Bylaws

Bylaws to Article 3: Full, Associate, Regional, and Provisional Members

  1. Application for Full Membership
    1. Submission of Application
      1. An organisation (NDSF) seeking full membership must submit a written application.
      2. The application should use the prescribed form outlined in Appendix 1.
      3. The application is to be submitted to the Secretary General.
    2. Provisional Approval
      1. After receiving the application, the Secretary General consults with the Executive Board’s contact person of the Legal Commission.
      2. Following this consultation, the application is presented to the Executive Board for provisional approval.
    3. Provisional Membership
      1. The applicant organisation may be granted provisional membership upon provisional approval by the Executive Board.
      2. This provisional membership status allows the organisation certain privileges and rights.
    4. Definitive Admission
      1. The application for full membership is presented for definitive admission at the organisation's Congress.
    5. Voting Process
      1. Full membership is granted by a simple majority vote of the members present and entitled to vote in Congress.
    6. Expiration of Provisional Membership
      1. If full membership is not granted and provisional membership is not extended, the provisional membership automatically expires.
  2. Application for Associate Membership
    1. Submission of Application
      1. An International Sports Federation (IDSF) seeking associate membership needs to submit a written application.
      2. The application should use the prescribed form outlined in Appendix 2.
      3. The application is to be lodged with the Secretary General.
    2. Provisional Approval
      1. After receiving the application, the Secretary General consults with the Executive Board’s contact person of the Legal Commission.
      2. Following this consultation, the application is presented to the Executive Board for provisional approval.
    3. Provisional Membership
      1. Upon provisional approval by the Executive Board, the IDSF may be granted provisional membership.
      2. This provisional membership status allows the IDSF certain privileges and rights within the organisation.
    4. Agreement on Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)
      1. IDSF, with provisional membership, has a period of up to three years to agree on a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Executive Board.
      2. The MOU outlines the terms and conditions for the IDSF's definitive membership and recognition from the organisation for their respective sport.
    5. Definitive Admission
      1. Once the conditions set out in Bylaws 2.3 (presumably relating to the MOU) are met, an application for associate membership is presented for definitive admission at the next Congress.
    6. Voting Process
      1. Associate membership is granted by a simple majority vote of members present and entitled to vote in Congress.
      2. Alternatively, the Congress may extend provisional membership for up to two additional periods of two years each until the next Congress.
    7. Expiration of Provisional Membership
      1. If the associate membership is not granted and provisional membership is not extended, the provisional membership automatically expires.
  3. Application for Regional Membership
    1. Submission of Application
      1. A Regional Deaf Sports Confederation seeking regional membership needs to submit a written application.
      2. The application should use the prescribed form outlined in Appendix 2.
      3. The application is to be lodged with the Secretary General.
    2. Provisional Approval
      1. After receiving the application, the Secretary General consults with the Executive Board’s contact person of the Legal Commission.
      2. Following this consultation, the application is presented to the Executive Board for provisional approval.
    3. Provisional Membership
      1. Upon provisional approval by the Executive Board, the Regional Deaf Sports Confederation may be granted provisional membership.
      2. This provisional membership status allows the Regional Deaf Sports Confederation certain privileges and rights within the organisation.
    4. Voting Process
      1. Regional Membership is granted by a simple majority vote of members present and entitled to vote in Congress.
      2. Alternatively, the Congress may extend provisional membership for up to two additional periods of two years each until the next Congress.
    5. Expiration of Provisional Membership
      1. If the Regional Membership is not granted and provisional membership is not extended, the provisional membership automatically expires.
  4. Suspension Procedure
    1. Grounds for Suspension
      1. The Executive Board can consider the suspension of a Member under two circumstances:
        1. Repeated failure to pay outstanding fees, levies, and debts due to ICSD and third parties related to ICSD and its events.
        2. Non-compliance with all the obligations of membership as defined in the ICSD Constitution or other ICSD regulations.
    2. Voting Process
      1. A suspension of a Member requires a simple majority vote of the members of the Executive Board.
    3. Review and Continuation of Suspension
      1. If the suspension initially exceeds two consecutive years, the Executive Board must reconsider to either continue or discontinue the suspension.
      2. A simple majority vote of the members in the Executive Board confirms the continued suspension of a Member.
    4. Lifting of Suspension
      1. The suspension is lifted once the Executive Board determines that the Member complies with all its conditions and obligations under the ICSD Constitution, Bylaws, Code of Ethics, and other regulations.
    5. Communication of Suspension
      1. The Secretariat is responsible for informing all Members about the suspensions and lifting of suspensions of the Members.

    5. Bylaws to article 7: Congress of ICSD

  5. The Ordinary and the Extraordinary Congress
    1. Chairperson of the Congress
      1. The Chairperson of the Congress shall be the ICSD President or her/his designate.
      2. The Chairperson of the Congress shall declare the opening and closing of each meeting of the Congress and control the business of the Congress including granting the right to speak, ruling on points of order, putting proposals to the vote, and announcing decisions.
    2. Agenda
      1. The agenda shall be agreed with the adoption of its contents at the beginning of the meeting.
      2. There shall not be any discussion of any proposal that is not on the agreed agenda unless there is a two-thirds (2/3) majority of the Members present and entitled to vote in agreement of its addition to the agenda prior its adoption at the beginning of the meeting.
      3. Proposals will be debated in the order in which they appear on the agenda.
    3. Right to Speak at the Congress
      1. The mover of the original proposal shall speak first at the start of the debate on the proposal.
      2. All other Members shall have the right to speak once on each proposal except when they wish to raise a point of order or move an amendment to a proposal.
      3. Only the mover of the original proposal shall have a right of reply at the conclusion of any debate and immediately before any vote.
    4. Point of Order at the Congress
      1. A point of order may arise when a delegate wishes to raise a possible breach of an article or some other aspect of the ICSD Constitution or Bylaws occurring during the business of the Congress.
      2. A delegate may move a point of order, and the point of order shall be determined by the Congress Chairperson in accordance with the ICSD Constitution, Bylaws, Code of Ethics, and regulations.
      3. The Chairperson of the Congress may consult with the Legal Commission before ruling on a point of order. Rulings from the Congress Chairperson on a point of order shall be final.
    5. Amendment to a Proposal at the Congress
      1. Any Member in attendance at the Congress may suggest an amendment to the proposal under debate. The amended proposal shall be seconded by another Full, Regional or Associate Member in attendance at the Congress.
      2. An amended proposal that is seconded will immediately be put to a vote by the Chairperson of the Congress.
      3. An amended proposal approved by a simple majority vote shall immediately replace the original version of the proposal.
    6. Method of Voting at the Congress
      1. Voting should always be carried out by secret ballot, ensuring anonymity and confidentiality in the voting process.
      2. Before the voting takes place, a predefined voting procedure should be established and communicated to all members. This procedure should outline the steps for casting votes, counting ballots, resolving disputes, and announcing the results.
      3. Electronic or Paper-Based Voting:
        1. Members can cast their votes either electronically or via paper ballots, depending on the chosen method specified in the predefined voting procedure.
        2. If electronic voting is utilised, secure and reliable electronic voting systems should be implemented to ensure the integrity of the voting process.
        3. If paper-based voting is preferred, appropriate measures should be taken to collect, handle, and count the paper ballots securely.
      4. In a tie, the ICSD President has the authority to cast the deciding vote, except to break a deadlock.
      5. The following is a breakdown of the two (2) categories of votes, excluding votes for persons:
        1. For: These votes express support or agreement with a particular proposal, idea, or decision.
        2. Against: These votes indicate opposition or disagreement with a particular proposal, idea, or decision.
      6. Each member has a vote. To be valid and counted, a vote:
        1. may not be cast by proxy; and
        2. may not be an abstention, or left blank, or spoiled.
    7. Scrutineers at the Congress
      1. Scrutineers are individuals appointed beforehand to ensure that there are no conflicts of interest.
      2. The appointment of scrutineers is the responsibility of the President. Scrutineers must be non-voting observers at the Congress and citizens of a different country than the Congress Chairperson and the election candidates.
      3. The scrutineers shall ensure that only eligible Members vote and that the number of votes cast does not exceed the number entitled to be cast.
      4. The scrutineers shall count the votes and hand the result to the Chairperson of the Congress who shall announce the decision to the Congress.
    8. Minutes of the Congress
      1. The Secretariat shall prepare the minutes of the Congress.
      2. The minutes shall be approved by the Congress Chairperson before it is released to Members.
      3. The approved minutes shall be distributed to Members no later than four (4) months after the conclusion of the Congress.
      4. The approved minutes shall be ratified by a simple majority vote of Members present and entitled to vote at the next Congress.
      5. After its ratification by the next Congress, the minutes shall be uploaded on the ICSD website.

    6. Bylaws to article 8: Executive Board of ICSD

  6. Nominations and Elections
    1. Nominations to the Executive Board
      1. The Secretariat shall administer nominations to the Executive Board.
      2. Four (4) months prior to the Congress to be held after the Summer Deaflympics in the same year, the Members shall be invited to nominate individuals to the Executive Board.
    2. Written Nominations
      1. Nominations must be submitted in writing.
      2. Each nomination must be accompanied by a letter of support from at least one Full Member of the organisation.
      3. Each nomination must include a signed Integrity Declaration, in which the candidate affirms the following:
        1. No criminal convictions relevant to the integrity of sport;
        2. No pending disciplinary or ethical proceedings;
        3. Full disclosure of any actual or potential conflicts of interest;
        4. Commitment to uphold the ICSD Code of Ethics, Constitution, and Bylaws.
      4. Additionally, all elected candidates must submit a criminal background check to the Secretary General within six (6) months of being elected, as a condition of taking office.
      5. The nomination package should include:
        1. A summary of the nominated individual's education.
        2. Professional history.
        3. Job qualifications.
        4. A photocopy of their passport.
        5. Any supporting materials such as resumes, certificates, and references.
      6. The nomination package should also contain a statement of up to two hundred (200) words wherein the nominee describes their vision and goals for the organisation (ICSD).
      7. Nominations in video format must be presented in International Sign with a maximum duration of three (3) minutes.
      8. A nominated individual must be able to meet the requirements of the ICSD Code of Ethics.
      9. Nominations shall state the position of the Executive Board the individual is nominated for, and an individual can only be nominated for one (1) position.
      10. Nominations shall be closed three (3) months prior to the Congress. The Legal Commission shall review each nomination to ensure it is compliant and that the nominated individual is eligible to stand for election.
      11. At least one (1) month before the date of the Congress, the eligible nominations and supporting materials shall be circulated to the Members. A summary of this package will be published.
    3. Conduct of the Elections to the Executive Board
      1. Elections to the Executive Board shall take place by secret ballot at the Congress in the following order:
        1. ICSD President
        2. Vice President
        3. Four (4) members-at-large
      2. Prior to the commencement of the elections, a member of the Legal Commission shall be appointed as the Chairperson of the elections (the “Elections Chairperson”) and shall be advised by another member of the Legal Commission.
      3. For each position to be filled by election the Elections Chairperson shall introduce the candidates to the Congress and distribute electronic and paper ballots listing all candidates in alphabetical order by family name.
    4. Campaigning Rules
      1. ICSD shall ensure that all candidates have equal and fair opportunities to present their platforms. To this end, the Secretariat shall publish all campaign statements on the ICSD website under equal conditions and may facilitate additional visibility opportunities, such as video messages or interviews.
      2. Candidates should conduct their campaigns with integrity and adhere to ethical standards set forth by the association. This may include refraining from making false or misleading statements about opponents and respectfully conducting campaigns.
      3. Candidates should disclose any potential conflicts of interest that may arise if they are elected to the Executive Board. This includes any financial interests, relationships, or affiliations that could influence their decision-making on behalf of the ICSD.
      4. Candidates should not misuse association resources for campaign purposes. This includes using association email lists, social media accounts, or other resources without authorisation.
      5. Candidates should be allowed to campaign for their election to the Executive Board up until the start of the Congress and to present their candidature for the Executive Board up to five (5) minutes during the election at the Congress.
      6. Each Member shall vote by placing a suitable mark on the ballot paper alongside the name of the candidate they wish to elect.
      7. Every ballot paper that in the opinion of the scrutineers sufficiently discloses the voter’s intended choice shall be counted.
      8. The scrutineers shall count the votes before handing the result to the Elections Chairperson, who shall announce the result to the Congress.
    5. Election of the ICSD President
      1. Members can only vote for one (1) candidate each in the election of the ICSD President.
      2. If more than one (1) round of voting are necessary, the candidate(s) with the lowest number of votes will not stand for the next round of voting.
      3. In the event of a tie in the final round of voting, there shall be up to two (2) additional rounds of voting to try and break the tie.
      4. Should the tie remain after the additional rounds of voting, the Chairperson may choose to hold a re-vote or runoff election with the candidates who received the highest number of votes in the initial election.
    6. Election of the Vice President
      1. Members can only vote for one (1) candidate each in the election of the Vice President.
      2. The candidate with the highest number of votes from one (1) round of voting will be declared the Vice President.
      3. Should the tie remain after the additional rounds of voting, the Chairperson may choose to hold a re-vote or runoff election with the candidates who received the highest number of votes in the initial election.
    7. Election of the Members-at-large
      1. Each member may vote for up to four (4) different candidates in the election of the Members-at-large. The four candidates receiving the highest number of votes shall be declared elected.
      2. If a tie remains after additional rounds of voting, the Chairperson may decide to hold a re-vote or runoff election among the tied candidates.
      3. To preserve electoral integrity, coordinated bloc or bulk voting based on nationality, affiliation, or external influence is not permitted. Voting must reflect the independent judgment of each member based on the merit of the candidates.
      4. Affirmative measures must continue to be taken to prevent undue influence or favouritism based on nationality. Members retain the right to object or challenge results where bias is suspected.
      5. All candidates must disclose any affiliations or interests that may compromise their impartiality.
    8. Expenses of the Executive Board
      1. Travel expenses (e.g., airfare, train fare, mileage reimbursement) to at least one (1) physical Executive Board meeting and the ICSD Congress:
        1. For each voting Executive Board member, these expenses shall be the responsibility of their respective national deaf sports federations.
        2. For the ICSD President and the Chairperson of the Athletes Commission, these expenses shall be covered by ICSD.
      2. Accommodation and meals/per diem expenses to at least one (1) Executive Board physical meeting and ICSD Congress shall be covered by ICSD for all voting Executive Board members, including the ICSD President and the Chairperson of the Athletes Commission.
      3. Authorized expenses may include travel expenses (e.g., airfare, train fare, mileage reimbursement), lodging, meals, conference registration fees, and other necessary expenses directly related to association activities. Executive Board members must seek approval before incurring expenses. Executive Board members must provide detailed documentation for all expenses incurred, including receipts, invoices, and other supporting documentation.
      4. Non-voting members (Regional Deaf Sports Confederations) shall be responsible for travel expenses (e.g., airfare, train fare, mileage reimbursement), lodging, meals, conference registration fees, and other necessary expenses directly related to association activities.
      5. Each Executive Board member's travel, accommodation, and meal expenses to attend Deaflympics, or World Championships shall be the organizing committee's responsibility for the event duration. Executive Board members must seek approval from the organizing committee before incurring expenses. They must provide detailed documentation for all expenses incurred, including receipts, invoices, and other supporting documentation.
    9. Minutes of the Executive Board Meetings
      1. The Secretariat shall prepare the minutes of each Executive Board meeting within four (4) weeks of the meeting taking place.
      2. The Executive Board shall have a period of up to one (1) week to amend and approve the meeting minutes.
      3. A summary of the approved meeting minutes shall be distributed by online management system to Members within six (6) weeks of the meeting taking place.

    7. Bylaws to article 10: ICSD Sport Directors

  7. ICSD Sport Directors
    1. Roles and responsibilities of the Sport Directors
      1. The Sport Directors shall lead their respective sport in accordance with the ICSD vision, mission, objects, and goals and shall act in a professional and ethical manner at all times.
      2. The Sport Directors shall report to the Vice President and shall provide support and advice to the Sports Commission and the Secretariat.
      3. The Sport Directors shall oversee all aspects of competition organisation, management and delivery for their sport and shall liaise with the local organizing committees with copy to the ICSD Secretariat.
      4. The Sport Directors shall manage the relationship between ICSD and the ISF for their sport and keep abreast of all changes to the rules and regulations in the ISFs with copy to the ICSD Secretariat.
      5. The Sport Directors shall maintain the ICSD sports regulations for their respective sport and approve world records where applicable with the ICSD Secretariat.
      6. Sport Directors shall remain one (1) extra day after the conclusion of the Deaflympics or World Championships to prepare a technical report to the Executive Board.
      7. The Sport Directors shall provide for their respective sport an electronic copy of a full list of participants, results, and world records where applicable no later than one (1) month after the conclusion of the Deaflympics or World Deaf Championships to the Secretariat.
    2. Appointment of the Sport Director
      1. The Secretariat shall administer applications to the Sport Director roles.
      2. Vacant positions for the Sport Director roles shall be advertised and circulated to the Members after the conclusion of the Summer and Winter Deaflympics.
      3. Applications shall be made in writing with a letter of support from at least one (1) Full or Associate Member and shall include a summary of the applicant’s competition history, sports management experience, sports qualifications, a photocopy of their passport, any supporting material such as resumes, certificates and references, and a signed Integrity Declaration, in which the candidate affirms the following as stated in Article 6.2.3 of the ICSD Bylaws.
      4. Additionally, all appointed applicants must submit a criminal background check to the Secretary General within six months (6) of being appointed, as a condition for continuing to serve in the role.
      5. A nominated individual must be able to meet the requirements of the ICSD Code of Ethics.
      6. The Vice President and the International Sports Director shall review all applications, interview the applicants, and make recommendations to the Executive Board for their consideration and approval.
      7. The new Sport Directors appointed for a term of four (4) years shall be announced three (3) months after the conclusion of the Summer or Winter Deaflympics.
    3. Expenses of the Sport Directors
      1. Each Sport Director's travel, accommodation, and meal expenses for site inspections for the Deaflympics or the World Championships shall be the responsibility of the organizing committee. Authorized expenses may include travel expenses (e.g., airfare, train fare, mileage reimbursement), lodging, meals, conference registration fees, and other necessary expenses directly related to association activities. Sport Directors must seek approval before incurring expenses. Sport Directors must provide detailed documentation for all expenses incurred, including receipts, invoices, and other supporting documentation.

    8. Bylaws to article 11: Commissions of ICSD

  8. Athletes Commission
    1. Nomination to the Athletes Commission
      1. The Secretariat shall administer nominations to the Athletes Commission.
      2. Four (4) months prior to the Summer and/or Winter Deaflympics, an invitation for active Deaf Athletes to nominate for a position on the Athletes Commission shall be advertised and circulated to the Members.
    2. Conduct of the Elections to the Athletes Commission
      1. The Secretariat shall administer the elections to the Athletes Commission and appoint the scrutineers to oversee the process.
      2. The election period for the members of the Athletes Commission shall conclude no later than three (3) days before the Closing Ceremony of the Deaflympics to allow sufficient time for certification of the results and the subsequent election of the Chairperson.
      3. Each Deaf Athlete holding an Athletes Accreditation (AA) at the Deaflympics during which the election takes place, shall have the right to vote. Voting by proxy is not allowed.
      4. Elections to the Athletes Commission shall be conducted online and kept confidential during the Deaflympics.
      5. An internet connection must be provided at the Deaflympics Village and/or Headquarters by the host of the Deaflympics for the duration of the event.
      6. If an internet connection cannot be provided, then elections to the Athletes Commission shall take place by secret ballot in voting booths provided at the Deaflympics Village and Headquarters for the duration of the Deaflympics.
      7. Each Deaf Athlete with an AA shall vote by placing a suitable mark on the ballot paper alongside the name of the candidate they wish to elect.
      8. Scrutineers shall ensure the only eligible Deaf Athletes with an AA vote and that the number of votes cast does not exceed the number entitled to be cast.
      9. Each ballot paper that in the opinion of the scrutineers sufficiently discloses the voter’s intended choice shall be counted.
      10. The scrutineers shall count the votes in the presence of the Secretariat and notify the elected members of the Athletes Commission immediately after the counting is completed. These members shall then be convened by the Secretariat for their first meeting to elect the Chairperson in accordance with Article 8.4 of the ICSD Bylaws. After the conclusion of this election, the results of both the members’ and the Chairperson’s elections shall be transmitted to the ICSD President for official announcement and presentation during the Closing Ceremony of the Deaflympics.
    3. Election of the Athletes Commission members
      1. Deaf Athletes with an AA shall elect four (4) candidates from the Summer Deaflympics, and two (2) candidates from the Winter Deaflympics.
      2. Each candidate must be an active Deaf Athlete at the time of the election.
      3. Deaf Athletes with an AA shall vote for one candidate each in the election of the Athletes Commission members.
      4. The four (4) candidates from the Summer Deaflympics receiving the highest number of votes shall be elected as members of the Athletes Commission. The two (2) candidates from the Winter Deaflympics receiving the highest number of votes shall be elected as a member of the Athletes Commission.
      5. In the event of a tie, additional rounds of voting shall be conducted. If the tie remains unresolved, the Secretariat shall determine the method to break the tie, including the option of a re-vote or a run-off election between the tied candidates.
      6. In the event that the number of nominations received is equal to or fewer than the number of available positions, the following procedure shall apply:
        1. The Secretariat shall notify all Member Organisations of the nominations received.
        2. Member Organisations shall be granted a period of not less than seven (7) calendar days to submit any objections in writing.
        3. If no objections are received within the specified period, or if all objections have been resolved, the nominees shall be deemed elected by acclamation, and no further vote shall be required.
      7. Vacancies on the Athletes Commission occurring for any reason may be filled at the next election.
    4. Election of the Chairperson of the Athletes Commission
      1. The Athletes Commission shall hold its first meeting, organised by the Secretariat, within the three (3) days prior to the Closing Ceremony of the Deaflympics. During this meeting, the Commission shall elect its Chairperson from among its members.
      2. The election of the Chairperson shall:
        1. Be conducted either in person or by means of electronic meeting technology (e.g., Zoom);
        2. Be limited to the elected members of the Athletes Commission, with the Chairperson elected from among those members; and
        3. Be conducted by secret ballot to ensure confidentiality.
      3. The Secretariat shall oversee the counting and tabulation of the votes to ensure transparency and fairness.
      4. The candidate receiving the highest number of votes shall be declared the Chairperson of the Athletes Commission. In the event of a tie, a run-off election shall be held between the tied candidates. The official announcement and presentation of the Chairperson shall take place during the Closing Ceremony of the Deaflympics.
  9. Ethics Commission
    1. Nomination and conduct of the elections to the Ethics Commission
      1. The Secretariat shall administer nominations to the Ethics Commission.
      2. The Articles of the Bylaws on the nomination and the conduct of the election to the Executive Board are applicable by analogy to the Ethics Commission.
    2. Election of the Ethics Commission members and ICSD Ethics Officer
      1. Members shall vote for one candidate each in the election of the Ethics Commission officer and members.
      2. The two (2) candidates with the highest, and second highest, of votes from one (1) round of voting will be declared the Ethics Commission members.
      3. The candidate with the highest votes from one (1) round of voting will be declared the ICSD Ethics Officer.
      4. Should the tie remain after the additional rounds of voting, the Chairperson may choose to hold a re-vote or runoff election with the candidates who received the highest number of votes in the initial election.
      5. Vacancies on the Ethics Commission occurring for any reason may be filled at the next election.
  10. Legal Commission
    1. Purpose of the Legal Commission
      1. The purpose of the Legal Commission is to provide legal interpretation and advice to support ICSD governance and operations in compliance with its Constitution, Bylaws, and applicable law.
    2. Scope of the Legal Commission
      1. The scope of the Legal Commission is to:
        1. Interpret the Constitution, Bylaws, regulations, and policies of the ICSD.
        2. Provide legal advice and guidance to the ICSD Executive Board and the ICSD Office to assist them in carrying out their duties and responsibilities.
        3. Review governance provisions for clarity, coherence, and consistency with applicable law and internationally recognized principles of good governance.
        4. Recommend amendments to governing documents to ensure precision, transparency, and compliance.
        5. Provide legal opinions and procedural guidance to the Ethics Commission and Tribunal Commission, upon request.
        6. Issue advisory memoranda to the Executive Board, Congress, or other Commissions on its own initiative where legal or procedural integrity may be at stake.
        7. Support the Executive Board in addressing legal and procedural matters arising during the Congress.
        8. Conduct the legal and procedural aspects of elections during the Congress.
    3. Composition of the Legal Commission
      1. The Legal Commission shall be composed of no fewer than three (3) members, each appointed from a different ICSD region, thereby ensuring geographical diversity.
      2. The members of the Legal Commission shall have formal legal qualification.
      3. The Executive Board shall appoint the Chairperson of the Legal Commission, subject to confirmation by the selected member.
  11. Sports Commission
    1. Only current Sport directors can apply.
    2. Each candidate should have at least four (4) years of experience in his/her sport.
    3. The Sports Commission consists of five (5) sport directors represented across all of the following categories:
      1. Rackets Sports
      2. Team Sports
      3. Martial Arts and Wrestling
      4. Ball Sports
      5. Winter Sports
    4. The Sports Commission members will vote for one of their own to become the Chairperson.
  12. Tribunal Commission
    1. Purpose of the Tribunal Commission
      1. The purpose of the Tribunal Commission is to adjudicate disputes, appeals, and disciplinary cases referred under the ICSD Constitution, Bylaws, and Code of Ethics.
    2. Scope of the Tribunal Commission
      1. The scope of the Tribunal Commission includes:
        1. Hearing cases referred by the Ethics Commission, the Executive Board, or other ICSD bodies.
        2. Determining breaches of the Code of Ethics and imposes sanctions.
        3. Hearing internal appeals where the governing documents provide such jurisdiction.
    3. Decisions and proceedings
      1. The Tribunal Commission issues binding decisions, subject to the appeal rights described in the Code of Ethics.
      2. All proceedings are conducted in accordance with Article 10 of the ICSD Code of Ethics, which governs procedures, confidentiality, and due process.
  13. Finance Commission / Audit Commission
    1. Purpose of the Finance and Audit Commission
      1. The purpose of the Finance and Audit Commission is to report to the ICSD Executive Board and ICSD Congress and assist the ICSD Office in fulfilling its responsibilities in the areas of risk management, financial reporting, compliance, internal control, and governance.
      2. The Finance and Audit Commission safeguards the financial integrity and transparency of ICSD operations, ensuring accountability in line with international best practices and the ICSD Code of Ethics.
      3. The Finance and Audit Commission may review, examine, and monitor any financial, audit, or compliance matter referred to it or reasonably required to provide advice to the ICSD Executive Board or the Congress. It may also undertake such other tasks as may be specifically assigned to it by the ICSD Executive Board or the Congress.
    2. Scope of the Finance and Audit Commission
      1. The Finance and Audit Commission shall conduct the following activities as set out in Article 6 of the ICSD Code of Ethics:
        1. Monitor the integrity of ICSD financial statements and ensure that annual reports and accounts are prepared in accordance with applicable standards and the ICSD Constitution and Bylaws.
        2. Oversee ICSD internal control and risk management systems, and report to the Executive Board on key risk to which ICSD is exposed, including verification that effective business continuity arrangements are in place.
        3. Review compliance with ICSD financial policies, procedures, and regulations, including arrangements by which staff, contractors, or stakeholders may confidentially raise concerns about improprieties in ethics or financial reporting.
        4. Review and assess the conduct and effectiveness of internal and external audits, and monitor the implementation of audit recommendations.
        5. Advise the Executive Board on the appointment, re-appointment, or removal of the external auditor, and oversee the effectiveness of the audit function.
        6. Provide advice to the Executive Board and Congress on financial management, risk oversight, and long-term financial planning.
        7. Issue recommendations or advisory memoranda on its own initiative when the financial or procedural integrity of ICSD may be at stake.
    3. Composition of the Finance and Audit Commission
      1. The Finance and Audit Commission shall be composed as follows:
        1. The Commission shall consist of at least three (3) members, each appointed from a different ICSD region, ensuring geographical diversity.
        2. Members shall have recognized expertise in finance, auditing, accounting, risk management, or related disciplines.
        3. The Commission shall elect a Chairperson from among its members.
    4. Collaboration
      1. The Commission cooperates closely with the ICSD Financial Officer and the ICSD Office to obtain all necessary information and documentation for the performance of its duties, while retaining full independence in its advisory and oversight role.
    5. Reporting Responsibilities
      1. The reporting responsibilities of the Finance and Audit Commission are as follows:
        1. The Chairperson of the Commission reports to the Executive Board on the discharge of its responsibilities and presents recommendations on any matter within its assigned responsibilities.
        2. The Commission provides an annual Financial Oversight Report to the Congress, and interim reports to the Executive Board as required.
        3. The Chairperson attends the Congress to respond to questions relating to the Commission’s activities.
  14. Expenses of the Commission members
    1. Responsibility ICSD
      1. Each Commission member's travel, accommodation, and meal expenses, if necessary, shall be the responsibility of the ISCD. Authorised expenses may include travel expenses (e.g., airfare, train fare, mileage reimbursement), lodging, meals, conference registration fees, and other necessary expenses directly related to association activities.
    2. Approval of ICSD
      1. Commission members must seek approval of the ICSD Executive Board before incurring expenses. Commission members must provide detailed documentation for all expenses incurred, including receipts, invoices, and other supporting documentation.
  15. Terms of Office and Transitional Arrangements
    1. Term of Office
      1. One term of office shall be four (4) years and shall be aligned with the term of the Executive Board.
      2. The term of office for Commission members shall commence at the first meeting of the newly elected Executive Board and shall end at the first meeting of the subsequent Executive Board.
    2. Transitional Arrangements
      1. All existing Commissions shall continue on an interim basis until the first meeting of the newly elected Executive Board.
      2. Upon its first meeting, the newly elected Executive Board shall appoint and announce the composition of all Commissions in accordance with the Constitution and these Bylaws.
    3. Exceptions
      1. This article shall apply to all Commissions, except for the Ethics Commission and the Athletes Commission, which are governed by specific provisions in the Constitution and/or Bylaws.

    16. Bylaws to article 14: Finances

  16. Finances
    1. Membership Fees
      1. Full, Associate and Regional Members shall pay an annual membership fee at an amount to be determined by the Congress.
      2. If a federation is granted Full, Associate or Regional membership during a calendar year, it shall pay a membership fee proportional to the remaining part of that year.
      3. Annual membership fees shall be payable by 31 March of each calendar year. Where payments are made by bank transfer, then the Member shall pay any bank charges that are incurred by such a transaction.
      4. Interest shall be payable for late payments after 31 March at a rate to be determined by the ICSD schedule of fees. The interest shall be calculated based on the original balance.
      5. Participation fees for the Deaflympics and World Deaf Championships shall be paid in full before the final entry deadline of the respective event.
      6. All other levies and fees shall be payable within thirty (30) days of their imposition.

    17. Bylaws to article 16: Dispute Resolution

  17. Dispute Resolution
    1. Complaint Handling Procedures
      1. This section applies to all disputes from the ICSD Constitution regulations and any ICSD (and/or its bodies) decisions, including election disputes.
      2. Grievances can be submitted by email, a dedicated online form, or in-person submissions, and they should be sent to the Secretary General.
      3. Grievances should be filed within thirty (30) days of the dispute.
      4. The Secretary General or their designee may offer conciliation to the members involved in the dispute. Conciliation is an informal process to facilitate communication and reach a mutually agreeable resolution.
      5. If attempts to resolve the matter through conciliation in one meeting are unsuccessful, both parties agree to submit to mediation.
      6. A member of the Executive Board from outside the area where the dispute has arisen is designated as the sole mediator.
      7. Mediation must be concluded before the member can file a formal complaint with the Tribunal Commission.
      8. Reports concerning violations of the Code of Ethics may be submitted confidentially to the Ethics Officer. ICSD shall ensure that individuals making such reports are protected from retaliation.

    18. Bylaws to article 18: Amendments

  18. Amendments
    1. Consideration of Recommendations from Legal Commission
      1. Amendments to the Bylaws shall be submitted to the Legal Commission by the Executive Board.
      2. The Executive Board is obliged to consider recommendations from the Legal Commission regarding the organisation’s bylaws. Once considered, the Executive Board must present the approved bylaws to the members at least three (3) months before the Congress.
    2. Amendment Restriction Before Congress
      1. The Executive Board is prohibited from amending the bylaws at least three (3) months before the Congress.

Updated: 7 August 2026

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