2014 WDSF Annual General Meeting Bucharest, Romania Sunday, June 15, 2014

At 9.50am prior to the start of the AGM, the Honourable Vasile Gliga, Member of the Romanian Parliament and President of the WDSF Romanian Federation addressed delegates and welcomed them to Romania for this AGM.

As part of the preparations for the AGM, Mr Gliga explained that a DVD had been prepared to explain the history and development of in Romania.

The DVD was played for delegates who expressed their gratitude by acclamation after it ended.

1. Call to Order

The President called the 2014 WDSF Annual General Meeting to Order at 10.00.

On behalf of the Presidium and Members, Mr. Freitag welcomed all participants to the meeting.

The WDSF Long and Distinguished Service Award

Mr Freitag explained that the Long and Distinguished Award 2014 was given by unanimously agreement of the WDSF Presidium to Ron Froehlich, former President of the International Association (IWGA), on the occasion of the last SportAccord meeting in Belek (Turkey) on April 2014.

Mr Freitag read an extract of his speech in giving the award to Ron at the SportAccord meeting in Belek:

“On behalf of the World DanceSport Federation, I express our sincere and deep thanks to you for all of your work in supporting DanceSport in your capacity as President of the International World Games Association.

We have no doubt that it was the trust, courage and vision that you displayed

Siège social: Zinggentorstrasse 4, CH-6006 Lucerne, WDSF Office, C. Orient 78-84, Floor 2, Office 1508172 Sant Cugat, TEL: +34 93 544 23 92 · FAX: +34 93 583 11 04 · E-Mail: [email protected] www.wdsf.net · www.worlddancesportfederation.org

as IWGA President that was responsible for the huge and ongoing success for DanceSport in the World Games. As you would remember, it all started at the 1997 World Games in () when you and the IWGA Board agreed to include DanceSport for the first time as a demonstration Sport.

Since then, DanceSport has been incredibly successful as a Full Medal Sport in all of the following World Games.

I thank you again for all the outstanding support that you have given to DanceSport and WDSF on many different levels and not only in connection with the World Games.

In gratitude for this collaboration, we would like to present you with our prestigious WDSF Long and Distinguished Service Award. We know that throughout your long and distinguished career in the world of sport, your first concern has always been the welfare of the athletes. It is therefore a logical extension of your longstanding support for the athletes that I have asked Ashli Williamson, a current World DanceSport Champion and an active representative of our Athletes Commission to present this Award, because the athletes are extremely grateful to you for your very generous help over very many years.”

ACCEPTED BY ACCLAMATION

Mr Freitag provided a special welcome to:

Honorary President of WDSF PD Peter Maxwell

Honorary Life Member Heinz Spaeker

President of WRRC Miriam Kerpan-Izak

President of WCLDSF Jeff Bartholomew

Vice-President of IFC Robert Huber

IPC Wheelchair Technical Committee Grethe Andersen

WDSF Professional Division Director Verena Sulek

Chair WDSF Disciplinary Council Daniel Stehlin

Chair WDSF Athletes Commn Zoran Plohl

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Vice Chair WDSF Athletes Commn Ashli Williamson

Vice Chair WDSF Anti-Doping Commn Herbert Waller

Chair WDSF Educational Commission Natasa Ambroz

Chair WDSF European Commission Antero Koponen

Mr Freitag also welcomed new Presidents:

Mr. Robert Ong, Singapore (Present)

Mr. Johnny Lekens, (Present)

Mrs. Adele Hyland, (Present)

Mr. Yang Chen, USA (Present)

Mr. Andrey Pasha, (Present)

Mr. Jan Toots, Estonia (Present)

Mr. George Gachechiladze, (Not present)

Mrs. Elena Shamal, (Not Present)

Mr. Tommy Shaughnessy, Ireland (Present)

Mr. Khwezi Chonco, (Not present)

Mr Freitag also welcomed new WDSF Full Members:

Ireland

Belarus

Excused from this meeting:

Mr. Rudi Baumann, Honorary Life President of the WDSF

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Mr. Freitag thanked Delegates and continued with the meeting by confirming that according to Article 21 of the WDSF Statutes, the meeting will be conducted at all times in English. Delegates were requested to make sure they went to the microphone to speak and to speak loudly and slowly.

In accordance with a decision of the Presidium, it was decided that as President Mr. Freitag would conduct the meeting to the end.

Mr. Freitag confirmed that unless the meeting was delayed, a coffee break should occur at 11.15 and lunch break should occur from around 13.00 until 14.00.

2. Roll Call and Ascertainment of Votes

47 Full Country & 3 Associate members plus 15 members represented by proxies.

Plus 1 Honorary Member – Mr Heinz Spaeker (1 vote)

TOTAL NUMBER OF VOTES -- 131

50% + 1 majority -- 66

2/3 majority -- 88

ATTENDANCE OF MEMBER BODIES & ASSOCIATE MEMBER BODIES:

Full Member Bodies Represented (2 votes each):

Albania (Proxy to ), (Proxy to Spain), Armenia (Proxy to Moldova), Australia, , Belarussia, Belgium, , Chile (Proxy to Switzerland), , Chinese Taipei, , , , England, Estonia, Finland, France, , , Georgia (Proxy to Romania), Hong Kong, , Iceland (Proxy to Denmark), India (Proxy to HK), (Proxy to Singapore), Ireland, , , Korea, Kyrgyz Republic (Proxy to Switzerland), Latvia, , Luxembourg (Proxy to Belgium), Macau, Macedonia (Proxy to Serbia), Malta, (Proxy to Singapore), (Proxy to Spain), Moldova, , , , , , Portugal, Romania, , Scotland, Serbia, Singapore, , , Spain, , Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey, Ukraine, U.S.A., Vietnam (Proxy to France), Wales (Proxy to Scotland).

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47 Full Members were represented and 15 by proxy.

Associate Member Bodies Represented (2 votes each): WRRC, UCWDC & IFC.

3 Associate Members (six votes)

Honorary Life Member (1 vote)

Mr. Heinz Spaeker

Other Federations represented (no vote)

International Paralympic Committee Wheelchair DanceSport (IPC)

3. Approval of the Agenda

The President asked members to approve the Agenda as proposed and circulated.

UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED

4. Allocation of Time

Mr. Freitag said he believed that a balance needed to be achieved to provide Delegates the right to discuss matters while at the same time being efficient in the conduct of the meeting. As a result, he proposed that each speaker could speak for a maximum of 3 minutes on a subject. The mover of any motion will be allowed 6 minutes’ initial argument and further time to respond at the end of debate.

UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED

5. Appointment of Scrutineers

The following Delegates were nominated by the Presidium to count votes when necessary to determine the outcome of a Motion:

Sabrina Sim, Singapore

Wayne Crowder, USA

Tirogaone Mojatale, Botswana,

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Herbert Waller, Switzerland

UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED

6. Confirmation of the Minutes of the 2013 Annual General Meeting

There were no objections to the minutes of the last AGM, therefore they deemed to be passed unanimously without amendment.

7. President’s Report

Delegates were referred to the detailed written report on the WDSF website and the AGM booklet.

Mr Harald Braaten from Norway expressed concerns relating to the treatment of IDO and BatonTwirling. He hoped that the AGM could decide which organisations could be accepted and he wanted the WDSF membership of these two bodies to be reconsidered.

Mr Freitag explained that members can continue with BatonTwirling and IDO even if they are not accepted by WDSF. However, Baton Twirling and IDO were not prepared to sign new Associate Membership Agreements with WDSF. It was not WDSF which excluded the two bodies.

Mr Denis Kuznetsov from Russia explained that the Opening and Closing Ceremonies of the Sochi Games included 400 DanceSport athletes. This was very hard work and a major achievement for DanceSport. It was however incorrect for the WDSF President to only mention in his report the work of Anastassia Titkova. Denis explained that Ms Titkova was just part of a team under President Yudashkin of the Russian Federation.

Mr Freitag publically expressed his sincere thanks for Mr Yudashkin and all the team for their excellent work with Sochi and the Paralympics. They were both a wonderful success for DanceSport.

Mr Faruk Bozoglu from Turkey expressed his Federation’s concerns that they were not advised of the SportAccord meeting in Belek, In addition, they had no information relating to the conduct of next 2015 Urban Games. Turkey would like a better communication and sharing of information from WDSF.

Mr Freitag agreed that he will advise members when and where the next meetings occur.

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Mr Hinder explained that the decision by SportAccord to conduct the Urban Games was only made at the Belek meeting.

Fleming Riis congratulated Mr Freitag on a great report. Mr Riis asked for further information of a new federation being interested in joining WDSF.

Mr Freitag explained that UDO which covers the Street Dances is considering working with WDSF. However, at this time only very preliminary discussions have been held with UDO.

UNANIMOUSLY ACCEPTED

8. First Vice-President’s Report

Delegates were referred to the detailed written report on the WDSF website and the AGM booklet.

Mr Hinder provided an additional remark that WDSF now had a new two year TV contract with IEC to cover the Grand Slams. To be clear, WDSF now has two distribution contracts with IEC.

Flemming Riis asked about what was happening with the SWISS sponsorship.

Mr Hinder explained that this matter was still being dealt with. WDSF and Mr Hinder personally were not happy with the current situation but he was hopeful that we can report a good result in the near future.

Mrs Eva Bartokova from Czech congratulated Mr Hinder for his strong re- election as Treasurer of the IWGA. She believes that it is very important for WDSF to have members represented in such organisations.

UNANIMOUSLY ACCEPTED

9. General Secretary’s Report

Delegates were referred to the detailed written report on the WDSF website and the AGM booklet.

Mr Tay sincerely thanked members who sent letters of support for our application to FISU. However, he also expressed his displeasure with members who did not respond given the importance of joining FISU.

WDSF will reapply for membership with FISU however we still need 5 more letters from FISU members in WDSF member countries to complete our membership requirements.

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UNANIMOUSLY ACCEPTED

10. Finances / Treasurer’s Report (Tony Tilenni, WDSF Treasurer)

Delegates were referred to the detailed written reports on the WDSF website and the AGM Booklet.

10.1 Balance Sheet as at December 31, 2013 and Income and Expenditure Account Mr. Tilenni confirmed that the accounts were sent by e-mail by our General Secretary as required by the WDSF Statutes.

Mr Tilenni referred members to his detailed report on pages 48 to 82 of the AGM booklet and provided a brief overview of the results.

Mr Tilenni warned delegates that although Competition Fees increased by some CHF200,000, and a surplus of CHF14,572 was still produced for 2013, a deficit of CHF185,000 was being projected for the 2014 year. Expenses had been controlled overall although there were areas which exceeded budgets.

WDSF had been fortunate that Competition Fees continued to increase and that expenditures were largely controlled. However, this would not always be the case.

Mr Tilenni also explained the increases being proposed in Athletes ID Card Fees from EUR4 for five years to CHF10 for four years from 1st January, 2015.

Mr Tilenni explained that CHF3 would be kept by members and CHF7 would be paid to WDSF.

The meeting UNANIMOUSLY ACCEPTED the 2013 Audited Balance Sheet and Income and Expenditure Account.

10.2 Auditor’s Report The report of the Auditor, LIGUSTER Treuhand- und Verwaltungs-AG, of Zurich, Switzerland, dated May 13, 2014 was sent to Members by the General Secretary as required by the WDSF Statutes. The Auditor’s report is also included in the booklet for this AGM.

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The meeting UNANIMOUSLY ACCEPTED the Auditor’s reports.

Mr Tilenni explained that under the WDSF Statutes this meeting was not required to reappoint the Auditors, LIGUSTER Treuhand- und Verwaltungs-AG, of Zurich, Switzerland. The next time the Auditors needed to be reappointed is at next WDSF AGM in 2017.

10.3 Adoption of the Financial Examiner’s Report Mr. Tilenni asked Professor Dr. Kiyotaki Uzaki, Member of the WDSF Finance Commission and Financial Examiner, to present his Financial Examiner’s Report for the year ended December 31, 2013. The report is reproduced below;

“Dear Delegates

Ladies and Gentlemen

I am pleased to present the Financial Examiner’s report for the 2014 WDSF General Meeting. We have thoroughly discussed the financial future and strategies of the WDSF in the Financial Commission.

In addition, I have carefully examined the financial statements, balance sheet and income and expenditure statement. Consequently, I have come to the conclusion that these financial statements accurately reflect the current financial situation of the WDSF.

The global financial crisis has continued making effects on the world economy as well as WDSF’s revenues. However, the impact of the crisis was not overly worrisome as it was contained as much as possible.

When comparing with the corresponding period last year, the total Operating Income increased by 20.71% and the Total Operating Expenses increased by 43.44%. As a consequence, we still have a surplus but it has been reduced by 94.11%.

This mainly results from currency movements, which is reflected in Non Operating Expenses, plus increases in Advertising, Marketing & Promotion and Grand Slam Series and PD Prize money. These are important factors for the consolidation of the capital base even if the effects of currency movements are temporary. We need to manage the

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balance of income and expenses as well as control the expenses much more.

I report to you with confidence that these financial financial statements have the completeness, orderliness, clarity, accuracy and economy.

This is a remarkable achievement by all of you, the Presidium members and especially Mr Tony Tilenni and Mr Lukas Hinder. I am deeply grateful to both of you for your cooperation and valuable contributions.”

UNANIMOUSLY ACCEPTED

10.4 Adoption of the 2014 WDSF Budget

Mr Tilenni explained that there were no guarantees that the budgeted revenues and expenditures for Marketing and Sponsorship were achievable. However, even if they did not occur, he believed that these budget items could still be managed within the overall budgets.

Mr Sheldon asked why revenues from TV were significantly lower for 2014. Mr Tilenni explained that when the budgets were finalised in March to send to the Auditors, the IEC contracts had not been finalised by Mr Hinder and so the revenue could not be brought to account.

Mr Tilenni added that in his opinion Mr Hinder should be congratulated for finalising not one but two distribution contracts with IEC in the last few weeks before the AGM.

If necessary, this additional revenue from TV would assist in meeting the costs of marketing and sponsorship.

The meeting UNANIMOUSLY ACCEPTED the 2014 Budget.

10.5 Adoption 2015 WDSF Provisional Budget

The meeting UNANIMOUSLY ACCEPTED the 2015 Budget.

Before leaving the floor, Mr. Tilenni thanked Mr. Hinder and Professor Dr. Uzaki as Members of the WDSF Finance Commission, and the President and all other Members of the Presidium and Member Federations for their continued support.

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11. Report of the Sports Director/Sports Commission ( Chair – Marco Sietas)

Delegates were referred to the detailed written reports on the WDSF website and the AGM booklet.

Mr Sietas individually thanked the members of the Sports Commission and highlighted 3 points:

• WDSF Games in . Mr Sietas explained that WDSF would like to conduct these Games every two years.

• The IWGA Games in were an amazing success with 18,000 persons each night for two nights. DanceSport continues to be one of the most important IWGA Sports attracting some 25% of all revenues.

• Eliminating Match & Competition fixing must be our top priority. WDSF and Mr Sietas will work very hard to eliminate any bad practices. Mr Sietas asked for Members strong support.

UNANIMOUSLY ACCEPTED

12. Report of the Membership Commission (Chair - Marco Sietas)

Delegates were referred to the detailed written reports on the WDSF website and the AGM booklet.

Mr Sietas thanked the individual Commission members and explained that the Membership Commission was strongly supporting Africa, South America and the Caribbean to develop by providing DanceSport trainers and Congresses. He was hopeful of the continuing work towards the Pan American Games.

UNANIMOUSLY ACCEPTED

13. Report of the WDSF Disciplinary Council (Chair – Daniel Stehlin)

Delegates were referred to the detailed written reports on the WDSF website and the AGM booklet.

UNANIMOUSLY ACCEPTED

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14. Report of the Statutes and Legal Commission (Chair - Jim Fraser)

Delegates were referred to the detailed written reports on the WDSF website and the AGM booklet.

UNANIMOUSLY ACCEPTED

15. Report of the Anti-Doping Commission (Chair – Dr Ineke Crijns/Vice Chair, Herbert Waller)

Delegates were referred to the detailed written reports on the WDSF website and the AGM booklet.

Mrs Noune Marty from France explained that an error existed in the report on page 113 point 5. In order to be consistent, the sentence should say with the WADA code.

UNANIMOUSLY ACCEPTED

16. Report of the Communication Department (Chair - Heidi Götz)

Delegates were referred to the detailed written reports on the WDSF website and the AGM booklet.

Mr Flemming Riis congratulated Heidi on the departments excellent work but was concerned about future cost increases.

Mrs Heidi Goetz agreed with Mr Riis that this would need to be closely monitored.

UNANIMOUSLY ACCEPTED

17. Report of the Education Department (Chair - Natasa Ambroz)

Delegates were referred to the detailed written reports on the WDSF website and the AGM booklet.

UNANIMOUSLY ACCEPTED

18. Report of the Athletes Commission (Chair – Zoran Plohl)

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Delegates were referred to the detailed written reports on the WDSF website and the AGM booklet.

Mr Plohl asked for help from members to establish Athletes Commissions in every member country. To date, 25 members have already established such Commissions.

Denis Kuznetsov from Russia asked on page 128, point 5 about Athletes Commission members attending the forum? Ashli Williamson attended the forum but did not recall how many athletes attended.

Antero Koponen referred Mr Kuznetsov to page 152 of the AGM booklet where the number was confirmed.

APPROVED with 2 abstentions

19. Report of the WDSF PD (PD Director – Verena Sulek)

Delegates were referred to the detailed written reports on the WDSF website and the AGM booklet.

Mrs Sulek thanked everyone for their support of WDSF PD and asked more members to appoint Delegates to the PD meeting and register with the PD.

UNANIMOUSLY ACCEPTED

20. Report of the WDSF DanceSport Academy (Chair – Shawn Tay)

Delegates were referred to the detailed written reports on the WDSF website and the AGM booklet.

Mr Tay thanked members who had organised Adjudicator Congresses in the last 12 months.

He added that the General Knowledge test at these Congreses is necessary to study and assess the knowledge level of adjudicators and to assist in planning future Congresses. The pass rate increased this year to 80 to 90%.

UNANIMOUSLY ACCEPTED

21. Report of the WRCC (President – Miriam Kerpan-Izak)

Delegates were referred to the detailed written reports on the WDSF website and the AGM booklet.

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Miriam Kerpan-Izak invited all members to take part in the new WRRC expansion project to find members in more countries and all Continents.

She requested members‘ assistance to incorporate all remaining separate WRRC member bodies into their countries‘ current WDSF member bodies, particularly in Europe.

UNANIMOUSLY ACCEPTED

22. Report of the IFC (President – Setsuo Nakamura) Robert Huber

Delegates were referred to the detailed written reports on the WDSF website and the AGM booklet.

Mr Huber explained that IFC were looking forward to a bright future with WDSF.

UNANIMOUSLY ACCEPTED

23. Report of the WCLDSF (President – Jeff Bartholemew)

Delegates were referred to the detailed written reports on the WDSF website and the AGM booklet.

Mr Bartholomew thanked members and Presidents for their participation in strengthening DanceSport as a Sport. He also explained that there were line dance groups in virtually all countries and he offered his help to bring in these groups as new members of WDSF member bodies.

UNANIMOUSLY ACCEPTED

23.1 Report of the Second Vice President

Delegates were referred to the detailed written reports on the WDSF website and the AGM booklet.

UNANIMOUSLY ACCEPTED

23.2 ADSF Report

Delegates were referred to the detailed written reports on the WDSF website and the AGM booklet.

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Mr Ukai thanked members for their great support in helping to promote DanceSport in Asia. UNANIMOUSLY ACCEPTED

23.3 European Affairs report – Antero Kopenon

Delegates were referred to the detailed written reports on the WDSF website and the AGM booklet.

UNANIMOUSLY ACCEPTED

24. Approval of the Presidium‘s Work

Mr George Yip, of HK moved the motion to approve of the Presidium’s work in the last twelve months. The following is Mr Yip’s speech to the motion:

Dear Delegates

I am from Hong Kong and my name is George Yip.

I know that most of us here are Presidents and committee members of the Federation of our own countries.

We use a lot of time and effort to promote DanceSport. Maybe it is not easy to accommodate all the needs and requests from our members, athletes, coach’s adjudicators and Government officials.

Thinking about this you can imagine how difficult and intensive the Presidium’s work is.

They have been working very hard to develop DanceSport to its fullest potential for the benefit of the Sport.

Now I am delighted to move the motion to approve the Presidium’s work for the last 12 months.

Ladies and gentlemen may I ask you to pass this motion.

The motion was overwhelmingly approved.

25. Approval of the Associate Membership Agreement until 31st August, 2016 – WRRC

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UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED

26. Approval of the Associate Membership Agreement until 31st August, 2016– WCLDSF

UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED

27. Approval of the Associate Membership Agreement until 31st August, 2016– IFC

UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED

28. Presidium’s Motions

Delegates were referred to the detailed written reports on the WDSF website and the AGM booklet. Mr Sietas explained that there were many proposals to be considered in these changes to the Competition Rules but he assured delegates that WDSF listens to National Member bodies and helps to address any concerns. Mr Sietas explained that the motions were accepted by the Sports Commission and by the Presidium.

28.1 Motion 1: to amend the WDSF Competition Rules MOVED, at the request of the Sports Department of the WDSF Technical Commission, that the whole WDSF Competition Rules be amended as shown in the attached document.

Mr Sietas explained that the Presidium wished to protect members and athletes who receive or are provided money from Sports Departments and Governments. He emphasized that athletes would continue to be permitted to dance anywhere and as promised by the Presidium at the Berlin AGM that banning would not be enforced or reintroduced. During the previous two days, meetings were held with concerned members in relation to Rule B2 subsection 2.3. After consulting with members it was agreed to amend this section to give every WDSF member body the power to decide if they wish to enforce these prequalification rules. The following additional changes to the Competition Rules were proposed to give members the power to decide:

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RULE B.2

2.3 In order for athletes to be eligible to compete in the following major WDSF Competitions:

- WDSF World Championships, - WDSF World Cups, - WDSF Continental Championships, - WDSF Continental Cups, - WDSF Grand Slams, - Asian Games, - Asian Indoor Games, - WDSF Games, - World Games, or - Any future Olympic level Games,

At the discretion of the WDSF National Member Body, athletes may be required to have only competed in the WDSF Competition System in the 12 months prior to the date of the respective event.

The delegates conducted a very vigorous and lengthy debate on a number of clauses in the new Competition Rules. The detailed debate was not minuted as it was largely an open and wide ranging discussion. Once the debate was brought to a close by the President the following amendments were decided by the members:

The new Rule B.2 – 2.3 as shown above

Overwhelmingly APPROVED with 5 abstentions

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Page 169, section 2.2.5 to add the words: “World or Continental Championship or Cup” so that the section now reads as follows:

2.2.5 A competitor who has represented a country in any World or Continental Championship or Cup in a different DanceSport system is not permitted to represent any country in any WDSF World or Continental Championship or Cup competition until a period of 12 months has elapsed since the last representation.

Overwhelmingly APPROVED with 9 against 8 abstentions

Page 192, 3.1 (d) Instead of “Sports Director” replace with the words “Technical Commission”.

UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED

Page, 161, 2.1 replace Baton Twirling Federation with the International Federation of Cheerleading (IFC) and change the name of our line dancing member to World Country and Line DanceSport Federation (WCLDSF).

Overwhelmingly APPROVED

Page 195, the paragraph now reads as follows:

Female athletes may not wear shorts, culottes or leotards alone but they can be worn with a skirt. Female Athletes must wear a skirt, dress or long trousers. Skirts and dresses must create Characteristic shape for each discipline (ST and LA) (shape area). In Standard Dress the lady’s or girl’s dress must have a long skirt which at minimum covers both her knees; if the skirt is split it must not be split higher than the knee. In Latin Dress the lady’s or girl’s dress must have a skirt made of fabric, fringe, feathers , beads or any other suitable material, and can be split or open on the sides, provided always that the skirt must completely cover the panties in front and in the back when standing still.

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Overwhelmingly APPROVED with 8 against 2 abstentions

The AGM then voted for the entire motion 28.1

UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED

28.2 Motion 2: to amend the Financial Regulations Refer to attached document.

The following additional changes were accepted by the Treasurer:

• Correct the numbering of 4.2.4.17 and 4.2.4.18

• 4.2.1.20, 21 and 22 insert the word “Open” for all three Under 21 events. The meeting then considered the motion as amended above.

UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED

The meeting adjourned for lunch at 1.35.

The meeting reconvened at 2.35.

28.3 Motion 3: to amend the WDSF Statutes and Disciplinary Code – Continental Associations.

Please refer to attached document.

Editor’s note: Below is a brief overview of the debate and discussions on this matter.

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The President introduced the motion explaining that the Presidium decided that the time was right to establish Continental Associations. In supporting this development it was important for DanceSport and WDSF to remain unified. The Presidium sought professional advice from our sports lawyers, Carrard & Associates to prepare the motion to give effect to this decision. Mr Freitag also explained that the motion had been carefully crafted to protect WDSF and DanceSport whilst allowing the aspirations of a number of our European members to be fulfilled.

The Chair of European Affairs Commission, Mr Koponen, thanked members of the Commission for their hard work on this Project. He explained that discussions continued up to last Friday when 57 persons met to speak about this matter. It was decided to recommend the Presidium’s motion to the AGM to establish Continental Associations (CA).

If the motion is passed, it does not mean that the other Continents need to start moving in this direction.

In addition, if the motion is passed by the AGM, the Presidium will invite all European members to a meeting on Sat 16th August in Stuttgart. This meeting will establish an interim board and an AGM for this CA would occur at the same time as the 2015 WDSF AGM.

Mr Kopenon also explained that time was needed to allow members to change their own Statutes to accommodate this change.

Denis Kuznetsov from Russia explained that they have carefully read the motion and they can now finally support it with some small changes in 4(g) on page 235. He believed that from a democratic perspective they wanted to delete any references to the relevant hosting agreement and for the new Continental Association to assume all rights for these European events.

Mr Freitag explained that WDSF could not agree to any changes. He also explained that WDSF have agreements in place with TV until 2017

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and we cannot breach our obligations. The European Commission considered this clause and agreed to keep it as written.

Mr Peter Maxwell from England spoke very eloquently and he explained that he disagreed completely with our Russian Friends. The new CA must be within and part of WDSF. The proposal has been very well thought out by WDSF and its lawyers and it should not be changed. The new CA must be an intricate part of the legitimate Recognised peak DanceSport body and work under WDSF rules.

Mr Cor Van der Stroet from the Netherlands agreed that he would support the Presidium motion as is. He was initially sceptical and he even wrote about this. However, since Friday afternoon he was convinced that this is the right path. The meeting should give our trust to this European Commission and bring it to the vote.

Mr Herbert Waller from Switzerland agreed that we should support the motion as it is. Paragraph (g) is an offer from the Presidium to delegate down the rights to the CA. That is, it is a written offer confirming the delegation and this is actually an advantage to the CA to have this power confirmed in writing.

Ms Ashli Williamson from the Athletes Commission (AC) explained that the Commission had been discussing this matter for many months including last week. She read from a statement from all members of the Athletes Commission which is reproduced below:

• We the athletes follow the ideals of WDSF. Therefore, we wish only to be part of a European Federation established by and under the authority of the WDSF. Any "continental federations" established without prior consent by the WDSF will not be acknowledged by the athletes. • We, the athletes feel confident in participating under the rules and regulations which WDSF operate. The vision of WDSF is shared by the athletes and officials combined, and we cannot accept the conflict of two continental federations competing with completely separate goals and motives.

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• A potential conflict of interest would deeply distract the athletes in their development towards the vision shared by WDSF and the athletes combined. The politics of a European split would take focus and development away from the athletes. • In conclusion, In order to move towards the entry of DanceSport into the Olympic Games as a medal sport all continental federations should be governed and established only by WDSF. Federations outside of the WDSF system will not be supported by the AC.

The President asked if anyone else wanted to speak.

Mr Gintaras Skorupskas from Lithuania believed that in order to be democratic the two proposals, one from the Presidium and one from Russia and some other European members, should be considered at the same time. There was no motion to propose this and so this suggestion was not considered any further.

George Yip from HK supported the creation of CA’s however, he believed that members have to think about this very carefully as there are some 50 European members and this could be very dangerous for all other members and DanceSport. He believed that there was no doubt that if the CA does not cooperate with WDSF we all risk our strong financial and operational base by potentially losing fees and having CA’s making their own rules and incomes. Although he trusted WDSF’s European members it was still just like auditing and WDSF needed to audit and make rules to run CA’s in a proper way under WDSF so that it does not undermine the Sport and all of WDSF’s members.

The President once again asked if anyone else wanted to speak.

Mr Denis Kuznetsov from Russia spoke again and explained that he was not talking about having a separate Federation. He acknowledged that we are one family but he still believes that if National Federations have rights and obligations to organise National events then so should the CA have these rights for International events.

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Mr Koponen explained that 4(g) talked about hosting agreements. WDSF has different agreements with media and organisers at the moment. This is necessary because in many years from now we could have a problem with future members of a CA and we need protections for WDSF and all our members. The next step would be for the Stuttgart meeting to produce rules and regulations and statutes to protect DanceSport whilst allowing CA’s to exist and grow.

The President asked once again if anyone else wanted to speak.

Mr Alexander Melnikov from Russia said that he was very upset and angry. He believed that EDSU had existed from Oct 13 and that it was not correct for WDSF to establish a new CA as one already existed. He also explained that it was not just Russia in EDSU but there were many other WDSF members.

The President asked once again if anyone else wanted to speak. There being no further speakers the Presidium motion to establish CA’s was put to a vote.

OVERWHELMINGLY APPROVED with 116 votes in favour, no votes against and 13 abstentions

28.4 Motion 4: to amend the WDSF Statues Re: Article 17, Professional Division Mrs Sulek spoke to the motion and explained that the changes were approved yesterday by the PD AGM.

1) MOVED that, Article 17(3) of the WDSF Statutes be amended by deleting the words “or analogous professional group” as set out below, to ensure that all Professional Division Delegates are selected by only WDSF Member bodies, as shown below by deletions and coloured highlighting. 2) MOVED that, Article 17(2) and (4) of the WDSF Statutes be amended as set out below, to ensure that all Professional Division

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Delegates are selected by only WDSF Member bodies, as shown below by deletions and coloured highlighting, and to ensure that the PD Managing Body is chosen every four years, to be consistent and concurrent with the four-year term of the WDSF Presidium.

Article 17 as proposed to be amended

Professional Division 1. The Professional Division is responsible for the internal administration of WDSF with respect to professional DanceSport competition rules and professional DanceSport competitions, including licensing professional athletes, teachers, trainers, coaches and adjudicators, establishing and administering the WDSF Professional Division Rules. 2. The Professional Division is authorized to govern its own administration of professional DanceSport as set out in these Statutes, and may establish its own Managing Body, Departments and Commissions as part of that work, but it shall at all times respect WDSF’s general internal and external administrative jurisdiction, the modern democratic principles of free societies, modern sporting principles, modern management principles, all relevant laws and tribunals of competent jurisdiction, and WDSF’s universal requirements with respect to ethics, Anti-doping, and other financial, administrative and sporting policies, regulations and requirements established by WDSF or the WDSF Presidium from time to time 3. The Professional Division General Meeting is composed of the two Delegates selected by each WDSF Member body from that Member body’s own professional division or analogous professional group and is convened at least once a year. In any meetings or deliberations of the Professional Division each Delegate has one (1) vote after administrative registration by the PD. The Professional Division Director, Management Board and Delegates may carry on the business of the Professional Division at meetings or by mail, telephone, e-mail or fax transmission, or other form of electronic communication, according to procedural rules which they establish themselves. 4. The Professional Division General Meeting shall elect appoint or reappoint its Management Board and that Managing Body shall appoint

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or reappoint the WDSF Professional Division Director as follows at least every three four (4) years:

PD Management Board Professional Division Director Professional Division Vice Director Professional Division Sports Director Professional Division Vice Sports Director Professional Division Treasurer Professional Division General Secretary, and Two (2) Professional Division Management Board Members

and may do so more frequently according to its discretion. The WDSF Professional Division Director is the Professional Division’s Chief Executive Officer. 5. The Professional Division is self-financing, and shall maintain a separate fund, and, if it wishes, a separate bank account or accounts, to receive and administer any funds it receives or collects, and that fund shall be administered solely by the Professional Division, subject only to WDSF’s general rules for administering and accounting for its own funds and subject to the Professional Division Director’s duty to make full disclosure of such administration and accounts to WDSF Treasurer every six (6) months. 6. The Professional Division Director or Professional Division Treasurer must present the Professional Division’s financial report to every Ordinary General Meeting and every meeting of the Presidium. 7. In view of the international composition of the Professional Division and the potential difficulties which could occur in settling disputes when disagreements arise between the Professional Division and (a) the General Meeting, (b) the Presidium (including its Commissions) or (c) an other person or body which WDSF or the Presidium decides is affiliated to WDSF, the Professional Division shall attempt to settle all such disagreements in good faith by negotiation, provided always that in the event of a disagreement which any party to it decides cannot be resolved by negotiation, such disagreements and disputes shall be subject to the binding decision of the WDSF Disciplinary Council.

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8. Notwithstanding any other provision to the contrary in these Statutes, no part of this Article 17 may be changed by the WDSF General Meeting without the consent of the majority of the Delegates to the Professional Division General Meeting, provided always that such consent may be given prior to, concurrent with or subsequent to such General Meeting

REASONS: 1. the transitional period of the WDSF Professional Division has now concluded; by now, each WDSF Member body should include all professionals in its country. 2. there is no reason for the continued existence of any professional body outside WDSF, for WDSF Professional Division DanceSport. 3. the Professional Division has requested that the AGM amend Articles 17(2) and (4) to provide for a clear election process and to define the positions in the PD managing body. 4. as we establish a defined Managing Body, it should be mentioned in the third sentence in Article 17(3) to make that sentence clear and correct, and should now be called “Management Board” because that is the name the PD prefers. The PD has also requested that the WDSF Statutes support its right to impose reasonable administrative procedures before a PD Delegate may use his or her vote. 5. Article 17(8) of the WDSF Statutes says that “no part of this Article 17 may be changed by the WDSF General Meeting without the consent of the majority of the Delegates to the Professional Division General Meeting, provided always that such consent may be given prior to, concurrent with or subsequent to such General Meeting." Mrs Sulek reported that the PD gave that consent to the proposed amendments in advance, as permitted under Article 17, at its 2014 Annual General Meeting yesterday.

OVERWHELMINGLY APPROVED with 6 abstentions.

28.5 Motion 5: Motion of Urgency – to amend the WDSF Disciplinary Code (Refer to attached document).

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Mr Stehlin explained the problems with the existing DC Code. There were a number of versions of the revised Code produced during discussions, due to the complexity of this work and this is why the wrong version was sent to members and this created a problem for the AGM as due notice of the final Code as required under the WDSF Statutes was not given to members.

To solve this problem he explained that the AGM delegates first needed to approve to discuss the motion of urgency and then step 2 was to debate the changes to the Code.

Mr Stehlin then provided a clear and concise explanation of the changes and the need for them to improve the efficiency of the work of the DC.

The members overwhelmingly voted to adopt the Motion of Urgency. 2 abstentions.

The new DC Code as amended was overwhelmingly approved

29. Member’s Motions:

29.1 Motion 1 as amended by the mover in red: From Romania to amend WDSF Statute Re: Article 5(4) MOVED, that effective 1st January, 2016 this Meeting amend Article 5(4) the WDSF Statutes to read as follows [underlining indicates new text]:

"4. Admission to membership, and renewal of membership by payment of the annual Membership fee, constitutes a contract between the WDSF and the Member. The terms of that contract include that in return for membership in WDSF, Members agree to the following terms: (a) to abide by the WDSF's Statutes, rules and regulations, (b) to abide by decisions of the WDSF's General Meeting and Presidium, (c) to comply with the World Anti-Doping Code and the WDSF Anti-Doping Code, including requiring all athletes and support personnel within their jurisdiction to recognize and

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be bound by the World Anti-Doping Code and the WDSF Anti-Doping Code, (d) to accept and support WDSF as the exclusive peak body for DanceSport worldwide, (e) to join only other international or regional bodies which are previously approved by Resolution of the General Meeting or the Presidium, (f) to be independent and democratic self-governing bodies which represent DanceSport participants and any other participants approved by the Presidium, and (g) to be and to remain free from control by any other body or authority except WDSF, Governments, NOC’s, WADA, IPC, and any other body which is previously approved by Resolution of the General Meeting or the Presidium."

REASONS: To reorganize the text of Art. 5(4) to make it easier to read. To provide clear, correct guidance to Members and to the DanceSport world for anyone seeking to understand WDSF and Membership in WDSF. These changes also serve to protect WDSF Member bodies and WDSF from organisations or persons that do not accept Sports Principles and Philosophies for DanceSport as part of the Olympic family.

Vigorous debate ensued on this motion. However, in the interests of consensus it was decided by Romania to withdraw the motion.

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29.2 Motion 2: From Portugal to amend Financial Regulations

Alberto Rodrigues spoke in favour of the motion explaining the financial benefits as detailed in the motion of making the change and that Portugal had been a prompt payer and reliable member of WDSF. By changing to euros it would make it simpler and cheaper for European memebrs without impacting on the rest of the WDSF membership.

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Tony Tilenni, the WDSF Treasurer expressed his concerns as the Swiss Franc was effectively a relatively stable reserve currency whereas the Euro and the whole Euro zone had been financially unstable for a number of years. Mr Tilenni also explained that WDSF did have Euro accounts in Switzerland and Spain and some members were already paying in euros but of course this created some exchange differences. Mr Tilenni believed that it was an unnecessary risk for WDSF to change it official currency to euros and this was not supported by the WDSF Auditors.

He also explained that just because the EURO was currently tied to the CHF, that did not mean that this would continue forever – could it be a day, a week, a month, a year that the link would be broken?

Having used the Swiss Franc for the last few decades had saved WDSFand its members many hundreds of thousands of CHF.

Mr Hinder believed that this was the most important motion of the day and that under no circumstances could he support taking such a risky decision. He explained that there had been other IF’s that had changed from CHF to $US and they had nearly gone bankrupt as a result. The same could happen if we changed to Euro’s. He strongly urged delegates to oppose this motion.

The motion was withdrawn by the mover.

Motions 29.3 to 29.8 below were all withdrawn by the movers without any debate.

29.3 Motion from Russia to amend WDSF Statues Re: Article 5, Associations of Members – Withdrawn

MOVED, that the WDSF Statutes be amended with the new Article 5 as shown below:

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New Article 5

Associations of Members 5.1. The WDSF acknowledges the right of its Full Members to form Associations. 5.2. Subject to the prior approval of the WDSF Annual General Meeting, Full Members may form organizations called Continental Associations which are consistent with the purposes of WDSF. Continental Associations shall be formed on a geographical basis. 5.3. Subject to the prior approval of the WDSF Annual General Meeting Continental Associations may be known as: a) Dance Sport Europe b) Dance Sport Americas c) Dance Sport Africa d) Dance Sport Asia e) Dance Sport Oceania 5.4. The purpose of Continental Associations shall be to develop and strengthen Dance Sport in the corresponding Continent or area in accordance with the strategy, policies, statutes and other rules and regulations of the WDSF. 5.5. The administrative activities of each Continental Association shall be directed by a Managing Committee elected by the members of that Continental Association. The Managing Committee of each Continental Association shall coordinate its activities and closely cooperate with WDSF Presidium. 5.6. The Managing Committee of each Continental Association shall report semi-annually to the WDSF Presidium and annually to the WDSF Annual General Meeting.

[Articles presently subsequent to Article 4 shall be renumbered accordingly.]

REASONS: • The idea of creating Continental Federations is in full harmony with WDSF Vision 2020. • The World Dance Sport Federation will focus on the further development of Dance Sport worldwide. Continental Associations will take over a reasonable part of day-to-day business related to regionally based international competitions, education programs

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etc. by taking into account specificity and degree of development of Dance Sport on specific continent. • Continental Association opens the way for much more closer effective and productive cooperation of Members with respect to more balanced calendar and on other practical sport matters. It will open new opportunities to assist athletes in respect of reducing their expenses associated with their participation in international events. • The European Union and Council of Europe do cooperate only with European bodies. The formation of the Continental Association ‘Dance Sport Europe’ in particular will give the opportunity to get access to different EU and CE sports, youth and social care departments, organizations and personalities, to their programs and foundations. The similar opportunities of cooperation with regional political and economic organizations will be available on other continents. • It will prevent cooperation between the EU/CE sports and youth organizations with existing alternative continental Dance Sport federations like European Dance Sport Association (Mr. S. Wlokh) as well as creation of new alternative continental bodies like European section of WDC Amateur League. • This will allow benefiting from effective cooperation with Continental Olympic bodies like Asian Olympic Committee, Association of European Olympic Committees et al. • Almost each International Sport Federation (e.g. athletics, , football and many others) has continental associations what favored intensive development of particular sports on different continents. • It will give the opportunity for Asian Dance Sport Federation which is successfully acting for more than one decade outside WDSF to receive legal status within WDSF.

29.4 Motion from Germany to amend WDSF Statues Re: Article 5, Association of Members Associations of Members (as per 29.3)

29.5 Motion from Estonia to amend WDSF Statues Re: Article 5, Association of Members Associations of Members (as per 29.3)

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29.6 Motion from Denmark to amend WDSF Statue Re: Article 5, Association of Members Associations of Members (as per 29.3)

29.7 Motion from Moldova to amend WDSF Statues Re: Article 5, Association of Members Associations of Members (as per 29.3)

29.8 Motion from Serbia to amend WDSF Statues Re: Article 5, Association of Members Associations of Members (as per 29.3)

30. New Business (Miscellaneous)

THANKS

Mr Freitag thanked members for another excellent AGM.

On behalf of the Presidium and Members, Mr. Freitag provided his sincere congratulations to the Honourable Vasile Gliga, MP and the Romanian DanceSport Federation for the wonderful AGM in this beautiful Parliament building. There was no doubt that all Delegates were delighted with the wonderful organisation, hospitality and work of our Romanian Member body.

Mr Maxwell then took the floor to offer his sincere thanks to the Presidium for their wonderful work and for what he regarded as one of the most successful AGM’s ever. He was certain that WDSF and DanceSport were moving in the right direction.

31. Adjournment

The President asked for a Motion to adjourn, and the Meeting voted unanimously to adjourn this AGM at 4.05pm.

Carlos Freitag Shawn Tay WDSF PRESIDENT WDSF General Secretary

Minutes prepared by Tony Tilenni, WDSF Treasurer

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The World DanceSport Federation (WDSF, formerly IDSF), is an International Sports Federation Recognised by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and a Member of SportAccord, The Association of Recognised International Sports Federations (ARISF), The International World Games Association (IWGA) and The International Masters Games Association (IMGA).

WDSF consists of 92 Country-Members of which 66 Country-Members are recognised by their own National Olympic Committees.

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