Sexual Misconduct Policy

AMERICAN MEDIEVAL COMBAT FEDERATION SEXUAL MISCONDUCT POLICY

This document details the written sexual misconduct policies and procedures for the American Medieval Combat Federation (“AMCF”).  

SEXUAL MISCONDUCT POLICY:

AMCF has the following policies and procedures related to sexual misconduct:

  1. Sexual Misconduct Defined:

Sexual misconduct is any type of sexual contact or behavior that occurs without the explicit consent of the recipient that is of legal age to properly consent. Any act committed without explicit consent (and any incident involving a minor) is unlawful.  The following is a partial list of conduct which, if unwelcome, could be considered sexual misconduct depending on its severity and its pervasiveness:

  1. Threats or insinuations, either explicitly or implicitly, that an individual's refusal to submit to sexual advances or sexual conduct will adversely affect his or her place in the sport or organization.
  2. Favoring any person because that person has performed or shown a willingness to perform sexual favors for a person of authority in the program.
  3. Unwelcome sexual jokes, language, epithets, advances or propositions.
  4. Written or oral abuse of a sexual nature, or use of sexually degrading or sexually vulgar words to describe an individual.
  5. Display of sexually suggestive objects, pictures, posters or cartoons.
  6. Unwelcome comments about an individual's body, sexual prowess or sexual deficiencies.
  7. Asking questions about sexual conduct.
  8. Unwelcome touching, leering, whistling, brushing against the body, or suggestive, insulting or obscene comments or gestures.
  9. Assault or coerced sexual acts.
  1. Zero Tolerance Policy:

No team captain, fighter, marshal, volunteer, board member, or other person that is associated with or a member of the AMCF may engage in any behavior defined in item 1 against any other team captain, fighter, marshal, volunteer, board member, or other person.  If the AMCF conducts an investigation of a claim (see Item 6 below) and finds that credible evidence exists that substantiates the claim, the AMCF Board will consider punitive action that includes, but is not limited to, suspension or expulsion from AMCF activities and events.   

  1. Reporting to Law Enforcement:

Any known, alleged, or suspected incident of sexual misconduct may be reported to law enforcement if the AMCF Board considers it appropriate.  Any accusation or act involving a minor (or other similarly vulnerable population) will automatically be reported to law enforcement no later than 24 hours of notice of the incident.

  1. Required Distribution of Policy: 

This policy will be distributed to and acknowledged by all paid and/or volunteer participants, team captains, fighters, marshals, volunteers, board members, or other persons who are members or wo are associated with AMCF.  

  1. Employment Applications/Background Checks:

AMCF reserves the right to require any individual involved with its events (paid or volunteer) to answer questions regarding past convictions involving physical violence or sexual-related offenses (if allowed by Texas law).  Background checks may be requested by a third-party vendor or service for any individuals who participate in AMCF activities.  Any participants found to have been convicted (or with any history) of sexual or violent offenses will be automatically rejected.

  1. Investigation of Claims of Sexual Misconduct:

AMCF will conduct an investigation of any claims or allegations made by an alleged victim of sexual misconduct against an individual who is associated with or a member of AMCF.  Written statements will be requested, as will any texts, social media content, voicemails, pictures, or other documents.  The accuser and the accused, along with any witnesses who will corroborate claims, will be provided an opportunity to make a written statement regarding the accusation.  Telephonic or video conferences may be used for this purpose as well, depending upon the preferences and comfort level of the respective individuals. The standard the AMCF will utilize in reviewing any claims and supporting information is a “credible evidence” standard. “Credible evidence” is defined in this policy as “any evidence that would reasonably be viewed as reliable, accurate and having a basis in fact based upon the information and evidence provided.”  Anecdotal and third person hearsay does not meet this definition.    

If the AMCF Board of Directors believes they have a conflict of interest associated with any claim as a result of having a personal or professional relationship with the accuser or the accused, the respective Board Member is required to recuse themselves from any investigation.  Additionally, the AMCF Board reserves the right to request an independent panel to conduct any investigation where the Board believes it is prudent and in the interests of fairness and objectivity.        

EFFECTIVE DATE OF SEXUAL MISCONDUCT POLICY:

This Sexual Misconduct Policy is effective as of Jan 1, 2025.  

AMENDMENT OF POLICY:

This policy may be modified, updated, or amended if the amendment is made in writing and agreed upon by a majority vote of the AMCF Board of Directors.