CONSTITUTION AND RULES OF DORSET SQUASH RACKETS ASSOCOATION

CONSTITUTION AND RULES OF

DORSET SQUASH

1.	The Association shall be called Dorset Squash.
2.	OBJECTS
2.1	To represent England Squash (The National Governing Body) and to act on its behalf within the County of Dorset.
2.2	To promote and encourage the game of Squash Rackets and to further its growth and development at all levels in the County of Dorset.
2.3	To maintain and uphold the rules of the Governing Body.
2.4	To provide local administration and liaison with the County membership as and when required.
2.5	To train, select and manage County Teams for Inter County matches.
2.6	To arrange Dorset Individual County Championships.
2.7	To arrange Dorset Inter Club competitions on a league and knock out basis.
2.8	To arrange other competitions as it shall from time to time be deemed necessary.
3.	MEMBERS
3.1	Clubs and organisations in the county of Dorset including those in adjacent counties who are affiliated to England Squash and who pay a league fee to Dorset Squash.
3.2	Individuals registered under the England Squash Player Membership Scheme.
3.3	Members of a Dorset Squash affiliated club will be entitled to play in the Dorset Winter and Summer leagues and the Knock Out Cup Competition.
3.4	Dorset Squash will not discriminate on the ground of sex, disability, ethnic origin or creed.
4.	SUBSCRIPTIONS
4.1	Clubs and organisations shall pay to the National Governing Body the current subscription as set by the National Governing Body, subject to new SRA rules on affiliation fees.
4.2	Delete Rule: Individual Dorset SRA subscriptions shall be fixed each year at the AGM and shall be paid in accordance with the current league rules.
4.2	Clubs and organisations will pay a league entry fee as levied by Dorset Squash at the AGM.
5.	MANAGEMENT
5.1	The management of Dorset Squash shall be entrusted to the Dorset Squash Committee, which shall consist of the following positions and individuals who must be members of an affiliated club and will be elected to those positions annually at the AGM.
	MAIN OFFICERS - Chairman - Honorary Secretary - Honorary Treasurer - Vice Chairman (voted on from General Committee at the first meeting after the AGM).
	GENERAL COMMITTEE - Squash & Racketball League & Cup Coordinator - Men’s County Manager - Ladies’ County Manager - Junior County Manager - Summer League Co-Ordinator - Website Co-Ordinator - Coaching/Refereeing Coordinator - Tournament Coordinator. - The Vice Chairman will be elected from the General Committee.
5.2	All members of the Dorset Squash Committee, including co-opted members, shall be entitled to vote. The Chairman, or in his/her absence the Vice Chairman, will have the casting vote.
5.3	At least two members of the Dorset Squash Committee shall be women if the remainder are men and vice versa.
5.4	At least one of the Main Officers shall be a woman in the case of a majority of men, and vice versa.
5.5	Additional (non-voting) members may be co-opted by the Dorset Squash Committee as deemed appropriate.
5.6	A quorum for Dorset Squash Committee meetings shall be two of the Main Officers plus two of the General Committee but will not consist of a majority representing one club.
5.7	Regular meetings will be held at the Dorset Squash Committee’s discretion.
5.8	No more than three members from any one club or organisation may belong to the Dorset Squash Committee at any one time.
6.	POWERS OF THE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE
6.1	The powers vested in the Dorset Squash Committee relate to the requirements necessary to enable the fulfilment and management of the object of Dorset Squash. The Dorset Squash Committee has the power to:
6.1.1	Determine policies in harmony with those of the National Governing Body.
6.1.2	Create sub-committees as deemed necessary.
6.1.3	Ensure the competent organisation of Dorset Squash and that all sub-committee decisions are brought before Management Committee for ratification and acceptance.
6.1.4	Determine the level of tournament entry fees.
6.1.5	Act in all matters and employ Dorset Squash funds in such a manner as deemed most effective and in the best interests of Dorset Squash.
6.1.6	Co-opt members to fill vacant positions on the Dorset Squash Committee.

6.1.7	To raise funds on behalf of Dorset Squash.
6.1.8	To receive funds from the National Governing Body.
6.1.9	Ensure correct financial management.
6.1.11	Appoint a National Governing Body Council Delegate.
6.1.12	Decide on awards for distinction and merit for County Team Players.
6.1.13	Invoke disciplinary procedures as per the National Governing Body’s code of conduct.
6.1.14	Decide disputes in accordance with Competition rules.
6.1.15	Nominate authorised cheque signatories; two signatures will accounts.
6.1.16	Take any action reasonably necessary to pursue and attain the objects of Dorset Squash.
7.	ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
7.1	The Association’s AGM shall be held during May or June each year.
7.2	The Association’s President shall preside at all General Meetings, or failing him the Chairman of Dorset Squash (delete “Dorset SRA”).
7.3	Not less than 21 days written notice shall be given to all Clubs and Organisations stating the business to be transacted. Clubs and Organisations shall be notified by post and/or e-mail.
7.4	Any Other Business items should reach the Honorary Secretary, in writing, at least seven days before the meeting.
7.5	At each AGM they shall vote upon appointment or reappointment of any persons nominated for President by not less than 5 members entitled to vote. Nominations must be in writing to reach the Honorary Secretary at least seven days before the meeting.
7.6	Mandatory items for the agenda are: · Apologies for absence · Approval of minutes · Matters arising · Annual report · Adoption of accounts · Appointment of auditors · To set the subscription rate for Association Membership for the forthcoming year · Election of President · Election of Management Committee · Other business (subject to appropriate notice)
7.7	All nominations for election of the Dorset Squash (delete “Dorset SRA”) Committee shall be proposed and seconded by persons, clubs or organisations able to vote at an AGM, and shall be made in writing to the Honorary Secretary at least seven days before the meeting.
7.8	Those entitled to vote:
7.8.1	Playing members of Dorset Squash (delete “Dorset SRA”) affiliated clubs.
7.8.2	Duly appointed representatives of Clubs or Organisations affiliated to the National Governing Body.
7.9	Each club or organisation shall be entitled to ONE vote and individual playing members shall be entitled to ONE vote, but no person shall be allowed to vote in more than one capacity.
7.10	The quorum at general meetings shall be twelve persons entitled to attend and vote.
8.	EXTRAORDINARY GENERAL MEETING (EGM)
8.1	An EGM may be called by the Dorset Squash (delete “Dorset SRA”) Committee in the same manner as an AGM, at any time, stating the business and giving at least 21 days notice.
8.2	An EGM may be called by five affiliated Clubs or Organisations, or by twenty individual members, or by a majority vote of the League Management Committee. A letter signed by one of these qualifying groups must be lodged with the Honorary Secretary of Dorset Squash (delete “the Dorset SRA”) and the EGM notified to members and held within 28 days of the receipt of such a letter.
8.3	A representative from each affiliated club or organisation calling the EGM must attend. In the case of the EGM being called by individual playing members at least fifteen of those members must attend.
8.4	Voting entitlement and quorum requirement shall be the same as for an AGM.
8.5	If an EGM lapses because of a lack of a quorum, the persons calling the EGM may not call another during the remainder of the Association’s year.
9.0	AGM / EGM VOTING PROCEDURE
9.1	Voting may be by a show of hands or by voting cards.

10.	ALTERATION TO CONSTITUTION
10.1	Alterations to this constitution require a 75% majority of those present and entitled to vote at any AGM or EGM. Any alterations can only be made at an AGM or EGM.
11.	LEAGUE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE (LMC)
11.1	A LMC will be formed to organise and control the County Leagues and Knock Out Cup Competition.
11.2	The LMC will consist of representatives from each club or organisation participating in the Dorset Squash Leagues. A club or organisation shall be represented by no more than ONE ladies and ONE men’s team representative.
11.3	The Chairman of the LMC shall be the League & Cup Coordinator.
11.4	Only duly authorised club representatives will be entitled to vote. The Chairman (of the meeting) will possess a casting vote.
11.5	The LMC shall be responsible for making and enforcing the Dorset Squash League Rules.
12.	DISSOLUTION
12.1	In the event that the dissolution of the Association is necessary, then all it’s assets shall be converted into cash in order to discharge any liabilities. Any balance remaining shall be equally transferred to the affiliated clubs and organisations in Dorset.
13.	OTHER ITEMS
13.1	No affiliated club or organisation of the Association may organise any Open Tournament, Championship or be involved or organise any squash team or event which may give the impression that such competition or event is organised by, or represents, Dorset Squash without prior approval of the Dorset Squash Committee.
13.2	In recognition of services to Squash, and to ensure continued participation in the game, Dorset Squash may appoint Honorary Vice Presidents. Such individuals will, if invited to attend meetings, have a non-voting place on the Dorset Committee.

OBJECTS

MEMBERS

Clubs and organisations in the county of Dorset including those in adjacent counties who are affiliated to England Squash and who pay a league fee to Dorset Squash.

Individuals registered under the England Squash Player Membership Scheme.

Members of a Dorset Squash affiliated club will be entitled to play in the Dorset Winter and Summer leagues and the Knock Out Cup Competition.

Dorset Squash will not discriminate on the ground of sex, disability, ethnic origin or creed.

SUBSCRIPTIONS

Clubs and organisations shall pay to the National Governing Body the current subscription as set by the National Governing Body, subject to new SRA rules on affiliation fees.

Delete Rule: Individual Dorset SRA subscriptions shall be fixed each year at the AGM and shall be paid in accordance with the current league rules.

Clubs and organisations will pay a league entry fee as levied by Dorset Squash at the AGM.

MANAGEMENT

The management of Dorset Squash shall be entrusted to the Dorset Squash Committee, which shall consist of the following positions and individuals who must be members of an affiliated club and will be elected to those positions annually at the AGM.

MAIN OFFICERS

GENERAL COMMITTEE

All members of the Dorset Squash Committee, including co-opted members, shall be entitled to vote. The Chairman, or in his/her absence the Vice Chairman, will have the casting vote.

At least two members of the Dorset Squash Committee shall be women if the remainder are men and vice versa.

At least one of the Main Officers shall be a woman in the case of a majority of men, and vice versa.

Additional (non-voting) members may be co-opted by the Dorset Squash Committee as deemed appropriate.

A quorum for Dorset Squash Committee meetings shall be two of the Main Officers plus two of the General Committee but will not consist of a majority representing one club.

Regular meetings will be held at the Dorset Squash Committee’s discretion.

No more than three members from any one club or organisation may belong to the Dorset Squash Committee at any one time.

POWERS OF THE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE

The powers vested in the Dorset Squash Committee relate to the requirements necessary to enable the fulfilment and management of the object of Dorset Squash. The Dorset Squash Committee has the power to:

Determine policies in harmony with those of the National Governing Body.

Create sub-committees as deemed necessary.

Ensure the competent organisation of Dorset Squash and that all sub-committee decisions are brought before Management Committee for ratification and acceptance.

Determine the level of tournament entry fees.

Act in all matters and employ Dorset Squash funds in such a manner as deemed most effective and in the best interests of Dorset Squash.

To raise funds on behalf of Dorset Squash.

To receive funds from the National Governing Body.

Ensure correct financial management.

Appoint a National Governing Body Council Delegate.

Decide on awards for distinction and merit for County Team Players.

Invoke disciplinary procedures as per the National Governing Body’s code of conduct.

Decide disputes in accordance with Competition rules.

Nominate authorised cheque signatories; two signatures will accounts.

Take any action reasonably necessary to pursue and attain the objects of Dorset Squash.

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

The Association’s AGM shall be held during May or June each year.

The Association’s President shall preside at all General Meetings, or failing him the Chairman of Dorset Squash (delete “Dorset SRA”).

Not less than 21 days written notice shall be given to all Clubs and Organisations stating the business to be transacted. Clubs and Organisations shall be notified by post and/or e-mail.

Any Other Business items should reach the Honorary Secretary, in writing, at least seven days before the meeting.

At each AGM they shall vote upon appointment or reappointment of any persons nominated for President by not less than 5 members entitled to vote. Nominations must be in writing to reach the Honorary Secretary at least seven days before the meeting.

Mandatory items for the agenda are:

All nominations for election of the Dorset Squash (delete “Dorset SRA”) Committee shall be proposed and seconded by persons, clubs or organisations able to vote at an AGM, and shall be made in writing to the Honorary Secretary at least seven days before the meeting.

Those entitled to vote:

Playing members of Dorset Squash (delete “Dorset SRA”) affiliated clubs.

Duly appointed representatives of Clubs or Organisations affiliated to the National Governing Body.

Each club or organisation shall be entitled to ONE vote and individual playing members shall be entitled to ONE vote, but no person shall be allowed to vote in more than one capacity.

The quorum at general meetings shall be twelve persons entitled to attend and vote.

EXTRAORDINARY GENERAL MEETING (EGM)

An EGM may be called by the Dorset Squash (delete “Dorset SRA”) Committee in the same manner as an AGM, at any time, stating the business and giving at least 21 days notice.

A representative from each affiliated club or organisation calling the EGM must attend. In the case of the EGM being called by individual playing members at least fifteen of those members must attend.

Voting entitlement and quorum requirement shall be the same as for an AGM.

If an EGM lapses because of a lack of a quorum, the persons calling the EGM may not call another during the remainder of the Association’s year.

AGM / EGM VOTING PROCEDURE

ALTERATION TO CONSTITUTION

Alterations to this constitution require a 75% majority of those present and entitled to vote at any AGM or EGM. Any alterations can only be made at an AGM or EGM.

LEAGUE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE (LMC)

A LMC will be formed to organise and control the County Leagues and Knock Out Cup Competition.

The LMC will consist of representatives from each club or organisation participating in the Dorset Squash Leagues. A club or organisation shall be represented by no more than ONE ladies and ONE men’s team representative.

The Chairman of the LMC shall be the League & Cup Coordinator.

Only duly authorised club representatives will be entitled to vote. The Chairman (of the meeting) will possess a casting vote.

The LMC shall be responsible for making and enforcing the Dorset Squash League Rules.

DISSOLUTION

In the event that the dissolution of the Association is necessary, then all it’s assets shall be converted into cash in order to discharge any liabilities. Any balance remaining shall be equally transferred to the affiliated clubs and organisations in Dorset.

OTHER ITEMS

In recognition of services to Squash, and to ensure continued participation in the game, Dorset Squash may appoint Honorary Vice Presidents. Such individuals will, if invited to attend meetings, have a non-voting place on the Dorset Committee.