Issue: Interference In Continental Matters
I and others are concerned at what appears to be IWUF’s unconstitutional interference in the affairs of Continental Federations.
For example, IWUF's involvement in accusations against Raymond Smith and the EWUF for alleged abuse of power and undemocratic practices; made by a group who claimed to represent 14 EWUF members.
It has been relayed to me that the manner in which this issue was handled by IWUF, not only undermined the integrity of the EWuF Executive, but contributed to instability across the Continental Federation.
Furthermore, that it involved the EWUF in considerable work and cost, resulting in a report from the EWUF Legal Team that comprehensively explained the issues and exonerated Mr Smith and the EWUF management.
Another example is IWUF's concern with the small number of Oceania member countries, compared to other Continents. A concern which appears to lack any real understanding of the ongoing issues faced with Wushu development in the Oceania region.
While a Continental Federation does have a role to increase members, it should also have the autonomy to operate without interference, including from IWUF. Refer Article 8.1.1; "Under the leadership of the IWUF, Continental Members are responsible for organizing and managing Wushu activities on their respective continents".
Plus Article 9: Autonomy of Members (9.1) "Members are required to protect and maintain their autonomy and independently manage all internal affairs without any pressure or interference from a third party."
And (9.2) "Members are required to resist all forms of external pressure, including but not limited to political, religious and economic pressures which may infringe upon their commitment to comply with the Olympic Charter and/or the IWUF Constitution."
I and others believe that the IWUF should not interfere in the affairs of Continental Federations, and that the IWUF President should lead by example; by ensuring any issues that might arise are handled in the spirit of cooperation, good-will and friendship. We are supposed to be one Wushu family after-all.
For example, IWUF's involvement in accusations against Raymond Smith and the EWUF for alleged abuse of power and undemocratic practices; made by a group who claimed to represent 14 EWUF members.
It has been relayed to me that the manner in which this issue was handled by IWUF, not only undermined the integrity of the EWuF Executive, but contributed to instability across the Continental Federation.
Furthermore, that it involved the EWUF in considerable work and cost, resulting in a report from the EWUF Legal Team that comprehensively explained the issues and exonerated Mr Smith and the EWUF management.
Another example is IWUF's concern with the small number of Oceania member countries, compared to other Continents. A concern which appears to lack any real understanding of the ongoing issues faced with Wushu development in the Oceania region.
While a Continental Federation does have a role to increase members, it should also have the autonomy to operate without interference, including from IWUF. Refer Article 8.1.1; "Under the leadership of the IWUF, Continental Members are responsible for organizing and managing Wushu activities on their respective continents".
Plus Article 9: Autonomy of Members (9.1) "Members are required to protect and maintain their autonomy and independently manage all internal affairs without any pressure or interference from a third party."
And (9.2) "Members are required to resist all forms of external pressure, including but not limited to political, religious and economic pressures which may infringe upon their commitment to comply with the Olympic Charter and/or the IWUF Constitution."
I and others believe that the IWUF should not interfere in the affairs of Continental Federations, and that the IWUF President should lead by example; by ensuring any issues that might arise are handled in the spirit of cooperation, good-will and friendship. We are supposed to be one Wushu family after-all.