Constitution

AYR CURLING CLUB DEVELOPMENT GROUP        

CONSTITUTION

1       Name

The name of the organisation shall be Ayr Curling Club Development Group, hereinafter referred to as the Development Group.

1. Objectives

The Development Group is established to pursue the development of the sport of curling in Ayr and Ayrshire including, but not limited to, the following activities:-

(a)  To promote curling in Ayr and Ayrshire as a social, competitive and fun sport for all regardless of ability, sex, age or ethnic origin.

(b)  To promote Ayr Curling Club for disabled curling.

(c) To halt the decline in membership of Ayr Curling Club and increase the number of active curlers.

(d) To increase the level of membership, use and income of Ayr Curling Club and to enhance the status and standing of Ayr Curling Club.

(e) To enhance the curling experience at Ayr Curling Club.

(f)  To provide high quality coaching and skills development for all grades of curlers.

(g) To enhance the status of Ayr Curling Club as a competitive Curling Club.

(h) To enhance the corporate image of Ayr Curling Club.

(i)   To develop Ayr Curling Club as a venue for Corporate Curling.

(j)   To develop the catering experience at Ayr Curling Club.

(k) To promote Ayr Curling Club as a venue for regional, national and international curling competitions.

(l)   To enhance the physical facilities at Ayr Curling Club.

(m)   To enhance communications at all levels within Ayr Curling Club.

(n)     To develop a modern Club website and efficient social media packages.

(o)     To ensure that all curling activities at Ayr Ice Rink are carried out in accordance with appropriate protection policies for young children and vulnerable adults.

1. Membership

Membership is open to all and no application for membership will be refused on other than reasonable grounds. There will be no discrimination on grounds of age, disability, gender reassignment, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, political or other opinion.

Membership will be open to all clubs, organisations and individuals involved with the sport of curling who are members of Ayr Curling Club and whose objectives are aligned with the objectives of the of the Development Group as stated in section 2.

4        General Meetings

1. Annual General Meeting (AGM)

The AGM will be held each year at such time and place as determined by the Development Group, at approximately 12 month intervals, but no more than 14 months after the date of the previous AGM. At each AGM the following business will be conducted:-

1. Receive and confirm the minutes of the previous AGM
2. Presentation of the Development Group’s independently audited financial accounts for the year.
3. Presentation of the Chairperson’s report.
4. Nomination and election of the Development Group, including office bearers.
5. Appointment of external examiner.
6. Any other business brought before the meeting which has been submitted in writing to the Secretary not less than 7 days prior to the AGM.
7. Any other business deemed relevant by the Chairperson.

b.Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM)

An EGM shall be called upon the written demand of (a) a simple majority of the Development Group committee or (b) 30% of members (rounded up to nearest number).

Notice for an EGM shall be a minimum of 14 days notice, and stating the business to be discussed. No other business, other than that stated on the notice calling the EGM shall be discussed.

1.  Rules for General Meetings
   1. A minimum of 21 days notice in writing shall be given to all members, except in the event of an EGM where the notice shall be a minimum of 14 days.
   2. The Chairperson shall chair the meeting, or in his or her absence one of either the Secretary or Treasurer, or a nominee from the meeting in the event of all those mentioned being absent.
   3. All members will register with the Secretary prior to the start of the meeting.
   4. Each member shall have one vote.
   5. All votes will be determined by a simple majority. In the event of a tied vote, the chair may exercise a casting vote.
   6. The quorum shall be 40% of those eligible to vote, including one office bearer.
   7. The Secretary shall keep the minutes of the meetings and record all proceedings and resolutions.
   8. Ayr Curling Club Development Group Committee
      1. The Development Group Committee will consist of up to 10 members, including the following office bearers:- Chairperson, Secretary and Treasurer.

All members of the Development Group Committee shall be elected at the AGM. Members may nominate the same or a new candidate for the Development Group at this time.

1. The chairperson shall be limited to a maximum of 4 consecutive years in that role.
2. The Development Group may co-opt up to 3 additional members as it seems fit at any time and for a duration as determined by the Development Group.

1. Rules for the Development Group
   1. The chairperson shall chair the meeting, or in his/her absence one of either the Secretary or Treasurer, or a nominee from the Development Group in the event of those mentioned being absent.
   2. 14 days notice of any meeting of the Development Group shall be given except when (1) the date of the meeting has been agreed at the previous meeting, in which case 7 days notice shall be given; (2) in an emergency the chairperson may call a meeting at 4 days notice.
   3. The quorum shall be 40% rounded up to the nearest number of the development group.
   4. All members of the development group shall be entitled to vote.
   5. All votes shall be determined by a simple majority, in the event of a tied vote, the chair may exercise a casting vote.

1. Finance
   1. The income and property of the Development Group, however derived, shall be applied solely towards the objectives of the Development Group as set out in section 2 of this constitution. No portion of the income and property shall be paid or transferred directly or indirectly by way of dividend, distribution, bonus, honoraria or otherwise howsoever by way of profit to the members.
   2. The Development Group shall have the power to raise money by means of donations or through grants from grant making organisations or individuals.
   3. All monies shall be lodged in a bank account in the name of the Development Group.
   4. The Chairperson, Treasurer and Secretary shall be authorised to sign cheques and carry out electronic  banking on behalf of the Development Group, of which one signatory will be required.
   5. The financial year shall run from 1^st of May to 30^th April.

1.   Amendments of the Constitution

The Constitution may only be amended by a proposal passed by a two thirds majority of members present and entitled to vote at an Annual or Extraordinary General Meeting.

1.   Dissolution of the Development Group

a)      Any resolution to dissolve the Development Group may be passed at any General Meeting provided that:

1. The terms of the proposed dissolution are received by the Secretary at least 42 days before the meeting at which the resolution is to be brought forward, and that
2. At least 28 days notice of the proposed resolution shall be given in writing by the Secretary to all members, and that
3. Such a resolution shall receive the assent of two thirds of those present and entitled to vote.

b)       The development Group shall be deemed to be dissolved should no formal meeting take place, as set out in Rules 5-7, after a period of two years from the date of the last confirmed, quorate and minuted meeting of the Development Group.

c)      Upon dissolution of the Development Group and after all Development Group and Trustee liabilities have been cleared, all remaining financial and material assets shall be given or transferred to Ayr Curling Club to be held in trust for the development of the sport of curling an Ayr and Ayrshire.

14.   Declaration

It is hereby certified that this document represents a true and most up-to-date version of the Constitution of the Ayr Curling Club Development Group.

SIGNATURES:   Chairperson:                                                  Date:

                              Secretary:                                                       Date: