Judge Code of Conduct & Waiver

1. Purpose of this Code

This Judge Code of Conduct & Waiver ("Code") sets out the standards of behaviour, integrity, and professionalism required of all judges officiating at competitions run through the Platform. By accepting a judging appointment, the judge agrees to comply fully with this Code.

2. Commitment to honour the sport

Judges agree to:

• Uphold the values, traditions, and spirit of wushu taolu.
• Demonstrate respect for athletes, coaches, officials, and fellow judges.
• Maintain the highest standards of professionalism and integrity.
• Promote fairness, transparency, and consistency in all judging decisions.
• Protect the reputation of the sport and the competition.

Judges must act as ambassadors of wushu taolu at all times.

3. Impartiality and fair play

Judges must:

• Judge solely on the performance presented, without bias or favouritism.
• Apply the rules, scoring criteria, and technical standards consistently.
• Avoid any behaviour that could be perceived as partial, unfair, or influenced.
• Maintain independence from external pressures, including coaches, teams, or spectators.
• Decline assignments where impartiality cannot be guaranteed.

Fair play is non-negotiable.

4. Conflict of interest declaration

Judges must declare before the event any relationship or circumstance that may impair, or appear to impair, their impartiality, including:

• Family relationships with athletes, coaches, or team officials.
• Personal relationships (friendship, partnership, mentorship, etc.).
• Financial or business relationships.
• Coaching or training involvement with any competing athlete.
• Previous disputes or conflicts with participants or organisers.

If a conflict exists, the judge must notify the Chief Judge or Organiser immediately, step aside from scoring the affected athlete(s) or category, and accept re-assignment or removal from the panel if required. Failure to disclose a conflict is considered a serious breach of this Code.

5. Anti-bribery and anti-corruption

Judges must:

• Not accept, request, or offer any gift, payment, favour, or benefit that could influence — or appear to influence — their judging.
• Not engage in bribery, attempted bribery, or any corrupt practice.
• Not discuss scores, judging decisions, or panel deliberations with athletes, coaches, or spectators.
• Report immediately any attempt by another person to influence their judging.

Any form of bribery or corruption will result in immediate removal from the event and may be reported to relevant authorities.

6. Professional conduct

Judges must:

• Arrive on time, prepared, and appropriately dressed.
• Maintain focus and attention throughout the event.
• Refrain from using mobile phones or devices during judging unless authorised.
• Avoid alcohol or substances that impair judgement before or during the event.
• Treat all participants with courtesy and respect.

Judges must not engage in harassment, discrimination, or inappropriate behaviour.

7. Confidentiality

Judges must:

• Keep judging discussions, scoring deliberations, and internal communications confidential.
• Not disclose scores, rankings, or judging rationale before official publication.
• Not share sensitive information about athletes or organisers.

Confidentiality protects the integrity of the competition.

8. Safety and duty of care

Judges must prioritise the safety and wellbeing of all participants, stop or report unsafe behaviour, equipment, or conditions, and support organisers in enforcing safety rules and safeguarding policies.

9. Compliance with rules and procedures

Judges must:

• Follow all competition rules, judging guidelines, and scoring systems.
• Attend required briefings, training sessions, or calibration meetings.
• Accept feedback from the Chief Judge or Organiser.
• Use official scoring tools and procedures only.

Failure to follow procedures may invalidate results.

10. Platform and Organiser rights

Judges acknowledge that:

• The Platform and event organisers may remove a judge from the panel at any time if they believe the judge has breached this Code.
• The Platform may suspend or terminate a judge's access to judging tools or accounts if misconduct is identified.
• The Platform may share information about serious breaches with relevant governing bodies or authorities.

11. Waiver and acceptance of responsibility

By agreeing to judge, the judge:

• Confirms they are competent, trained, and capable of performing judging duties.
• Accepts responsibility for their decisions and conduct.
• Acknowledges that judging carries reputational and professional responsibilities.
• Releases the Platform from liability for disputes arising from judging decisions, except where caused by the Platform's negligence.

12. Consequences of breach

If a judge breaches this Code, the Platform reserves the right to:

• Remove the judge from the event.
• Nullify or adjust scores if necessary.
• Suspend or permanently revoke judging privileges on the Platform.
• Report the breach to relevant governing bodies.
• Take any action required to protect the integrity of the sport.

13. Judge declaration

By accepting a judging appointment, the judge declares that:

• They have read and understood this Code of Conduct & Waiver.
• They agree to comply fully with all requirements.
• They will act with honour, fairness, and integrity at all times.
• They will declare any conflicts of interest promptly.
• They will not accept or engage in bribery or improper influence.
• They understand that breach of this Code may result in immediate removal and loss of access with no refund.