THE CONSTITUTION OF ALTOFTS CRICKET CLUB

1. TITLE

1.1 The title of the cricket club shall be “Altofts Cricket Club”, hereafter known as the club

2. OBECTIVES

The objectives of the club shall be:

2.1 The promotion and playing of the game of cricket, irrespective of: gender, ability, age, sex, religion or race.

2.2 The development of players, non players and former players through coaching, competitive cricket, administration, umpiring and education

2.3 To ensure the 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.

2.4 To ensure the 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.

2.5 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.

3. MEMBERSHIP

3.1 Shall be open to all irrespective of age, gender, disability, race, ethnic origin, social status or sexual orientation

3.2 An application for membership must be signed by the applicant. The election of members of the Club shall be by the Committee, and no person shall become a member of the Club unless and until so elected, nor shall the Committee be required to give any reason for the non-election of an applicant

3.3 When a person has been elected and has paid a first annual subscription, he or she will be deemed a member of the Club and shall have agreed to be bound by these rules.

3.4 Members of the Club shall pay annual subscriptions as decided at the Annual General Meeting. A reduced subscription shall be allowed for juniors under the age of 18 years on 1st April each year.

3.5 Subscriptions prices for the forthcoming season shall be decided upon at the First Committee meeting after the AGM, once the new
Committee is in place

3.6 Membership shall consist of the following categories:
Vice Presidents (playing members not eligible)
Senior Playing Members
Junior Playing members (Non voting)
Non Playing Members
Associated Members

A list of members in each category shall be maintained by the Treasurer or other Officer of the club

3.7 The Committee may call upon any member to answer actions, which may be interpreted as being offensive to the name of the Club. The Committee may then call on that member to resign from the Club. If the member does not resign within 21 days after being so called upon, the Committee may, by resolution, terminate membership.

3.8 The 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.

3.9 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.

4. ANNUALSUBSCRIPTIONS

4.1 Life Members, Presidents (Past and Present) are exempt from paying

5. FINANCIAL YEAR

5.1 The financial year shall end on 30th September each year.

6. GENERAL MEETINGS

6.1 The Annual General Meeting of the Club shall be held once every calendar year before 16th November, the venue of which shall be decided by the Committee,
to transact the following business:-

6.2 To receive and, if approved, adopt the annual reports and statements of accounts to the end of preceding financial year

6.3 To elect the Officers and Members of the Committee

6.4 To receive proposals from the Committee or Members this must be submitted to the secretary in writing or via email, no less than 14 days prior to the date of the A.G.M.

6.5 A Special or Extraordinary General Meeting of the Club may be called at any time by the Committee and be held within 14 days of receipt by the Secretary of a requisition in writing, signed or confirmed via email by no less than five voting members, stating the purpose for which such meeting is desired to said proposed threat.

No business shall be transacted at such meeting other than that specified in the notice and no amendment to any resolution proposed at the meeting shall be allowed.
The Chairman of such meeting shall be President or the Chairman of the Club or, in their absence, a member nominated by the President or Chairman. All voting members of the Committee must be given at least 7 days notice in writing or email of the details of such meeting.

7. OFFICERS & MEMBERS OF THE COMMITTEE

7.1 The following officers of the Club shall be elected at the A.G.M:

President,
Chairman,
Vice-chairman,
Secretary,
Assistant Secretary,
Treasurer,
Sponsorship Secretary,
Fixture Secretary,
Subscription Secretary,
Child Welfare Officer
Head Coach
Club Development Manager
Senior Player Rep
Junior Player Rep (Non Voting & Attendance not compulsory if held by under 18)
Auditor (Non Voting & Attendance not compulsory)
Head Groundsman (Non Voting & Attendance not compulsory)
Website Manager (Non Voting & Attendance not compulsory)

1st XI Captain (Pre-arranged August as per constitution)
2nd XI Captain (Pre-arranged August as per constitution)
Sunday League Captain (Pre-arranged August as per constitution)

Plus up to 8 General Committee Members.

7.2 To receive proposals for a position in the Committee, this must be submitted to the Secretary or Chairman in writing or via email no less than 14 days prior to the date of the A.G.M

7.3 Up to six members of the Committee must represent the Cricket Club on the “Altofts Sports Club” Committee

7.4 The business and affairs of the Club shall be managed by the Officers and Members of the Committee, all Committee Members being entitled to vote. In the event of a tie, the Chairman shall have the casting vote.

7.5 Committee Meeting to be arranged at the discretion of the Committee and advertised on the club website

7.6 Five members of the Committee shall form a quorum

7.7 The Committee shall appoint the captains of the respective teams of the 1st, 2nd and Sunday league teams wherever possible by the last week in August. Junior captains, Vice captains coaches/managers to be selected ASAP after A.G.M

7.8 Any vacancy occurring in any elective office may be filled by the Committee

7.9 The Committee shall appoint a Head Coach and Assistant Coach who shall be responsible for practice sessions.

7.10 Any Committee Members actions, who the Committee feels, has brought the club into disrepute or is against the benefit and long term security & success of the Club, shall be called to face a “Vote of No Confidence”. The officer will be notified in writing no later than seven days before the vote. Evidence to be used for the meetings must be made available too the individual no later that 3 days before.

If said Officer receives 2/3 of the votes of those actually present in the room, they will either be:
- Removed from the Committee entirely and must hand over any documentation or other items or
- Severely sanctioned as the Committee see fit, this may include removal from certain roles within the Committee or removal of voting rights and may be asked to hand over any documentation or other items

7.11 A list of Officers who require keys to the club house and surrounding facilities shall be drawn up at the first meeting after the AGM, and amended (if needed), at the first meeting in April. At the end of the year the keys will be handed back to the Committee

7.12 Any Committee Member whose lack of attendance causes concern to the Committee may have their voting rights revoked

8. SUB-COMMITTEES

8.1 The Club Committee may appoint sub-committees to consider and report on any matter.

8.2 At least one member must be a member of the Club Committee.
The Club Committee may alter the membership of any sub-committee at any time

8.3 They do not have the power to act on behalf of the Club unless so authorised by a minute in writing by the Club Committee.

8.4 At the time of setting up any sub-committee under this rule, its terms of reference will be set down by the Club Committee and these terms of reference to include the set quorum. This will be reviewed annually, at the first Committee Meeting after the AGM and on regular intervals if the Club Committee see fit.

9. ALTERATIONS TO RULES

9.1 No alterations to the rules or the Constitution shall be made until the first Committee Meetings after the AGM, and any alteration must be submitted in written format to a Committee Member 14 days or more before the first meeting. In order to effect an alteration of a rule, at least two thirds of the members actually present at the meeting shall vote in favour of the proposed change.

9.2 The First Committee meeting following the AGM, shall be an open meeting where all Club Members can be present for the duration of the meeting that focuses on the amendments to the Constitution

10. FINANCE

10.1 All monies payable to the Club shall be received by the Treasurer or such other Officer or Member as shall be appointed to receive the same. All funds belonging to the Club shall (unless invested) be deposited in the banking account in the name of “Altofts Cricket Club” and no sum shall be drawn form this account except by cheque. Any Cheque or document authorising payment form the funds of the Club must be signed by any two of the following: - Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Secretary, Treasurer.

10.2 All payments, withdrawals etc in excess of £250 will require approval by the Committee
Signatories on the club accounts shall be, Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Treasurer and Secretary, no other person may withdraw funds from the Club accounts

11. ACCOUNTS

11.1 The Club Accounts will be based on the year 1st October to 30th September

11.2 A summary of the accounts will be made available at once a month at Committee Meetings, in the event of the Treasurer being unable to attend the meetings, the accounts will be passed on the Vice-Chairman, Secretary or another Committee Member

11.4 The Committee will receive the accounts, 14 days prior to the AGM, each year, together with all necessary documents to be laid before the appointed Auditors to examine said accounts and certify their the correctness

12. CLUB SPONSORS

12.1 The Club will actively seek to bring in revenue from the local community via club sponsorship.
This is be the Sponsorship Secretary’s main responsibility
The Sponsorship Secretary is to keep an up to date record of all the businesses involved in sponsoring the Club including names, addresses, amounts and renewal dates- A copy of these details must reside with the Secretary
The Sponsorship Secretary may request additional help from other Members of the Committee if they see fit

A running report of any progress will be expected at each Committee Meeting

13. GRANTS

13.1 The Club will actively seek to bring in revenue for the development of the Club via available grants
This is be one of the Development Manager’s main responsibilities
The Development Manager’s is to keep an up to date record of all the grants applied for including names, addresses, and amounts -
A copy of these details must reside with the Secretary
The Development Manager’s may request additional help from other Members of the Committee if they see fit

A running report of any progress will be expected at each Committee Meeting

14. COMMITTEE POWERS

14.1 The Committee shall be empowered to deal at their discretion with any matters not already provided for in the aforementioned rules. The decision of the Committee shall be final and binding such matters.

15. SELECTION

15.1 The Team Selection Panel will consist of the Captains of the senior teams, and The Head Coach

15.2 Teams will be selected on Thursday evening after practice and will be posted on the notice board and/or window in the clubhouse no later than 9 P.M. and on the Club Website later that evening, once the team(s) has/have been determined.

16. EMERGENCY POWERS

16.1 In the event of an emergency the Chairman may if he deems fit authorise action to maintain the running of the Club. Such action to be reported in full to the next meeting of the Committee for confirmation of authority.

17. PLAYER’S RESPONSIBILITIES & PLAYING RULES

17.1 It is the responsibility of each player too:-

• Conduct himself/herself at all times in a proper manner both on and off the field as befitting the good name of the Club
This includes on Social Network Websites in which any player can be linked back to the club

• To find out whether or not they have been selected to play

• Notify the Team Captain before Thursday evening, wherever possible, of their availability.

• Travel to all league games unless otherwise ordered differently by the respective Captain

• Any player must play in the selected team

• Players are expected to practice at least once per week. Any player, who cannot practice because of work/illness, must inform either the 1st or 2nd XI Captain/Vice-Captain. Any player missing practice for any reason other than work/illness will only be considered for selection if there is a shortage of players for the next game.

• Players practice in white tops

• Players must not wear club sweater at practice

• Players must not wear other club sweaters and caps in official matches. If you do not posses a club sweater, than either purchase one or wear plain white.

• Players to be ready to play 30 minutes before commencement of the game, work permitting.

• Any player show dissent or swearing both on or off the field will be dealt with by the Club Committee

• Players are expected to use the bar facilities both on training nights and match days.

• All players are expected to participate in fund raising activities

• All players to inform their respective captains, no later than 8 P.M Tuesday, if they are unavailable for coming matches.

• No player to smoke on the field of play during matches or training

• All players must make themselves members of our parent club, Altofts Sports Club, subscription to be decided by the Sports Club Committee

• Players to be fully paid up by 1st June. Players must have at least one number in the 100 Club, or any pool which may replace it, or pay full subscriptions.

18. Club Clothing

18.1 If a player wishes to leave the Club, then all property, including clothing, must be returned before the players’ transfer form will be signed.
If the clothing is returned in an unsuitable condition the player will be expected to reimburse the Club before a transfer form is signed

19. Disciplinary Panel

19.1 The Panel will be responsible for disciplinary hearings of Members who infringe the club rules/regulations/ constitution. The Panel, on behalf of the Committee will be responsible for taking any action of suspension or discipline following such hearings

19.2 In the event of a player being required too answer too the Panel regards too his/her actions, he/she will be written too stating the time and place of the meeting, no later than 7 days before the hearing.
The letter should include: The reason for the meeting, The evidence put forth before the Committee, The potential sanctions and that the player may call one witness

19.3 The Disciplinary Committee will consist of any three of the following: Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Secretary, Child Welfare Officer, Head Coach, Nominated Committee Member(s). If the Secretary is not one of the three nominated members, they may be present to minute the meetings but will not have any voting rights (conflicts of interest must be taken into consideration when selecting the panel)

19.4 The accused player may call one person too act as a Witness/Character Reference, this may include either: Their Senior Captain, or The Senior Players Representative,

19.5 After the meeting, any sanction passed by the Disciplinary Panel must be communicated in writing to the player no later than 3 days or before the next league fixture, whichever is sooner

19.6 Any player has the right to appeal a sanction and must do so by informing the Committee in writing no later that 7 days after the original disciplinary meeting, once the letter is received the Disciplinary Panel will arrange a new time and date no later than 7 days of the date of the appeal letter.
Whilst under appeal the player may continue to play all fixtures, providing the letter of appeal has been received by the Committee before any scheduled match in which the player is likely to play

19.7 In so far as junior members who breach the Players Code of Conduct or are deemed to bring the Club into disrepute, responsibility lies initially with the Team Manager to highlight the breach to the player in an appropriate manner.
If poor behaviour persists or concerns continue, the Team Manager should involve parents/guardians and work with them to bring about a change in behaviour or attitude.
At any time a Team Manager can refer the matter to the CWO for guidance on interpreting the word "appropriate" and/or to seek general advice and/or direct involvement in the issue.

If concerns remain the CWO can refer the matter to the Committee who will have the power to:-
a) Warn as to future conduct
b) Suspend from membership
c) Remove from membership

20. UNAFFLIATED PLAYERS

20.1 Players that wish to use the clubs facilities but are not members of the club/play with either senior team must pay a senior membership to entitle them to continue to use the clubs facilities. On payment, he/she shall be treated the same as every other player in the club

21. JUNIOR PLAYERS, AVAILBILITY & SELECTION OF

21.1 Junior players are expected to make themselves available for selection in either of the Clubs senior teams first. If they are not required they may play for another clubs senior side on the agreement of the Head Coach and the relevant Senior Captain.
Playing for another senior side will be on a loan basis and the player may be called back to play in either Altofts Senior Teams at the Clubs discretion
Those players that do not put Altofts first will not be allowed to play junior cricket at the club.

21.2 All Junior Coaches are reminded that they must pick any team representing Altofts Cricket Cub with rule 2.1 of the Constitution in mind and reflect on how constant non-selection of a member would impact rule 2.2 of the constitution.
Furthermore, all paid up junior members should expect to play some form of competitive cricket during the season

22. QUALIFICATIONS FOR AVERAGES

Batting:- A minimum of 250 runs scored in a minimum of 10 innings
Bowling:- A minimum of 25 wickets in a minimum of 10 games

The following games will qualify for inclusion in the calculation of the averages:
CYCL league games, Jack Hampshire, Wheatley, Heavy Woollen and Crowther Cup Matches.
The averages will be calculated at the discretion of the Club Committee

23. PLAYERS AWARD

To qualify for a vote, a player must have played in a minimum of 10 games (league and cup) in that side.

To be able to vote for, a player must have played in a minimum of 10 games (league and cup) in that side.

24. CHILD WELFARE

24.1 The club adheres to the ECB child welfare policy document ‘Safe Hands- Welfare of Young People in Cricket Policy’.
A copy of the child protection policy shall be placed in one of the windows of the club.
A copy of ‘Safe Hands- Welfare of Young People in Cricket Policy’ is available behind the club bar.

25. MEMBERS EDUCATION

25.1 The club will take a positive approach to assisting Members who show an interest in gaining training or qualifications.
The club may fully or partially reimburse the cost of any course(s)

25.2 Any Members benefitting from the club’s generosity will be expected to use their new skills to benefit the club for a period of time for little or no cost to the club. Any Member who leaves or does not show any interest of using these newly acquired skills to benefit the club will be expected to reimburse the club the full amount of any course

25.3 The Club will pay the ECBCA membership of all qualified Members currently coaching

25. CLUB ASSETS

25.1 In the unlikely event of the Club folding. The assets, once debts have been cleared, will be transferred to a local charity or similar cricket club.

Signed……………………………………………………………… Date……………………………… Chairman

Signed……………………………………………………………… Date……………………………… Secretary