Constitution & Membership Rules

1. Name

The club shall be called Bere Regis Sports Club (hereinafter referred to as “the Club”).

2. Objects

The objects of the Club are:

1. To provide facilities for, and promote participation in, amateur sport in the area of Bere Regis and the surrounding parishes.
2. To provide and maintain a clubhouse, recreation ground, cricket field and other facilities for the use of members and the local community.
3. To organise and participate in fixtures, competitions and sporting activities across football, cricket and other sports.
4. To promote social activities and community events for the benefit of members and the local community.
5. To support junior and youth sport, including safeguarding, coaching and development in line with the requirements of the relevant governing bodies.

3. Membership

3.1 Categories of Membership

Membership of the Club is open to all persons regardless of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, nationality, sexual orientation, religion or other beliefs. The Club shall have the following membership categories:

• Adult Playing Member: Any person aged 18 or over who participates in club sport.
• Junior Member: Any person under the age of 18 who participates in club sport, with the consent of a parent or guardian.
• Social Member: Any person who wishes to support the club without playing in organised sport.
• Family Member: A family unit comprising up to two adults and their dependent children.
• Honorary Member: Persons elected by the committee in recognition of exceptional service to the club.

3.2 Application for Membership

Applications for membership shall be made to the Club Secretary or, in the absence of a Secretary, to the Club Chairman. All applications are subject to approval by the Management Committee. The Committee reserves the right to refuse membership in exceptional circumstances.

3.3 Membership Fees

Annual membership subscriptions shall be set by the Management Committee at the beginning of each membership year and notified to all members. Fees shall be payable in advance and membership will not be confirmed until payment is received. The Management Committee may set different fee levels for different membership categories.

3.4 Membership Year

The membership year shall run from 1st April to 31st March each year, or as otherwise determined by the Management Committee.

3.5 Termination of Membership

Membership may be terminated in the following circumstances:

1. By resignation in writing to the Secretary.
2. By non-payment of subscriptions after reasonable notice has been given.
3. By expulsion following a disciplinary procedure as set out in these rules.

4. Management Committee

4.1 Composition

The Club shall be managed by a Management Committee comprising the following elected officers and ordinary members:

• Chairperson
• Vice-Chairperson
• Secretary
• Treasurer
• Welfare Officer
• Up to six ordinary committee members

4.2 Election

Committee members shall be elected at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) by a simple majority of members present and entitled to vote. Officers and committee members shall serve for a term of one year and shall be eligible for re-election.

4.3 Responsibilities

The Management Committee is responsible for the day-to-day management of the Club, including finances, facilities, membership, sporting activity and compliance with all relevant legal and regulatory requirements, including those of the Club’s registered sports governing bodies.

4.4 Meetings

The Management Committee shall meet at least four times per year. A quorum shall consist of no fewer than four committee members. Decisions shall be made by simple majority; in the event of a tie the Chairperson shall have a casting vote.

5. General Meetings

5.1 Annual General Meeting

An Annual General Meeting (AGM) shall be held once in each year to:

• Receive a report from the Chairperson on the activities of the Club during the preceding year.
• Receive the audited or independently examined accounts of the Club for the preceding year.
• Elect the officers and committee members for the forthcoming year.
• Set membership subscriptions for the forthcoming year.
• Transact any other business set out in the notice of the meeting.

Notice of the AGM shall be given to all members at least 14 days in advance.

5.2 Extraordinary General Meetings

The Management Committee may call an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) at any time. An EGM must also be called if requested in writing by a minimum of 20% of the full membership, or 15 members (whichever is the lesser). Notice of an EGM shall be given at least 14 days in advance.

5.3 Quorum

The quorum for a General Meeting shall be 15 members or 20% of the full membership (whichever is the lesser), of whom at least three must be members of the Management Committee.

6. Finance

1. The Club shall maintain a bank account in its name with a recognised bank or building society. All cheques and electronic transfers shall require the signatures or authorisation of at least two designated officers.
2. The Treasurer shall maintain proper accounts of the Club’s income and expenditure and shall present a financial report at each Management Committee meeting.
3. Annual accounts shall be independently examined or audited and presented to the AGM.
4. The income and property of the Club shall be applied solely in promoting the objects of the Club. No member or officer shall receive payment for services other than reimbursement of reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred on Club business and properly authorised by the Management Committee.
5. The Club shall comply with all requirements arising from its charitable status, including reporting to the Charity Commission.

7. Member Conduct & Discipline

7.1 Code of Conduct

All members are expected to:

• Treat all members, officials, opponents and spectators with respect.
• Abide by the rules and spirit of their sport and the relevant governing body codes of conduct.
• Comply with the Club’s Welfare Policy and safeguarding requirements.
• Not engage in any form of discrimination, harassment, bullying or abusive behaviour.
• Uphold the good name and reputation of the Club at all times.

7.2 Disciplinary Procedure

Where a member is alleged to have breached these rules or the code of conduct, the Management Committee may:

1. Issue a formal warning.
2. Suspend membership for a defined period.
3. Terminate membership.

The member shall be given reasonable notice of the allegation and an opportunity to respond before a decision is made. Appeals against a disciplinary decision may be made in writing to the Chairperson within 14 days.

8. Dissolution

If the Management Committee decides that it is necessary or advisable to dissolve the Club, it shall call a General Meeting of all members, giving at least 21 days notice. If the proposal is confirmed by a two-thirds majority of members present and voting, the Management Committee shall have the power to realise any assets held by the Club. After payment of all debts and liabilities, the remaining assets shall be applied for the benefit of amateur sport in the local community, as directed by the General Meeting, or transferred to another registered charity.

9. Amendments to the Constitution

This Constitution may be amended by a resolution passed by a two-thirds majority of members present and voting at a General Meeting, provided that:

1. At least 21 days written notice of the proposed amendments has been given to all members.
2. No amendment shall be made that would cause the Club to cease to be a charity.
3. Any amendment affecting the charitable status of the Club shall first be approved by the Charity Commission.

10. General Provisions

1. In all matters not covered by this Constitution, the Management Committee shall have the authority to act in the best interests of the Club and its members.
2. The Club shall comply with all applicable laws and regulations, including the Equality Act 2010 and data protection legislation.
3. This Constitution shall be made available to all members on request.