CAWTHORNE CRICKET CLUB CONSTITUTION AND RULES

1.		Title
		1.1	This Cricket club shall be called the Cawthorne Cricket Club (hereinafter referred to as the Club).
2.		AIMS and OBJECTIVES
		2.1	To promote interest in cricket at all levels and to foster and develop active participation in the game.
		2.2	To endeavour at all times to uphold the high traditions and spirit and Laws of the game.
		2.3	To have close consultation and liaison with whoever may be concerned or need to be consulted for consideration of cricket problems and development taking into account not only the game itself but the umpiring, Club and ground maintenance, financial considerations and general administration.
		2.4	To ensure that all members, playing and non-playing, abide by the ECB Code of Conduct which incorporates the Spirit of Cricket and by the Laws of Cricket
		2.5	To ensure a duty of care to all members of the club by adopting and implementing the ECB ‘Safe Hands – Cricket’s Policy for Safeguarding Children’ and any future versions of the Policy
		2.6	To ensure a duty of care to all members of the club by adopting and implementing the ECB Cricket Equity Policy and any future versions of the Policy
		2.7	To encourage all members to participate fully in the activities of the club
3.		Membership
		3.1	Membership of the club shall be open to anyone interested in the sport of cricket on application regardless of sex, age, disability, ethnicity, nationality, sexual orientation, religion or other beliefs. However, limitation of membership according to available facilities is allowable on a non discriminatory basis
		3.2	The club may have different classes of membership and subscription on a non discriminatory and fair basis. The club will keep subscriptions at levels that will not pose a significant obstacle to people participating
		3.3	Application for membership of the club shall be by completion of a membership application form and by payment of the relevant subscription/joining fees as determined by the Annual General Meeting of the club
		3.4	No person shall be eligible to take part in the business of the club or eligible for selection for any club team unless the appropriate subscription has been paid by the specified date or membership has been agreed by the Committee
		3.5	The club Committee may refuse membership, or remove it, only for good cause such as conduct or character likely to bring the club or cricket into disrepute. Appeal against refusal or removal may be made to the Committee who shall appoint an Appeals Committee to hear the appeal
		3.6	All members will be subject to the regulations of the Constitution and by joining the club will be deemed to accept these regulations and any Codes of Conduct that the club has adopted. The Constitution shall identify those members eligible to vote at any General Meetings
		3.7	Classes of Membership There shall be 4 classes of membership available. These are: · Full Member · Junior Member (Under 18 years of age at the beginning of the current year) · Non-playing Member · Honorary/ Life Member A list of members in each category shall be maintained by the Treasurer or other Officer of the club.
4		GUESTS
		4.1	The sale of alcoholic drinks for consumption on the premises may only be supplied to members, guests of members and players and officials of any recognized team (provided they are visiting the Club to participate in an official pre-arranged match) and also to bona fide guests of such persons. In all such cases the relevant players and officials shall sign their name and the name of their team in a book kept on the premises for that purpose; similarly any guest so introduced by such player or official shall sign their name with full address, such entry being countersigned by the player or official introducing that guest. Note that alcohol may not be sold to anyone under the age of 18.
5.		FINANCES
		5.1	The Treasurer shall be responsible for the club through an account or accounts in the name of the club. At the discretion of the Committee of the Club accounts may be opened for the deposit of funds with any one or more suitable financial institutions. Cheques may be drawn and signed by the President, Chairman, Treasurer and Secretary, two out of four may sign.
		5.2	The fee charged to players for each match shall be as determined at the Annual General Meeting of the club.
		5.3	The minimum donation required to become a Vice-President of the club shall be determined at the Annual General Meeting of the club.
		5.4	The charges for spectators and car parking at the Ground shall be as determined at the Annual General Meeting of the Club.
		5.5	The financial year shall end on the 31st October, after which accounts shall be audited by the Auditor who shall be elected annually at the Annual General Meeting of the Club.
		5.6	All monies generated by the clubs fund raising or other activities of a commercial nature shall be used for the sole purpose of running the club.
		5.7	The Treasurer shall ensure that the club maintains adequate and appropriate insurance to cover the activities of the club
6		GENERAL MEETINGS OF THE CLUB
		6.1	The Annual General Meeting of the club shall be held not later than the first Tuesday in December.
		6.1.1	The business of the Annual General Meeting shall be to: a) Confirm the minutes of the previous Annual General Meeting and any General Meetings held since the last Annual General Meeting b) Receive the audited accounts for the year from the Treasurer c) Receive the annual report of the Committee from the Secretary d) Elect an auditor e) Elect the Officers of the Club (i.e. President; Vice Presidents, Chair etc.) f) Review club subscription rates and agree them for the forthcoming year Transact such other business received in writing by the Secretary from members 14 days prior to the meeting and included on the agenda
		6.2	Nominations of officers must be received in writing on or before 30th September. The intention of existing officers shall be made known to the Committee not later than 30th September.
		6.3	Proposals for alterations to these Rules at the Annual General Meeting shall be received in writing by the Secretary not later than 31st August. The proposals circulated with the Agenda for the meeting with the committees comments appended, together with any supporting remarks of the proposer. All proposals will require to be seconded in the Annual General Meeting before they can be put to the meeting for voting.
		6.4	The Agenda for the Annual General Meeting shall be forwarded to the members so that it is received at least 7 days before the meeting. It shall include the nominations of officers and shall provide for the election of an Auditor. It shall include any proposals for alterations to the Rules and the Treasurers Audited Financial Statement.
		6.5	An Extraordinary General Meeting shall be called within 21 days of a request in writing by at least six members being received by the Secretary. The object of the meeting shall be fully stated in the request and in the notice convening the meeting. A special General Meeting may also be convened by decision of the Committee. The provisions regarding the notice to members shall be as for the Annual General Meeting.
		6.6	A two-thirds majority of members present, and voting, shall be required for a proposed alteration to a rule to be carried out. In all other matters a simple majority of members present, and voting, shall suffice.
		6.7	The Chairman of the meeting shall have a casting vote only.
		6.8	The quorum for General Meetings shall be five.
		6.9	Each Full Member of the Club shall be entitled to one vote at General Meetings. All non members shall be entitled to attend all General Meetings of the club in an observing capacity only.
7.		OFFICERS OF THE CLUB
		7.1	The Officers of the Club shall consist of President, Chairman, Secretary, Treasurer, Grounds-man, League Representative, Fixture Secretary, Captains of Teams, Junior Team Manager, Bar Sub-committee Chairperson, Club Welfare Officer and four other officers, all of whom shall be elected at the Annual General Meeting. The President will be elected for three years, all other officers must be elected annually.
		7.2	The elected Officers shall form a Committee which will be responsible for all aspects concerning the Club for their period of office. From time to time the Committee may co-opt additional members of the Club to assist with these matters. The Committee will be convened by the Secretary and shall meet at agreed intervals and not less than four times per year. The quorum required for business to be agreed at Committee meetings shall be a number to be set according to the number of Officers in post. The Committee has the power to: a) acquire and provide grounds, equipment, coaching, training and playing facilities, clubhouse, transport, medical and related facilities b) provide coaching, training, medical treatment, and related social and other facilities c) take out any insurance for club, employees, contractors, players, guests and third parties d) raise funds by appeals, subscriptions, loans and charges e) borrow money and give security for the same, and open bank accounts f) buy, lease or licence property and sell, let or otherwise dispose of the same g) make grants and loans and give guarantees and provide other benefits h) set aside funds for special purposes or as reserves i) invest funds in any lawful manner j) employ and engage staff and others and provide services k) co-operate with or affiliate firstly to any bodies regulating or organising the sport of cricket and secondly any club or body involved with cricket and thirdly with government and related agencies l) do all other things reasonably necessary to advance the aims and objectives of the club. NONE of the above powers may be used other than to advance the aims and objectives in a manner consistent with the Rules and the general law
		7.3	A sub-committee shall be formed to run the shop/bar area. This will consist of the Club Treasurer, the Shop/Bar Co-ordinator who will generally act as chairperson, the Refreshments Co-ordinator and one other person. The sub-committee will organize the supply and sale of alcohol, soft drinks and confectionery and will not be tied to any single supplier. The sub-committee will agree the range of products to be sold and prices. The Chairperson will report back to the Club Committee at regular meetings.
8.		VICE-PRESIDENTS
		8.1	A person may become a Vice-President of the Club for one year on giving a minimum donation, the value of which shall be determined in 5.3 above.
		8.2	A Vice-President will receive a copy of the Clubs Fixture List with their name appearing in the following years edition.
		8.3	A Vice-President will be exempt car-parking and entrance fees to the ground, except for cup semifinals and finals, and be entitled to attend the Annual General Meeting of the club, receiving the same notification as other members.
9.		HONORARY LIFE MEMBERS
		9.1	Honorary Life Members may be appointed in recognition of valuable service to the Club after they have retired from office and it is clearly established that it is unlikely that they will return in any capacity. They shall be elected at the Annual General Meeting only on the nomination of the outgoing Committee.
		9.2	They shall receive all the benefits enjoyed by Vice-President in 8.2 and 8.3 above but shall not be entitled to vote.
		9.3	Current life members are:- B. Fish, T. Robinson, P. Broadhead and D Roberts.
10.		COMMUNICATIONS
		10.1	The Secretary shall circulate to all members statements of decisions made by the Committee in a way determined by the Committee.
11.		DISCIPLINE
		11.1 General
		11.1.1	This Club shall not accept into membership any person who after official enquiry and investigation shall have been adjudged guilty of such conduct as to have justified his expulsion or suspension from any other club until the period of such disciplinary action has been completed and then only on the person being able to produce a Clearance Certificate where this is appropriate. Such persons shall have the right of appeal to the Committee whose decision shall be final.
		11.1.2	The Captain of a team shall be responsible for the conduct of his players when they are on the Cricket Ground and shall have full authority for the discipline of his players up to the dismissal from the Ground of any players violating the Club rules (Ground shall be deemed to include pavilion, car parks and surrounding areas in addition to the playing area).
		11.2 Players
		11.2.1	It shall be a disciplinary offence for any player in the course of or in connection with a match to misconduct himself or to act at any time in a manner calculated to prejudice the good name or interests of the Club. The player committing the offence shall be liable to penalties in the manner and as described hereafter.
		11.2.2	For the purpose of these Rules the expression “the player” shall throughout these Rules be deemed to mean and include not only any player, whether a professional or otherwise, but also any member or official of the Club or if appropriate any other person involved in any possible misconduct occurring on the field of play or on the premises of the Club as may be appropriate in the particular circumstances.
		11.2.3	The Club of its own volition and without any need for the receipt of a written complaint or other prompting shall where any possible case of misconduct occurs as stated above, or otherwise as the Club may think fit, forthwith convene an internal club Enquiry to consider any such misconduct involving a player or players of the club or as appropriate any other persons involved in the incident on the field of play or premises of the Club.
		11.2.4	The purpose of the Internal Club Enquiry shall be to establish the facts and where appropriate take the necessary disciplinary action so as to ensure that the Club does not fail properly to control or discipline its player or players and to ensure that the club acts in a manner designed to protect the good name of the Club and of the League and of cricket generally.
		11.2.5	Any player requested to attend such an Internal Club Enquiry, or any Appeal therefrom, shall be told that he/she is entitled to be accompanied at the Enquiry by a friend or other representative.
		11.2.6	It at the Hearing the Internal Club Enquiry finds that misconduct has been proved the Club shall have the following powers:-
			11.2.6.1	If the Club constitutes gross misconduct the Club shall have the power to terminate the player’s membership forthwith.
			11.2.6.2	To suspend the player’s membership of the club for a period.
			11.2.6.3	To suspend the player’s right to be considered for selection by the Club to play in one or more matches. If the player concerned is the Club Professional he/she shall be suspended only on full basic pay under his Contract of Employment with the Club unless such contract specifically provides for suspension without pay in the case of misconduct.
			11.2.6.4	To impose a fine of not more than £5.
			11.2.6.5	To record a reprimand and to give a warning as to future conduct in the case of a first offence of a minor nature.
			Save that the Club for the same offence may if it is though fit impose more than one of the above penalties.
		11.2.7	Where the Club has imposed any penalty the player shall have the right to Appeal to the President of the Club or to the President’s nominee for a review of the findings of the Internal Club Enquiry and of the penalty or penalties imposed and where the penalty or penalties fall wholly or in part within any of the categories 11.2.6.1 to 11.2.6.4 above the player if still aggrieved by the final decision the Club shall have the right to Appeal to the League’s Disciplinary Committee.
		11.2.8	Note of Appeal to the League Disciplinary Committee setting out the basic grounds of appeal shall be given in writing to the Secretary of the Club and also the Secretary of the League within 7 days of the decision of the Internal Club Enquiry or of the Club’s President whichever is the later and shall be accompanied by a deposit of £5. Upon giving such Notice of Appeal to the Secretary of the League the penalty or penalties imposed the Club shall not take effect pending the hearing of the Appeal by the League’s Disciplinary Committee and the notification of the decision of the Appeal.
		11.2.9	Any Appeal before the League’s Disciplinary Committee shall be in accordance with the League’s Rules.
		11.2.10	The League’s Disciplinary Committee may confirm, vary or reverse the decision of the Club save that it shall have no power to increase the penalty or penalties imposed by the Club on the Player. The League’s Disciplinary Committee shall have power where they consider an Appeal to be devoid of merit to order the deposit to be forfeited to the League.
		11.2.11	The decision of the League’s Disciplinary Committee shall be final and binding on the player and the Club.
	12.	DISSOLUTION
		12.1	The Club shall not be dissolved except at an Extraordinary General Meeting of the Club specially convened for the purposes at which the votes in favour of the resolution comprise at least three-quarters of the total votes cast. In the event of such dissolution any assets shall be divided between the current membership (excluding Vice-Presidents) in proportion to the total subscriptions paid by them over the past five years. Any deficiency shown at the time of dissolution shall be borne by the membership in like proportion.
		12.2	The committee will dispose of any assets of the club funded by grants to one or more of the following: a) to another club with similar sports purposes which is a registered charity and/or b) to another club with similar sports purposes which is a registered Community Amateur Sports Club and/or c) to the club’s governing body for use by them for related community sports
		12.3	The Committee will then be responsible for the orderly winding up of the club’s affairs.
	13.	GENERAL
		13.1	The Committee shall be empowered to act as deemed necessary in respect of any matter not otherwise covered by these Rules.
	14.	DECLARATION
		14.1	Cawthorne Cricket Club hereby adopts and accepts this Constitution as a current operating guide regulating the actions of all members.

SIGNED (CLUB CHAIRMAN)

NAME DATE 7/6/2009

D. MOTT

SIGNED (CLUB SECRETARY)

NAME DATE 7/6/2009

M. KELLY