Preamble
Saber Talk exists to serve the LED saber sport community through independent reporting, historical record-keeping, analysis, and advocacy.
It is founded on the belief that a sport thrives when it is:
- Transparently reported
- Fairly criticised
- Historically preserved
- Accountable to its participants, not controlled by its organisers
Saber Talk is a member-owned, independent, non-aligned body, committed to editorial integrity, fairness, and the long-term health of the sport.
Article I – Purpose & Mission
1.1 Purpose
Saber Talk exists to:
- Report on LED saber sport accurately and independently
- Maintain records, rankings, and archives
- Provide analysis and commentary
- Act as a platform for fighter and community concerns
- Uphold standards of fairness, safety, and transparency
1.2 Independence
Saber Talk is independent of:
- Any single club
- Any federation or tour
- Any organiser, sponsor, or governing body
No external organisation may direct, veto, or require coverage.
Article II – Membership
2.1 Nature of Membership
Membership of Saber Talk:
- Is free
- Is open to fighters, officials, organisers, and supporters
- Confers ownership in principle, not editorial control
2.2 Rights of Members
Members have the right to:
- Vote in elections for the Members’ Council
- Participate in consultations and polls
- Propose motions for Council consideration
- Access members-only communications
2.3 Responsibilities of Members
Members must:
- Act in good faith
- Respect others in the community
- Uphold the principles of this Charter
2.4 Limits of Membership Power
Members do not have the power to:
- Edit or suppress individual articles
- Direct rankings or results
- Compel coverage or silence criticism
Article III – The Director-General
3.1 Role
The Director-General is the chief executive and editorial authority of Saber Talk.
3.2 Powers
The Director-General:
- Serves as Editor-in-Chief
- Appoints and removes writers and correspondents
- Sets editorial standards and priorities
- Oversees rankings methodologies
- Represents Saber Talk publicly
3.3 Duties
The Director-General must:
- Act in accordance with this Charter
- Protect editorial independence
- Ensure accuracy and fairness
- Respond in good faith to Council oversight
3.4 Accountability
The Director-General is accountable to:
- The Charter
- The Members’ Council (for compliance)
- The membership (through defined procedures)
Article IV – The Members’ Council
4.1 Purpose
The Members’ Council exists to:
- Safeguard the Charter
- Ensure governance integrity
- Mediate disputes
- Represent the membership’s collective interests
4.2 Composition
- Elected by the membership
- Odd-numbered body (5–9 members)
- Maximum two councillors per club
4.3 Powers
The Council may:
- Interpret the Charter
- Issue formal opinions
- Require explanations for governance decisions
- Approve changes to governance structures
- Call consultations or votes
4.4 Limits
The Council may not:
- Edit content
- Veto specific articles
- Run day-to-day operations
The Council is a guardian, not a management body.
Article V – Editorial Independence
5.1 Editorial Authority
All editorial decisions rest with the Director-General or their delegates.
5.2 Separation of Governance and Content
Governance structures exist to:
- Protect principles
- Not to enforce consensus or popularity
Disagreement with coverage is not, in itself, grounds for intervention.
Article VI – Writers & Contributors
6.1 Appointment
Writers and correspondents are appointed by the Director-General.
6.2 Standards
All contributors must:
- Adhere to editorial guidelines
- Declare conflicts of interest
- Maintain factual accuracy
6.3 Protection
Contributors may appeal disputes to the Members’ Council where governance principles are implicated.
Article VII – Fighters’ Advocacy
7.1 Role
Saber Talk may:
- Collect and publish fighter concerns
- Issue position papers
- Advocate for fairness, safety, and transparency
7.2 Non-Union Status
Saber Talk:
- Is not a trade union
- Does not bargain collectively
- Does not call for strikes or boycotts
Advocacy is informational and principled, not coercive.
Article VIII – Ethics & Conflicts of Interest
8.1 Disclosure
Relevant affiliations must be disclosed where appropriate.
8.2 Fair Treatment
All clubs, fighters, and organisations shall be treated fairly, without favour or hostility.
Article IX – Elections & Amendments
9.1 Elections
Members’ Council elections are held annually under transparent rules.
9.2 Amendments
This Charter may be amended by:
- Council approval
- Member ratification via vote
Article X – Final Principles
Saber Talk commits itself to:
- Independence over access
- Accuracy over speed
- Fairness over favour
- Long-term trust over short-term popularity
This Charter exists to ensure that Saber Talk serves the sport — not the other way around.
Saber Talk 