NORTHERN IRELAND HIBS SUPPORTERS' CLUB
CONSTITUTION (DRAFT - AS OF 28/01/08)
Club Rules
All members will receive a copy of the Constitution.
The name of the Club shall be the Northern Ireland Hibs Supporters' Club.
The Club will meet on the first Wednesday of each month at 7.30pm, unless otherwise agreed, to discuss, make decisions and conduct any business on behalf of the Club.
All members have the right to express opinions and where appropriate vote during meetings. Decisions will be carried by the majority of the members present and voting. In the event of a tied vote the issue, if appropriate, can be held over until the following meeting.
The Club can be dissolved at any time through a decision of 70% of the membership. In this case the Committee will ensure that all financial matters are resolved.
Any proposed changes to the constitution should not be made at a monthly meeting, but rather at an EMM (Extraordinary Monthly Meeting) or AGM (Annual General Meeting), so all members have the chance to vote on
any possible changes.
All members should receive at least seven days notice of the next meeting. Changes will require the support of 60% of members present and voting.
All issues raised in the meeting regarding the constitution will be discussed and voted on by all club members at the AGM. Any club
members who have any thoughts on any other matters, as well as the ones raised, are of course invited to bring them up at the AGM.
The Club will be affiliated with the Hibernian Supporters' Association, Edinburgh.
The quorum for meetings for the Club will be four members.
Membership will only be confirmed when membership has been paid.
Club Committee
The Club shall elect the following officers to act as a committee on an annual basis at an AGM to be held each year: Chairperson, Treasurer, Secretary.
Members shall be proposed and seconded for any of these positions and must confirm they allow their name to go forward.
In the event of a vacancy during the year, all members will be informed and a replacement will be elected at a Club meeting.
The Committee has the authority to discuss any matters relating to the Club, but will consult with and report back to the monthly meeting. Recommendations from the Committee should be ratified by members at the monthly meeting.
The Committee has the authority to create sub committees eg in relation to fundraising, club trips, disciplinary matters. Non Committee members can be appointed to these sub Committees
Club Membership
Full membership of the Club will be open to anyone who supports Hibernian Football Club.
Members who cannot attend a Club meeting should pass on his/her apologies to a Committee Member. Committee members who cannot attend a Club meeting should pass any agenda items to a Club member who is attending.
Members will be expected to play a full and active role within the Club and at all times treat other members with the utmost respect.
Overseas members not living in Northern Ireland, and those who cannot make it to meetings, can pass a proxy vote to the Club Secretary in advance of a meeting.
All items to be added to the next meeting's agenda should be forwarded to the Club Secretary no later than one week beforehand to guarantee discussion in said meeting. Therefore, any matters raised after this deadline are not guaranteed to be raised by the Secretary and may be left until the meeting after.
Finances
Members will pay a membership fee, which will be non refundable. (The rate will be decided at a Club meeting/AGM). An annual membership fee may also be introduced with the agreement of members.
A bank account and written financial records will be kept. A financial report will be given at each monthly meeting. Annual accounts will be presented at the AGM. Members are entitled to inspect any of these records on request.
Members will be liable for damage to property or other costs incurred whist on an official Club trip.
Away Travel
The Club shall make arrangements to travel to at least one away fixtures during each season. Members shall vote to decide which fixtures will be deemed “official Club trips”.
Members must declare their availability for each trip before any booking is made by the Club. Members are still liable for costs incurred by the Club, such as flights, if they are then unable to travel.
If there are not enough tickets for a match to accommodate those wishing to go, a ballot will take place at a monthly meeting. Non members will only be allocated tickets after all members (ie those who have paid their annual membership) have been considered.
All money for trips organised by the Club must be paid in full at least one week before the date of the fixture. The availability of the Travel Fund for individual members is at the discretion of the committee.
Non-members, ie those who had not paid a membership fee and/or have not read and signed a copy on the Constitution, are not allowed to travel with the Club. Anyone travelling with the Club or using the Club to obtain match tickets should must pay their annual membership fee, and read, agree and sign the constitution, before travelling on official Club trips.
Conduct
Members have agreed the following statement: “Northern Ireland Hibs Supporters' Club respects and values diversity. Each member will endeavour to provide an environment which values and enables the full involvement of all members, in all aspects and at every level, regardless of perceived cultural identity, political affiliation or religious beliefs.”
Members are expected to ensure that their behaviour remains within the spirit of the above statement at all times.