This sample constitution may be useful as a starting point for developing a set of rules for an unincorporated association.
Draft (1).1st January 2006
1.0 NAME:
The name of the Group/Club is_________________, hereinafter referred to as the “Group/Club”
2.0 OBJECTS:
The objects of the Group/Club are: -
2.1 To promote and foster the ______________________
2.2 To provide the youth of _____________________ its immediate surrounds with an opportunity to develop their social and (or) sporting skills and enhance their sense of self worth and esteem.
2.3 To provide quality leadership in our programmes of training to enable our youth to accept responsibilities and to discharge them effectively.
2.4 To promote and carry the name ___________with pride throughout the Wider Community.
2.5 To undertake to make our activity as welcoming and inclusive as possible to those wishing to participate, within the spirit of our Group / Club.
3.0 ATTAINING OBJECTS
The Club shall be empowered to do all things necessary which are incidental to and necessary for the attainment of the objects of the Group/Club.
4.0 PROPERTY OF THE CLUB
The Group/Club must apply all property and income of the Group/Club towards the promotion of the objects or purposes of the Group/Club and no part of that property or income to be paid or otherwise distributed, directly or indirectly, to members of the Group/Club, except in good faith in the promotion of those objects or purposes.
5.0 POWERS OF THE COMMITTEE:
5.1 To acquire, hold, deal with, and dispose of any real or personal property;
5.2 To open and operate bank accounts;
5.3 To invest its money –
(i) in any security in which trust moneys may be invested; or
(ii) in any other manner authorised by the rules of the Group/Club.
5.4 To enter into borrowing and other financial arrangements for and on behalf of the Group/Club, and shall be duly authorised to execute all security documentation reasonably required in the context of such borrowings providing that the management meeting approves each arrangement prior to signing by designated committee members.
5.5 To give such security for the discharge of liabilities incurred by the Group/Club as the Group/Club thinks fit;
5.6 To appoint agents and employees to transact any business of the Group/Club on its behalf for reward or otherwise;
5.7 To build, construct, erect, maintain, alter and repair any premises, building or other structure of any kind and to furnish equip and improve the same for use by the Group/ Club;
5.8 Accept donations and gifts in accordance with the objects of the Group/Club;
5.9 Print and publish any information by any media including newsletters, newspapers, articles or leaflets for promotion of the Group/Club;
5.10 Provide gifts and prizes in accordance with the objects of the Group/Club;
5.11 Organise social events for Members and the promotion of the Group Club;
5.12 To enter into any other contract the Group/Club considers necessary or desirable.
5.13 Committee members cannot be removed except by a majority vote of the Committee.
6.0 MEMBERSHIP:
6.1 Membership shall be open to any person who wishes to further the interests of the Group/Club.
6.2 Any person seeking membership shall make application to the Committee, and the Committee shall determine whether the application is successful or not.
6.3 Each person admitted to membership shall be;
6.3.1 Bound by the Constitution and Rules of the Group/Club.
6.3.2 Will uphold the Code of Ethics and Good Practice
6.3.3 Come liable for such fees and subscriptions as may be fixed by the Group/Club.
6.3.4 Respect the rights, dignity and worth of every person and treat everyone equally regardless of race, religion or political beliefs.
6.3.5 Entitled to all advantages and privileges of membership.
6.4 Membership Categories:
6.4.1 ORDINARY MEMBER
Any person who is a financial member of the Club is entitled to hold any office and enjoy the privileges of the Club.
6.4.2 SOCIAL MEMBER
Persons other than ordinary members who are interested in promoting the Group/Club, but who do not wish to participate in the activities of the Group/Club, may become a Social Member.
6.4.3 JUNIOR MEMBER
Any person under the age of 18 years may become a Junior Member. Junior Members shall have no voting rights nor be entitled to hold any office.
6.4.4 LIFE MEMBERSHIP
The Committee may elect any member who has given loyal and outstanding service to the Group/Club. Any member may nominate a person to the Committee for consideration for Life Membership.
6.4.5 PATRON
The Group/Club may, at its discretion, elect a patron/s or vice patron/s of the Group/Club for such period as may be deemed necessary. Such patron/s or vice patron/s shall not be eligible to vote unless they are current members of the Group/Club under another category of membership.
6.5 The Committee shall appoint a member of the Committee to maintain an up to date register of members of the Group/Club.
6.6 A member may at any reasonable time inspect the records and documents of the Club.
7.0 SUBSCRIPTIONS:
7.1 All Group/Club members will pay subscriptions weekly/monthly or annually a figure as laid down at the Annual General Meeting.
8.0 TERMINATION OF MEMBERSHIP
8.1 Any person’s membership may be terminated by the following events;
8.1.1 Resignation
8.1.2 Expulsion
8.1.3 A Member’s annual membership fee remains unpaid after one Month falling due
8.1.4 Failing to maintain good conduct and behaviour at all times
8.1.5 Bullying, using foul and abusive language, using racist remarks
8.1.6 Violence.
8.1.7 Fraud.
8.2 The Committee shall have the power to suspend or expel any member of the Group/Club for:
8.2.1 any of the events in Item 8.1
8.2.2 false or inaccurate statements made in the member’s application for membership of the Group/Club,
8.2.3 breach of any rule, regulation of the Group/Club and
8.2.4 by any act detrimental to the Group/Club or bringing the Group/Club into disrepute.
-after having undertaken due inquiry.
8.3 Any member who is expelled, suspended or has their membership terminated, shall have the right to appeal against their suspension or expulsion by presenting their case to a General Meeting called for such purpose, and the decision of the General Meeting shall be final.
9.0 COMMITTEE
(i) Sometimes called Executive Committee.
(ii) Committee persons are sometimes referred to as Office Bearers.
(iii) The main Office Bearers are often referred to as The Executive.
9.1 Management of the Group/Club shall be vested in the Executive Committee elected by the members at the Annual General Meeting and consisting of;
9.1.1 Chairperson
9.1.2 Vice Chairperson
9.1.3 Secretary
9.1.4 Assistant Secretary
9.1.6 Treasurer
9.1.7 Four Committee Members
9.1.8 Group/Club delegates
9.2 No person shall hold more than one position on the Committee at any one time. A person shall cease to be a member of the Committee at the conclusion of the Annual General Meeting, which follows his/her election, and he/she will be eligible for re-election. The position of chairperson shall not be held for more than two consecutive years by any one person.
9.3 A quorum of the Committee shall be half of its members plus one.
9.4 If the Chairperson or Vice Chairperson is unable to attend, then a chairperson nominated by the meeting shall chair that meeting.
9.5 A member of the committee may lose his or her seat on the committee for either of the following;
- absence from two or more meetings without leave of absence;
- for misconduct;
- failing to enforce the Constitution & Rules of the Group/Club.
9.6 The Committee shall meet at least once a month, on a date (s) as set down at the Annual General Meeting .