1. Purpose

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The England Kabaddi Association (EKA) is committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity, transparency and good governance. This Conflict of Interest Policy is designed to protect EKA, its members and its decision-making processes from actual, potential or perceived conflicts of interest.

 

2. Scope

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This policy applies to all individuals involved with EKA, including:

• Board Directors and committee members

• Officers and senior officials

• Employees, contractors and consultants

• Volunteers and members acting on behalf of EKA

 

3. What Is a Conflict of Interest?

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A conflict of interest arises when an individual’s personal, professional or financial interests could influence, or be seen to influence, their duties and decisions for EKA.

Conflicts may be:

• Actual – a direct conflict exists

• Potential – a conflict could arise in the future

• Perceived – a reasonable person might believe a conflict exists

 

4. Examples of Conflicts of Interest

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Conflicts of interest may include, but are not limited to:

• Financial interests in organisations that do business with EKA

• Personal relationships with individuals who may benefit from EKA decisions

• Involvement in the selection, funding or discipline of a family member or close associate

• Holding positions in other sporting bodies or organisations with competing interests

• Accepting gifts, hospitality or benefits that could influence decision-making

 

5. Declaration of Interests

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All individuals covered by this policy must:

• Declare any actual, potential or perceived conflicts of interest as soon as they arise

• Complete a declaration of interests on appointment and update it annually or when circumstances change

Declarations should be made to the EKA Chair or Secretary and recorded in a register of interests.

 

6. Managing Conflicts of Interest

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Where a conflict of interest is identified, EKA will take appropriate steps to manage it, which may include:

• Requiring the individual to withdraw from discussions or decisions

• Restricting access to confidential information

• Appointing an independent person to oversee the matter

• In serious cases, requiring resignation from a role or position

The nature of the conflict and the action taken will be recorded.

 

7. Meetings and Decision-Making

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At the start of meetings, attendees must declare any conflicts of interest relating to agenda items.

Individuals with a conflict must not:

• Take part in discussions

• Influence decisions

• Vote on the matter

Unless expressly permitted by the Chair, they should leave the meeting for the relevant item.

 

8. Gifts and Hospitality

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Individuals must not accept gifts, hospitality or benefits that could compromise, or appear to compromise, their impartiality.

Any gifts or hospitality above a reasonable value must be declared in line with EKA procedures.

 

9. Failure to Declare a Conflict

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Failure to declare a conflict of interest may result in disciplinary action under EKA regulations and may invalidate decisions taken.

 

10. Confidentiality

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Information obtained through an individual’s role with EKA must not be used for personal gain or shared improperly.

 

11. Review and Monitoring

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This policy will be reviewed regularly by EKA to ensure it remains effective and reflects best practice in governance.

 

12. Acceptance

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All individuals acting on behalf of EKA are expected to comply with this Conflict of Interest Policy.

Approved by: England Kabaddi Association