In light of recent allegations of sexual misconduct circulating within the Muaythai community, the United States Muaythai Federation (USMF) issued a statement expressly condemning misconduct, sexual or otherwise:
The USMF stands to uphold the customs and values of the sport of Muaythai in the United States—respect, honor, tradition, fair play and excellence. We pride ourselves on the inclusion of our sport that embraces diversity and creates a sense of belonging for all who join. Through the practice and discipline of the sport we ultimately become, through connectedness, a community. Providing a consistently safe environment for our athletes, coaches and support staff within this community is of utmost importance to us and is consistent with the traditions of the sport. Any violation of that safety – be it sexual harassment, sexual assault, physical assault, racism, discrimination, bullying, emotional abuse, and/or predatory behavior — is categorically condemned by the Federation. Moreover, the federation has established a confidential “Whistleblower’s Box” on the USMF website should a situation of misconduct arise: https://usamuaythai.sportstagingsite/whistle-blowers-box/
Along with other Olympic federations, the USMF is a member of the National Council of Youth Sports (NCYS), which promotes youth sports in America and works to enhance the experiences of all participants. National Center for Safety Initiatives (NCSI) — formed in partnership with the NCYS — is the industry leader in protecting athletes, volunteers, and organizations by thoroughly screening subjects and conducting additional investigation when necessary.
The USMF requires USA Muaythai National Team Designees* to undergo NCSI criminal background checks in accordance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act to ascertain past criminal history. The USMF Criminal Background Check policy assists USMF in promoting the safety and welfare of its athletes. Effective August 1, 2020, background checks will be required for all USMF-certified referees prior to officiating any USMF events.
Any USA Muaythai representative, or member, who after an investigation, is found to have violated USMF policies, or otherwise participated in inappropriate behavior, will be subject to suspension or termination of USMF status and/or USMF membership. Additionally, the USMF has zero tolerance for misconduct against minors, and such behavior by any member of our community will subsequently be met with immediate suspension or termination of USMF status and/or USMF membership.
As the sole US national governing body of the International Federation of Muaythai Associates (IFMA), the USMF adheres to the policies and standards set forth by IFMA. The official IFMA Safeguarding Policy defines IFMA’s commitments to support a safe and enjoyable environment throughout IFMA events and daily operation of the international federation that safeguard welfare of athletes and IFMA family members from any kind of discrimination, harassment and abuse: https://muaythai.sport/codes-policies/
To our community: Should you experience, or bear witness to sexual misconduct, we strongly encourage you to report any cases of sexual misconduct to your local Police department, and additionally, to the confidential resource below:
– The National Sexual Assault Hotline
o Online: rainn.org
o 24-hour hotline: 800-656-HOPE
The National Sexual Assault Hotline was the nation’s first decentralized hotline, connecting those in need with help in their local communities. It’s made up of a network of independent sexual assault service providers, vetted by RAINN, who answer calls to a single, nationwide hotline number. Since it was first created in 1994, the National Sexual Assault Hotline has helped more than 3 million people affected by sexual violence.
ABOUT THE USMF:
United States Muaythai Federation, national governing body under the International Federation of Muaythai Associations (IFMA), has the responsibility to promote Muaythai to the highest recognition in the US. The USMF is presided by Michael Chase Corley, and overseen by a board of trusted Muaythai leaders in the community, located across the United States brought together by the passion and ambition to develop and grow the sport of Muaythai in the US.
ABOUT IFMA:
The International Federation of Muaythai Associations (IFMA) is the sole recognized sport governing body of amateur and professional Muay Thai and Muay Boran. IFMA is officially recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the Global Association of International Sports Federations (GAISF), the Association of IOC Recognized International Sports Federations (ARISF), the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA), World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) International World Games Association (IWGA), and Trim and Fitness International Sport for All Association (TAFISA).