Apache Software Foundation management rules

• meritocracy - when community group things you deserve to be part of it, they add you
• community hierarchy: user < developer < commiter, PMC (Project Management Committee) member < PMC chair < ASF member
• do-ocracy - power of those who implements something
• project must have at least three active independent commiters (independent - not from the same company etc.)
• decision making: community is voting on web, negative votes must be explained and alternative proposal must be mentioned, then consensus must be found

Rules on ASF page