IACSF International Aerial Combat Sport Federation
International governing body and sanctioning authority for aerial combat sport Governing documents in force: Season 2026 editions, effective 1 January 2026. Document library
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Code of Ethics

Reference
Policy
Edition
Season 2026
Effective
1 January 2026
Maintained by
Commissioner
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INTERNATIONAL AERIAL COMBAT SPORT FEDERATION | Code of Ethics

INTERNATIONAL AERIAL COMBAT SPORT FEDERATION

Code of Ethics

Governing Conduct of All Federation Personnel

Adopted Pursuant to IACSF Bylaws, Article XXV, Section 25.1

Effective: 2026

1. Purpose and Scope

The International Aerial Combat Sport Federation ("IACSF" or "Federation") is committed to conducting its affairs with the highest standards of integrity, fairness, and transparency. This Code of Ethics ("Code") establishes the ethical standards applicable to all persons who serve the Federation in any capacity, including members of the Board of Directors, the Commissioner, Executive Committee members, Standing Committee members, appointed officials, employees, and contractors (collectively, "Covered Persons").

This Code supplements and operates in conjunction with the IACSF Bylaws, including the Conflicts of Interest Policy (§25.2), the Confidentiality Policy (§25.3), and the Whistleblower Protection Policy (§25.4). In the event of any conflict between this Code and the Bylaws, the Bylaws shall control.

2. Core Ethical Principles

All Covered Persons shall conduct themselves in accordance with the following principles:

2.1 Integrity

Covered Persons shall act honestly and with integrity in all Federation matters. They shall not misrepresent facts, conceal material information, or engage in deception in any communication with the Federation, its Member Teams, participants, partners, or the public.

2.2 Accountability

Covered Persons are stewards of the Federation’s mission and resources. Each Covered Person is accountable for their own conduct and decisions and shall not use their position for personal gain or to advance interests other than the legitimate interests of the IACSF.

2.3 Fairness

Covered Persons shall treat all Member Teams, participants, officials, and stakeholders with impartiality and respect. Decisions shall be made on the merits, free from favoritism, bias, or improper influence.

2.4 Transparency

Covered Persons shall support open and honest communication within the Federation. Subject to applicable confidentiality obligations, information relevant to Federation decision-making shall be shared with those who have a legitimate need to know.

2.5 Respect and Professionalism

Covered Persons shall conduct themselves professionally and respectfully in all interactions, including in public communications, media appearances, and conduct at IACSF events. Conduct that brings the Federation into disrepute is prohibited regardless of the forum in which it occurs.

3. Conflicts of Interest

Covered Persons shall identify, disclose, and manage conflicts of interest in accordance with the IACSF Conflicts of Interest Policy (Bylaws §25.2 and the standalone Conflicts of Interest Policy). A conflict of interest arises whenever a Covered Person’s personal, financial, or professional interests could improperly influence — or appear to influence — their judgment on behalf of the Federation.

When in doubt, Covered Persons shall err on the side of disclosure. Undisclosed conflicts of interest are a serious violation of this Code.

4. Gifts, Hospitality, and Benefits

4.1 General Prohibition

Covered Persons shall not solicit gifts, gratuities, entertainment, or any other benefit from any person or entity that does business with, seeks to do business with, or is regulated by the IACSF. Acceptance of unsolicited benefits is subject to the limitations below.

4.2 Permitted Benefits

The following are generally permissible, provided they are not intended to improperly influence Federation decisions:

  • Meals or hospitality of modest value (not exceeding USD $150 per occasion) provided in the normal course of a business relationship;

  • Promotional items of nominal value (not exceeding USD $50) bearing the giver’s logo or name;

  • Speaking or presentation fees and reasonable travel reimbursements approved in advance by the Commissioner or Board Chair;

  • Participation in industry events, award ceremonies, or trade conferences where attendance is appropriate to the Covered Person’s role.

4.3 Prohibited Benefits

The following are never permissible:

  • Cash payments, gift cards, or equivalent instruments of any amount;

  • Gifts valued above USD $150 from any single source in a calendar year;

  • Any benefit accepted with the understanding — explicit or implied — that it will influence a Federation decision;

  • Benefits from parties involved in active disciplinary, licensing, or contracting proceedings before the Federation.

4.4 Disclosure

Covered Persons who receive any unsolicited benefit with a value exceeding USD $50 shall promptly disclose it to the Commissioner in writing. The Commissioner shall maintain a register of all disclosed benefits.

5. Confidentiality

Covered Persons shall protect non-public IACSF information in accordance with the IACSF Confidentiality Policy (Bylaws §25.3). This includes Board deliberations, disciplinary proceedings, financial data, commercially sensitive information, and personal information about participants. The obligation of confidentiality survives the end of service with the Federation.

6. Integrity of Decision-Making

6.1 Independence

Covered Persons exercising Federation authority — including voting on Board resolutions, making disciplinary decisions, or rendering official competition rulings — shall act independently and in the best interests of the Federation. They shall not allow personal relationships, external employment, or financial interests to compromise their judgment.

6.2 No Improper Influence

Covered Persons shall not attempt to improperly influence the decisions of other Covered Persons, officials, judges, or participants. This prohibition applies to direct pressure as well as indirect means such as social pressure, implicit threats, or the promise of future benefits.

6.3 Bribery and Corruption

The IACSF has a zero-tolerance policy for bribery and corruption. Covered Persons shall not offer, pay, solicit, or accept any bribe, kickback, or corrupt payment in connection with any Federation activity. Violations will be reported to appropriate law enforcement authorities where required by applicable law.

7. Use of Federation Resources

Covered Persons shall use Federation resources — including funds, equipment, facilities, personnel, intellectual property, and information — solely for legitimate Federation purposes. Personal use of Federation resources is prohibited unless expressly authorized in writing by the Board of Directors or Commissioner.

8. Public Communications and Social Media

Covered Persons who communicate publicly about Federation matters — including in media interviews, social media posts, and public appearances — shall do so accurately, professionally, and consistently with their confidentiality obligations. Covered Persons shall not make unauthorized statements on behalf of the Federation and shall clearly distinguish personal views from official Federation positions.

9. Compliance with Law

Covered Persons shall comply with all applicable federal, state, local, and international laws and regulations in the performance of their Federation duties, including aviation regulations, anti-corruption laws, data protection laws, and export control laws.

10. Reporting Violations

Covered Persons who observe or suspect a violation of this Code are encouraged — and in some circumstances required — to report it through the mechanisms established in the IACSF Whistleblower Protection Policy (Bylaws §25.4). The Federation prohibits retaliation against any person who in good faith reports a concern or cooperates in an investigation.

11. Enforcement

11.1 Investigation

Alleged violations of this Code shall be investigated by the Commissioner or, if the Commissioner is implicated, by a special investigator appointed by the Board of Directors. Investigations shall be conducted fairly, confidentially, and with appropriate due process.

11.2 Consequences

Confirmed violations of this Code may result in one or more of the following consequences, depending on the severity and circumstances of the violation:

  • Written reprimand;

  • Removal from committee assignments or official positions;

  • Suspension from Federation activities;

  • Removal from the Board of Directors or termination of employment or contract;

  • Referral to appropriate law enforcement or regulatory authorities;

  • Any other action authorized under the IACSF Bylaws and applicable law.

12. Acknowledgment

Each Covered Person shall, upon commencement of their role and annually thereafter, execute a written acknowledgment confirming that they have read, understood, and agree to comply with this Code of Ethics. Executed acknowledgments shall be maintained by the Secretary-General.

13. Review and Amendment

This Code shall be reviewed at least every two (2) years by the Board of Directors and updated as necessary to reflect changes in law, regulation, or Federation practice. Amendments to this Code shall be approved by majority vote of the Board.

Adopted by the Board of Directors of the International Aerial Combat Sport Federation, 2026.