Constitution and Rules
1. NAME
1.1The name of the Club shall be Ballyvaughan Fanore Walking Club, hereinafter referred to as "the Club" or “Club”.
2. OBJECTIVE OF THE CLUB
2.1. Promote the interests of walking amongst members of the Club.
2.2. Provide an opportunity for members of the Club to meet and participate in walking activities together.
2.3. Conserve and preserve the natural ecology of the terrain.
2.4. Foster the co-operation and respect the goodwill of farmers and land owners.
2.5. Promote the principles of the “Leave No Trace Policy”.
2.6. Promote the development of skills, safety and enjoyment in walking.
3. MEMBERSHIP OF THE CLUB
3.1 Membership of the Club shall be on the basis of individual or family membership.
3.2. Individuals under the age of 18 years, may be admitted as part of a family membership where either or both of the parents or guardians are members. Under 18’s must be accompanied by a parent or guardian who is a Club member on all Club walks and Club events. They will have no voting rights and shall not be eligible to hold office in the Club.
3.3. Members of the Club shall ensure they take adequate responsibility for their own safety and adhere to the Constitution and Rules of the Club as published on the Club website.
4. OFFICERS OF THE CLUB
4.1 The elected officers of the Club shall be: Chairman, Vice Chairman, Secretary, Assistant Secretary, Treasurer, Assistant Treasurer and PRO.
4.2. Nominees for officers of the Club shall be members of the Club for not less than one full year.
4.3. Voting for the election of officers shall take place at the AGM, and shall be by secret ballot.
4.4. No officer shall hold office for more than 3 consecutive years.
5. MANAGEMENT OF THE CLUB
5.1. The Management of the Club shall be entrusted to the Committee, who must act in accordance with its Constitution and Rules.
6. COMMITTEE OF THE CLUB
6.1. The Committee shall be composed of the Chairman, Vice Chairman, Secretary, Assistant Secretary, Treasurer, Assistant Treasurer, PRO, and Event Manager(s) as referred to under Section 6.5.
6.2. The Committee shall conduct the affairs of the Club and present reports to Club meetings and the AGM.
6.3. Four elected members of the Committee shall constitute a quorum; each elected Committee member present shall be entitled to vote.
6.4. Decisions shall be by majority vote. In the event of an equal number of votes, the presiding Chairman shall exercise the casting vote.
6.5. The Committee may appoint, to the Committee, Club member(s) to manage Club events/activities.
6.6. If a vacancy should occur on the Committee, from those referred to under Section 6.1, the Committee may co-opt a club member until the next AGM.
6.7. The Agenda for the Committee meetings shall be circulated 7 days prior to the meeting.
6.8. The Committee may nominate a representative (or representatives) of the Club to attend Mountaineering Ireland Council meetings to represent the views of the membership and vote on behalf of the Club.
6.9. The Committee shall ensure that the Club and its members are adequately insured.
6.10. At the first Committee meeting, following its election, the Committee shall develop financial boundaries and safeguards for all transactions of the Club. These measures and any subsequent measures shall be presented to members at the next Club meeting for approval.
7. DUTIES OF OFFICERS
7.1. Chairman: The Chairman shall preside at Club and Committee meetings.
7.2. Vice Chairman: In the absence of the Chairman, the Vice Chairman shall preside at meetings.
7.3. Secretary: The Secretary shall be responsible for circulating notices of meetings, producing and distributing the minutes of Club and Committee meetings, dealing with correspondence, maintaining membership records and keeping members informed of upcoming events etc.
7.4. Assistant Secretary: The Assistant Secretary shall assist the Secretary when required. In the absence of the Secretary, the Assistant Secretary shall perform the duties of the Secretary.
7.5. Treasurer: The Treasurer shall be responsible for the collection of subscriptions and shall account for any other income and expenditure made on behalf of the Club and also to produce accounts in a structured and transparent manner at the Club AGM, or as requested by the Chairman.
7.6. Assistant Treasurer: The Assistant Treasurer shall assist the Treasurer as and when is necessary.
7.7. PRO: It shall be the responsibility of the PRO to promote all Club walks, events and activities at every opportunity.
8. MEETINGS
8.1. Club meetings shall be held on a quarterly basis. The Secretary shall circulate an agenda not less than 7 days prior to meeting.
8.2. Committee meetings shall be held on a quarterly basis, and more frequent as deemed necessary by the Chairman.
8.3. The Club AGM shall be held no later than the last day of October. At least 21 days notice, with agenda, shall be given for this meeting. A Club member shall preside over the election of officers, as referred to in Section 4.1.
8.4. An AGM may be convened by the Committee or at least 25% of paid up members of the Club. The purpose and details of the EGM shall be notified to the Club members at least 21 days prior to the meeting.
9. CLUB SUBSCRIPTIONS
9.1. The Committee shall have the power to set membership subscription levels for the Club on an annual basis.
9.2. Only fully paid up members shall be allowed to walk as club members.
9.3. Rates for visiting walkers shall be set by the Committee.
9.4 All subscriptions become due when the AGM has been declared closed.
10. CONSTITUTION
10.1. The Constitution shall not be amended, unless proposed by the Committee or at least 25% of the paid up members. Such proposals shall be discussed and votedupon, by secret ballot, at an AGM/EGM. 21 days notice of this meeting shall be required.
10.2. A review of the Constitution shall take place every 4 years.
10.3. For the Club to be dissolved it shall require a two thirds majority vote of paid up members, at an AGM/EGM. The discharge of any assets shall be by the agreement of Club members. Any liabilities at the time of the dissolution shall be the responsibility of all paid up members.
*Last amended: 21/01/2011
Code of Practice
October 25th 2008.
Child Protection Policy.
As we do have members under the age of 18 yrs.
This year we are adopting a Code of Ethics & Good Practice for children in sport. While we have a 16 page children’s policy from Mountaineering Ireland which gives a good comprehensive look at issues around under 18’s in our club and a book on good practice for children in sport from the Irish Sports Council.
We are keeping it as simple as possible for the needs of our club.
1.ON THE CLUBS BEHALF
1.1. We will be putting the child’s welfare, safety, and enjoyment first.
1.2. We will be treating all young people with respect and dignity.
1.3. We will make walking as fun as possible.
2. ON THE MEMBERS & VISITORS BEHALF WE ASK THAT
2.1 All members & visitors under the age of 18 years must be accompanied by their parent or guardian, on all walks and club trips.
2.2 They will be the parents or guardians full responsibility.
2.3 Parents or guardians must check that the walk is suitable as the leader or club will not be responsible.
2.4 Please insure the child has suitable walking gear and any other requirement he or she may need during the walk, e.g. medication.
2.5 As members of our club enjoy taking photos if you would prefer your child not to be photographed please let me know.
Ballyvaughan Fanore Walking Club.
Info@ballyvaughanfanorewalkingclub.com
087 7779714.