Many times we hear about the GMS license and many others about the GAL and even on certain occasions the confusion has been generated about what is one and the other or if they are actually the same, that is why, it is important to start this article explaining exactly those differences.
GMS is the entire Global Membership System and GAL is exclusively the global license for athletes.
There are three types of licenses: the athlete license (GAL), the official license that includes coaches, referees and officials from MNAs and Continental Unions (GOL), and the regular membership of WT required to participate in National events or courses (GL).
For in-depth details, we exclusively interviewed the Secretary General of the World Taekwondo (WT), Mr. Hoss Rafaty.
What is the actual cost of the WT GMS license?
Many times we hear about the GMS license and many others about the GAL and even on certain occasions the confusion has been generated about what is one and the other or if they are actually the same, that is why, it is important to start this article explaining exactly those differences.
GMS is the entire Global Membership System and GAL is exclusively the global license for athletes.
There are three types of licenses: the athlete license (GAL), the official license that includes coaches, referees and officials from MNAs and Continental Unions (GOL), and the regular membership of WT required to participate in National events or courses (GL).
For in-depth details, we exclusively interviewed the Secretary General of the World Taekwondo (WT), Mr. Hoss Rafaty.
Secretary General of the World Taekwondo (WT), Mr. Hoss Rafaty.
What is the purpose of the WT Global Membership System (GMS)?
The Global Membership System (GMS) provides a database for all stakeholders in the global taekwondo family including athletes, coaches, referees, officials, volunteers, media and practitioners at all levels from beginners (color belts) to black belts of taekwondo.
The GMS provide a centralized, fully integrated platform including membership, event and competition management, results and rankings, online education, grading and certification, club management, website builder and much more. Each member in the platform has their own online profile which stores their latest information as well as historical results, courses and more.
The information compiled on ranking and capacity of each country helps World Taekwondo design competitions, educational programs and support infrastructure for practitioners of taekwondo around the world. The information also helps World Taekwondo work in conjunction with the IOC and the ASOIF to promote taekwondo as an Olympic sport.
World Taekwondo started the process of creating the membership data system 12 years ago to provide better services to our membership and meet the needs of different countries and continents regarding education, equipment and events making sure that no athlete is left behind. If there is a deficiency of services somewhere the data helps us identify and correct in a timely manner helping create the programs of the future. It also helps streamline admin processes and greatly reduces the administration for all stakeholders through a centralized platform used at all levels globally.
The GMS will continue to evolve and look to provide additional services and value to its members from online education, certification, esports and gaming service offerings and more.
What is the cost of WT membership and WT license?
- The cost of a WT membership is 3 US dollars (3 Euro for Europe) a year per person but we allow the MNAs charge up to 10 US dollars to cover their costs of administration.
- The cost for an athlete license is 30 US dollars (30 Euro for Europe) a year per person but we allow the MNA to charge up to 45 US dollars to cover their costs of administration.
- Children under 12 years old can get a WT membership/license for free.
- It is important to mention that we also consider the countries income capacity and based on the United Nations GDP report we provide free membership and licenses to over 65 countries that rank among the lower income brackets.
Can a National Member Association (MNA) refuse to give a WT membership or license?
The WT membership and license are available to anyone that wants to get them with very few exceptions. One is if the person is a convicted criminal or if the Member National Association (MNA) has a valid reason to deny the individual. That reason needs to be a clear violation of the MNA rules or regulations.
Any individual that feels they have been unfairly denied a WT membership or license can contact the WT Disputes department at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to review the complaint.
Secretary General of the World Taekwondo (WT), Mr. Hoss Rafaty.
What is the purpose of the WT Global Membership System (GMS)?
The Global Membership System (GMS) provides a database for all stakeholders in the global taekwondo family including athletes, coaches, referees, officials, volunteers, media and practitioners at all levels from beginners (color belts) to black belts of taekwondo.
The GMS provide a centralized, fully integrated platform including membership, event and competition management, results and rankings, online education, grading and certification, club management, website builder and much more. Each member in the platform has their own online profile which stores their latest information as well as historical results, courses and more.
The information compiled on ranking and capacity of each country helps World Taekwondo design competitions, educational programs and support infrastructure for practitioners of taekwondo around the world. The information also helps World Taekwondo work in conjunction with the IOC and the ASOIF to promote taekwondo as an Olympic sport.
World Taekwondo started the process of creating the membership data system 12 years ago to provide better services to our membership and meet the needs of different countries and continents regarding education, equipment and events making sure that no athlete is left behind. If there is a deficiency of services somewhere the data helps us identify and correct in a timely manner helping create the programs of the future. It also helps streamline admin processes and greatly reduces the administration for all stakeholders through a centralized platform used at all levels globally.
The GMS will continue to evolve and look to provide additional services and value to its members from online education, certification, esports and gaming service offerings and more.
What is the cost of WT membership and WT license?
- The cost of a WT membership is 3 US dollars (3 Euro for Europe) a year per person but we allow the MNAs charge up to 10 US dollars to cover their costs of administration.
- The cost for an athlete license is 30 US dollars (30 Euro for Europe) a year per person but we allow the MNA to charge up to 45 US dollars to cover their costs of administration.
- Children under 12 years old can get a WT membership/license for free.
- It is important to mention that we also consider the countries income capacity and based on the United Nations GDP report we provide free membership and licenses to over 65 countries that rank among the lower income brackets.
Can a National Member Association (MNA) refuse to give a WT membership or license?
The WT membership and license are available to anyone that wants to get them with very few exceptions. One is if the person is a convicted criminal or if the Member National Association (MNA) has a valid reason to deny the individual. That reason needs to be a clear violation of the MNA rules or regulations.
Any individual that feels they have been unfairly denied a WT membership or license can contact the WT Disputes department at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to review the complaint.
