Winchmore Hill Bowls Club

Winchmore Hill Bowls Club - Rules and Bye Laws

Rules as at 12 Dec 2013.doc

Club Rules and Bye-Laws at 12th December 2013 


Winchmore Hill   Bowling Club


1. Title.

The name of the Club shall be “The Winchmore Hill Bowling Club” hereafter referred to as “the Club” and the colours shall be Red, Dark Blue, Green and Gold.


2. Objects.

To foster and promote the sport of flat green bowls at all levels, providing opportunities for recreation and competition under the rules of the Bowls England and those of the Middlesex County Bowling Association.


3. Affiliation.

The Club shall be affiliated to the London and Southern Counties Bowling Association, Middlesex County Bowling Association, Middlesex County Women's Bowling Association and Bowls England.


4.   Membership.

Membership of the Club shall be open to all persons after and subject to acceptance of the application by the Management Committee and payment of the relevant subscription fee as determined by the Club.

Membership of the Club shall consist of one hundred and fifty Playing Members, up to eight Life Members and a limited number of Country Members, Honorary Members and Social Non-Playing Members, as prescribed from time to time by the Management Committee. Country Membership is granted, at the discretion of the Management Committee, only to previous Playing Members who reside over thirty miles from the Club.

The Members of the Club shall be collectively responsible for the proper conduct of the affairs and liabilities of the Club, for liabilities properly incurred on the Club’s behalf by the Trustees and for the management of the Club by the Management Committee.

Every Member binds himself to abide by the Rules and Bye-Laws of the Club and also by any modification thereof in conformity with such Rules.

Only Playing Members and Life Members are entitled to vote at General Meetings.


5. Officers of the Club.

The Officers of the Club shall be the following: The President, Vice-President, The Captain and Vice-Captain, Ladies Captain and Ladies Vice-Captain, Treasurer, Assistant Treasurer, Secretary, Assistant Secretary, Ladies Secretary, Match Secretary, Competition Secretary, Green Ranger, Maintenance Officer and two (2) other General Committee Members. All of the foregoing shall be either a Playing Member or a Life Member. 

The following Officers may be Playing or Social Non-Playing Members: Membership Secretary, Social Secretary, Bar Steward, Catering Officer, Magazine Editor and Welfare Officer. 

Where applicable, all posts may be filled by male or female Members.


6. Election of officers.

All Officers shall be elected at the Annual General Meeting of the Club, from, and by, the Members. All Officers are elected for a period of one year, but may be re-elected to the same office or another office the following year. Any two Members of the Club entitled to vote, may propose any other candidate or candidates by notice to the Secretary on a form to be provided by the Secretary and prominently displayed in the Club premises from the 1st day of August until 1st day in October each year. Voting shall be by ballot and in the case of a tie; a draw by the Chairperson shall decide who fills the vacancy.









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  1. The Management Committee. 

The Club shall be managed, by the Management Committee consisting of:-

The President, Vice-President, a Nominee from The Captains Committee, Green Ranger, Treasurer, Secretary, Assistant Secretary, Social Secretary, Ladies’ Captain, Men’s Captain, Bar Steward, Membership Secretary and two (2) other General Committee Members. The Trustees shall be ex-officio Members who may attend all Management Committee Meetings but without entitlement to vote.

The Management Committee shall have the power to elect Sub-Committees and co-opt Members to assist in the performance of their specific function.

The Management Committee shall have the power to deal with any matters arising which may not be provided for in the Rules of the Club. The quorum necessary for the transaction of the business of the Committee shall be five members present entitled to vote.


8. The Captains Committee.

All Men’s and Ladies’ playing matters, including fixture arrangements, handicapping, team selection, external competitions and internal Club competitions but not including matters of discipline, shall be dealt with by The Captains Committee consisting of the, The Men’s Captain and Men’s Vice-Captain, Ladies Captain and Ladies Vice-Captain, Ladies Secretary, Match Secretary, Competitions Secretary and Catering Officer. The quorum necessary for the transaction of the business of the Committee shall be four members present entitled to vote. Before each meeting one of the Members present will be elected to the chair.


9. Club Trustees.

The property of the Club shall be vested in Trustees of whom there shall be no more than six or not less than three and who shall be elected at a General Meeting of the Club by Members entitled to vote and shall respectively hold office until death or resignation, unless removed from office by a resolution of the Management Committee or of Members entitled to vote at a General Meeting. The Trustees shall deal with the property of the Club as directed by resolution of the Members duly passed at a General Meeting. 


10. General Meetings.

The Annual General Meeting shall be held not later than the 14th December each year. 

The President, or failing him or her, the Vice-President of the Club, shall preside as the Chairperson at every General Meeting of the Club. A quorum for a General Meeting shall be 20.


11. Notice of General Meetings.

The notice of an Annual General Meeting shall be accompanied by the audited income and expenditure account

and financial statement together with the nominations, reports of the Committees and any proposed resolutions.

The Secretary shall summon Extraordinary General Meetings as follows:


  1. At the direction of the Management Committee.
  2. Upon receipt of a signed requisition by not less than ten Members entitled to vote for the consideration of such business only as shall be mentioned in such request.


A notice may be given by the Club to any Member either personally or by sending it by post to that Member or to the Member’s registered address.


No business shall be transacted at any General Meeting unless a quorum of Members is present when the Meeting proceeds to business and twenty Members personally present and entitled to vote shall be a quorum.


Any Member entitled to vote at a General Meeting may nominate the Chairperson or any other Member with similar voting rights to act as proxy voter by submitting written notice to the Secretary prior to the date of the Meeting. Proxy votes shall have equal status to those of Members attending the Meeting in person.


The President, or failing him or her, the Vice-President of the Club, shall preside as the Chairperson at every General Meeting of the Club.


12. Alterations to the Constitution.

Any proposed alterations to the Club’s Constitution may only be considered at an Annual or Extraordinary General Meeting convened with the required written notice of the proposal.  Any alteration or amendment must be duly proposed and seconded.  Such alterations shall be passed if supported by not less than two-thirds of those Members present at the meeting, assuming that a quorum has been achieved.

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13. Bye-Laws.

The Management Committee of the Club shall have the power from time to time to make, alter, set aside or repeal all such Bye-Laws as they may deem necessary or expedient for the proper conduct and management of the Club. 


14. Subscriptions.

The subscriptions payable shall be such as the Management Committee shall prescribe from time to time and for the following categories of Membership:

  1. Playing Members;
  2. Junior Members (12-16 years old);
  3. Country Members;
  4. Social Non-Playing Members;
  5. Temporary Members;


15. Election of Members.

Every candidate for Membership of the Club shall be proposed and seconded by Playing Members of the Club, to both of whom the candidate should be known. The application for Membership of every such candidate shall be made in writing, with full name, address and previous experience and signed by the candidate and by his or her proposer and seconder and shall be on the prescribed form supplied by the Secretary. An application for Membership shall not be deemed complete until initialled by the Secretary or Assistant Secretary.

Should Members of the Club not know a candidate for Membership and thus unable to find a proposer and seconder, then his or her application may be submitted to the Secretary accompanied by the names and addresses of two referees to whom references may be made.


16.        Temporary Membership.

The Management Committee shall have the power to elect as Members of the Club any persons introduced to the President, Secretary or Captain, who desire temporary Membership only. Members of an inter-affiliated Club shall be regarded as bona fide guests


17. Honorary Life Members.

Life Membership is an honour, which may be bestowed upon Members who have rendered the Club outstanding services. All proposals shall be notified in writing to the Secretary at least eight weeks before the Annual General Meeting for consideration by the Management Committee and no such proposals shall be laid before the Annual General Meeting unless previously approved by the Management Committee. The Management Committee shall not be bound to give any reason for rejecting any proposal. The bestowal of Life Membership shall not preclude such Life Members from holding office or from remaining Playing Members and from exercising all rights thereof. Life Members shall be entitled to the same privileges as ordinary Members but shall not be required to pay annual subscriptions.


18. Honorary Members.

Honorary Membership is an honour, which may be bestowed upon any person other than a Playing Member who has rendered outstanding service to the Club or the game of bowls. All proposals must be approved by the Management Committee before consideration by the Annual General Meeting. The Management Committee shall not be bound to give any reason for rejecting any proposal. The bestowal of Honorary Membership shall entitle such Honorary Members to the same privileges as Non-Playing Members but shall not be required to pay annual subscriptions.


19. The Bowling Green.

The Bowling Green shall be open for play every day in the season from such times as agreed by the Management Committee but it shall be at the discretion of the Greenranger, Captain or Vice-Captain or in the absence of these Officers, by a majority of the Management Committee Members present, to prohibit play if in their opinion the Green is unfit.


20. Child Protection.

The Winchmore Hill Bowling Club is committed to promoting a safe environment in which children and vulnerable adults can enjoy taking part in the game of bowls. It will seek to underpin and ensure this commitment by following and promoting the joint Child Protection and Procedures of the National Governing Bodies.


21. Anti-Doping.

The Winchmore Hill Bowling Club supports the aims of Bowls England commitment to implementing the long-term education and information strategy so that successive generations of bowlers can be proud to say they are “100% ME”.


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22. Discrimination, Equal Opportunities and Human Rights.

The Winchmore Hill Bowling Club supports the aims of Equal Opportunities and Human Rights.

Management of the Club is by its Management Committee who will be guided by the Equal Opportunities and Human Rights Legislation.


23. Health & Safety Policy.

The Winchmore Hill Bowling Club has a Duty of Care for all its Members and Visitors. It follows all the Guidelines for Health and Safety as required under Health and Safety Legislation. For practical purposes this will be monitored and managed by the Management Committee.


24. Insurance and Indemnity Clause.

Each member of the Club shall (to the extent that such person is not entitled to recover under any policy of insurance) be entitled to be indemnified out of any and all funds available to the Club which may be so applied, against all costs, expenses and liabilities whatsoever incurred by such person in the proper execution and discharge of duties undertaken on behalf of the Club or arising there from, or incurred in good faith in the purported discharge of such duties.

Save in any such case where any such costs, expenses and liabilities arise in connection with any negligence, default, breach of duty or breach of trust.

Provided that any such member so indemnified, has been properly authorised in relation to the duties undertaken on behalf of the Club by the Management Committee.


25. Misconduct, Suspension and Exclusion of Members.

If any Member of the Club shall willfully refuse or neglect to comply to the Rules and Bye-Laws of the Club, or shall be guilty of any conduct likely to be injurious to the Club, such Member shall be liable to expulsion or suspension by a Resolution of the Management Committee, providing that at least one week before the Meeting at which such a Resolution so passed he or she shall have had notice thereof the intended Resolution for expulsion or suspension and shall at such Meeting and before the passing of such Resolution, have had an opportunity of giving orally or in writing any explanation or defence he or she may think fit. A Member expelled or suspended under this Rule shall forfeit all right in and claim upon the Cub and its property. Subject to Bowls England Rules and Regulations (Issue B) regulation 9.


26. Distribution of Surpluses and Dissolution of the Club

  1. There shall be no distribution of any surplus funds save to another non-profit making body. 
  2. If, at any General Meeting of the Club, a resolution be passed calling for the dissolution of the Club, the Secretary shall immediately convene an Extraordinary General Meeting to be held not less than one month thereafter to discuss and vote on the resolution.
  3. If, at that Extraordinary General Meeting, the resolution is carried by at least two-thirds of the Members present, the Committee shall thereupon, or at such date as shall have been specified in the resolution, proceed to realise the assets of the Club and discharge all debts and liabilities of the Club.
  4. In the event of the dissolution of the Club, Qualifying Members (being fully paid-up Members of five years continuous Membership and over at the date of the dissolution) shall benefit pro rata to their total contribution in the disbursement of available funds and assets. Any person ceasing to be a Member of the Club shall forfeit all rights to any claim upon the Club, its property and funds. But, should any Member die between dissolution and payment of such benefit, that benefit shall go to the Member’s estate.












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BYE-LAWS.


The following Bye-Laws have been authorised by the Management Committee in accordance with the Rules of the Winchmore Hill Bowling Club and should be read in conjunction with those Rules.


  1. Access to the Club premises for Members shall be at reasonable times throughout the year for use relevant to the objectives and conduct of the Club, at the final discretion of the Management Committee.


  1. Clubhouse and Licensing Laws.
  1. Alcohol may only be supplied or sold to Members and guests as permitted by Licensing Laws from time to time in force for “Qualifying Clubs” as defined in the Licensing Act 2003.
  2. The Clubhouse and the Club Bar shall open and close at such times as the Management Committee shall from time to time decide subject always to the proviso that the opening times of the Club Bar will be within permitted hours for the supply of alcohol as detailed in the “Club’s Operating Schedule” provided to the Licensing Authorities in accordance with the laws from time to time in force.
  3. Alcohol must not be supplied to anyone under the age of 18.
  4. The purchase of alcohol by the Club and supply of alcohol by the Club shall be managed by the Management Committee.
  5. No arrangements are, or are intended to be, made for any person to receive at the expense of the Club any commission, percentage or similar payment, or in reference to, purchase of alcohol by the Club.
  6. No arrangements are, or are intended to be, made for any person directly or indirectly, to derive any pecuniary benefit from the supply of alcohol by or on behalf of the Club to Members or guests, apart from any benefits accruing to the Club as a whole, or which a person derives indirectly by reason of the supply giving rise to contributing to general gain from the carrying on of the Club.
  7. Children under the age of 12 are not allowed within the precincts of the Clubhouse unless accompanied by an adult.
  8. The taking of bets and games of gambling not in accordance with the Law are prohibited within the precincts of the Clubhouse.
  9. The permitted licensing hours for the sale of intoxicating liquors at the Club Bar are:

Monday – Saturday 11.00am to 11.00pm Sunday 12.00 noon to 9.30pm. 

  1. An extension to the permitted licensing hours for a particular occasion may be applied for by the Secretary at the discretion of the Management Committee.
  2. The times that the bar will be open will be within the above permitted licensing hours and at the discretion of the Management Committee. The Management Committee shall produce a rota of designated Members to operate the bar within the decided times. Those on the rota shall also be entitled to open and close the bar at other times within the above hours, if that is the wish of Club Members.
  3. Consumption of intoxicating liquors on Club premises must be confined to those purchased within the Club. The drinking of minerals and intoxicating liquors purchased within the Club is permitted around, but not on, the Bowling Green, subject to the discretion of the Management Committee.


  1. Other refreshments will be supplied to Members from time to time at such charges as may be determined by the Catering Committee and approved by the Management Committee.


  1. All Members of the Club shall pay every expense they incur before leaving the Club premises.


  1. A Member damaging any property belonging to the Club shall make good such damage to the satisfaction of the Management Committee.


  1. The misconduct of an employee of the Club shall in no circumstances be reprimanded by a Member of the Club but shall be reported to a Member of the Management Committee. Complaints against employees shall be addressed to the Secretary and shall be considered by the Management Committee in session.


  1. Any complaint or suggestion concerning the running of the Club, including disputes over the interpretation of these Bye-Laws, shall be submitted in writing to the Secretary. Complaints or suggestions must be signed in full by the Member(s) making them.


  1. Musical instruments, radios, other appliances for making music, mobile phones and other intrusive electronic instruments may not be brought onto or around the Bowling Green. Music may however be played and other appliances used on occasions, for which permission has been granted by the Management Committee.
  2. Vehicles shall be parked in an orderly manner in the car park and in the spaces provided.


  1. Bicycles shall not be brought into Club buildings or ridden in the Club grounds but must be stored at the rear of the Club in a space allocated by the Management Committee for this purpose.


  1. No dogs shall be admitted to the grounds or to the Club buildings unless on a lead and under control at all times.


  1. Posters, notices or placards are not to be posted or distributed in or about the Club premises without the permission of the Secretary.


  1. No sweepstakes draw or raffle requiring the sale of tickets to Members shall be organised by any Member of the Club without the permission of the Secretary. 


  1. A charge determined by the Management Committee and displayed in the Snooker Room is levied on Members for use of the billiards table. These charges must be paid by Members before they leave the Club premises.


  1. The Management Committee has responsibility for overseeing the use of the Club premises for any social functions with entrance fees as necessary to cover costs. Members joining in any entertainment so provided will be required to pay the approved entrance fee.


  1. The Management Committee reserves the right to set aside the main Hall of the Club for the exclusive use by the President or Captain of the Club for the purposes of entertaining visiting teams. 


  1. The Bowling Green shall be open for play every day in the season at the following times:

Tuesday and Thursday.   2.30pm to dusk.

Saturday, Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, and Friday 10.30am to dusk.

Except on special occasions and with provision for Club night starting times as determined by the Management Committee.

Play may be prohibited by the Greenranger, Captain or Vice-Captain or in the absence of these Officers by a majority of the Management Committee Members present, if in their opinion the Green is unfit.


  1. A Rink or Rinks may be reserved for friendly matches by arrangement with the Greenranger.


  1. The draws for all rounds in Club competitions shall be made by the Playing Committee. This shall fix starting and finishing dates, which, together with the results of the draws shall be posted in the Clubhouse. The first name in each pair or team mentioned shall be challenger and must give the opponent two alternative dates for playing off and shall arrange a marker where necessary subject to mutual agreement. If competitors know they will not be available to play in a Final on the given date, they must withdraw at the semi-final stage giving their opponent a walk-over to the final.


  1. Qualified coaches or Instructors whose names are displayed on the Club Notice Board are available to assist Playing Members on request and applicants for Membership, as required. The Management Committee will ensure that new Members are provided with necessary coaching/assessment and the name of a supporting Member (Coach, Instructor or any other Member) to give help and advice during their first season including such matters as Clubhouse entry and security and bar and catering procedures.


  1. Use and allocation of rinks.
  1. All playing Members have equal rights to play on the green.
  2. Rink allocation on designated Club nights shall be on a basis pre-determined by the Management Committee.
  3. On all other occasions, distribution of rinks shall be decided by those present reflecting wishes for mixed and/or single gender play.
  4. Bank Holidays and Special Occasions: arrangements to be at the discretion of the Management Committee.
  5. The Management Committee shall have the power to permit in common with the Members of the Club any person or persons to use gratuitously all the premises and property of the Club on such conditions as the Management Committee may determine for any period not exceeding seven days in any one year.






  1. Dress Code.


i) WHBC Bowlers using the Green shall wear clothing that is all white above the waist, providing that shirts or blouses are with collar and sleeves or the approved club shirt may be worn. Below the waist, grey (mid-grey for representative matches) or white clothing may be worn at any time but white must be worn between 2pm and 6pm on Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays.

ii)  Men may wear trousers or knee length tailored shorts. When shorts are worn, socks should also be worn and be either grey or white. However, full length trousers must be worn in all matches against other clubs.

iii) Ladies may wear trousers, crop trousers, knee length shorts or skirts. Socks or tights may be worn. The option of wearing shorts is precluded when playing in matches against other clubs.

iv) Only smooth-soled heel-less shoes of the approved pattern may be worn on the Green. The uppers of such may be brown, grey or white.

v) The approved club shirt must be worn for all representative matches against other clubs. It may also be worn at any time when playing on our green.

vi)  Only white or cream waterproofs will be worn on the bowling green.

vii) No Member or Visitor shall be allowed on the bowling green unless wearing shoes of the approved pattern.

viii) Dress code for Members and visitors entering the Clubhouse should be smart casual, unless otherwise specified by the Management Committee. 

ix) Any Member who is improperly dressed or inappropriately dressed on the Green in the light of this Bye-Law should be informed by an Officer or a Management Committee Member present. In the event of any further infringement the details shall be reported to the Secretary for any appropriate action.


  1. All General Meetings other than the Annual General Meeting shall be called “Extraordinary General Meetings”.


  1. General Meetings of the Club and Committees shall be on the basis that Members shall speak once only on any resolution before the meeting. Thereafter, anything further a Member has to say shall be by means of an amending proposition, which, if properly seconded shall be put to the vote. Only in this way can interminable argument be avoided. It is in the interest of all Members to co-operate.


  1. At General Meetings of the Club all members are encouraged to attend, however Non-playing Members may only vote on motions of a non-bowling nature or motions that will not directly affect bowling activities. Country and Honorary Members are also welcome but have no right to vote. 


  1. Any Member entitled to vote at a General Meeting may nominate the Chairperson or any other Member with similar voting rights to act as proxy voter, in full or for any specified proposal, including any poll taken, at a particular General Meeting by submitting written notice to the Secretary prior to the date of the Meeting. Proxy votes shall have equal status to those of Members attending the Meeting in person but shall have no bearing on assessment of a quorum for the meeting.


  1. The duties of the Management Committee shall be:- 

a) The maintenance of the premises and grounds and for such other actions as may from time to time be necessary to ensure the well being of the Club and its Members.

b) To control the affairs of the Club on behalf of the Members.

c) To keep accurate accounts of the finances of the Club through the Treasurer. These should be available for reasonable inspection by Members and should be examined by the appointed auditors before every Annual General Meeting.  The club shall maintain a bank current account.  All cheques and instruments of payment drawn against Club funds should be signed by the Treasurer. The Treasurer has the authority to be the sole signature on the bank account in order that the Club may utilise electronic banking.

d) To co-opt additional members of the Committee as the Committee feels necessary. Co-opted members shall not be entitled to vote on the Committee.

e) To make decisions on the basis of a simple majority vote. In the case of equal votes, the Chairperson shall be entitled to a second and casting vote.

f) To appoint Sub-Committees as necessary to fulfil the Club’s business.

g) The Management Committee shall record Minutes of all resolutions and proceedings at all Meetings of the Club and Management Committee meetings.

h) The Auditors shall be appointed at each Annual General Meeting of the Club.

i) The Management Committee shall have power to borrow for the purposes of the Club such amounts of money either at one time or from time to time and at such rate or rates of interest and in such form and manner and upon such security as they think fit, except as provided below. The Trustees shall make all such dispositions of the Club property as directed by resolution of the Management Committee of which an entry in the Minutes record shall be conclusive evidence except that the Trustees shall not demise, underlet, exchange, or sell or otherwise dispose of all or any part of the lands, buildings, tenements or hereditaments of the Club without the previous approval given by a Resolution of a duly convened General Meeting of the Club and passed by at least three quarters of those present entitled to vote at such meetings. The notice convening any such meetings shall give full particulars of the dealing proposed to be made and an entry in the Minutes record shall be conclusive evidence of such approval and direction. The Trustees shall deal with property as directed by a Resolution passed at a General Meeting and they shall be indemnified against risk and expense of Club property.

j) The Management Committee shall have the power to employ, as in its absolute discretion it thinks fit and upon such salary and conditions as it shall from time to time decide and may cause any pension or gratuity to be provided or any policy or assurance annuity or other security of funds for the time being belonging to the Club.

k) The Management Committee shall arrange that all buildings and other destructible property belonging to the Club is valued annually before the Annual General Meeting as agreed with the Club’s insurers. Insurance policies relating to the buildings and other destructible property owned by the Club shall be adjusted to fall due for renewal each Annual General Meeting and the premium shall be paid by the Treasurer without delay. A statement certifying that these requirements have been met and signed by the Secretary and Treasurer shall be tabled at the Annual General Meeting and recorded in the Minutes of that meeting.


  1. Should casual vacancies arise among the Officers (not being the Trustees), the Management Committee shall have 

the power to elect any Life Member or Playing Member to fill such a vacancy, but the proceedings of the Management Committee shall be invalidated in consequence of there being less than the prescribed number. An eligible Member chosen to fill a casual vacancy shall retire at the next Annual General Meeting.


29. The Playing Committee may meet together for the dispatch of business, adjourn and other wise regulate their

Meeting as they think fit. The Men’s and/or Ladies Captain may, at any time, summon a meeting of the Playing Committee and decide who will act as Chairperson and Secretary of the meeting. Any such meeting may report back to the Management Committee as it deems necessary or as directed by the Management Committee. All entries for competitions run by all bowling associations must be sent through the Match Secretary.


30.  The Committees may meet together for the dispatch of business adjourn and otherwise regulate their meetings as they think fit. Questions arising at any meeting shall be decided by a majority of vote. An Officer of the Club may, and the Secretary on the requisition of an Officer of the Club shall, at any time summon a Meeting of the Committee.


  1. The President of the Club, or failing him or her the Vice-President, shall preside as Chairperson of every Meeting of the Committee and if at any Meeting the President or the Vice-President is not present within five minutes after the time appointed for holding the same, the Members present may chose one of their number to be Chairperson of the Meeting.


  1. The Committee may delegate any of their powers to a Sub-Committee consisting of such Member or Members of their body as they think fit and appoint a Chairperson accordingly. Any Sub-Committee so formed shall, in the exercise of the powers so delegated, conform to any regulations that may be imposed on it by the Management Committee.


  1. If no such appointed Chairperson of a Sub-Committee is present within five minutes after the time appointed for holding the same, the Members present may chose one of their number to be Chairperson of the Meeting.


  1. A Sub-Committee may meet and adjourn as it thinks proper and questions arising at any Meeting shall be determined by a majority of votes of the Members present.


  1. The Management Committee shall have the power to deal with any matters arising which may not be provided for in the Rules of the Club, and in such a manner as in their discretion they shall deem to be in the best interests of the Club.


  1. The Committee may meet together for the dispatch of business adjourn and otherwise regulate their meetings as they think fit. Questions arising at any meeting shall be decided by a majority of vote. An Officer of the Club may, and the Secretary on the requisition of an Officer of the Club shall, at any time summon a Meeting of the Committee. 


  1. Seven clear days’ written notice shall be given to Members of the Annual General Meeting by either circulating a copy of the notice to every member at their home address or posting the notice on the Club Notice Board. The accidental omission to give notice of a meeting to, or the non-receipt of notice of a Meeting by, any person entitled to receive such notice shall not invalidate the proceedings at any Meeting. The notice of an Annual General Meeting shall be accompanied by the audited income and expenditure account and financial statement together with the nominations and any proposed resolutions. Members must advise the Secretary in writing of any business to be considered at the Annual General Meeting not later than 1st November.



  1. At any General Meeting, a resolution put to the vote of the Meeting shall be decided on a show of hands, unless a poll is (before or on the declaration of the result of the show of hands) demanded by the Chairperson or by at least two Members present and entitled to vote. A demand for a poll may be withdrawn. Unless a poll is so demanded, a declaration shall be made by the Chairperson that a resolution has, on a show of hands been carried or carried unanimously, or by a particular majority, or lost and an entry to that effect in the record of the proceedings of the Club shall be conclusive evidence of the fact without proof of the number or proportion of the votes recorded in favour or against the resolution.


  1. If a poll is duly demanded it shall be taken in such a manner as the Chairperson directs and the result of the poll shall be deemed to be the resolution of the Meeting at which the poll was demanded.


31.The business of the Annual General Meeting shall be to:-

  1. Notice convening the meeting and apologies for absence.
  2. Confirm the minutes of the previous Annual General Meeting and any General Meetings held since the last Annual General Meeting.
  3. To receive from the Treasurer a report, audited income and expenditure account and statement of accounts, for the financial year ended the previous 30th September.
  4. Receive the annual reports of the Committee from the Secretary and Officers of the Club.
  5. To receive from the Trustees a statement regarding the lands, buildings and property of the Club.
  6. To receive from the Secretary and Treasurer a statement regarding the insurance revaluation of all Club buildings and property and the renewal of all policies relating thereto as required by.
  7. To receive from the Secretary a statement regarding the expiry dates of all licenses issued to the Club.
  8. To elect Officers for the ensuing year and where necessary to elect a Trustee or Trustees and Life Members and Honorary Members on recommendation of the Management Committee.
  9. To appoint two auditors for the ensuing year.
  10. To decide on any Resolution which may be duly submitted to the meeting as hereafter provided. Any Member entitled to vote who is desirous of moving any Resolution at the Annual General Meeting shall give notice in writing to the Secretary not later than 1st November.
  11. Extraordinary General Meetings may be convened by the Management Committee or on receipt by the Secretary of a request in writing from not less than 10 Members of the Club.  At least 21 days’ notice of the meeting shall be given. 
  12. At all General Meetings, the Chair will be taken by the President or, in their absence, by a deputy appointed by the Members attending the meeting.
  13. Decisions made at a General Meeting shall be by a simple majority of votes from those Full Members attending the meeting.  In the event of equal votes, the President/Chairperson shall be entitled to a second and additional casting vote.
  14. Any Member entitled to vote at a General Meeting may nominate the Chairperson or any other Member with similar voting rights to act as proxy voter, in full or for any specified proposal, including any poll taken, at a particular General Meeting by submitting written notice to the Secretary prior to the date of the Meeting. Proxy votes shall have equal status to those of Members attending the Meeting in person but shall have no bearing on assessment of a quorum for the meeting.
  15. Each Member shall be entitled to one vote at General Meetings.
  16. Except if required to comply with legislation or Local Authority requirements it shall not be possible to revoke or amend any resolutions properly passed at any Annual General Meeting or Extraordinary General Meeting until the expiration of one year from the passing of such resolution. 
  17. The accidental omission to give notice of a meeting to, or the non-receipt of notice of a Meeting by, any person entitled to receive such notice shall not invalidate the proceedings at any Meeting.


32. The Secretary shall summon Extraordinary General Meetings as follows:

  1. At the direction of the Management Committee.
  2. Upon receipt of a signed requisition by not less than ten Members entitled to vote for the consideration of such business only as shall be mentioned in such request.


  1. A notice may be given by the Club to any Member either personally or by sending it by post to that Member or to the Member’s registered address.


  1. General Meetings will be conducted in accordance with the Bye-Laws for conducting Meetings.


  1. If within half an hour of the time appointed for the meeting a quorum is not present, the Meeting, if convened upon the requisition of Members, shall be dissolved. In any other case it shall stand adjourned to the same day in the next week, at the same time and place and, if at the adjourned Meeting a quorum is not present within half an hour of the time appointed for the Meeting, the Members present shall be the quorum.


  1. If the President or the Vice-President or, if neither of them shall be present within fifteen minutes of the time appointed for holding the Meeting or should be unwilling to act as Chairperson, the Officers present Shall elect one of their number to be Chairperson of the Meeting. 


  1. The Chairperson may, with the consent of the Meeting at which a quorum is present (and shall if so directed by the Meeting) adjourn the Meeting and arrange to reconvene at a later date.


  1. At any General Meeting, a resolution put to the vote of the Meeting shall be decided on a show of hands, unless a poll is (before or on the declaration of the result of the show of hands) demanded by the Chairperson or by at least two Members present and entitled to vote. A demand for a poll may be withdrawn. Unless a poll is so demanded, a declaration shall be made by the Chairperson that a resolution has, on a show of hands been carried or carried unanimously, or by a particular majority, or lost and an entry to that effect in the record of the proceedings of the Club shall be conclusive evidence of the fact without proof of the number or proportion of the votes recorded in favour or against the resolution.


  1. If a poll is duly demanded it shall be taken in such a manner as the Chairperson directs and the result of the poll shall be deemed to be the resolution of the Meeting at which the poll was demanded.


  1. The Management Committee shall adopt such means as they shall deem sufficient to bring to the notice of Members all such alterations and additions and all such Bye-Laws, as long as they shall be in force, shall be biding upon all Members, providing, nevertheless, that no Bye-Law shall be inconsistent with, or shall affect or repeal anything contained in the Rules of the Club.


  1. Any changes in the rate of subscription for any category of Membership agreed by the Management Committee shall be notified to Members in the notice convening the Annual General Meeting and may be referred back to the Management Committee for reconsideration by a Resolution moved at the Meeting and passed by at least three-quarters of the Members present and entitled to vote. After reconsideration the decision of the Management Committee shall be final and binding.


  1. All annual subscriptions shall become due in advance of the 31st day of January in every year and the payment of same shall be a distinct acknowledgement on the part of the Member that he or she is bound by the Rules and Bye-Laws of the Club for the time being in force and that the decision of the Management Committee in all cases is accepted.


  1. Any Member whose annual subscription is unpaid within 14 days after the 31st day of January in every year shall, at the discretion of the Management Committee, cease to be a Member of the Club and shall forfeit all rights in and claim upon the Club and its property, but may be reinstated at the discretion of the Management Committee on payment of all arrears.


  1. Any application for Membership shall be posted by the Secretary at least 7 days before appropriate consideration during which the coaching team will be able to assess the applicants abilities and provide further coaching if required. Any Member of the opinion that any candidate would not be a desirable Member shall state his or her objection in writing to the Secretary who shall report this to the Management Committee. The name of the Member objecting need not be divulged by the Secretary.


  1. Every candidate for Membership of the Club shall be interviewed by a Sub-Committee of four to six Members, appointed by the Playing Committee, and the Sub-Committee must take into consideration any objections from Members. The Sub-Committee shall vote on the application (with a ballot if desired) and report back their decision to the Management Committee regarding Membership. Sub-Committee meetings may, or may, not precede Management Committee meetings. 


  1. The Sub-Committee may at their discretion require any candidate for Playing Membership to undertake sufficient coaching (subject to any direction by the Management Committee) by a Club qualified coach, to ensure suitable potential or competence before obtaining access to Club activity and to report on this to the Management Committee. If, following such evaluation, a suitable standard has not been achieved, then full Membership may be declined by the Management Committee.


  1. Any candidate for Social Non-Playing Membership of the Club shall be proposed by one Playing Member of the Club and seconded by another Playing Member of the Club and any such application shall be considered by the Management Committee without recourse to interview.


  1. When a candidate has been elected, he or she shall be sent, at the address given upon their application form, a request for the annual subscription. Upon payment of these, an elected candidate shall become a Member of the Club subject to any Bye-Laws regarding playing competence provided, nevertheless, that if such payment is not made within two calendar months after the date of the election, the Management Committee may cancel such election. 


  1. Subject to the express provision of these Rules and to any Bye-Laws for the time being in force, all Members of the Club shall be entitled at all times to use in common all the premises and property of the Club and to be supplied at such charges as the Management Committee determines, with such meals, refreshments and other facilities as are provided for the use of Members.


  1. Members may invite guests to play bowls and participate in social activities but shall be restricted to three visits in any one year. All visitors shall be presented to an Officer of the Club by the Member introducing them who shall be personally responsible for the conduct of such visitors and their compliance with the Bye-Laws or regulations concerning the admission of visitors. The names of all such visitors shall be entered by the Member introducing them in a book which shall be kept for that purpose. 


  1. Any Member wishing to resign his or her Membership shall give notice in writing to the Secretary together with any monies due to the Club. 


  1. If any Member of the Club shall wilfully refuse or neglect to comply to the Rules and Bye-Laws of the Club, or shall be guilty of any conduct likely to be injurious to the Club, such Member shall be liable to expulsion or suspension by a Resolution of the Management Committee providing that at least one week before the Meeting at which such a Resolution so passed he or she shall have had notice thereof the intended Resolution for expulsion or suspension and shall at such Meeting and before the passing of such Resolution, have had an opportunity of giving orally or in writing any explanation or defence he or she may think fit. A Member expelled or suspended under this Rule shall forfeit all right in and claim upon the Club and its property.


  1. The rights and privileges of every Member shall be personal to such Member and shall not be transferable or transmissible either by such Member or by operation of law.


  1. A record containing the names and addresses of all Members shall be kept in the Clubhouse and such record shall be open to inspection by any Members.


  1. Club Trustees.

For the purpose of giving effect to the election of new Trustees, the President of the Club for the time being is hereby nominated as the person to appoint new Trustees of the Club within the meaning of Section 36 of the Trustees Act, 1925, and he or she shall by deed duly appoint the person or persons so elected by the Members entitled to vote as the new Trustee or Trustees of the Club and the provision of the Trustees Act, 1925 shall apply to any such appointment. Any statement of fact in any such Deed of Appointment in favour of a person dealing bona fide and for value with the Club or the Management Committee shall be conclusive evidence of the fact so stated.

The Trustees shall maintain a register of all property or lands held by them upon trust for the Playing Members of the Club and shall place or cause to be placed in the custody of the Club’s Bankers or the Club’s Solicitors all deeds and other documents relating to the Club property shall only be possible on written application to the Bank Manager or the Club’s Solicitors signed by at least one Trustee and countersigned by the Treasurer or Secretary for the time being.

The Trustees shall, during a period of 28 days before each Annual General Meeting, ensure that a physical check is made against the register of lands and property maintained by them of the title deeds and other documents relating to such lands and property. A certificate to this effect shall be submitted by them to the Secretary seven days before the Annual General Meeting and this certificate shall be read to the Members present at the Meeting and an entry to this effect shall be included in the Minutes of the Meeting. Should all or any part of the lands, buildings, tenements, or hereditaments, being the property of the Club have been demised, underlet, exchanged, sold or otherwise disposed of or given by deed or agreement in security for any sum of money or other debt owing by the Club then full details of any such transaction shall be included in the certificate submitted by the Trustees notwithstanding that each or any transactions had been executed as directed by a resolution passed at a General Meeting of Club Members.