New, adopted at AGM on June 5th 2011

Club Constitution

1. •  The club shall be known as the ‘St Edmundsbury Life Saving Club' hereinafter referred to as the club.
2. •  The objectives of the club are to advance the education of the public through the provision of education and training in life saving, life support, water safety, resuscitation and first-aid, through participation in the Award schemes and competitions of the Royal Life Saving Society United Kingdom (hereinafter referred to as RLSS UK or the Society) and such other activities as are appropriate and thereby contributing to the preservation of life.
3. •  The Club's aims shall be:-
   1. •  To deliver a quality, member focused culture that permeates every aspect of the club
   2. •  To provide facilities for and promote participation of the whole community in lifesaving
   3. •  To create greater opportunities for the general public to become involved in all aspects of the club's work
   4. •  To promote the wider benefits of lifesaving as a healthy, fun and worthwhile recreational activity and competitive world class sport
   5. •  To promote, publicise and communicate information about the RLSS UK to present a positive image of the club and the society
   6. •  To promote and maintain the highest standards of technical competence and safety in the sport
   7. •  To provide equal opportunities for successful participation by all sections of the community
4. •  The club shall maintain affiliation to the RLSS UK and ensure its membership does not lapse
5. •  The Club agrees to adopt the RLSS UK Safeguarding and Protecting Children policies and procedures
   1. •  All individuals involved in lifesaving through the club at every level, including participants, Officials, Trainer/ Assessors, Volunteers, Administrators, or spectators agree to abide by the RLSS UK Code of Ethics and Conduct (“Code”) and all such individuals participating or being involved in lifesaving through the club in one of the aforementioned roles or in a role which comes within the intended ambit of this paragraph and the RLSS UK Safeguarding and Protecting Children policies and procedures generally are deemed to have assented to and as such recognise and adhere to the principles and responsibilities embodied in the code
   2. •  Each and every constituent member of the club including without limitation all clubs and disciplines, shall be responsible for the implementation of the RLSS UK Safeguarding and Protecting Children policies and procedures in relation to their members
6. •  Membership of the club:-
   1. •  All members are subject to the constitution of the club and regulations of the National Governing Body
   2. •  Membership of the club is open to all individuals over the age of 8 years provided they comply with the constitution and have paid their annual subscription for the given membership year
   3. •  No person shall be refused membership on the grounds of race, ethnic origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, impairment or disability
   4. •  Minors (under the age of 18) applications should be signed by the applicants parent or guardian
   5. •  Any person on or over the age of 18 applying for membership of the club in a volunteer capacity, accepts that he/ she may be CRB checked and the membership application shall be considered on the results of such check
   6. •  The committee shall not be required to give reasons for the refusal of any application for membership
   7. •  All members will have access to a copy of the relevant Code of Conduct, Policy Statements, Safeguarding and Constitution
   8. •  All applications for membership should be made on the current club membership form with the relevant membership fee payable on application
   9. •  Membership shall be divided into senior, youth and junior age groups. The juniors shall be of the age 8-14 years, youth 14-18 years and seniors 18 years upwards. The club reserves the right to water test each applicant before membership to the club.
7. •  All complaints regarding the behaviour of members should be submitted in writing to the Secretary. The Executive Committee will meet to hear complaints within 14 days of the complaint being lodged. The Executive Committee may by unanimous vote, and for good reason, terminate the membership of any individual, provided that the individual concerned shall have the right to be heard by the Executive Committee, accompanied by a friend/ representative, before a final decision is made. The club may refuse membership or expel members only for good reason and sufficient cause, such as conduct or character likely to bring the club or RLSS UK into disrepute. An appeal against such a decision may be made to the club's members in writing and decided by a majority vote.Such an appeal should be considered within 14 days of the Secretary receiving such a request in writing.
8. •  Club members will elect annually from the membership the Executive Committee at the club's Annual General Meeting. The Executive Committee should consist of a Chairman, Secretary, Treasurer, Club Captain (Youth Member/ Training member of the club) and Welfare Officer as a minimum. Additional posts that may be deemed necessary by the club include Vice Chairman, Media Officer, Equipment Officer, Awards & Sales Officer, and Lifesaving Coordinator. Should any Executive Committee member wish to resign their post during their term they may do so by writing to the Club Secretary.
9. •  The Annual General Meeting (AGM) shall be held in June each year. The meeting shall be called by the Club Secretary ensuring that the club members have not less than 21 clear days notice of the intended date. Nominations for Officers of the Executive Committee shall be sent in writing to the Secretary no later than 14 days prior to the meeting. Should nominations exceed vacancies, election shall be by ballot. Ballot papers will be drawn up by the Secretary. If there are insufficient nominations then members could be co-opted to fill vacancies until the next election. The quorum for an AGM shall not be less than 25% of the club's total membership.
   1. •  The Executive Committee shall present the report and annual accounts of the club for the preceding year
   2. •  Proposals in writing need to be submitted to the Secretary no later than 14 days prior to the AGM
   3. •  All members of 14 years and over have the right to vote. Members under 14 years can vote for the position of Club Captain.
   4. •  Proposals requiring a change to the Constitution of the club need to be passed by two-thirds majority of the members present and voting.
   5. •  Proposals of a non-constitutional nature shall be passed by a simple majority of members present and voting.
   6. •  The meeting agenda should include details of all proposals, nominees for the Executive Committee posts and be sent out at least 7 days prior to the AGM.
   7. •  The Secretary shall keep a full and accurate record of proceedings at such a meeting.
10. •  The Executive Committee has the power to call an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) of the club at any time, providing that at least 10 members (or 25% of membership, whichever is lowest) request such a meeting, in writing, stating the business to be considered. The Secretary shall call such a meeting and at least 21 days clear notice shall be given. The procedures for an EGM shall be the same as for an AGM.
11. •  The Constitution may be altered by a resolution passed by not less than two-thirds of the members present and voting at an AGM or EGM.
12. •  The club shall not be liable for any damage, loss or injury occurring directly or indirectly to any club member by any action of its members or co-opted person(s), whether or not connected with club activities.
13. •  A resolution to dissolve the club can only be passed at an AGM or EGM by not less than two-thirds of the members present and voting. In the event of dissolution, any assets of the club that remain after the payment of debts and liabilities shall not be paid to or distributed among the members of the club, but shall be given or transferred to one or more approved non profit making charitable bodies or organisations having similar aims and objectives of this club. A copy of the statement of Accounts, or account and statement, for the final accounting period of the club, must be published and made available to club members.

St Edmundsbury Life Saving Club hereby adopts and accepts this constitution as a current operating guide regulating the actions of its members.