This refined structure outlines all membership levels under MASA, incorporating clear definitions, eligibility criteria, governance requirements, and rights.
1. Direct Affiliate Members
Definition:
Direct Affiliate Members represent single-discipline martial arts organisations fully aligned with a recognised international governing body. These organisations follow unified standards across all affiliated clubs.
Eligibility Criteria:
1.1. International Affiliation:
Must be formally affiliated with a recognised international governing body specific to the martial arts discipline.
1.2. Unified Standards:
All affiliated clubs must follow the same syllabus, grading criteria, and competition rules.
Uniform branding, representation, and identity are required across all clubs.
1.3. Exclusive Focus:
Represents only one martial arts discipline or code.
Clubs practising other styles (in conjunction with their traditional style) must affiliate separately with the relevant martial arts body.
1.4. Governance Structure:
Democratically Elected Executive Committee: Local governance must be managed through democratic processes.
Internationally Appointed Leadership:
Some organisations may have leadership appointed by the international governing body or the highest-ranking individual in the country based on their qualifications and grading. This is especially true for organisations that operate on a traditional structure.
1.5. Compliance with MASA Standards:
Members must adhere to MASA’s safeguarding, ethical, and governance policies.
Rights and Responsibilities:
Voting Rights: Direct Members are entitled to one vote and one representative in MASA governance.
Provincial and National Colours Eligibility:
Athletes are eligible, provided the organisation meets the size, representation, and MASA’s selection criteria.
- Excludes organisations conflicting with SASCOC-recognised bodies (e.g., WKF, WAKO, WT).
- Event Participation: Full access to MASA-sanctioned events and programmes.
2. Composite Affiliate Members
Definition:
Composite Affiliate Members are multi-discipline organisations uniting martial arts styles or clubs that share similar principles and frameworks. These organisations must be affiliated with a recognised international governing body catering to their specific needs. Multi-coded organisations are not accepted.
Eligibility Criteria:
2.1. International Affiliation:
Must be affiliated with a specialised international governing body for the relevant discipline(s).
2.2. Shared Principles and Frameworks:
Member clubs must share similar philosophies, technical approaches, and training methodologies.
2.3. Unified Purpose:
Operates collaboratively to support tournaments, training initiatives, and representation.
2.4. Governance Structure:
Must have a democratically elected Executive Committee.
Financial and administrative systems must comply with MASA regulations.
2.5. Autonomy for Member Clubs:
Clubs retain control over their training syllabi, grading systems, and certifications.
2.6. Compliance with MASA Standards:
Members must adhere to safeguarding, ethical, and governance policies.
Rights and Responsibilities:
Voting Rights: Composite Members have one vote and one representative in MASA governance.
Provincial and National Colours Eligibility:
Athletes are eligible, provided the organisation meets size, representation, and MASA’s selection criteria.
- Excludes organisations conflicting with SASCOC-recognised bodies. WKF, WAKO, WT
- Event Participation: Full access to MASA-sanctioned events and programmes.
3. Provisional Members
Definition:
Provisional Members are organisations or clubs granted temporary membership while they work towards full alignment with MASA standards. This is a transitional status for new applicants.
Eligibility Criteria:
3.1. New Applicants:
Provisional membership is for organisations applying for Direct Affiliate or Composite Affiliate Membership.
3.2. Temporary Status:
Membership is valid for up to 12 months, extendable at MASA’s discretion.
3.3. Compliance with MASA Standards:
Members must align with MASA’s safeguarding, ethical, and governance policies within the provisional period.
Rights and Responsibilities:
Voting Rights: None.
Provincial and National Colours Eligibility: None.
Event Participation: Athletes may compete in MASA-sanctioned events during the provisional period.
4. Development Associate Members
Definition:
Development Associate Members are organisations practising self-developed or community-based martial arts styles. MASA supports these members to improve governance, safeguarding, and alignment with standards, with the potential for progression.
Eligibility Criteria:
4.1. Self-Developed Martial Arts Styles:
Organisations with no international presence are categorised as Development Associate Members and supported to align with MASA standards.
Those with an international footprint are reviewed based on the size and structure of the organisation and their compliance with MASA’s criteria.
4.2. Community-Based or Localised Martial Arts Styles:
Organisations that lack international affiliation or recognition remain in this category but may receive support to grow and align with MASA standards.
4.3. Governance:
MASA provides oversight to help these organisations establish formal structures and comply with safeguarding and ethical standards.
Rights and Responsibilities:
Voting Rights: None.
Provincial and National Colours Eligibility:
- Not eligible, except in conjunction with MASA’s provincial and national selection processes.
- Athletes may qualify for colours through MASA-sanctioned selection events.
- Event Participation: Full access to MASA-sanctioned events and programmes.
- Development Support: Guidance is provided to improve governance and safeguarding.
