1. Name of the Organization

The name of the organization shall be:

Leading Women in Sports Medicine and Dentistry (LWSMD)

LWSMD is established as an international, non-profit, collaborative academic and professional interest group dedicated to advancing women’s health in sport through interdisciplinary engagement in sports medicine and sports dentistry.

2. Mission & Vision 

2.1 Mission Statement

The Leading Women in Sports Medicine and Dentistry is an international collaborative platform dedicated to advancing excellence in women’s sports healthcare. The group brings together clinicians, educators, researchers, and leaders committed to elevating standards in sports medicine and sports dentistry through a focused emphasis on women’s health and the wellbeing of female athletes.

The organization seeks to address the unique physiological, psychological, clinical, and performance needs of women and female athletes, areas that have historically been underrepresented in sports and healthcare research.

 It promotes evidence-based practice, interdisciplinary collaboration, education, advocacy, leadership, and research to support optimal health, performance, injury prevention, and long-term wellbeing in women’s sport.

2.2 Vision Statement

To shape the future of sports medicine and sports dentistry through global collaboration, inclusive and ethical leadership, and comprehensive care for female athletes.

3. Purpose and Objectives

The purpose of LWSMD is to promote public health, scientific advancement, education, research, and interdisciplinary collaboration with a particular focus on women’s health and female athletes at the intersection of sports medicine and sports dentistry.

The objectives of the Group include:

1. Promoting excellence in healthcare for female athletes of all ages through interdisciplinary collaboration among professionals in sports medicine, sports dentistry, science, education, research, and clinical practice.

2. Supporting evidence-based research and scientific exchange related to women’s health in sport.

3. Developing and promoting educational, leadership, and mentorship initiatives.

4. Conducting scientific, medical, educational, preventive, and sports-related training programs, workshops, congresses, and international exchange activities.

5. Providing evidence-based educational resources and promoting awareness regarding women’s health in sport.

6. Encouraging collaborative academic dialogue and professional networking among members globally.

7. Supporting advocacy and public engagement activities aimed at improving standards of care and health outcomes for women and female athletes in sport.

4. Non-Profit Status

1. LWSMD shall operate exclusively as a non-profit academic and professional interest group.

2. The Group shall function in a selfless and transparent manner and shall not primarily pursue commercial or economic interests.

3. The Group may accept sponsorship or educational support solely for the purpose of facilitating scientific, academic, educational, and organizational activities aligned with its mission and objectives.

4. Any future financial activities shall comply with applicable legal and regulatory requirements relevant to the jurisdiction of formal registration.

5. Governance and Organizational Structure

5.1 Founding History

The Group was initiated by Elif Gündüz Bayer and began as a small international online community under the name “Leading Women in Sports Dentistry” in June 2025. In March 2026, the Group expanded and evolved into “Leading Women in Sports Medicine and Dentistry (LWSMD)” as a broader interdisciplinary international interest group.

The International Founding Members are:

• Elif Gündüz Bayer

• Leslie Rye

• Imogen Johnson

• Reena Kumar

• Flavia Del Grosso

• Nina Pinter

• Saida Ayachi

5.2 Group Representatives

LWSMD shall operate through a collaborative, inclusive, and non-hierarchical governance structure.

The governing body shall consist of elected Group Representatives, who collectively oversee the activities, development, and functioning of the Group. All representatives shall hold equal status and shared responsibility.

Leadership responsibilities, including facilitation, communication, coordination, documentation, publications, and organizational activities, shall be distributed voluntarily and may rotate periodically to ensure shared participation and inclusivity.

Transparency, inclusivity, professionalism, and mutual respect shall guide all Group activities and decision-making processes.

5.3 Election and Term of Representatives

1. Seven Group Representatives shall be elected annually following the first 2 yrs of the Founding Group Representatives

2. Elections shall be conducted each year around International Women’s Day (March 8), with representatives serving a one-year term from May to May.

3. Members interested in serving as Group Representatives must submit their nomination or expression of interest to the current Group Representatives no later than April 1 of each calendar year.

4. The current Group Representatives shall review nominations and present an election slate to the membership.

5. Voting may be conducted electronically through designated leadingwomansportsmed.dent@gmail.com email or other approved digital platforms.

6. Representatives shall be elected by a simple majority vote of voting members

7. If less than 7 members are elected, then existing Group Representatives will continue a term to complete the 7-member board.

5.4 Founding Representatives and Emeritus Advisory Role

For the initial term (May 2026 – May 2028), the Founding Members shall serve as the first Group Representatives.

Following their initial elected term, the Founding Members will (may)continue to serve collectively in an honorary emeritus advisory capacity to provide continuity, guidance, institutional memory, and strategic support to future Group Representatives. Emeritus advisors shall not possess automatic voting authority unless separately elected as current representatives.

5.5 Functional Roles

Functional responsibilities within the Group may include, but are not limited to:

• Founding Group Representatives- act as mentors to the current Group Representatives

• Meeting Facilitators

• Event Coordinators

• Communications and Documentation Coordinators

• Membership and Nomination Coordinators

• Publications and Research Coordinators

• Website and Digital Media Coordinators

• Bylaws and Governance Coordinators

These roles are voluntary, collaborative, and non-hierarchical. No role shall confer authority over other members.

5.6 Decision-Making

1. LWSMD shall prioritize consensus-based decision-making through open dialogue, collaboration, and mutual respect.

2. Where consensus cannot be achieved, decisions may be adopted through a simple majority vote.

3. Each current Group Representative shall hold one equal vote.

4. Major constitutional amendments shall require a two-thirds majority vote of voting members.

6. Membership

6.1 Eligibility

Membership shall be open to individuals who support the mission and objectives of LWSMD and demonstrate an interest in women’s health in sport, sports medicine, sports dentistry, education, research, clinical care, advocacy, or related disciplines.

Applications for membership may be submitted through the official website or through designated communication channels of the Group.

6.2 Membership Principles

1. Membership shall be inclusive and open without discrimination.

2. Membership shall initially be free of charge unless future formal registration or operational requirements necessitate membership fees.

3. All members shall hold equal rights and responsibilities within the Group.

4. Members are encouraged to actively participate in meetings, discussions, educational activities, and collaborative initiatives.

6.3 Membership Termination:

1. Membership may end through:

• voluntary resignation,

• inactivity,

• death,

• or expulsion in exceptional circumstances involving conduct considered harmful to the mission, integrity, or reputation of the Group.

2. If a Group Representative terminates before the end of the term, the Group    Representatives will select a LWSMD member to complete the remaining term.

Any decision regarding expulsion shall require review and approval by the current Group Representatives through a majority vote.

7. Meetings and Communication

1.  Group Representative meetings should be conducted every three months

2. Membership Meetings shall be conducted regularly at intervals (at least twice a year) determined collectively by the Group Representatives

3. Meetings may be conducted virtually, physically, or in hybrid format.

4. A rotating facilitator may guide meetings and discussions.

5. Meeting notes or summaries may be shared with members to ensure transparency and continuity.

6. Digital communication platforms including email, messaging applications, and online meeting platforms may be utilized for official communication and dissemination of updates.

8. General Assembly

1. The General Assembly shall take place at least once annually.

2. Notice of the General Assembly shall be provided at least two weeks in advance and shall include the proposed agenda.

3. Resolutions shall generally be passed by simple majority vote of voting members unless otherwise specified in these Articles.

4. Constitutional amendments shall require a two-thirds majority vote of voting members.

5. Documentation or minutes of meetings shall be maintained for institutional continuity and transparency.

9.         Amendments

These Articles may be amended through a consensus-based process with participation from Emeritus Group Representatives whenever possible. Where consensus cannot be reached, amendments may be adopted through a two-thirds majority vote of voting members.

10. Future Legal Status

LWSMD may seek formal recognition and registration as a tax-registered non-profit association or society in the future, subject to applicable legal requirements and the collective decision of the Group Representatives and membership.

The Founding Members may serve as founding members or founding board members of any future formally registered legal entity associated with LWSMD.

11. Dissolution

The dissolution of LWSMD may only be resolved through a General Assembly specifically convened for that purpose with proper notice and shall require a two-thirds majority vote ofvoting members.

12. Final Provisions

These Articles serve as a guiding framework for the collaborative, ethical, inclusive, and professional functioning of LWSMD. All members agree to uphold the principles and objectives outlined herein.

13.  Signatures of International Founding Members