International Taekwondo referees from all continents are raising a growing concern:
Training for everyone, not abusive prices: stop the exorbitant participation fees!

In multiple recent events, referees have observed large discrepancies between:

the official rates provided directly by the host hotels, and
the significantly higher prices charged through the WT‑approved “mandatory packages”.
In many cases, these packages cost 50% to 100% more than the real price of accommodation and services.
Referees staying at the official hotel are still being required to pay additional fees that do not match any identifiable or justified service.

❗ Why this matters

Referees are essential to ensuring fairness, safety, and credibility in Taekwondo.
When costs become excessive or unexplained:

participation becomes financially restrictive,
access is no longer equal for all countries,
and doubts arise about fairness and ethical practices within our sport.
This situation threatens the very values that Taekwondo aims to uphold — integrity, respect, transparency, and the Olympic spirit.

 
We, the undersigned international referees, respectfully request:

1️⃣ Clear and public explanations

on how seminar prices and packages are determined.

2️⃣ Full transparency

regarding agreements between WT, local organizers, and host hotels.

3️⃣ A fair‑pricing principle

ensuring fees reflect actual, publicly verifiable market prices.

4️⃣ Reasonable alternatives

including the right for referees to choose their own accommodation without penalties.

5️⃣ Independent oversight

to ensure ethical and financially transparent practices for all future WT refereeing events.

 
Why we sign

This petition is not against WT.
It is a collective call to protect the integrity of refereeing, ensure equal opportunities, and maintain the values that our community proudly represents worldwide.

We ask WT to listen to its referees and take action to ensure that all future events adhere to ethical, transparent, and fair financial practices.

📢 Sign and share this petition to support fairness, transparency, and integrity in global Taekwondo refereeing.