USA KARATE REFEREE/JUDGE CODE OF CONDUCT
The undersigned in the e-signature affirms their intent to sign and be bound to these terms of the USA Karate referee/judge code of conduct, and consent to do legal business electronically.
I understand that as a USA-National Karate-do Federation (“USA KARATE”) Referee/Judge (referred to hereafter as “Referee”), and official representative of USA KARATE, there are responsibilities, expectations, and duties attached to my position. I understand I have an impact on the USA KARATE brand as a National Governing Body, the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee (“USOPC”), and the World Karate Federation (“WKF”). It is clear that my position as a USA Karate Official is one of authority and that it is critical to the development of athletes and to the integrity of the sport at all levels.
As an official referee representative of USA KARATE, I shall:
1. Obey all USA KARATE published rules, regulations, policies, protocols, and procedures including the USA Karate Code of Conduct, SafeSport, Conflict of Interest, Gift Policy and Whistleblower Policy, Social Media Policy and Guidelines, USA Karate Bylaws, maintain a current and acceptable NCIS clearance, and maintain my membership in USA Karate.
2. Maintain a professional manner at all times, promoting USA KARATE positively, and refraining from engaging in harmful and/or disparaging social media communications or posts regarding USA Karate, its Board of Directors, committees, officers, coaches, any member, or other participants including competitors and or their performances.
3. Refrain from consuming any substances during or before any KARATE event that could impair my judgment or abilities as an Official.
4. Maintain proper physical conditioning as required to perform my tasks as an USA Karate Official.
5. Exercise appropriate care and judgment to ensure safety and welfare of the competitors and tournament co-workers.
6. Maintain and improve my knowledge of competition rules and procedures, keep up to date on changes, and responsibilities and do my utmost to further my abilities through USA KARATE, Pan-American Karate Federation (“PKF”), and World Karate Federation “WKF” sanctioned seminars and certification courses.
7. Readily accept constructive criticism from authorized supervisors in order to improve my skills as a USA Karate Official.
In order to avoid any appearance of impropriety, I shall:
8. Enforce the Rules of Competition in a fair and impartial manner, showing no favoritism by actions, inactions or appearance toward one competitor over another.
9. Declare any actual or perceived conflicts of interest, personal issues, or illness or conditions that may question or impair my ability to perform.
10. Refrain from accepting favors, cash, gifts, in-kind or monetary rewards from competitors, coaches, spectators, participants, or delegation representatives in exchange for my actions as an Official.
11. Refrain from coaching competitors while serving as an Official.
12. Refrain from discussing events or results from a match with any athletes or coaches.
13. Refrain from fraternizing with competitors or coaches during any KARATE event.
a. Socializing after hours with a family or dojo member competing at an event is not a violation of this policy.
b. Associating with officials who are also participating as athletes is not a violation of this policy.
c. Athlete Advisory members of the Referee Committee discussing matters or concerns related to officiating is not a violation of this policy.
Additionally, I agree to:
14. Conform to the proper dress codes.
15. Attend designated official functions of USA KARATE when required as an ambassador to the sport.
16. Arrive at state, regional, national, or international competition venues by the designated time and remain until the Chief Referee officially excuses me or until the completion of the competition.
17. Obey state, national and international laws and be forthcoming with regarding any inconsistencies that may affect my eligibility to serve as a Referee.
APPENDIX A – SOCIAL MEDIA POLICY AND GUIDELINE
USA National Karate-do Federation Social Media Policy and Guidelines
As a USA KARATE Official, I agree to the following policy, which applies at all times and not only during sanctioned USA KARATE events:
I am aware that I represent the sport of karate, USA KARATE, the Pan-American Karate Federation (“PKF”), the World Karate Federation (“WKF”), the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee (“USOPC”) and the Olympic Movement, family and community at all times, and will do so in a positive manner.
I will use social media to purposefully promote abilities, professionalism, community, and social values.
I am responsible for:
1. My participation in any social media channel or discussion. Participation, as it applies to this policy, is known to mean my:
a. personal posts;
b. comments made on another individual’s post;
c. sharing a post made by another individual;
d. reacting or responding to another individual’s post.
e. posting or reacting to any photos, videos, or other recordings;
2. I will review my posts before I publish them to ensure that I am maintaining a professional presence on social media.
3. I will not post disparaging or negative remarks about fellow officials, competitors, coaches, staff members, volunteers, or any KARATE sponsors.
4. I will refrain from posting, commenting on, sharing, or liking posts on social media that may be construed as having a bias (positive or negative) towards any particular athlete, coach or karate organization. There are exceptions to this prohibition including, but not limited to:
a. posting, commenting, sharing or reacting to comments regarding a family member or a student;
b. congratulatory, encouraging, or publishing positive comments regarding competitors, USA Karate or Team USA.
I will refrain from posting, commenting on, sharing, or reacting to posts on social media about which athlete(s) should or should not be selected to represent Team USA in an international event.
I will refrain from posting, commenting on, sharing, or liking posts on social media that may explicitly or implicitly compare any active athlete’s abilities against another active athlete.
Making a positive comment on a match, a particular athlete, or a competition team would not, in and of itself, be construed to be a violation of this rule, unless the comments also offer comparisons and/or negative comments regarding other competitors.
I will not publishing comments of any kind regarding a match in which I served as an official.
I will not post content that defames USA KARATE, PKF, WKF, USOPC, the US Anti-Doping Agency, the World Anti-Doping Agency, or the US Center for SafeSport by name or the name of its board of directors, executive team, staff, coaches, officials, tournament staff, official sponsors, etc.
I will not disclose any Confidential or non-public information related to USA KARATE.
I will avoid using profane or obscene language or content.
I will not post content that promotes, fosters, or perpetrates discrimination of any kind including, but not limited to, any discrimination which is based upon race, creed, color, age, religion, gender, marital status, national origin, physical or mental disability or sexual orientation.
I will not infringe on any copyrights or trademarks.
I acknowledge that I have read the Referee’s Code of Conduct and the Officials Policy and Rules and that I am aware of the USA Karate Policies and Procedures referenced above. I fully understand, agree to, and shall comply with all the terms and conditions contained therein. I understand that failure to comply may result in disciplinary action including loss of license, suspension, or expulsion from the organization.
