provided that the number of appointed Members of the O.N.A.K.A.I. Technical Committee shall at no time be less than six. 10.6. The O.N.A.K.A.I. Executive Committee will appoint a Chairperson to the O.N.A.K.A.I. Technical Committee from among the Members of the Technical Committee, who will hold Office for a period of two years and at the expiration of such term may be eligible for re-election. At meetings of the O.N.A.K.A.I. Technical Committee it s Chairperson will have a second or casting vote. 10.7. The Secretary of O.N.A.K.A.I. will be provided with a copy of the minutes of each O.N.A.K.A.I. Technical Committee meeting held within fourteen (14) days thereof. 10.8. Duties of the O.N.A.K.A.I. Technical committee:- To advise O.N.A.K.A.I. Members on all matters relating to Karate Technique, Tactics, Standards, and Competition. To recommend to the O.N.A.K.A.I. Executive Committee for ratification the appointment of, and to maintain a Register of Senior Examiners. To Review and pass onto the O.N.A.K.A.I. Executive Committee their consensus on received applications for W.K.F. Dan Grade Certification. 10.9. The O.N.A.K.A.I. Technical Committee shall at all times be subordinate to the O.N.A.K.A.I. Executive Committee. 11

SECTION 11. Appointment of Match Officials ( Referees, Judges, Scorekeepers, Timekeepers) 11.1. Only Those Match Officials who are Registered with and Certified by the O.N.A.K.A.I. Executive Committee will be allowed to act in their respective capacities and be permitted to officiate at O.N.A.K.A.I. Events. 11.2. The O.N.A.K.A.I. Executive Committee ONLY may remove a person from the Register of Certified Officials. 11.3. The O.N.A.K.A.I. Executive Committee shall appoint, upon the recommendations of the O.N.A.K.A.I. Technical Committee, the Officials for National Championships, International and Inter-Provincial Events. SECTION 12. Championships and Competitions. 12.1. The O.N.A.K.A.I. Executive Committee shall arrange and conduct the National Championships, International and Inter-provincial Competitions or Events and may arrange such other competitions or Events as it may consider appropriate. 12.2. The O.N.A.K.A.I. Executive Committee shall ratify the selection, by the O.N.A.K.A.I. Coaches of Individuals or Teams to represent Ireland at International Competitions or Events. 12.3. Permission to hold International, Inter-Provisional or Charity Competitions, Events or Demonstrations shall be granted only by the O.N.A.K.A.I. Executive Committee. Applications for such permission shall be made to the O.N.A.K.A.I. Secretary. 12.4.. O.N.A.K.A.I. shall hold at least one National (32 County) Senior and Junior Karate Championship per year. 12.5. The rules which shall apply to any Competition held by O.N.A.K.A.I. shall be those of the European Karate Federation (E.K.F.) and/or the World Karate Federation (W.K.F.). 12.6. Only Registered O.N.A.K.A.I. Members shall be permitted to participate in Competitions, Tournaments and Demonstrations organised by O.N.A.K.A.I.. Exceptions to this rule may be made at the discretion of the O.N.A.K.A.I. Executive Committee for open competitions etc.. 12.7. All Regional Competitions or Events shall be run by the O.N.A.K.A.I. Regional Committees, as appointed at the A.G.M. and shall be empowered to resolve any disagreements which may arise in the course of such O.N.A.K.A.I. Competitions or Events. SECTION 13. Dissolution. 13.1. O.N.A.K.A.I. may, at any time, be dissolved by a resolution passed by a two thirds majority of those present and with voting rights at an O.N.A.KA.I. General Meeting. 13.2. If upon dissolution of O.N.A.K.A.I., there remains, after satisfaction of all it s debts and liabilities, any money or any other property whatsoever, the same will be equally distributed among the paid-up Member Clubs of O.N.A.K.A.I. at the date of such dissolution. SECTION 14. Advertising. 14.1. No words, images or logos may be used by Member Associations or Clubs in any advertising matter or programme which, directly or by implication states that a display, competition, event or match is of National or International Status without the prior consent of the O.N.A.K.A.I. Executive Committee. 12

SECTION 15. Anti- Doping. 15.1. The Anti-Doping Rules of O.N.A.K.A.I. are the Irish Anti-Doping Rules as amended from time to time and all Members must adhere to the Guidelines, Principles and Practices contained therein. SECTION 16. Dispute Resolution 16.1. Subject to all internal avenues of appeal having been exhausted, this article shall apply to any dispute or difference arising out of, in connection with or under this Constitution or any rules, bye-laws, codes, policies or equivalent of the O.N.A.K.A.I.. This shall include without limitation any dispute arising out of, under or in connection with the legality of any decision made or procedure used by the O.N.A.K.A.I. or any part of it. 16.2. Each such dispute or difference shall be referred to Just Sport Ireland (JSI) for final and binding arbitration by a single arbitrator in accordance with the JSI Arbitration Rules and in accordance with the Arbitration Act 2010 as amended. 16.3. This article shall also apply to every participant and member of every Unit (as defined below). Each such participant or member is bound to refer any dispute or difference which remains unresolved after all internal avenues of appeal have been exhausted to JSI arbitration in accordance with sub-article16.2. above. 16.4 The provisions of this article shall apply notwithstanding any other provision to the contrary contained within this Constitution and/or any other rules, bye-laws, codes, policies or equivalent of the O.N.A.K.A.I. and/or any Unit from time to time. This article applies notwithstanding the level within the O.N.A.K.A.I. that any such dispute or difference occurs in the first instance. 16.5. The effect of this article is to prohibit any party to such dispute or difference from commencing legal proceedings before the Courts. 16.6. For the purpose of this article, Unit means any team, association, club or committee or sub committee or other grouping, association or entity of any type which is in turn a member, part of, affiliated to or governed by the O.N.A.K.A.I.. SECTION 17. Child Protection. 17.1. All O.N.A.K.A.I. Members must adhere to the Guidelines, Principles and Good Practice contained in the Irish Sports Council s Code of Ethics and Good Behaviour And Best Practice for Children In Sport and the Child Protection Sports Council For Northern Ireland AND O.N.A.K.A.I. s own CODE OF CONDUCT and Policy For The Safeguarding Of Young People in Sport In Ireland SECTION 18. Interpretation of This Constitution. 18.1. The O.N.A.K.A.I. Executive Committee shall be the sole Authority for the interpretation of this Constitution and of any Bye-Laws and Regulations made thereunder. The decision of the O.N.A.K.A.I. Executive Committee upon any question or interpretation or upon any matter affecting O.N.A.K.A.I. and not provided for in this Constitution or the Bye- 13

Laws and Regulations made thereunder shall be final and binding on the Members, subject to appeal to a General meeting, and shall not under any circumstances be subject to an appeal to any Court of Law. SECTION 19. Alteration to this Constitution. 19.1. This Constitution may not be altered except on a resolution passed by a majority of not less than two-thirds of representatives of O.N.A.K.A.I. present and voting at an O.N.A.K.A.I. General Meeting called for this purpose. 19.2. A Resolution for the Alteration of this Constitution must be received by the O.N.A.K.A.I. Secretary at least twenty eight (28) days before the O.N.A.K.A.I. General Meeting at which the resolution is to be brought forward. 19.3. The notice, in writing, of such a Meeting given by the O.N.A.K.A.I. Secretary to the Members shall include notice of the alteration proposed. ********************************************************************************** 14