The Congress
The Congress is the IFI’s highest level of authority.
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The implementation of the Congress is governed by rules of procedure. Since 2004, an Ordinary Congress has been held every two years (years with even numbers). If World Championships take place that year, the Congress has to take place within the context of those World Championships.
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Member Federations can apply to organize Congresses. The award is made by the Congress. The place and time have to be indicated at the time of the application. Every Member has one vote and can send a maximum of three delegates to the Congress. Before the beginning of the Congress, every representative of a Member Country is required to submit his or her power of attorney. Members of the IFI Presiding Board do not have the right to vote at the Congress. They also cannot be representatives of their Federation. Motions are passed by simple majority. In case of a tie, a motion shall be deemed to be rejected. Amendments to the Statutes require a two-thirds majority of the votes cast.
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An Extraordinary Congress may be called by the IFI Presiding Board at any time. Upon application by one-fifth of the voting Members, the IFI President or, if he or she is unable to do so, the Vice-President, shall call an Extraordinary Congress, stating the motions, to be held within 30 days. The Members shall be informed of the agenda.
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At the suggestion of Members, an Ordinary Congress can award distinctions to deserving individuals working within the IFI in accordance with the “Rules of Awarding Honours and Distinctions”.
Auditors
Two auditors are to audit the IFI’s finances in the year in which the Congress is held. If only one auditor is present, he or she shall carry out the audit alone.
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In such case as the auditors find everything to be in due form, they shall make a motion at the Congress to approve the actions of the Vice-President for Finance. One auditor shall be elected for a term of four years at each Ordinary Congress. Re-election of an auditor is not possible in the year he/she leaves office. Officials who already hold an elected post in the IFI may not be elected as auditors.
Federation Court
The Federation Court – The IFI has its own adjudication. The Judicial Rules of the Federation, passed by the Congress with a simple majority, shall apply.
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The legal bodies in operation are the Sports Court, Court of Appeal and Court of Arbitration. In addition, the competence of the Appeals Arbitration Division of the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) is recognised as the court of last instance after resorting to all internal means, including the IFI Court of Appeal.
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Each IFI court comprises a presiding judge and two associated judges. Presiding judges, associated judges and substitutes for the two levels of jurisdiction (Sports Court and Court of Appeal) shall be elected by the Congress.