During a virtual meeting on Wednesday, the Board of Directors of the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation (IMMAF) approved changes to the IMMAF Statutes which will now be presented to IMMAF National Federations for approval at an Extraordinary General Assembly in February 2021.
The IMMAF Directors also approved new IMMAF Anti-doping Compliance documents as part of its efforts to gain official recognition from the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). The Compliance documents includes an Anti-doping Policy Framework which, as well as IMMAF anti-doping rules, includes an Anti-doping Education Plan, a Risk Assessment, and an Athletes Act.
In addition, the IMMAF Board approved the creation of a new Integrity Section of the IMMAF Website where all Integrity related documents and policies will be posted in Q1 2021.
The Board accepted, with either individual and observation status, new IMMAF Members from Israel, Mongolia, Cayman Islands and Saint Martin.
The IMMAF Board also approved the introduction of a mandatory grading system for youth athletes, as recognition of the importance to maintain rigorous safety and technical standards for competitors in younger age groups.
Finally, the IMMAF Board was informed of the continuation of the partnership agreement with the UFC into 2021.
IMMAF President Kerrith Brown said: “The announcement of the new partnership with UFC is much appreciated and an indication of their trust in and support of IMMAF. Despite the severe challenges posed by the Pandemic, which led to the cancellation of all but one of our planned events, I am proud to say that the IMMAF team has continued to work hard, and in a determined fashion, building structures and policies that will help us in our on-going quest to secure sport recognition.”
Densign White, IMMAF CEO said: “We had a very productive meeting, and the Board are fully supportive of our efforts to develop the sport and our organisation, as have been laid out in the new IMMAF Strategic Plan. With the 2021 Event Calendar now approved, we are excited to be able to return to play in the New Year, from a very solid governance platform.”
