European Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation
Constitution
2008 EDITION
Calle Jaén 8, Madrid 28020, Spain
Tel: +34 91 535 2819 – Fax: +34 91 535 0320
 

CHAPTER I

ARTICLE 1: NAME
1.1. Name and Territory. The organization shall be known under the name “European Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation”, hereinafter called the “EBFF”. The EBFF operates on the territory of Europe. Countries outside of geographical Europe may be considered as the EBFF members, with the permission of the IFBB.

ARTICLE 2: LOGO
2.1. Logo The logo of this organization, an impression of each is printed upon the front cover of this Constitution, shall be the official logo of the European Bodybuilding & Fitness Federation (EBFF) after the approval by the IFBB.

ARTICLE 3: OFFICIAL LANGUAGE
3.1. Official language The official language of the EBFF shall be English.

ARTICLE 4: COMPOSITION
.1. Composition The EBFF is an association of International sport governing bodies of the European countries for the sports of bodybuilding and fitness. EBFF is affiliated with and operates under the guidance of the International Federation of Bodybuilding and Fitness (IFBB) of Madrid, Spain, and abides by the IFBB Constitution and Rules.

ARTICLE 5: GENERAL PROVISIONS
5.1. General provisions of the EBFF: 5.1.1. The EBFF is a non-profit organization. Members of its Executive Council and Committees are democratically elected and serve on a voluntary basis. 5.1.2. The EBFF forbids any and all racially, politically or religiously motivated decisions, demonstrations or acts. 5.1.3. The EBFF does not discriminate between individuals or countries on the basis of age, race, colour, sex, religion, politics or other reasons. 5.1.4. The duration of the EBFF shall be unlimited.

ARTICLE 6: OBJECTS
6.1. Objects of the EBFF: 6.1.1. To develop, promote and control the sports of bodybuilding and fitness on the Continent of Europe, under the guidance and supervision of the IFBB. 6.1.2. To promote health and fitness through physical culture, weight training, proper nutrition and lifestyle. 6.1.3. To develop co-operation between affiliated national federations and associations of the European countries.
6.1.4. To co-operate with the governmental sport agencies, National Olympic Committees of the European countries and European Olympic Committees Organization to get their support for bodybuilding and fitness. 6.1.5. To co-operate with mass-media and TV broadcasting organizations to promote bodybuilding and fitness and to cover the sport events organized under EBFF patronage. 6.1.6. To sanction, regulate and control of all continental championships and other types of bodybuilding and/or fitness competitions and to ensure they are conducted according to the IFBB Rules and under the IFBB approval. 6.1.7. To issue the EBFF Certificates for the European manufacturers of bodybuilding/fitness training equipment, sport clothes and shoes, accessories as well as food supplements. 6.1.8. To conduct seminars on doping, nutrition and training problems. 6.1.9. To conduct seminars for judges. 6.1.10. To co-ordinate the education of coaches, trainers and other specialists. 6.1.11. To honour individuals and organizations for their outstanding contributions to the sports of bodybuilding and/or fitness, with special diplomas, plaques or medals. 6.1.12. To promote clean sport, following the IFBB Anti-Doping Policy & Anti-Doping Program. 6.1.13. To educate athletes and all people involved in fitness on healthy lifestyle.

CHAPTER II

ARTICLE 7: MEMBERS
7.1. National sports organizations 7.1.1. Membership in the EBFF shall be limited to those National Federations which have already been affiliated with the IFBB. 7.2. Individuals 7.2.1. Membership in the EBFF is automatically granted to any individual who, with the approval of his national federation, become EBFF Executive Council member. 7.3. Rights 7.3.1. Every individual or organization, upon becoming a member of the EBFF, shall have the right to participate in, and benefit from, any activity of the EBFF as long as that member meets the qualifications of that activity. 7.4. Resignation 7.4.1. Any member may resign from the EBFF by submitting a written letter of resignation to the EBFF President. 7.5. Revocation of membership 7.5.1. Any membership may be revoked by two third majority vote of the EBFF Congress. 7.6. Fees 7.6.1. Every national sports organization affiliated with the EBFF shall pay a yearly membership fee in an amount proposed, from time to time, by the Executive Council and established by the EBFF Congress. 7.6.2. Any affiliated organization which does not pay the fee, may be suspended in its rights or may be removed from the EBFF.
ARTICLE 8:NATIONAL FEDERATIONS 8.1. General The EBFF shall recognize one national federation per country and only these federations, which have been already recognized by the IFBB. 8.2. Procedures Any national sport governing body for the sport of bodybuilding and/or fitness who wishes to affiliate with the EBFF shall submit, in writing and to the President, the following documents: 8.2.1. A request for affiliation, signed by their president and general secretary. 8.2.2. A statement confirming that they have been already affiliated with the IFBB, with the date (year) of their recognition by the IFBB. 8.2.3. A copy of their constitution. 8.2.4. Information on the last electoral congress of their federation (date, place) and the current composition of their executive council. 8.2.5. A name of the person responsible for communication with the EBFF, with his/her detailed address, phone and fax numbers, e-mail, etc. 8.2.6. A list with the names of their international judges. 8.2.7. A statement, signed by their president, that the national federation agrees to abide by the EBFF Constitution and the decisions and rulings of the EBFF Executive Council and Congress. 8.2.8. The annual affiliation fee, which shall be paid to the EBFF in amount established by the Congress. 8.3. Confirmation of Membership Upon receipt of the above mentioned documents and affiliation fee, the national federation shall be provisionally affiliated till the next annual meeting of the EBFF Congress, at which the affiliation shall be confirmed or denied. 8.4. Resignation 8.4.1. Any national federation may resign from the EBFF at any time by submitting a written letter of resignation to the President. 8.4.2. Any national federation which resigns from the EBFF membership but still is a member of the IFBB will not be allowed to participate in any European Championships and international contest held in Europe and will not be allowed to take part in the EBFF activity. 8.4.3. Resignation of the national federation from the IFBB shall be automatically treated as a resignation from the EBFF as well. 8.5. Suspension Any national federation may be suspended for the following reasons: 8.5.1. Failing two years in a row with the payment of its affiliation fee. 8.5.2. Failing to adhere to, or comply with, the EBFF Constitution or the decisions and rulings of the EBFF Executive Council or Congress. 8.5.3. Any national federation suspended by the IFBB shall be automatically suspended by the EBFF. 8.5.4. Any national federation or individual suspended by the EBFF may appeal to the EBFF Appeal Committee. 8.6. Notification Any notification regarding suspension, expulsion or dissolution of a national federation shall be forwarded by registered mail or electronic communication by means of an e-mail, and a copy should be sent to the IFBB in Madrid.

CHAPTER III – Administration of the Federation

ARTICLE 9: THE CONGRESS 9.1. Composition The Congress should be composed of the members of the Executive Council and national federations - two delegates per each national federation. 9.2. Powers The powers of the Congress should be as follows: 9.2.1. To elect or appoint, at special electoral meeting, the members of the Executive Council, who should serve for a four year term or until such a time as they are replaced in accordance with the terms of the Constitution. 9.2.2. To confirm or withhold confirmation of the Constitution or any amendment to the Constitution. 9.2.3. To remove, by majority vote, any suspension or remit any penalty previously imposed on any person or affiliated organization of the EBFF. 9.2.4. To remove from office, by two third majority vote, any member of the EBFF Executive Council who, by neglect of duties or by misconduct, brings dishonour to the EBFF or to the sport of bodybuilding/fitness. 9.3. Meetings The annual meeting of the Congress shall be held in conjunction with the European Men’s Bodybuilding Championships or other Continental Championships. 9.4. Agenda The agenda of the annual meeting of the EBFF Congress shall consist of, but shall not be limited to, the following items: 9.4.1. The examination and approval of the annual reports of the: 9.4.1.1. President 9.4.1.2. General Secretary 9.4.1.3. Vice Presidents 9.4.1.4. Financial Director 9.4.1.5. Chairpersons of the various standing committees 9.4.2. The affiliation of new members. 9.4.3. The selection of locations for all continental bodybuilding and fitness championships, which must be done with the approval of the IFBB. 9.4.4. The approval of all international bodybuilding and fitness events organized by any national federation affiliated with the EBFF. 9.4.5. The propositions submitted by the member federations. Propositions must reach the office of the President no later than fifty (50) days before the date for the meeting of the Congress. 9.4.6. Only those items which are listed on the agenda may be discussed at the meeting of the Congress. Time permitting, the President may allow other matters to be discussed. 9.5. Notice The notice of the annual meeting of the EBFF Congress shall be forwarded to the members of the Executive Council and to member federations no later than thirty (30) days prior to the date of the annual meeting of the Congress. The notice shall contain information concerning the business to be discussed at the meeting. 9.6. Participation 9.6.1. The following persons are entitled to participate in the EBFF Congress: 9.6.1.1. Members of the Executive Council. 9.6.1.2. Delegates from member federations, on the basis: two delegates per country. 9.6.1.3. IFBB Executive Council members. 9.6.1.4. Guests invited by the EBFF President. They may participate in the whole Congress or in its part only, according to the invitation. 9.6.2. The General Secretary, or duly appointed representative, shall verify the credentials of the participants of the Congress and shall issue to each bona fide member an EBFF voting card. 9.7. Conduct of Meeting and Voting 9.7.1. The president shall be in the chair of the meeting. 9.7.1.1. The president shall have the authority to determine the number and duration of any speeches. 9.7.2. Each member federation present is entitled to one vote. 9.7.3. Every issue at the Congress shall be decided by majority vote. 9.7.4. The chair of the meeting shall have a second or casting vote in the event of tie. 9.7.5. The meetings of the Congress shall be conducted in private. 9.8. Minutes The minutes of the annual meeting of the Congress shall be taken by the General Secretary or appointed representative and shall be forwarded to the member federations, members of the Executive Council and the IFBB President as a part of the “EBFF Congress Report”. 9.9. Responsibilities of the Organizer 9.9.1. The organizer of the Congress is obliged to provide the meeting room for the Congress, with the capacity of one hundred seats, one big table for members of the Executive Council, single tables for delegates and guests and a banner with the name of the Congress, date and place. 9.9.2. The organizer shall provide accommodation and meals for the members of the Executive Council. Delegates from national federations should be the members of their national team for the Championships.

ARTICLE 10:THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL
10.1. Composition The Executive Council of the EBFF is composed of the following officers: 10.1.1. The President 10.1.2. Three Vice Presidents 10.1.3. The General Secretary 10.1.4. The Executive Assistant to the President (appointed, vote) 10.1.5. The IFBB Vice President for Europe 10.1.6. The Financial Director 10.1.7. Chairperson of the Bodybuilding Committee 10.1.8. Chairperson of the Fitness Committee 10.1.9. Chairperson of the Technical and Education Committee 10.1.10. Chairperson of the Judges Committee 10.1.11. Chairperson of the Disciplinary Committee 10.1.12. Chairperson of the Medical Committee (appointed, no vote) 10.1.13. Legal Adviser (appointed, no vote) 10.1.14. Athlete’s representative (appointed, no vote) 10.2. Powers The Executive Council members shall have power to: 10.2.1. Direct the affairs of the EBFF in all matters. Between meetings of the Executive Council, the President and General Secretary shall be responsible for management and operation of the EBFF. 10.2.2. Supervise and control all EBFF activities. 10.2.3. Negotiate and make any kind of contract which the EBFF may lawfully enter into. 10.2.4. Authorize expenditures on behalf of the EBFF. 10.2.5. Employ and pay salaries to employees. 10.2.6. Ensure that the EBFF Constitution and the IFBB Constitution and Rules are followed by all members. 10.2.7. Convene the meetings of the Executive Council and the Congress. 10.2.8. Ensure that the decision of the Executive Council and the Congress are carried into effect. 10.3. Meetings 10.3.1. The Executive Council shall meet at last once a year, or 10.3.2. Whenever convened by the agreement of the President and General Secretary. Secretary, or 10.3.3. At the request of majority of the members of the Executive Council. 10.3.4. The sittings of the Executive Council shall be conducted in private. 10.4. Conduct of Meetings and Votings The President shall be the chair at all meetings of the Executive Council. The following members of the Executive Council shall have one vote: 10.4.1. The President 10.4.2. The Vice Presidents 10.4.3. The General Secretary 10.4.5. The IFBB Vice President for Europe 10.4.6. The Financial Director 10.4.7. Chairperson of the Bodybuilding Committee 10.4.8. Chairperson of the Fitness Committee 10.4.9. Chairperson of the Technical and Education Committee 10.4.10. Chairperson of the Judges Committee 10.4.11. Chairperson of the Disciplinary Committee Every issue before the Executive Council shall be decided by majority vote. In case of tie, the President has a deciding vote. 10.5. Minutes The minutes of all meetings of the Executive Council shall be taken by the General Secretary or an appointed person and shall be forwarded to all members of the Executive Council after the signature of the President. 10.6. Vacancy The office of the Executive Council member shall automatically be vacated: 10.6.1. If he resigns from his office in writing. 10.6.2. If he is found by court to be of unsound of mind. 10.6.3. If he is accused in open legal action, he shall be temporary removed. 10.6.4. If he is found guilty by a civil court for the criminal offense, he shall be suspended. 10.6.5. If he is absent from two consecutive meetings of the Executive Council or neglect his duties. He may be replaced by a majority decision of the Executive Council.

ARTICLE 11:STANDING COMMITTEES
11.1. The Bodybuilding Committee The Bodybuilding Committee shall be comprised of the Chairperson, Secretary and three other members. The main task of this Committee is to support the President and the Executive Council in the performance of their duties. 11.2. The Fitness Committee The Fitness Committee shall be comprised of the Chairperson, Secretary and three other members. The main task of this Committee is to support the President and the Executive Council in the performance of their duties. 11.3. The Technical Committee The Technical Committee shall be comprised of a Chairperson, Secretary and three other members and shall have the following duties: 11.3.1. To consult with the organizers of the international bodybuilding/fitness competitions sanctioned by the EBFF to ensure that all technical matters are efficiently and effectively dealt with. 11.3.2. To assist the EBFF Judges Committee in ensuring that the running of the international events held in Europe is carried out in a smooth and efficient manner. 11.3.3. To verify if the training equipment, sport cloths, sport shoes and accessories to be certified, fulfil the EBFF Requirements. 11.4. Judges Committee The Judges Committee shall be comprised of a Chairperson, Secretary and three other members and shall have the following duties: 11.4.1. To prepare, maintain and update, in co-operation with the IFBB Judges Committee, a list of international judges of all categories (A, B and C) from the European countries. 11.4.2. To organize seminars for judges at the European Championships and other international events sanctioned by the EBFF. 11.4.3. To appoint statisticians, who shall be sworn to secrecy, to calculate the results of any and all international bodybuilding/fitness competitions sanctioned by the EBFF. 11.4.4. To select judges for the European Championships and other international events in Europe, based on the nominations of the national federations. 11.4.5. To determine the timetable for and to supervise the registration/weighing-in procedure at all international events in Europe. 11.4.6. To arrange the practical test of judging for the candidates for international class, nominated by the national federations, and to forward the test papers to the IFBB Judges Committee Chairperson for assessment and nomination of judges for international class. 11.4.7. To calculate the accuracy of all judges at international events organized in Europe and forward the results to the IFBB Judges Committee Chairperson. 11.5. The Medical Committee The Medical Committee shall be comprised of a Chairperson, Secretary and three other members and shall have the following duties: 11.5.1. To maintain and update, in co-operation with the IFBB Medical Committee, the current rules and regulations on doping control, mandatory in the IFBB. 11.5.2. To conduct, supervise and control, in co-operation with the IFBB Medical Committee the doping control at the European Championships and other international
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events in Europe, sanctioned by the EBFF. 11.5.3. To prepare and propose to the Executive Council the EBFF Requirements for European manufacturers of food supplements and dietetic alimentary products, who wish to obtain the EBFF Certificate for their products. 11.5.4. To verify if the food supplements and dietetic alimentary products to be certified, fulfill the EBFF Requirements. 11.6. The Disciplinary Committee The Disciplinary Committee shall be comprised of the Chairperson, Secretary and one other member. Its purpose shall be to investigate disciplinary matters and report the results of investigation to the President. 11.7. The Appeal Committee The Appeal Committee shall be comprised of the Chairperson, Secretary and one other member. Its purpose shall be to evaluate any appeal and to report the results of this evaluation to the Executive Council for the final decision.
 

ARTICLE 12:DUTIES OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL MEMBERS
12.1. The President The president is the Chief Executive Officer of the EBFF and shall have the following duties: 12.1.1. To have general management of the affairs of the EBFF. 12.1.2. To chair, direct the debate, preside over and keep order at all meetings of the Executive Council and the Congress. 12.1.3. To interpret any matter arising out of the Constitution. He may, at his own discretion, seek the advice of other members of the Executive Council and the Congress before arriving at a final decision. 12.1.4. To be the official spokesperson and representative of the EBFF in all matters. 12.1.5. To make inspection of affiliated sports organizations. 12.1.6. To attend European Championships and all other European contests sanctioned by the EBFF. The organizer shall provide accommodation and meals for him. 12.1.7. To have the authority to appoint a representative to attend any meeting or event, he will not be able to participate in personally. Said representative shall be entitled to have the same privileges as the President. 12.1.8. To be an ex-officio member of any and all standing committees. 12.1.9 To appoint officers to the Executive Council as Special Advisors (appointed, no vote) 12.2. The Vice Presidents: The Vice Presidents shall have the following duties: 12.2.1. To assist the President in the performance of his duties. 12.2.2. To represent the EBFF when mandated by the President. 12.2.3. To make, if mandated by the President, the inspection tour of the affiliated national federations. 12.2.4. To fulfil any other duties assigned by the President, Executive Council or Congress. 12.3. The General Secretary The General Secretary shall have the following duties: 12.3.1. To assist the President in the performance of his duties. 12.3.2. To record and kept all votes and minutes of the meetings of the Executive Council and the Congress. 12.3.3. To assure, a notice of all meetings of the Executive Council and the Congress will be forwarded in time. 12.3.4. To keep and maintain files of all documents in writing of the EBFF. 12.3.5. To keep the minute book and the seal of the EBFF. 12.3.6. To provide information concerning bodybuilding and fitness to interested parties. 12.3.7. To assist the President in drawing up the agenda of the annual meeting of the Congress and all meetings of the Executive Council. 12.3.8. To register the proposition from affiliated national sport organizations and put them into the agenda of respective meetings. 12.3.9. To register and keep the results of all competitions sanctioned by the EBFF. 12.3.10. To represent the EBFF when mandated by the President. 12.4. The Financial Director The Financial Director shall have the following duties: 12.4.1. To assist the President in all matters regarding the finance of the EBFF. 12.4.2. To study and suggest to the Executive Council and the Congress various methods of rising funds necessary for the operation of the EBFF. 12.4.3. To monitor the expenditure of all monies from the EBFF account. 12.4.4. To negotiate the terms of the contracts between the EBFF and sponsors/advertisers and prepare these contracts for the final assessment by the President and Executive Council. 12.4.5. To keep full and accurate accounts of all assets, liabilities, receipts, and disbursements of the EBFF in the books belonging to the EBFF and to deposit all monies, securities and other valuable effects in the name and to the credit of the EBFF in such chartered bank or trust company as may be designated by the President. 12.4.6. To distribute the funds of the EBFF as may be directed by the President and to inform the President and/or the Executive Council, whenever they may require, on accounting of any and all transactions and a statement of the financial position of the EBFF. 12.4.7. To arrange for audited financial statements to be submitted to the Executive Council and the Congress at their meetings. 12.4.8. To fulfil any other duties, that may be assigned by the President, Vice Presidents, Executive Council or Congress. 12.5. The Legal Adviser The Legal Adviser shall have the following duties: 12.5.1. To assist the President and other members of the Executive Council in the performance of their duties and to advice them on any matters of a legal nature. 12.5.2. To study the drafts of all contracts between the EBFF and other parties and verify if these contracts are correct from the legal side and if the contracts are not harmful or danger to the EBFF. 12.5.3. To study if all resolution of the Executive Council and Congress don’t violate the EBFF Constitution or the IFBB Constitution and Rules. 12.5.4. To represent the EBFF in any and all matters wherein such legal representation is requested by the President. 12.5.5. To fulfill any other duties, that may be assigned by the President, Executive Council and Congress. 12.6. The Special Advisors The Special Advisors shall have the following duties: 12.6.1. To assist the President and other members of the Executive Council in the performance of their duties and to advise them of any matters of their field of speciality. 12.6.2. To represent the EBFF in any and all matters where in such representation is requested by the President. 12.6.3. To fulfill any other duties that may be assigned by the President, Executive Council and Congress.

ARTICLE 13:ELECTIONS
13.1. The election The election of officers to the Executive Council and standing committees shall proceed as follows: 13.1.1. Every four years, at a special electoral meeting of the Congress, the election and appointment of officers to the Executive Council and standing committees shall take place. 13.1.2. National federations may nominate deserving members for any position on the Executive Council and standing committees, except where a member is an active bodybuilding or fitness competitor. 13.1.3. Nomination for the various positions on the Executive Council and standing committees must reach the President by registered mail or by fax no later than fifty (50) days before the day of the electoral meeting of the Congress. 13.1.4. Elected or appointed officers shall normally hold office for a period of four (4) years, or until such time as their successors are elected or appointed in accordance with the terms of the Constitution. 13.1.5. Incumbent members of the Executive Council shall be eligible for re-election or re-appointment. 13.1.6. National federation nominating a candidate for the Executive Council or standing committee must enable that person, if elected or appointed, to attend all of the regularly convened meetings of the Executive Council and Congress. 13.1.7. The President shall appoint two scrutineers for counting the votes. 13.1.8. If two or more candidates obtain an equal vote, there shall be a second ballot. If a tie still exist, the President shall cast the final vote. 13.2. Order of election The election or appointment of position on the Executive Council and standing committees shall proceed in the following order: 13.2.1. The President 13.2.2. The Vice Presidents 13.2.3. The General Secretary 13.2.4. The Executive Assistant to the President 13.2.5. The Financial Director 13.2.6. The Chairpersons, Secretaries and members of the following standing committees: 13.2.6.1. Bodybuilding 13.2.6.2. Fitness 13.2.6.3. Technical and Educational 13.2.6.4. Judges 13.2.6.5. Disciplinary according to the rule: a candidate with the biggest number of votes becomes the Chairperson, with the second biggest number of votes becomes the Secretary, etc. 13.2.7. The Legal Adviser

CHAPTER IV - Finances

ARTICLE 14: FEES
14.1. Affiliation Fee The national federation shall pay an annual affiliation fee in January of each year. Any national federation which fails to pay their annual affiliation fee may neither participate in, nor vote at, the annual meeting of the EBFF Congress, or the meetings of the various standing committees, nor may their members participate in any competitions sanctioned by the EBFF, including the European Bodybuilding and Fitness Championships. A letter of reminder shall be forwarded to any national federation who fails in payment of their annual affiliation fee.

ARTICLE 15: FINANCIAL MONITORING AND CONTROL
15.1 Fiscal Year The fiscal year of the EBFF is the calendar year. For each calendar year, the Financial Director shall establish a statement of accounts. These annual statements of accounts shall be audited by 2 members selected from the Congress and will be submitted for the approval of the Executive Council and the Congress. CHAPTER V – Titles and Amendments

ARTICLE 16: HONOURARY TITLES, DIPLOMAS AND AWARDS
16.1. Honourary Titles 16.1.1. The President may grant honourary titles of President, Vice President or Member to any individual for meritorious service to the EBFF. 16.2. Diplomas and Awards 16.2.1. The national federations may propose their outstanding individuals to be rewarded with the EBFF diplomas and awards for their achievements in promotion and development of bodybuilding and fitness in Europe. 16.3. Procedures Propositions from national federations with names of individuals to be awarded with the EBFF diplomas and awards should be sent, in writing, to the President no later than 60 days prior to the annual meeting of the Congress. All rewards shall be accepted by the Executive Council at the meeting prior to the Congress.

ARTICLE 17: AMENDMENTS
17.1. Amendments The EBFF Constitution may be repealed or amended by resolution, enacted by the Executive Council and confirmed by a majority vote of the Congress.