Constitution | Sliabh Beagh ASC

The Constitution of SLIABH BEAGH Amateur Swimming Club

Title

a) The name of the Club shall be SLIABH BEAGH AMATEUR SWIMMING CLUB (hereinafter referred to in these rules as the Club).
b) The colours of the club shall be Red and White.
c) The headquarters of the club shall be Monaghan Leisure Complex.

Objectives

The objective for which the club is formed is to teach swimming and to promote swimming among its members.

To promote, organise and take part in swimming galas and competitions.

To co-operate with other organisations, in the furtherance of the skills of swimming.

To be open and inclusive to all people in the community regardless of race, religion, culture or sexual orientation. Also to..

To promote the development of physical, moral and social qualities associated with sport, within the participants.

To accept and enforce the rules and regulations set down by Swim Ireland regarding [discipline] in accordance with the affiliation status afforded to the club.
To provide a positive and safe environment for all its members and staff.
To ensure sport for young people in the club is fun, and conducted in an encouraging atmosphere in line with Swim Ireland guidelines and best practice.
To provide equal opportunities whenever possible for successful participation, irrespective of ability or disability, so as individuals can be involved in sports activities in an integrated and inclusive way.

Affiliation

The Club shall be affiliated to the Ulster Branch of Swim Ireland and the laws of the Club shall be complementary to those of Swim Ireland and the Ulster Branch of Swim Ireland. These laws include all Swim Ireland Rules, the Code of Ethics and Good Practice in Children’s Sport in Ireland and the Swim Ireland Child Protection Guidelines.

By virtue of the affiliation of Sliabh Beagh A.S.C. to Swim Ireland, its members acknowledge that they are subject to the laws, rules and constitutions of:

Swim Ireland, the governing body for the whole of the island of Ireland.
Ligue Européenne de Natation (LEN), the European governing body for the aquatics.
Fédération Internationale de Natation (FINA), the world governing body for the aquatics.

Child Protection

The Club accepts and supports the Child Protection Policies adopted by Swim Ireland.

Sliabh Beagh A.S.C. is fully committed to safeguarding the well being of its members. Every individual in Sliabh Beagh A.S.C. should, at all times, show respect and understanding for their rights, safety and welfare and those of others, and conduct themselves in a way that reflects the principles of Sliabh Beagh A.S.C. and the guidelines contained in the Code of Ethics and Good Practice for Children’s Sport and the ‘Swim Ireland Guidelines for Safeguarding Children 2010’ or most up to date equivalent.

Two Child Liaison Officers shall be appointed at each AGM of the Club and serve for a minimum of 12 months.

All Staff shall read the Officials Code of Ethics and complete the Officials Registration Form.

The booklet Child Protection Guidelines version 2.00 shall be made available to all members. Swim Ireland Safeguarding Children Policies and Procedures

Equality

In accordance with the Equal Status Act 2000 – 2004 and the Equality Act 1996 in Northern Ireland, Sliabh Beagh A.S.C will not discriminate against any persons or visitors within Sliabh Beagh A.S.C. No discrimination of any kind against employed and voluntary staff, membership applications, members and individuals within the general public, will be tolerated.

Membership

All members are subject to the rules and constitution of Sliabh Beagh A.S.C. and rules and regulations of Ulster, Swim Ireland, LEN and FINA.

Membership Categories

The following constitute as Members of the club:

Competitor – Members of Sliabh Beagh A.S.C. who decide to engage in competitive events.
Non-Competitor – This category includes but is not limited to: participants who wish to train but not compete; coaches; administrators; aquatics leaders; and CCO’s.

The Club Management Committee reserves the right to accept or reject applications for membership of the club. If they are refused, the applicant must be notified by the Management Committee in writing as to the reasons for their refusal.

Application Procedures for Club Members

All members and officials must complete the necessary application forms and attach the necessary fees as set down by Swim Ireland and Sliabh Beagh A.S.C..
They must also be familiar with and comply with the Swim Ireland and Sliabh Beagh A.S.C rules and read and sign the Swim Ireland and Sliabh Beagh A.S.C Codes of Conduct.
These forms must then be forwarded to the Management Committee for approval. Those under 18 must have their parents sign the necessary application forms.
Upon acceptance the member will then be provided with a copy of the Constitution and Rules of Sliabh Beagh A. S.C.
A member who wishes to resign as a member of the club must inform the secretary in writing. No refund of subscription monies will be paid upon resignation from the Club.
Full membership status is only valid where a subscription has been paid in full or in a manner agreed by the Club Management Committee.
Members will be required to renew their membership with Sliabh Beagh A.S.C and Swim Ireland on an annual basis.

Annual Subscriptions

Club fees will be determined by the Management Committee.
If a member is deceased, their Legal Personal Representative is not liable for any balance of subscriptions.
A member may resign by communicating this in writing or verbally to the Club Secretary, and if this persons wishes to renew membership at a later date they must re-apply.

Other Membership Points

The number of members may be restricted by the Committee. This will be primarily based on the pool time available and the consequent practical use of the pool in a progressive, safe and quality learning environment.
All competing swimmers must be amateurs as defined by Swim Ireland.
The membership fee(s) shall be determined at the Annual General Meeting and shall be due in two parts in October and the following January.
Membership shall cease if decided fees are not paid before end of October and the end of the following January, or if in the opinion of the Committee the conduct of a member is likely to bring the Club into disrepute, or if a member fails to comply with the Constitution and Rules of the Club.

Management

Club Management

Description

The Management Committee is the body elected by the Members for the management of the business and affairs of the Club. It consists of seven (7) people who must be and are members of Swim Ireland in their own right

Membership of the Management Committee

The Management Committee consists of the following: – A Chairperson, a Secretary, a Treasurer, and four other adult members. Also, Sliabh Beagh A.S.C., has a Designated Person whose duty is to report any allegations of child abuse to the statutory body. This individual is a member of the Management Committee and although it is recommended that it is an officer of the club that may not always be the case. A Club Children’s Officer is also nominated who will have access to the Management Committee, and our meetings, but is not be a member of the committee.

Management Committee Officers of Sliabh Beagh A.S.C.

Duties of the Chairperson

To promote the interest of Sliabh Beagh A.S.C. at all times and act as the official spokesperson for the club.
To ensure the principles of due process and natural justice are applied in all decisions made by the committee.
To maintain order and prevent unnecessary disruptions.

Duties of the Treasurer

To keep a record of all financial transactions concerning Sliabh Beagh A.S.C. business.
To keep appropriate books of record on Sliabh Beagh A.S.C. business.
To identify all income received and all expenditures.
To act as co–signature on cheques along with the Chairperson/Secretary.

Duties of the Secretary

To record the minutes of all committee and club meetings.
To keep records of membership, complaints and contracts regarding the dealings of the club. Records shall be kept for a minimum of 6 years.
To set out meetings including agenda details, notice period and any other necessary information.
To deal with all club correspondence.

Other Committee Member

Duties and Responsibilities of all Committee Members – All Committee members are responsible for the smooth day to day running of the Club. The Management Committee will agree and adjust amongst themselves the additional rules required, to be carried out by Committee Members.

The Committee shall have the power to co-opt extra members as necessary.
The election of Committee members, other than officers, may be to specified positions at the discretion of the Committee.
The Committee shall have the power to appoint additional positions, but if these positions come from outside the Committee they shall not have the power to vote.
If a vacancy occurs in the Committee, the Committee shall have the power to fill the post until the next Annual General Meeting (AGM).
The Officers and Committee members shall be elected annually at the AGM.
Two, minimum, Child Liaison Officers to be appointed at the AGM of the Club and serve for a minimum of 12 months.
A quorum shall be a minimum of six persons and the Chairperson has the right to a casting vote, when necessary.
The Committee shall have the power to delegate authority to sub-Committees to act on its behalf, when necessary.
The Committee shall meet and act as required for the efficient running of the Club on the First Thursday of each month.
The Secretary shall record all the business of the Club along with the names of those present.
The Assistant Secretary shall assist with the Club’s correspondence and general day-to-day matters arising.
The Treasurer shall maintain a record of all income and expenditure and produce it for the inspection at all Committee Meetings and on request at all other times. He shall prepare an Annual Statement of Accounts for examination by the Club Auditors.

Club Children’s Officer

Duties and Responsibilities of the Club Children’s Officer (CCO)

The Club Children’s Officer shall be child centred in focus and have as the primary aim, the establishment of a child centred ethos within Sliabh Beagh A.S.C.
The CCO shall be the link between the children and adults in the club.
The CCO shall take responsibility for monitoring and reporting to the club Management Committee on how club policy impacts on young people and their Sports Leaders.
The CCO shall hold an up to date certificate of Child Protection from ISC/CNI/NISC and be familiar with the Code of Ethics and Child Welfare Guidelines of Swim Ireland.
The CCO is not a member of the Committee but acts in an advisory capacity towards it, and must attend a minimum of 4 committee meetings a year to report and update the Committee regarding Child Welfare matters. They can attend all meetings if they so wish however.

Duties and Responsibilities of the Designated Person

Any concerns or disclosures relating to child abuse shall be reported to the Designated Person (DP) who is responsible for reporting this to the statutory authorities.
The Designated Person shall hold an up to date certificate of Child Protection from ISC/CNI/NISC and also be familiar with the Code of Ethics and Child Welfare Guidelines of Swim Ireland.
The Designated Person shall be a member of the Committee, with this individual acting in a dual role capacity, performing both their existing role in conjunction with that of Designated Person.

Duties and responsibilities of the coaching and teaching staff

Those included, but not limited to Coaches, Teachers and Leaders, will comply with the guidelines set out in ‘Swim Ireland Guidelines for Safeguarding Children 2008’ or most recent edition.
The recruitment procedures of any individual engaged or working under the club, shall be in accordance with ‘Swim Ireland Guidelines for Safeguarding Children 2008’, the Employment Rights (Northern Ireland) Order 1996, the Terms of Employment Act 1994 (ROI) and all other related recruitment legislation. Information relating to the responsibilities of the roles, duties and the level of experience/qualifications shall be indicated in the recruitment process.
All Coaching and Swimming Teachers shall have written contracts which outline their duties, functions and responsibilities. Where coaches and/or swimming teachers operate on a voluntary basis, a written agreement as to new roles or duties shall be agreed, and put in place, within 2 months of appointment.
All coaching details are the ultimate responsibility of the Head Coach. These duties are as follows
1. Training content
2. Training schedule
3. Team selection (relays)
4. Appropriating competitive swimmers into respective groups according to their ability
5. To report to and act as liaison to Swim Ireland HQ.
All teaching staff will undergo a police vetting (Garda Siochana, PSNI, and Swim Ireland) in accordance with ‘Swim Ireland Guidelines for Safeguarding Children 2008’ or most recent edition. If the applicant is from a jurisdiction outside Ireland, enquiries will be made to the relevant statutory bodies.
Coaches and teachers shall not hold a management or elected position on the Club Committee where working as a coach or teacher for more than three hours a week.
The Head Coach shall be accountable to the Committee and shall be entitled to attend any Committee meeting. A minimum attendance is also required of 4 meetings per year, effectively one per quarter, of the coach at Committee meetings.
All Coaches and Leaders must be affiliated to Swim Ireland, and must possess the requisite qualifications.

Management Committee Rights and Duties

Rights and Duties of the Management Committee

The Management Committee shall be empowered to introduce rules, as the need arises, for the general regulation of the club. No rule shall be inconsistent with anything contained in this constitution. The Management Committee must ensure a Club’s Rule Book is in place which is made available to all members
The Committee have the power to appoint such sub committees as they may consider necessary. These sub committees will act on behalf of the Management Committee and follow procedures and relay information as directed by the Management Committee.
The Management Committee shall be responsible for all assets of the club.
The Management Committee, in conjunction with the CCO, will be responsible for formulating Club policy in accordance with the ‘Swim Ireland Guidelines for Safeguarding Children 2010, or most recent edition, and on the direction the Club takes in the future in all its activities.
[The members of the Management Committee shall be indemnified by the members of the club against all liabilities properly incurred by them in the management affairs of the club.]
Committee members must declare any personal or business interest, which may conflict with their duties as a member of the Management Committee. Such a declaration may be discussed with the other Committee members at a designated meeting, and they may be required to absent themselves content, discussions and decisions.
The Management Committee will be expected to follow codes of conduct in relation to their obligations to Sliabh Beagh club members. These include, but are not limited to, confidentiality, objectivity, loyalty, fairness and a constant awareness of their obligations to the club and its members. The Committee will familiarise itself with the ‘Code of Ethics and Good Practice for Children’s Sport’ and fulfil the duties required in the Code of Conduct for Club Committees section (p.25) of the ‘Swim Ireland Guidelines for Safeguarding Children 2010’, or the most recent equivalent.. The Committee will also adhere to any updated versions of these policy documents which are issued in the future.

Management Committee Meetings

Meetings of the Management Committee

The Committee shall meet at least eight (8) times per year with a minimum quorum of 50% plus 1 of the members of the committee present.
The Chairperson and the Secretary shall have discretion to call further meetings of the Committee if they consider it to be in the interests of the Sliabh Beagh A.S.C..
A minimum of seven (7) days notice will be gave to members save with exceptional circumstances. The Management Committee shall agree how notice shall be provided whether this is phone, email and so forth.
The Committee should set out its agenda for a meeting no less than five (5) days prior to the meetings.
The Chairperson has the casting vote on any motion arising during the meetings.
The Chairperson’s decision on a Point of Order is final
The Chairperson shall preside at all meetings.
The Secretary, or in her/his absence a member of the Committee, shall take minutes.
The Treasurer shall relay the financial position of the club at each meeting.
The other Committee members must also relay details on the areas of the club they are designated too.
The CCO, Coaching and Teaching staff must also be given the opportunity to report and voice the concerns of their designated areas within the Club, as well as to advise the Management Committee on relevant issues.
Members can acquire the minutes of the meeting in a summary format by providing the Secretary with a self addressed envelope.
The Management Committee may also decide upon acceptable means of communication used, during periods between meetings, to ensure the day to day running of Sliabh Beagh A.S.C.

Voting Rights and Procedures

Voting Rights at General Meetings

Members who are fully paid up and over 16 years of age are eligible to vote.
No voting by proxy is allowed.
Parents shall hold one vote on behalf of their child/children within the club. Only one parent may exercise this vote and this must be so agreed between the parents (that is one vote only and not one vote per child). Parents who are club members in their own right may vote with this right for themselves and also cast one vote on behalf of their child/children
Voting shall be conducted via a show of hands, which will be counted by the Secretary. The Committee may, however, recommend that a vote should be held in a secret ballot format owing to the context of the vote.
No business shall be transacted at a general meeting unless a quorum is present. A quorum of 55% of the eligible voting members is the number required. If this quorum is not fulfilled the General Meeting can be suspended for exactly one week.
Nominations will be passed at AGM’s by simple resolution of 50% plus one.
Motions for a change to the club Constitution must be passed by a special resolution of 75% of persons present at the meeting entitled to vote.
The Chairperson will have a casting vote if there is an equality of votes.

Election of the Committee Members

The Election of the Management Committee members takes place at the Club AGM each year. At this time a Chairperson, Treasurer and Secretary along with four other members of the Management Committee shall be elected.
A Committee member may stand for re-election for four consecutive years. After this time period is up, eligibility for re-election is revoked for a period of two years.
Nominations for office and Notice of Motions must be received in writing by the Secretary no less than 14 days prior to the General Meeting.
A proposer and seconder are required for all Nominations and Notice of Motions.
Notices of Motion and nominations for the Management Committee shall be displayed on the Club notice board for not less than 7 days prior to the AGM. They will also be available on request from the Secretary. Notions and Motions without due notice will not be discussed.
In the event that no nominations are received by the Secretary by 7 days prior to the meeting, only then may a nomination from the floor at the AGM be accepted or take place.
A Club Children’s Officer must be appointed by the Management Committee and fulfil the criteria laid down by the ‘Swim Ireland Guidelines for Safeguarding Children’, or most recent equivalent. The Club’s DP will also be appointed by the Management Committee from within.

Annual General Meeting (AGM)

Members shall be informed of the date, time, place and order of business of the AGM at least 21 days prior to the meeting. This information shall be posted on the club notice board or requested in writing by a member on providing a stamped addressed envelope.
The Management Committee must decide when the AGM is held each year.
The Committee shall distribute to Members its report and statement of accounts for the relevant financial year, not less than 14 days before the date fixed for holding the AGM.
At this meeting, the Annual Report shall be presented, which shall consist of a: Chairman’s Report; Secretary’s Report; Treasurer’s Report; Coaches’ Report and the CCO(s) report.
Any changes or updates to the Club Constitution or Club Rules will be notified to the members and Swim Ireland within [days] following the AGM.
Any resolution to amend the Club’s Constitution which is successful at the General Meeting will come into immediate affect upon conclusion of the General Meeting.
Two delegates for the club will be elected to represent the club at the Ulster and the Swim Ireland AGM’s.

Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM)

An Extraordinary General Meeting may be called at any time once two thirds of the Committee resolve to convene such a meeting. It can also be called within [days] of the Secretary receiving a requisition in writing signed by [people] of the voting members.

Transfers

If a member wishes to leave a club and join another, they must follow the rules set down by Swim Ireland. All members must have paid any outstanding subscriptions before they will be released by the Club they are leaving, save with exceptional circumstances and approval from the club management committee.

Finance

The financial affairs of the club shall be the responsibility of the Management Committee in general and in particular, the Treasurer. Correct accounts and book keeping shall be done by Treasurer or under his/her supervision.
The Annual Accounts of Sliabh Beagh A.S.C. will / should be prepared for the Annual General Meeting by the club Treasurer. The accounts shall be closed on 30th September each year and balanced and presented to the AGM for acceptance.
The Management Committee shall be empowered to open Bank Accounts in the name of Sliabh Beagh A.S.C and all transactions in these accounts shall be authorized by the Management Committee. All cheques, drafts and so forth shall be signed by the Treasurer and either the Chairperson or Secretary.
The Treasurer will receive all money paid to the club and ensure all such sums are lodged to the club bank account as soon as possible.
Any assets invested in by the Management Committee will be used for Sliabh Beagh A.S.C. purposes and those other organisations with which we are directly working only. The Management Committee will delegate the use of these assets under advisement from coaches, teachers, club children’s officers and others within the club.
The Committee will have the power to negotiate sponsorships on Sliabh Beagh A.S.C. behalf and engage from time to time fundraising activities. Any financial returns from these activities will be used for and only in the specific use identified – such as swimmer Development or equipment purposes only.
The Financial Year shall run from October to September.

Complaints and Disciplinary Procedures

Sliabh Beagh A.S.C. will deal with complaints as laid out in Swim Ireland’s ‘Complaints and Disciplinary Procedures’, and shall adopt SI procedures in this regard. Any issue involving members under 18 must also be brought to the attention of the CCO.

Cessation/Suspension/Expulsion of Membership

The Club has the power to terminate and suspend membership owing, but not limited to, violation of the constitution and/or rules, criminal behaviour or any activity deemed unseemly by the Management Committee. All club terminations and suspensions will be reported to Swim Ireland, and can be also appealed to SI.

Swim Ireland’s board can only do suspension or termination of an individual’s membership, to Swim Ireland. These procedures are laid out in the ‘Articles of Association of Swim Ireland’.

Dissolution

Sliabh Beagh A.S.C. may be dissolved:
By a Resolution passed owing to the inactivity of its members. This Resolution would be passed at an EGM, specifically called for that purpose and carried by three quarters of the members present.
A Court Order where a dispute exists within its membership.
Notice must be given to members and Swim Ireland for any Dissolution to come into affect, owing to a Resolution at a General Meeting
All aspects of the Club, having discharged debts and liabilities, shall be distributed to a charity, charities or other non-profit making organization having an agenda similar to those of the dissolving club or SI.
The Management Committee shall be responsible for the winding up of assets and liabilities of Sliabh Beagh A.S.C.

Criminal Allegations

Sliabh Beagh A.S.C. shall treat allegations of criminal activity very seriously. Any allegation of a criminal offence will be reported to Swim Ireland and the appropriate policing body.

Data Protection

Sliabh Beagh A.S.C. shall aim to follow the necessary data protection guidelines set down by the relevant bodies.