Viet Nam Powerlifting Constitution and Bylaws

#1. Name and Purpose

#1.1. Name

The name of the organization shall be Viet Nam Powerlifting (VNPL).

#1.2. Mission Statement and Purpose

VNPL is dedicated to serving the interests of athletes in Viet Nam who wish to compete on a fair, drug-free powerlifting platform at the local, national, and international levels. The primary goals of VNPL are:

• To foster the growth of drug-tested powerlifting as a recognized sport in Viet Nam.
• To provide opportunities for athletes to compete at the international level.
• To hold regular competitions throughout Viet Nam to promote accessibility and development of the sport.

VNPL is a non-profit federation “of the athletes, by the athletes, and for the athletes,” built on transparency, community-based decision-making, and integrity. VNPL recognizes its origins in USAPL Viet Nam and is committed to carrying forward its mission: to serve as the leading powerlifting federation in Vietnam with a clear commitment to fairness, transparency, and a drug-free sporting environment for the entire powerlifting community.

#1.3. Relationship with the International Drug Free Powerlifting Association (IDFPA)

VNPL is a recognized national affiliate of the International Drug Free Powerlifting Association (IDFPA) and abides by its constitution, by-laws, technical rules, and anti-doping policies.

#2. Membership

#2.1. Eligibility

Membership in VNPL is open to all individuals annually. Membership is required to compete in any VNPL competition and to represent Viet Nam in IDFPA competitions. Vietnamese citizenship or permanent residency is not required for membership. However, only Vietnamese citizens, permanent residents, or foreign nationals legally residing in Viet Nam may compete at VNPL Nationals or represent Viet Nam at IDFPA international competitions.

#2.2. Term

Memberships run from January 1 to December 31 each year. Memberships purchased in November or December extend until December 31 of the following year.

#2.3. Dues

Membership will be free until December 31, 2025. Paid membership begins January 1, 2026, with the initial annual membership fee set at 300,000 VND. The Executive Committee may adjust this fee in line with economic conditions and organizational needs. VNPL may grant discounted or complimentary memberships to visiting IDFPA athletes to encourage international exchange.

#2.4. Rights and Responsibilities

Members must comply with the constitution, by-laws, technical rules, and anti-doping standards of VNPL and the IDFPA. All members have equal voting rights in VNPL elections and decisions, whether held in-person or online. All members may attend official VNPL meetings.

#2.5. Suspension and Termination

The Executive Committee may suspend or terminate membership by majority vote if a member violates VNPL or IDFPA rules, policies, or standards, or acts against the mission of VNPL.

#3. Executive Committee

#3.1. Authority

The Executive Committee governs VNPL, overseeing strategy, governance, and operations.

#3.2. Composition (EC)

The Executive Committee shall consist of three (3) to seven (7) members, including Officers and general Board Members.

#3.3. Term of Office

Executive Committee members serve two-year terms, with the exception of the first term of the organization, whose committee will serve for three years and will be appointed by the President.

#3.4. Meetings

The Committee shall meet at least four times annually (quarterly), either online or offline. Special meetings may be called by the President or a majority of the Committee.

#3.5. Quorum and Voting

A quorum requires a majority of Committee members. Decisions are made by majority vote.

#3.6. Removal and Vacancies

Committee members may be removed by a two-thirds (2/3) vote. Vacancies may be temporarily filled by Committee appointment but must be confirmed by a special election within two months.

#4. Officers

#4.1. Enumeration of Officers

The Officers of VNPL are:

• President
• Secretary General
• Treasurer
• Technical Director

Other positions (e.g., Vice President) may be created as needed.

#4.2. Duties of Officers

• President: Leads VNPL, presides over meetings, oversees operations, approves communications, manages funds, establishes partnerships, ensures competitions meet IDFPA standards, communicates with IDFPA, and oversees referee education.
• Secretary General: Maintains records and minutes, manages membership database, handles elections, communicates with members, and maintains VNPL records and statistics (e.g., national records).
• Treasurer: Manages financial affairs, provides reports, ensures compliance with laws, records financial transactions, and develops the annual budget.
• Technical Director: Maintains all aspects of the Technical Rules book, so that the competition rules and requirements are in line and in compliance with IDFPA Rules and By-Laws, ensures the training and accreditation of all levels of competition Referees, and is in charge of referee appointment for National-level and above events hosted by VNPL.

#4.3. Election and Terms

Officers and Board Members are elected democratically by VNPL members for two-year terms. Elections are held in December, with terms beginning January 1. Voting must be secure, anonymous, and accessible to all members (e.g., online ballots). An election is valid if 10% of members or 100 votes (whichever is lower) are cast.

#4.4. Qualifications

Candidates must be VNPL members in good standing throughout their term.

#4.5. Vacancies

If the President’s seat becomes vacant, the Secretary General serves as interim President until a special election is held. Other vacancies may be filled by Committee appointment, subject to election confirmation.

#4.6. Resignation and Removal

Any Officer may resign by written notice. Any Officer may be removed by two-thirds vote of the Executive Committee.

#5. Financial Expenditures and Records

VNPL funds must be kept in dedicated VNPL accounts, never personal accounts. No VNPL funds may be used for personal purposes.

• Income sources: membership fees, competition entry fees, courses, sponsorships, and merchandise.
• Financial statements: Annual financial statements must be independently reviewed and published to members.
• Expenses: All expenses must support VNPL’s mission.
• Expenses above 20,000,000 VND require approval of two Officers.
• Expenses above 50,000,000 VND require majority Executive Committee approval.

#6. Competitions and Meet Directors

VNPL may partner with gyms or organizations to host competitions, provided they meet VNPL and IDFPA standards. A designated Meet Director will organize competitions, manage registration fees, and cover related expenses. VNPL will monitor fairness but is not liable for external hosts’ profits or losses. At least one Executive Committee member must attend each VNPL competition.

#7. Education Courses

VNPL may offer voluntary education courses (e.g., coaching, technical seminars). Courses must be affordable and mission-driven. Instructors must be VNPL members and approved by the Executive Committee.

#8. Referees

VNPL will provide free training and testing for referees.

• Local/State Referee: Written exam (80% pass) + supervised practical assessment.
• National Referee: Minimum 4 judged competitions (2 as Head Referee) + written exam (90% pass).

Qualified IDFPA referees may be recognized by VNPL without re-certification.

#9. Drug Testing

VNPL follows IDFPA anti-doping standards.

• At least 5% of competitors per meet will be tested.
• Testing Authority for in-meet (IMT) and out-of-meet (OMT) testing is appointed in consultation with IDFPA.
• All members are subject to IMT and OMT. Retired athletes must formally declare retirement to VNPL to be exempt.
• All testing results will be published on the VNPL website within 30 days.

#10. Committees

The Executive Committee may establish additional committees (e.g., Ethics, Women Athletes, Marketing, Media, etc.).

#10.1. Establishment

The Executive Board may establish standing or ad hoc committees to carry out specific functions in support of VNPL operations.

#10.2. Composition (C)

• Each committee shall consist of no fewer than three (3) members, including a Chairperson appointed by the Executive Board.
• Members may include Board members or qualified VNPL members with relevant expertise.

#10.3. Standing Committees

(may be expanded as needed)

• Technical & Referees Committee: Oversees competition rules, referee training, and referee assignments.
• Appeals & Disciplinary Committee: Handles complaints, appeals, and disciplinary matters.
• Finance & Audit Committee: Oversees budget, expenditures, and ensures financial transparency.
• Athlete & Women’s Development Committee: Promotes athlete development and gender equity.
• Media & Marketing Committee: Manages branding, communications, and public relations.

#10.4. Powers and Responsibilities

• Committees may draft policies, recommendations, and action plans in their area of responsibility.
• Committees do not hold final decision-making authority; all proposals must be approved by the Executive Board.

#10.5. Transparency

• Committee activities and meeting records must be documented and reported to the Executive Board.
• Committee members must comply with the Conflict of Interest policy (see Conflict of Interest section).

#11. Conflict of Interest

Executive Committee members must disclose conflicts of interest and recuse themselves where appropriate.

#11.1. Definition

A conflict of interest arises when personal, financial, professional, or family interests could compromise, or appear to compromise, a member’s ability to perform their duties fairly, objectively, and in good faith for VNPL.

#11.2. Disclosure Obligation

• All members of the Executive Board, officers, and committees must disclose in writing any potential conflicts of interest.
• Disclosures must be formally recorded and updated annually or when circumstances change.

#11.3. Recusal Principle

• A member with a conflict of interest must recuse themselves from discussions and votes related to the matter.
• In serious cases, the Executive Board may require temporary suspension or resignation.

#11.4. Absolute Prohibitions

• No member shall use their position within VNPL for personal gain.
• No contracts, financial arrangements, or personnel decisions directly involving a member or their close relatives may be approved without transparent disclosure and majority Board approval.

#11.5. Enforcement

• Breaches of the conflict of interest policy may result in disciplinary action, including suspension or removal.
• All disciplinary decisions must be documented, transparent, and reported to the membership.

#12. Amendments

Constitutional amendments must be approved by the Executive Committee and shared with members. If 10% of active members petition for a vote, amendments must be submitted to the membership and require majority approval.

#13. Non-Discrimination Policy

VNPL shall not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, marital status, or military status in any of its operations, including competitions, leadership selection, and membership rights.