1.         Name

2.         Affiliation

2.1 The club shall be affiliated to England Athletics.

2.2 The affiliation fees are paid by the club.

3.         Aims and Objectives

• To encourage and support runners of all levels and abilities
• To encourage the practice and development of amateur athletics in road, trail, fell and cross country running
• To encourage competitive opportunities and participation in team events
• To promote the club within the local community
• To ensure a duty of care to all members

 4.         Membership

4.1 The club shall consist of the committee officers and the ordinary members which includes

• First claim Dragons RC members
• Second claim members to Dragons RC
• Social members

4.2 In accepting membership, a person agrees to abide by the constitution of the club, club policies and the rulings of the club committee.

4.3 A candidate for membership should be a minimum of 16 years of age (and accompanied by a parent or guardian who is a paid club member if aged 16-17 years) and apply on a membership application form provided by the Membership Secretary.  

4.4 Membership is limited to amateurs who are eligible to compete under England Athletics.

5.         Membership Fees 

5.1 Annual membership fees fall due on or before 1st March for the year ahead (April to March).  Fees are paid to the Membership Secretary.  

5.2 The Committee may elect to either extend membership or reduce the annual membership fee for any new member joining mid year after the month of September.

6.         The Committee

6.1 The management of the club shall be vested in the committee of which there are up to 14 positions or as agreed by the Chair.

6.2 The Committee shall act for the members. Any financial liabilities shall be the responsibility of all members (provided the Committee act in accordance with the constitution, in honesty and good faith).

6.3 The Committee shall comprise of 6 Officers:

• Chairperson
• Club Secretary
• Treasurer
• Membership Secretary
• Welfare Officer
• Social Secretary

There will also be up to 8 other Ordinary Committee Members, or as agreed by the Chair.  

6.4 The Officers of the club shall hold office for a calendar year, being elected annually at the club annual general meeting (see paragraph 8).  All Committee members shall retire annually but shall be eligible for re-appointment.

6.5 Any casual vacancy occurring may be filled by the Committee.

6.6 The quorum necessary for the transaction of business at Committee meetings shall be a total of 5 officers and ordinary members present and eligible to vote.

6.7 Every question at a meeting of the Committee shall be determined by a majority of the Committee members present and voting, with each Committee member having one vote. In the event of equal votes, the chair of the meeting shall have a casting vote.

 6.8 The interpretation of the club constitution shall be vested in the Committee, who shall decide all questions relating to the club, save those specified in, or involving an amendment to the constitution (see paragraph 12).

7.         Finance

7.1 The financial year runs January 1st to December 31st.

7.2 The club treasurer is responsible for the finances of the club.

7.3 Proper accounts shall be kept of all sums of money received and paid out by the club and all surplus income or profits are re-invested in the club.

7.4 Following an independent review, a statement of accounts for the previous financial year shall be presented at the annual general meeting of the club.

7.5 The funds of the club shall be lodged at a bank or building society in an account in the name of the club, and all cheques, drafts etc. drawn on these accounts shall be signed by an authorised officer.

8.         Annual General Meeting and Special General Meetings

8.1 The annual general meeting (AGM) of the club shall be held every year during the month of February when the annual report of the committee and the statement of accounts up to the end of the financial year shall be presented.  

 8.2 Not less than 21-days of notice of the date of the AGM shall be given to all members by the Club secretary.

8.3 Agenda items will be dealt with at the meeting.  Notice of any business which is intended for inclusion on the agenda must be given to the Club secretary at least 7 days before the meeting.

8.4 Officers for the year ahead will be elected at the AGM.   

 8.5 Members at the AGM shall elect Ordinary Committee Members of the club as the committee may from time to time determine.

8.6 All members are entitled to vote at general meetings of the club and shall have equal voting rights.

8.7 The quorum for the AGM shall be 10 members present and eligible to vote.

9.         Voting Procedures

9.1 Each member shall be entitled to one vote.

9.2 A motion shall be carried by a simple majority of those present and voting, except when the motion is a constitutional amendment, which shall require a two thirds majority (see paragraph 12.6).

9.3 The chairperson shall have the casting vote in addition to a deliberative vote.

10.       Disciplines and Appeals

10.1 The committee shall have the power to take appropriate disciplinary action against any member, and shall have the authority to terminate the membership of any member guilty of conduct deemed to be to the detriment of the club or amateur athletics generally. See Club Grievance & Disciplinary Policy.

11.       Dissolution Procedures

11.1 Upon dissolution of the club any remaining assets shall be given or transferred to another registered community amateur sports club or a registered charity.  No member shall obtain any asset from the club.

11.2 The club may be wound up on a resolution of the members, passed by a two-thirds majority at a special meeting convened for that purpose upon the request of 10 members of the club.  At least 14 days notice of the meeting shall have been sent to all members of the club.

11.3 In the event of the passing of the resolution to wind up the club, the members shall appoint a representative committee which shall be empowered to distribute the assets, including cash and investments in hand to those listed in point 11.1.

12.       Review of the Constitution

12.1 This constitution shall be reviewed on an annual basis.

12.2 Amendments to the constitution shall only be agreed at the AGM or at an extraordinary general meeting (EGM) called for that purpose.

12.3 Additions to, or alterations of, the constitution shall be submitted to the secretary not less than 14 days before the date of the AGM, or with a request for an extraordinary general meeting of club members.  No resolution involving an amendment to the constitution may be proposed or amended from the floor of a meeting.

12.4 In the event of a proposal for amending the constitution being submitted, the secretary shall inform the membership of the proposed motion not less than 21 days before the AGM.

12.5 Any amendments to the proposed motion duly proposed and seconded in like manner shall be submitted in writing to the secretary not later than 21 days before the said meeting.

12.6 Any alteration to the constitution shall require a two thirds majority of the members present and voting.

12.7 In the event of any question or matter arising which is not provided in the constitution, such question or matter shall be dealt with by the committee, whose decision shall be final.  
    

Updated 28 Feburary 2024