By Laws | Bowls Gold Coast-Tweed

By-Laws of Gold Coast & Tweed District Bowls Association Limited

BY-LAWS OF GOLD COAST TWEED DISTRICT BOWLS ASSOCIATION LIMITED

A.C.N. 009 786 887

MEETINGS.

COUNCIL

1. (a) The Council shall meet as determined by the A.G.M.. (22.1 b) in accordance with Article 25 to transact the business of the Association. Notice of every meeting of the Council and of any important business to be considered and transacted at such meeting shall be posted or delivered to the Office Bearers and Councillors at least (7) days before the date of such meeting; provided that in the case of emergency the Executive Committee is empowered to call a meeting in such manner as it deems expedient. The accidental omission to give notice to an Office Bearer or Councillor shall not invalidate the meeting.

(b) BOARD OF MANAGEMENT

The Board of Management shall meet at least every second month, and approximately one (1) week prior to the regular Council Meeting and at such other times as the President of the Association or the person acting his stead deems necessary. Notice of such meeting shall be given, wherever practicable, verbally, in writing or by electronic communication, whichever is available or convenient.

The Board of Management shall select greens for Association matches other than competitions conducted by the Games Committee on its behalf. The Board of Management shall receive all decisions and recommendations from any Committee appointed by the Council for confirmation and submission with or without recommendation to the Council.

(c) COMMITTEE OF REPORT

The Committee of Report will comprise of all Directors/Chairman of Standing Committees, plus the Board of Management, who shall:- Report immediately prior to the Board of Management Meeting, in a manner designated by the Board of Management. Each Committee will report to, and inform the Board of Management on all aspects of their respective committee portfolios to maintain communications at all levels of the Association. Each Committee will report to and make recommendations to the Board of Management, on all aspects of their respective matters pertaining to its own portfolios to maintain communications at all levels of the Association.

The Board of Management may at that meeting resolve such recommendations, or, defer a decision to the next Board of Management meeting, to resolve such recommendations.

If the Chairman of a standing committee is unable to attend a meeting of the Committee of Report, the Chairman of that committee may delegate a member of his committee to make a report on behalf of the committee and request any matter be resolved by the Board of Management.

2. DIRECTORS

(a) A position on the Board of Management shall become vacant if a Director :-

(i) dies or suffers such ill health as to make him incapable of managing the affairs of the association; (ii) becomes bankrupt; (iii) becomes prohibited from being a Director by reason of any order under the Corporations Law 1989 as amended. (iv) becomes of unsound mind or a person whose person or estate is l iable to be dealt with in any way under the law relating to mental health; (v) resigns his office by notice in writing to the Association (vi) for more than three (3) months is absent without permission of the Board of Management held during that period. (vii) is directly or indirectly interested in any contract or proposed contract with the Association and fails to declare the nature of is interest in a manner required by the Corporations Law; (viii) At any time is elected to, or appointed to, and or accepts a position as a Director, on the Board of Management of Bowls Queensland and /or Bowls Australia or any other Affiliated Lawn Bowls Club or Association or a club or association that conducts or promotes Lawn Bowling, unless such appointment has the approval of the Gold Coast-Tweed District Bowls Association Ltd, Board of Management, by a (75%) seventy five percent majority, to be obtained by a secret ballot of Directors of the Board of Management of the Association after such notification that duel directorship has occurred.

If the ballot for approval is unsuccessful, then the Board Member shall resign from the conflicting Board or by-law 2 (a) shall apply.

3. COMMITTEES

(A) The President shall be an ex-officio member of all Committees in addition to any specified number of members of the several Committees, and he shall be allowed to vote, with the exception of the Selection Committee, where he shall not have a vote. Each Committee shall have the authority to co-opt persons additional to the specified number. All Committees appointed by the Board of Management shall submit a report to the Board of Management at least monthly. A majority of Committee members shall form a quorum.

Nominations for Games Director, Carnival Director and all permanent committees named in Article 68.1 shall be signed by two members of the Club for which the nominee has declared and, bearing the consent of the nominee, shall be lodged with the Secretary no later than at the regular Council meeting immediately prior to the date set for the Annual General Meeting.

(B) GAMES COMMITTEE:

The Games Committee shall consist of five (5) members, one of whom shall be Director elected by the Council each year, plus an appointed qualified Greens Consultant. Should a member of the Games Committee be a dual Club member then he shall, by way of written declaration to the Secretary, nominate the Club for which he intends to play, during the year under review. Only persons with at least two (2) years service in this field shall be eligible to nominate to be a member of this committee.

Its duties shall be:

(i) To control all Association championships and competitions and fixtures, other than carnivals, on behalf of the Board of Management, including the selection of greens, for such competitions, and to combine with the Greens Consultant in submitting to the Board of Management a list of greens suitable for Association matches, and to present, not later than the December meeting of the Council each year, a programme for the ensuing year, in respect of such competitions. A copy of the proposed programme shall be forwarded to all affiliated Clubs prior to such meeting

(ii) To decide upon applications, for permission to play Association events

(iii) To settle all disputes in connection with Association fixtures, subject to appeal to, or change by, the Board of Management.

(iv) To recommend to the Board of Management, where circumstances warrant it, that entries for Pennants, be declined from any Club which has no green(s) of its own, or whose green at the date set down for the closing of entries for the event concerned is either unfit for play or is/are not up to fair standard as may be determined by the Board of Management through the Greens Consultant, unless the Club concerned:-

(a) Can submit acceptable evidence that the green(s) will be prepared in a condition satisfactory to the Games Committee before the date set down for the playing of the first round of the competition concerned; or:-

(b) Can make arrangements with another Club or Clubs acceptable to the Board of Management, to provide sufficient green space satisfactory to this committee, to serve as its home green(s) for the purpose of the event on all days upon which a round of the competition is set down for play, until such time as its own green(s) is/are in a condition satisfactory to the Board of Management; or

(c) Is prepared to forfeit all matches set down for play on days upon which its own green(s) is / are considered by the Games Committee to be unfit for play, or upon which days it cannot obtain the use of satisfactory greens space from another Club.

(v) The Committee shall undertake such other duties as may be referred to it by the Board of Management. All matters involving an interpretation of the Laws of the Game shall be referred to the Umpires Committee.

(vi) To prepare Budgets and Reports as requested by the Board of Management and shall conduct the affairs of the Games Committee within the Budgets approved by the Board of Management.

(C) CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS COMMITTEE

The Constitution & By-Laws Committee shall consist of three (3) members. One of whom shall be the elected Chairman. Applicants should have experience in constitutional matters at Club or D.B.A. level.

Its duties shall be:- To consider Articles or Constitutions, Rules, By-Laws and amendments there to, of any Club, as may be referred to it by the Board of Management. The word Rules in the By-Laws of all Clubs other than those registered as a Company under the Corporations Law 1989 as amended and in the case of a company, shall be deemed to include its Memorandum and Articles and its By-Laws. The Constitution & By-Laws Committee shall, when deemed necessary, seek the advice of the Association Solicitor, on matters of legality, legal interpretation of the law, and law. The Constitution & By Laws Committee shall prepare Budgets and Reports as requested by the Board of Management and shall conduct the affairs of the Committee within the Budget approved by the Board of Management.

(D) UMPIRES COMMITTEE

The Umpires Committee shall consist of five (5) accredited umpires one of whom must be the elected Chairman, the others shall be appointed or declared elected at the next Board meeting following the Annual General Meeting and then recommended to Bowls Queensland for appointment as the District Association Umpires Examining Panel in accordance with Bowls Queensland By- Laws. All members of the Committee must have been accredited for not less than four (4) years, and either hold, or be prepared to sit for, and successfully complete, a Level 2 Accreditation Examination. Should any member of the Committee fail to become appointed as a member of the Committee by Bowls Queensland, his position on the Associations Umpires Committee shall become vacant.

In addition to those duties required as Bowls Queensland Examiners Presenters and Assessors, its duties shall be to:-

(a) report on such questions, interpretations or decisions on the Laws of the Game as may be referred to it; (b) to resolve urgent enquiries on the Laws of the game and to carry out any such duties as may be referred to it by the Board of Management or the Council. (c) to prepare Budgets and Reports as requested by the Board of Management and conduct the affairs of the Umpires Committee within budgets approved by the Board of Management.

(E) SELECTION COMMITTEE:

The Selection Committee shall consist of five (5) members who apart from the Elected Chairman, shall be appointed at the next Board of Management meeting immediately following the December Annual General Meeting. The nomination for the Selection Committee Chairman shall be made in writing and signed by two (2) members from the nominees Club. The Chairman must have previous experience as a selector, and have been a District, State or National Representative, player, and / or qualifications acceptable, to the Board of Management. Where the selection committee comprises of a number of committee consisting of less than five (5) members as defined or the number of committee in attendance at any properly called meeting is less than five (5) and a vote of selectors is evenly divided then the Chairman shall have an original vote plus a casting vote to resolve any deadlock.

Selectors shall be ineligible to play in sides which have been selected by the Committee to represent the Association, except in an emergency, or as a member of a social team, or approved by the Board of Management.

If a member of the selection committee changes clubs during the year, he can not become a second member of the Selection Committee, from the same Club. (subject to Article 67.0) and, if any member of this Standing Committee is in conflict with Article 67.0, his position shall be declared vacant. Updated 27th June 2006

The duties of the Selection Committee shall be to:-

(a) select teams or sides to represent the Association, for all organised fixtures, or matches.

(b) invite Affiliated Clubs, to nominate in October each year, those players considered suitably qualified and willing to play as a District Representative. The Committee may also invite any eligible player to represent the Association.

(d) advise selected players of their selection as soon as practicable, in such manner as the Board of Management may determine, from time to time. Should the Board of Management deem it necessary, the list of those selected to represent the Association shall be made available to the Board of Management for approval, before publication or distribution . (e) submit the name of the non-playing Captain (if any) for approval by the Board of Management.

(f) prepare budgets and reports as requested by the Board of Management and shall conduct the affairs of the Selection Committee within Budgets approved, by the Board of Management.

(F) CARNIVAL COMMITTEE

The Carnival Committee shall consist of seven (7) members, who shall be the elected Carnival Director, the Finance Director, a representative of Games Committee, Chairman of Marketing and Sponsorship, an appointed Carnival Secretary and two (2) appointed committee members.

Its duties shall be to:-
(a) organise and control the Gold Coast-Tweed Winter Bowls Carnival and any other Carnival decided on by the Board of Management,

(b) co-opt any person to work in liaison with it,

(c) prepare budgets and reports as requested by the Board of Management and shall conduct the affairs of the Carnival Committee within Budgets approved by the Board of Management.

(G) COACHING COMMITTEE The Coaching Committee shall consist of five (5) coaches, including the elected Chairman, at least one of whom must hold a level 2 or higher level of accreditation throughout his term of office. Each of the other members of the committee must have held a level 1 accreditation for a period of at least 2 years, before his term of office begins, and shall continue to hold level 1 or higher level throughout his term of office.

The duties of the coaching committee are to:-

(a) arrange coaching of bowlers where coaches of affiliated clubs are unavailable, or are available but lack the resources to conduct a particular form of coaching. (b) arrange opportunities for coaches of affiliated clubs to improve their proficiency by increasing their bowls knowledge and coaching skills. (c) prepare and examine applicants for coach accreditation and to administer re- accreditation of coaches in accordance with instruction from Bowls Queensland. (d) prepare budgets and reports as requested by the Board of Management and conduct the affairs of the Coaching Committee within Budgets approved by the Board of Management. (e) carry out such other duties as may be referred to it by the Board of Management.

(H) MARKETING AND SPONSORSHIP COMMITTEE:

The Marketing & Sponsorship Committee shall consist of the elected Chairman and a maximum of two (2) other appointed members.

Its duties shall be to:-

(a) canvass the support of sponsors, for the Association, including Association Championships, Pennant Competitions and the Winter Carnival.

(b) inquire into and propose ways of marketing the Winter Carnival in conjunction with the Carnival Director and as directed by the Board of Management.

(d) undertake any such other duties as may be referred to it by the Board of Management

(e) prepare reports and budgets as requested by the Board of Management and conduct the affairs of the Marketing and Sponsorship Committee within the budget as approved by the Board of Management.

(I) MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE

The Membership Committee shall consist of up to five (5) members including the elected Chairman and up to four (4) other members who shall be appointed at the next Board of Management Meeting immediately following the Annual General Meeting.

Its duties shall be to:-

(a) promote the sport throughout the District.

(b) assist affiliated clubs to gain membership.

(c) prepare reports and budgets as requested by the Board of Management and conduct the affairs of the Association within the budgets as approved by the Board of Management

(d) undertake any other such duties as may be referred to it by the Board of Management.

(e) publicise bowls by way of news media.

(J) JUNIOR DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE

The Junior Development Committee shall consist of the elected Chairman and two (2) male members affiliated with Bowls Gold Coast-Tweed and two (2) co-opted female members affiliated with the Gold Coast-Tweed Ladies Bowls Associatin who shall be appointed at the next Board of Management meeting immediately following the Annual General Meeting. The Chairman shall hold a Level 1 or equivallent certificte through his term of office and all committee members shall be holders of current suitability cards for child related employment relative to both Qld and NSW State Laws.

Its duties shall be to:-
(a) To promote Junior Bowls throughout both the Mens and Ladies Associations.

(b) To control all Association Junior Championships and competitions and fixtures other than Carnivals on behalf of both Associations.

(c) To prepare reports as requested by the Board of Management and shall conduct the affairs of the Junior Committee within the budgets approved by the Board of Management.

(d) To assist the coaching committee in the conduct of Junior Development programs.

(e) To always provide a safe environment for all Junior activities.

(f) Shall at all times provide positive and accurate instruction to juniors in the Laws of the Sport of Bowls, correct etiquette and respect of others.

(g) To carry out such other duties as may be referred to it by the Board of Management.

4. ELECTIONS

4.1 NOMINATIONS
Nominations shall be called, for the positions of President, Snr. Vice President, Vice President, Director of Finance, Director of Carnival, Director of Games, Honorary Secretary and the number of Directors required to fill all vacancies on the Board of Management, to make a total of nine (9) Directors plus the Chairman of Coaching, Chairman of Marketing & Sponsorship, Chairman of Membership, Chairman of Constitution & By-Laws, Chairman of Selectors, Chairman of Umpires, and Bowls Queensland Delegate

All nominations must be;

(a) in writing on the prescribed form.

(b) signed by the nominee expressing his consent to accept the position for which he is nominated;

(d) accompanied by the nominee’s curriculum vitae.

4.2 The nominee, the proposer and the seconder must each be a financial member or life member of the same member club.

4.3 Nominations must be received by the Secretary of the Association prior to the council meeting immediately prior to the date set down for the A.G.M.

4.4 The Secretary must, as soon as practicable after the time for receiving nominations, notify each, affiliated Club of the nominations.

4.5 A list of nominations must be conspicuously displayed in the Association’s premises as soon as practicable after the time by which nominations must be received by the Secretary.

4.6 If insufficient nominations are received, then the person nominated to fill a particular position must be declared elected at the meeting at which the elections are to be declared. The Board may opt to appoint a financial member of an Affiliated Club to act in a temporary capacity until the vacancy is filled.

4.7 If no nominations are received for any or all of the positions, the person currently holding that position may continue to do so, in a temporary capacity, until the vacancy is filled.

5. BALLOT BOX

5.1 A locked ballot box shall be conveniently located at the Association’s Headquarters for the lodgement of ballot papers.

5.2 After the close of the ballot, the locked ballot box will be held in a secure place at the Association’s office until the Returning Officer commences the count.

6. RETURNING OFFICER

6.1 A Returning Officer shall be appointed by the Board.

6.2 The duties of the Returning Officer shall be to conduct a draw of candidates to allocate their position on the ballot paper, to control the issuing and the counting of the ballot papers, prior to the date on which the election is to be declared, as determined by the Board.

6.3 The Returning Officer may appoint, not more than three Assistant Returning Officers, whose names shall be supplied to the Secretary, to assist with the count.

6.4 Neither the Returning Officer nor any Assistant Returning Officer shall be a candidate in the ballot.

6.5 The Returning Officer shall:-

(a)ensure that the ballot box is empty prior to the receipt of any ballot papers.

(b) personally lock the ballot box and retain the ballot box key in his possession until the ballot box is opened at the close of the poll; and

(c)open the ballot box, in the presence of the Assistant Returning Officers as appointed to assist him.

6.6 The Returning Officer shall submit a written report in relation to the election of Executive Committee, Directors/Chairman of Standing Committees, Bowls Queensland Delegate, in a sealed envelope to the Chairman of the Annual General Meeting, of:-

(a) the names of those elected to the positions which were contested by postal ballot;

(b) details of the number of Primary votes cast for each candidate; and

6.7 It shall be the duty of the Returning Officer, after the declaration of the poll, to destroy the ballot papers on the expiration of 14 days.

7. BALLOT PAPERS

7.1 The Association shall supply each Member Club with a ballot paper. Voting entitlements for each Member Club shall be one vote per Delegate allowed under Article 20.2. Delegate numbers shall be determined by current Member Club membership numbers, advised to the Association by Bowls Queensland on the 30th. June each year and prior to any Ballot, ( refer Article 20.2) The Association shall also supply each Director with a ballot paper. And each Director shall be entitled to one (1) vote.

7.2 Each ballot paper shall indicate by a numeral in the top left hand corner, the voting entitlement, of each Member Club.

7.3 The Association shall supply each Director, and each Member Club with brief, biographical background on all properly nominated candidates.

7.4 Three envelopes shall be issued with the Ballot Papers as follows: Envelope (A):A plain envelope marked `Ballot Papers’ large enough to hold the Ballot Papers without folding.

Envelope (B):A printed envelope in the form of a declaration, with spaces to indicate name of Club, Date of Posting and Signature of the Club Secretary. Envelope (C): An envelope large enough to contain Envelopes (A) and (B).

7.5 The details of Envelopes (A) and (B) must be completed by the Club Secretary as instructed by the Committee of the affiliated Club..

7.6 Envelope (A) must be sealed and placed inside Envelope (B) and Envelope (B) must be sealed and placed inside Envelope (C).

7.7 Envelope (C), containing Envelopes (A) and (B), may be delivered to the Association’s registered office or addressed to the Returning Officer, PO Box 124, Palm Beach 4221 and returned by AR (Acknowledged Receipt) Certified mail so as to reach the office no later than 4.00pm on the Wednesday prior to the date on which the election is to be declared. The Secretary shall direct a member of the staff to clear the mail box at 3pm, on that Wednesday.

7.8 The Secretary or the designated officer shall:-

(a)open Envelope (C) and enter the details of Envelope (B) into the Register kept for that purpose and the date and time of receipt;

(b)open Envelope (B) and place the sealed Envelope (A) in the Ballot Box; and

(c)initial the Register to indicate all procedures have been followed.

7.9 Envelope (A) will remain sealed until opened by the Returning Officer at the commencement of counting.

7.10 Voting will be First Past the Post system which, requires each Member Club, to indicate the names of the candidates, they wish to elect. The Clubs shall vote for the Candidates in order of their preference. After allocating all of positions on the Executive, and other predetermined Directors, (Article 34.2. (a). (b). (c). (d).,) the Returning Officer shall allocate votes, until all positions on the Board, as required by Article 34.2 are filled.

Any Ballot Paper that votes for more than the required number of Candidates required, unless specifically instructed to do so, shall be declared, invalid.

7.11 The Returning Officer shall ensure that each Ballot Paper clearly indicates the method of voting.

8. BALLOT RESULTS

8.1 The result of each ballot shall be determined on the First past the post System.

8.2 If there is an equal number of votes for two or more candidates for the last remaining position in a Ballot, then a further Ballot shall be conducted between the candidates who tied.

(a) in the case of an Annual or Extraordinary General Meeting this vote shall be made by secret ballot by delegates present and entitled to vote.

(b) in all other cases a postal ballot shall be conducted as provided in By-law .

8.3 The Returning Officer and his named assistants shall not commence counting prior to 9am, two working days prior to the date on which the election is to be declared, as determined by the Board.

8.4 The results of the count shall remain secret, and not communicated to any person, other than in writing as required by By-law 6.6.

8.5 The results of the election must be declared by the Chairman at the Annual General Meeting or Extraordinary Meeting, or by mail as the case may be.

8.6 In the case of an Annual General Meeting or Extraordinary General Meeting, the Chairman must table the report of the Returning Officer submitted in accordance with By-law 6.6.

9. BALLOTS ON OTHER MATTERS

In the case of a ballot being necessary to resolve a matter other than election, Delegates shall indicate their choice in a manner specified by the Chairman of the Meeting.

10. AWARDS

The order of Awards in seniority are: (1) Life Membership of Bowls Gold Coast-Tweed (2)15 year Long Service Award (3) Presidents Award (4) Meritorious Service Award. (5) District Representative player (6) District 8 Pin Award.

1 Life Membership: May be conferred on Ordinary or Life members of a Member, Affiliated Club who have given outstanding and distinguished service to the Association over a long period. (Minimum 10 years) as an elected or appointed committeeman or Director of the Association ( Subject to Article 21,1)

2 15 year Long Service Award: At the request of an Affiliate, Member Club an Ordinary or Life Member of that Club may be awarded the 15 year District Long Service Medal. To be eligible the nominated member must have completed 15 years service to an Affiliate Club/s, its incorporated Parent Club or the District office, in an elected or appointed administrative position. This Service must include a minimum of five (5) years, as a District Officer, or Council Delegate, in an elected or appointed position. The application for this award will be considered on its merits and is subject to approval, by the Board of Management.

3 Presidents Award: May be conferred on any Ordinary or Life Member of an affiliated Bowls Club in recognition of his being elected President of his Bowls Club, or Bowls Committee. The Association President may confer the Award on any other President of a Bowls Club, Bowls Committee or Bowls Association at his discretion.

4 Meritorious Service Award: May be conferred on Ordinary or Life members of the Association or of a Club affiliated with the Gold Coast Tweed District Bowls Association who is not a current elected President, in recognition of outstanding service of at least five (5) years at any level of bowls administration.

Explanation: Administrative level refers to elected committee level or voluntary worker. Clubs wishing to nominate recipients must apply to the District Board of Management, on the approved form.

The submission should be originated by the Club and/or District Association with complete details of the positions held and their respective years. No more than two (2) awards may be granted in any one financial year to any Association nominees or any one Member Club

5 District Representative Players: All players who represent the Gold Coast-Tweed District Bowls Association, as members of a team, or as a Singles players, for six events, as a result of selection by the Association Selectors for those events, shall be entitled to be awarded with an Association name bar bearing, their name and the words Representative Player. Any selected player or reserve player who is in attendance at the request of the Chairman of Selectors, at the venue, and prepared to play, shall be deemed to have played.

The Chairman of Selectors shall request all awards to the Board, on the prescribed form. All District Representative awards shall be approved, by the Board, and presented by the President or his representative.

6 District 8 Pin Award: All players, playing in District Events or Events under the direct control of the District in Pairs, Fours or Teams, who score a maximum number of 8 shots, shall be entitled to apply for and receive a District 8 badge at the cost of the District Association. All applications shall be in writing to the Secretary of the Association, giving details of the event, a copy of the signed scorecard and signed by the Secretary of that Affiliated Club, wherein the team has membership. Individual requests will not be considered.

All other 8pins requested by Clubs of the Association shall be at the discretion of the Board, and, if granted, shall be at the Clubs expense, at a price to be set, from time to time, by the Association.

MEMBERS

11. ADMINISTRATION FEE

11.1 Every Club, accepting in the transfer of a person, with the exception of Junior members, within the Member club shall pay a $5.00 Administration Fee or an amount determined by the Board from time to time.

11.2 The primary responsibility for payment of the fees to the Association shall rest, upon the respective clubs concerned.

12. RIGHTS OF MEMBERS OF TWO OR MORE CLUBS OR DISTRICTS

12.1 No member shall play for more than one Club in any competition conducted by the Association in any one Calendar year, without first obtaining the written permission of the Games Committee, otherwise he may be disqualified.

12.2 For the purpose of this By-Law a member shall be deemed in each year, to belong to the Club for which he first plays in any Association competition.

13. MEMBERSHIP TRANSFERS

13.1 No person shall be admitted as a member of any Affiliated Club who is, or has been, a member of any other Affiliated Club or any other Bowls Association, unless he satisfies the Committee of the first mentioned Club that he does not owe any entrance fee, subscription or other monies to any other Club and that he is not under suspension or expulsion by order of any other Club.

13.2 Upon transferring out, or joining another affiliated club, the Secretary of that members affiliated club from where the player is transferring or leaving, shall issue the official inter-club clearance, Bowls Queensland Form 1.

13.3 The Secretary of the club from where the player is transferring or leaving shall certify on the official inter-club clearance Bowls Queensland Form 1 if the transferring player is under suspension or expulsion.

13.4 If a member of a Club is suspended or expelled by order of any Club of which he is a member, or is removed from the list of members of any Club as a result of his failure to pay monies due to that Club, he shall be denied the privileges of membership of that Club, and he shall be ineligible to play in any Association event, or play bowls at any affiliated Club during the period of his suspension, expulsion or removal.

COMPETITIONS

ASSOCIATION COMPETITIONS

14.1 All competitions, and other matches played or held under the patronage and auspices of the Association, shall be played in accordance with the Bowls Australia Laws of the Game and Conditions of Play of this Association in force for that particular event. 14.1 The bowling year of the association shall be January 1st to December 31st (a) All Association events and events that progress from Clubs to Association and beyond must conclude (at least semi finals and finals) within that period to earn ranking points and/or Association Championship status.

14.2 BOWLER OF THE YEAR A Competition for Bowler of the Year shall be conducted by the Association each Calendar year, to cover all events organised by the District Association, excepting Pennants. The competition shall include, but not be limited to, all Mens Open Championship Events, District Championship Events, Winter Carnival Events ( including Mixed), Champion of Club Champion Events, Inter- District Events, District Selection Trials and State District Sides Championships, all events earning ranking points on completion of their Semi Finals and Finals between 1st January and 15th.November, of the Competition year. The Competition shall be decided by points allocated, and on terms and conditions set by the Games Committee and Selection Committee, in conjunction, as amended from time to time, but prior to the start of the competition, and approved by the Board of Management. It shall be the responsibility of the Clubs to notify the District Office on the official form, the result of all events qualifying for points at Club level prior to the 1st November in the Competition Year. Results not notified by the Clubs to the District, within the time specified, will not be allocated points.

Updated 27/07/07 14.3 DECLARED PLAYER For the purpose of all competitions under the control of the Association, other than Open competitions, a declared player or a player eligible to represent an affiliated club, in Association controlled events, shall be a financial member of that affiliated Club, within the Association and must be eligible to play in that clubs own championship events at the time of representation. The player shall not have played Pennants for any other club within this Association during the current calendar year, and the Clubs Form two (2) listing that player must be in possession of the office of the Association prior to play in any representative events. (1) A member Club may apply for an exemption of any condition of By Law 14.3 due to there being exceptional circumstances. Such applications will be considered by the Board of Management who shall have the authority to grant exemptions to By Law 14.3.

14.4 CALENDAR OF EVENTS (a) The annual Calendar of Events will be compiled from requests by Member Clubs, Standing Committees and Executive, directed to the District Office no later than the 30th September each year.

(b) A reminder will be sent to all Member Clubs in August of each year and the requested events for the Calendar will be included in a Draft Copy, to be submitted to all Members Clubs, on or before the October General Meeting of the Council. Members are required to submit any late alterations sought, before 31st October.

(c) Where there exists a dispute between Member Clubs concerning priority in the clash of dates on tournaments with Prize Money in excess of $1000, or President Days. The Members involved will be expected to reconcile their differences before that date. Failing agreement between the Members Clubs concerned, the District Games Committee will make the decision concerning which Member Club will have priority of use on that particular date. All District, State and BA events will take priority over Club Events.

(d) The Final Draft of the Calendar will be presented for ratification, at the December General Meeting after the Annual General Meeting .

(e) The Calendar of Events and its implementation, after acceptance by Council will be binding on all Member Clubs for the following year, any late additions must be approved by the District Games Committee.

14.5 The Association may frame the conditions of its own competitions provided the conditions do not conflict with the Articles of Association or the Bowls Australia Laws of the Game. Updated 19/09/06

15. PLAYING ATTIRE

15.1 Subject to changes from time to time required by any amendments to the Bowls Australia Laws of the Game, the State Association, District Bowls Associations, and Clubs, shall be responsible for ensuring that all players, markers, and umpires, participating in games on an affiliated green, wear the correct attire as set out in the by-laws of Bowls Queensland.

16. REPORTS FROM MEMBER CLUBS

16.1 Each club shall forward to the Secretary of the Association, the following reports within the times prescribed, in a form approved by the Board, from time to time:

(a) a report detailing the names of all club officers, and trustees, within thirty (30) days from the date of the club’s Annual General Meeting;

(b) a report detailing the full names and addresses, year of birth and qualifications of each new or reinstated member, and junior member on the Bowls Queensland, Form 2 for the month of his admission, reinstatement etc. as may be required.

(c) a report detailing the full names and addresses of any member suspended, expelled or removed from the list of members of the club within seven (7) days, of each action occurring

MANDATORY RULES

Updated 22/4/08

17. MANDATORY RULES FOR CLUB AFFILIATION

17.1 Club constitutions must contain rules which comply with the following if they are to retain affiliation with Bowls Queensland and the District Bowls Association.

(a) Objects: (i)To advance and promote the Game of Bowls.

(ii) To provide the best possible standard of playing facilities for members in accordance with the Laws of the Game prescribed by Bowls Australia Inc.

(iii)To provide, develop and promote activities that are from time to time deemed appropriate to provide good fellowship between members of the club.

(iv) To promote and enhance the Game of Bowls in the local community.

(b) Affiliation: The Club shall:

(i) affiliate with B.Q and accept and abide by the Laws and By- laws of B.Q in so far as they apply to the game of bowls;

(ii) affiliate with a District Bowls Association and accept and abide by the Constitution, Laws and By-laws of the District Bowls Association in so far as they apply to the game of bowls;

(iii) renew its affiliation with B.Q each year in accordance with the Articles of Association of Bowls Queensland and pay the annual affiliation fee through the District Bowls Association.

(iv) renew its affiliation with the District Bowls Association each year in accordance with the Rules of the District Bowls Association and pay annual affiliation fees to the District Bowls Association.

(v) elect delegates to the District Bowls Association in accordance with the Constitution and By-laws of the District Bowls Association.

(vi) provide toB.Q and to the District Bowls Association the returns that are required by those bodies;

(vii) provide advice to the B.Q. and to the District Bowls Association within thirty(30) days of any event which would affect the status of the club’s affiliation with the B.Q, the legal status of the club and/or any changes or amendments to the club’s constitution;

(viii) not make, amend or repeal a Law or By-law in relation to the playing of the game of bowls that conflicts with the laws of Bowls Australia Inc., B.Q or the District Bowls Association.

(c) Qualifications for Membership: To qualify for membership, a person must be: (i) prepared to support and promote the welfare of the club and the game of bowls; (ii) of good repute and character and compatible with other members; and (iii) free of indebtedness to any Bowls Club, District Bowls Association or any State Bowls Authority and not under an order or notice of suspension or expulsion from any Bowls Club or Bowls Association.

(d) Junior Membership: (i)shall be a male persons under the age of eighteen(18) years who may apply for Junior membership of a Club;

(ii) they shall not be entitled to vote, nor to nominate members for office nor to nominate other persons to membership of the Club;

(iii) Junior members shall be entitled to play bowls in any Club or District competition according to the conditions laid down for the playing of the event.

(iv) On attaining the age of eighteen(18) years a junior member wishing to continue bowling shall apply in writing for ordinary membership which application will be dealt with in the same manner as any application for ordinary membership.

(v) They shall not be allowed, under any circumstances, to be served, to obtain or to consume liquor from, or on the Club premises, or engage in any form of gambling on the premises.

(e) Disciplinary Provisions: (i) Any member of the Club who fails too observe any of the Rules or By Laws of the Club or who is deemed guilty of an act, practice, or conduct calculated to bring discredit on the game of bowls, or to the Club, District Bowls Association or Bowls Queensland or its members, or who on any Club, District Bowls Association or Bowls Queensland premises engages in illegal gambling, betting or uses obsene or abusive language renders themselves liable to expulsion or suspension.

(ii) All discipline and complaint related procedures be governed by the Bowls Queensland Member Protection Policy.

(iii) Any member of the Club, who is suspended, or expelled, shall be ineligible to:- (a) Play bowls in any Company event (b) Play bowls at any affiliated club, during the period of suspension , or expulsion, as the case may be.

In the case of a Junior Member being called before the Management Committee on a charge or complaint such members shall be entitled to be accompanied by a Parent or Guardian.

Pending determination of such appeal, the appellant shall be allowed all membership privileges.

(f) Resignation:

(i) A resignation from membership shall not be valid unless it has been received and acknowledged in writing by the Secretary of the Club. A member shall not be deemed to have resigned from the Club unless his resignation is in writing and is delivered or posted to the Secretary of the Club and is acknowledged as aforesaid.

(ii) No such resignation shall relieve any person from the payment of any subscription or other money due or payable by him at the time of resignation. The resignation of any member shall involve automatic forfeiture of all rights and privileges in respect to all Club matters.

(g) Player Commitments: When a member of a club has been called to fulfil a Bowls Australia, B.Q, District Bowls Association or Club commitment in a match or on official business, on any day on which he has been drawn to play in a Bowls Australia, B.Q, District Bowls Association or Club commitment, the onus shall be on the player to notify B.Q, District Bowls Association or Club, as the case may be.

The Controlling Body may define circumstances, which it will not accept as a valid reason for a players unavailability. However, a substitute is not to be permitted if an intended player enters another competition scheduled to be played at the same time. The intended player must choose which event to contest and a replacement player shall be allowed by the Controlling Body in the other event, under the Bowls Australia Domestic Regulation 4.1.3.

Provisions consistent with this By-law shall be included in all Club rules, and shall be deemed to be a condition of competitions conducted by the Club.

(h) Activities shall be Lawful: The club shall comply with all lawful requirements of the Commonwealth, State and Local Government and other Statutory Authorities, having jurisdiction, over any activity of the club.

18. AFFILIATION

18.1 (i) Subject to Bowls Queensland By-Laws, the Board of Management shall have the power to vary the terms and condition of, or suspend or cancel affiliation or provisional affiliation granted under the Articles of Association. (ii) If any Club is required by law, to accept females as Ordinary Members, such Club shall not be liable to lose its affiliation with this Association. Its female members shall not be eligible as members of this Association and shall not be eligible to play in or officiate in any competition matches conducted by this Association or any affiliated Club, the conditions of which prescribe as male events, or to be a member of the Board of Management or Chairman of any standing committee of the Association.

19. ALTERATION TO BY-LAWS

19.1 Adoption of alterations and/or additions to these By-Laws shall be made only by special resolution of the Board of Management, after written notice of the motion for the special resolution has been given, to all members of the Board of Management, at least 28 days before the meeting at which the motion shall be submitted, and then only with the consent of more than three quarters of persons present and entitled to vote. The meeting may amend such motion and pass it in its amended form.

20. VOTING

Voting shall be by voices or by show of hands, except where a ballot is specified in the Articles, or where a secret ballot is requested, by at least five (5) members present.

21. GOVERNANCE RISK

Unless authorised by the meeting, electronic voice recording devices are not permitted to be used at any board, council, general or special general meeting of the Assocation.

STANDING ORDERS & RULES OF DEBATE

ORDER OF BUSINESS

1 The order of business shall follow the agenda prepared by the Secretary and President. Members shall introduce new business only after completion of the business, set out in the agenda. The first item on the agenda shall be the confirmation of the Minutes as a correct record of the previous meeting or meetings.

SUSPENSION OF STANDING ORDERS

2 Should any matter of urgency arise, a member may move a suspension of Standing Orders for a period of time to allow the urgent question to be discussed.

CONDUCT OF SPEAKERS

3 No interruption of a speaker is allowed except for formal motion No.26 and on a point of order, which must be taken immediately the alleged breach has occurred.

4 The Chairman shall choose speakers alternately for and against the motion.

5 All remarks shall be addressed to the Chairman, and any questions to another member shall be put through the Chairman.

CHAIRMANS RULING

6 The Chairmans ruling on all points shall be final, unless a motion is moved, seconded and carried that the Chairmans ruling be disagreed with The mover may speak briefly in support of his motion and the Chairman explain why his ruling was given. The Chairman takes the vote.

MOTIONS AND AMENDMENTS

7 All proposals made to the meeting shall be in the form of motions. No Club shall be permitted to move and second the same motion or amendment.

8 Every speaker must keep to the question before the meeting.

9 All motions and/or amendments, except the closure, must be moved and seconded. If no seconder is found, the motion or amendments lapses.

10 The mover of a motion shall be allowed to present his motion for up to five (5) minutes. All other speakers shall be limited to three (3) minutes. A motion for extensions of time for a speaker may be moved and seconded and put to a vote, but not debated. A mover of a motion, shall not be interrupted by the Chairman, seeking a seconder, until the mover finishes speaking.

11 No motion can be accepted by the Chairman, which is the same in effect, as one already negatived, except on notice of motion.

12 If a Chairman wishes to discuss a motion or amendment, he shall do so before the reply, by the mover.

13 No member may speak twice on the same question except in explanation, unless he is the mover of the original motion exercising his right of reply.

WITHDRAWAL

14 No motion or amendment which has been moved and seconded shall be withdrawn without the approval of the seconder and the consent of the meeting.

PERSONAL EXPLANATION

15 By permission of the Chairman, a member may speak briefly in personal explanation of his own personal statement, but must keep strictly to the point which has been misunderstood. His explanation must not interrupt another speaker.

ONLY ONE AMENDMENT

16 When an amendment is moved to an original motion, no further amendment shall be discussed until the first amendment is disposed of, but further amendments may be foreshadowed without discussion. Amendments are voted on before the motion.

NOT DIRECT NEGATION

17 An amendment must be relevant to the question and so framed that it forms, with the part of the original motion unaffected by it, a sensible and consistent proposal. It must not be direct negation of the original motion.

No amendment can be accepted to the first part of a motion after the second or subsequent parts have been amended.

SPEAKING AMENDMENTS

18 A speaker shall not be interrupted, except on a point of order.

RIGHT OF REPLY

19 The mover of the motion which is opposed may reply to the arguments raised before the motion is put. His reply ends the debate, if there are no amendments. If an amendment is moved, the mover of the original motion exercises his right of reply before the amendment is put. His reply need not end the debate on the substantive motion. The mover of the amendment has no right of reply.

AMENDMENT NEGATIVED

20 If the first amendment is negatived, the original motion again becomes open to amendment.

SUBSTANTIVE MOTION

21 If the first amendment is carried, the motion as amended, becomes the substantive motion, and is again open to amendment. When the substantive motion is put to the meeting and carried, it becomes the resolution.

22 No member may speak on any motion after it has been put to the vote. No amendment may be moved after the substantive motion has been put to the vote.

AMENDMENTS TO MOTIONS ON NOTICE

23 Amendments may be moved to motions on notice provided they are within the scope of the notice and can involve the Association in no greater obligation than the notice specifies.

RESCINDING RESOLUTIONS

24 Resolutions may not be altered or rescinded until six (6) months have elapsed, except on notice of motion signed by four (4) members, forwarded to every member of the Board of Management.

RESOLUTIONS NULL AND VOID

25 If a resolution is passed inadvertently in contravention of the Articles, it shall be declared null and void by a vote of the meeting.

CLOSURE

26 A motion that the question be now put known as the closure may be moved during the discussion of either motion or amendment. It can interrupt a speaker, and may not be debated. It needs no seconder. If moved on an amendment it affects the amendment only. It does not prevent the mover of the original motion exercising his right of reply.

27 All decisions of the council or the Board of Management shall be by a majority vote of those present and entitled to vote, except as in Article 40. 1b (19) ( Alteration of Articles and By-Law 20.1).

BY-LAW Schedule 1 BOWLS GOLD COAST TWEED

CODE OF CONDUCT For DISTRICT PLAYERS & SIDE OFFICIALS

Players and Side Officials are required to make themselves aware, of what is expected and required from all bowlers and side officials representing this District.

As a side member you will be expected to abide by this code of conduct at all times, during the State Sides Championships and all District representative games.

Please be aware that you are representing your District. You are required to play bowls to the best of your ability and be supportive to the rest of the side. The standing of our district will be reflected in the way you present yourself.

GENERAL BEHAVIOUR GUIDELINES WITH REGARDS TO:-

TRAVEL: Please do not partake of alcoholic drink, while traveling.

VENUE: Please do not partake of alcohol prior to commencement of the days play, or during the playing of a game. Social drinks in moderation after play, or during a lunch break during an all day event is acceptable.

MOTEL: Rooms, are expected to be kept neat & tidy; house rules must be obeyed at all times and players should adopt a 10.30pm curfew when play is scheduled for the following day.

DRUNKEDNESS AND DISORDERLY CONDUCT WILL INVOKE DISCIPLINARY ACTION FROM THE ASSOCIATION

DRESS: At all times, obey the Bowls Queensland Dress Rules and wear the Association shirts and caps provided, when playing. On other occasions please dress neat & casual.

GENERAL: Derogatory or non supportive comments, about other team members, or opposition players are to be kept to oneself, or made officially and in writing, to the Side Manager. Please do not air your grievance in public.

PLEASE REMEMBER, YOU ARE AN AMBASSADOR FOR THE DISTRICT AND GOOD SPORTSMANSHIP SHOULD PREVAIL AT ALL TIMES.

THESE GUIDELINES ARE ISSUED BY REQUEST FROM THE DISTRICT BOARD OF MANAGEMENT.