1. NAME
The club will be called the Oldham Baseball Club (OBC). And will be affiliated to BaseballSoftball UK (BSUK) and the British baseball Federation (BBF)
2. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES
Membership of the club shall be open to all persons irrespective of ethnicity, nationality, sexual orientation, religion or beliefs; or of age sex or disability except as a necessary consequence of the requirements of Baseball as a particular sport.
The club may refuse membership or expel from membership only for good and sufficient cause, such as conduct or character likely to bring the club or sport into disrepute,. Appeal against such decision may be made to the clubs members and decided by a majority vote.
All members are subject to the regulations of the constitution and by joining the club will be deemed to accept these regulations and codes of conduct that the club has adopted.
Members will be enrolled in one of the following categories:
4. MEMBERSHIP FEES
Membership fees will be set annually and agreed by the Annual General Meeting (AGM).
Members shall be encouraged to pay by monthly standing order or direct debit. Members in arrears may be barred from playing for club teams.
5. OFFICERS OF THE CLUB
The officers of the club will be, President, Team Manager and Treasurer plus any other relevant position agreed by the AGM. Officers will be subject to annual election at the AGM. The position of Treasurer cannot be combined with any other.
6. COMMITTEE
OBC will be managed through a Management Committee (MC) consisting of all officers elected under Rule 5.
The MC will meet as required and at least once a year.
The quorum for the MC shall be a majority of those entitled to vote.
The MC is responsible for adopting new policy, codes of conduct, and rules that affect OBC.
The MC may appoint sub-committees as necessary and appoint advisors to the MC as necessary to fulfil its business.
The MC is responsible for disciplinary hearings of members who infringe the rules, regulations or constitution of OBC and for taking any action of suspension or discipline following such hearings.
7. FINANCE
All club monies will be held in an account in the name of the club.
The Treasurer will be responsible for the finances of the club.
The financial year of OBC will end on 30 September each year.
The Treasurer at the AGM will present an audited statement of accounts.
Any cheques drawn against OBC funds shall hold the signature of the Treasurer and one other officer.
All surplus income or profits are re-invested in the club. No surpluses or assets will be distributed to members or third parties.
8. ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
The AGM will be held in October each year. Not less than 21 days notice of the date, time and venue of the AGM will be given to all members.
The AGM will receive a report from the MC and a statement of audited accounts.
Nominations for officers and items for discussion will be sent to the Management Committee 14 days prior to the AGM and published to members 7 days prior to the AGM.
All members are entitled to vote at the AGM.
The MC may call an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM). Procedures for an EGM will be the same as an AGM.
9. DISCIPLINE AND APPEALS
The MC will consider any complaints regarding behaviour of members that have been submitted in writing to the Secretary.
The MC will meet to hear complaints within 14 days of a complaint being lodged.
The MC has the power to issue a warning about future conduct, suspend for up to 6 months or terminate membership of
Appeal against such decision may be made to the clubs members and decided by a majority vote.
The outcome of any hearing shall be notified in writing to the complainant and the member complained about within 14 days of the meeting.
10. DISSOLUTION
A resolution to dissolve OBC can only proceed from the MC and must be passed by a majority vote of the membership attending an AGM or EGM.
In the event of dissolution, any assets of
11. AMENDMENTS TO THE CONSTITUTION
The constitution will only be changed through agreement of two thirds of members voting at an AGM or EGM.
ADOPTED 23.10.06
AMENDED 14.11.07, 21.01.08
ANNEX
EQUALITY POLICY STATEMENT
OBC is committed to ensuring that equity is incorporated across all aspects of its development. In doing so it acknowledges and adopts the following Sport England definition of ‘Sports Equity’.
Sports Equity is about fairness in sport, equality of access, recognising inequalities and taking steps to address them. It is about changing the culture and structure of sport to ensure it becomes equally accessible to everyone in society.
OBC respects the rights, dignity and worth of every person and will treat everyone equally within the context of their sport, regardless of age, ability, gender, race, ethnicity, religious belief, sexuality or social/economic status.
OBC is committed to everyone having the right to enjoy his or her sport in an environment free from threat of intimidation, harassment or abuse.
All members of OBC have a responsibility to oppose discriminatory behaviour and promote equality of opportunity.
OBC will deal with any incidence of discriminatory behaviour seriously in accordance with OBC disciplinary procedures.
ADOPTED 23.10.06