At the South Dorset Tai Chi Annual General Meeting 25th February 2020 a new constitution was presented and accepted. That constitution can be seen below.
The South Dorset Tai Chi Club Constitution
1) Title
a) “South Dorset Tai Chi Club” (the Club) is an unincorporated association regulated as described in this constitution.
b) In this Constitution, the term “Tai Chi” refers to the Chinese Martial art of “Taijiquan”.
2) Statement of Purpose
a) To promote the study and practice of traditional Taijiquan and other, related, “Internal” Chinese Martial Arts and Exercise routines (including Qigong), for self-defence, health and self-development, in Weymouth, Dorset and the wider community
b) To provide training facilities and instruction for club members, in Taijiquan and other, related “internal” Chinese Martial Arts and Exercise routines (including Qigong)
c) To provide members with opportunities to develop their skill in line with the syllabus of the Longfei Taijiquan Association of Great Britain [LTAGB], and to work towards Assistant Instructor/Instructor qualifications recognised by the British Council for Chinese Martial Arts [BCCMA]
d) To ensure that all members are treated fairly and provide equal opportunities wherever possible, in accordance with the Equal Opportunities Policy of the BCCMA.
3) Membership
a) Membership of the Club shall be open to all persons who are amateurs, as defined by UK Chinese Martial Arts/Tai Chi governing bodies,, 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, in accordance with the Equal Opportunities Policy of the BCCMA.
b) Members under the age of 18 attending any Club activity must be accompanied by their parent or guardian who shall be entirely responsible for them..
c) There shall be no membership fee.
d) An individual is deemed to become a (full) member as soon as they attend classes, pay the agreed subscription, and complete a membership application form.
e) An individual’s membership is terminated when:
i) the member informs the Club that membership is no longer required.
ii) the member has not attended for a period of at least 3 months (unless
the member has given notice of longer absence).
iii) A General Meeting decides that Gross Misconduct has occurred.
f) The Committee may suspend or exclude from training any member for contravention of the agreed Club Constitution, or published codes of conduct. Any such decision is to be discussed at a General Meeting as soon as possible.
g) Members shall be advised to apply for, and maintain, membership of the LTAGB and the BCCMA (including member-on-member insurance cover). Practice of certain activities may be restricted to insured members only.
h) Instructor/Assistant Instructors must apply for and maintain relevant Instructor membership of the LTAGB and BCCMA and hold appropriate insurance and attend appropriate technical and coaching courses as available. Work towards a recognised coaching qualification is recommended.
i) Honorary (non-voting) Membership may be granted to ex-members, or volunteers wishing to help with the overall running of the Club.
4) Subscriptions
a) A subscription shall be paid for each session attended – the amounts being determined at an EGM or AGM.
b) The Club will keep subscription at levels that will not pose a significant obstacle to people participating.
c) The subscription shall be a standard rate for all members.
5) Management
a) Day to day management of the Club shall be carried out by a Committee
elected by members at the AGM or EGM, in a manner to be determined by the Committee.
b) The Committee is to consist of the following:
i) Treasurer to be responsible for financial matters
ii) Membership Secretary to be responsible for membership and associated records
iii) Events, Publicity and Media secretary to be responsible for arranging events and
publicity
iv) Secretary to be responsible for correspondence and liaison with Instructors.
c) Committee meetings will be chaired by a Chairperson chosen by the
Committee at each meeting.
d) The Committee to have power to co-opt members of the Club onto the Committee as
felt appropriate.
e) Committee members may reallocate roles as appropriate.
f) Instructors are to have a standing invitation to attend and contribute to Committee
discussions and decisions but this is not an expectation. The Committee will ensure
that they can contribute to the agenda and receive a report after each meeting.
g) Volunteers will be needed to carry out specific tasks as the Committee decides.
6) Governance
a) Governance will be by General meetings.
b) An Annual General meeting [AGM] shall be held in the month of January or as dictated by the practical circumstances of that time.
c) At the AGM the meeting will:
i) Receive the annual report prepared by, or behalf of the Chair
ii) Consider any amendment to the constitution of which due notice has been given to
all members. Any proposed change to the constitution must be received by the
Secretary at least 14 days preceding the meeting in order that l members shall
have sufficient notice of the proposal
iii) transact any other notified business.
d) At least 21 days notice shall be given to members of the date, venue and agenda items for the AGM.
e) Voting shall normally be by a show of hands and/or written submission, except where the Chair decides voting shall be by ballot.
f) All current members of the Club shall have one vote and votes may be cast via appropriate written submissions where a member cannot attend. In the case of an equality of votes the Chair will have a second, casting vote.
g) An Extraordinary General Meeting [EGM] may be called at any time to discuss changes to the Constitution and Rules or any other urgent Club business.
h) An EGM must be called if 25% of voting members so petition the Secretary in writing.
i) Three weeks notice of an EGM must be given to all members in writing together with the motion/s to be discussed. No other business shall be conducted.
j) Procedures for voting shall be as used for the AGM.
7) Finance
a) The financial year of the Club shall end on 31st December.
b) All funds belonging to the Club shall be deposited with a bank or building society in accounts that shall carry the Club’s title – “South Dorset Tai Chi”.
c) All accounts shall operate on one signature. Official signatories are to be Committee members..
d) Expenditure above any agreed budget levels may only be authorised at a General Meeting.
8) Property and funds
a) The property and funds of the Club will not be used for the direct or indirect, private benefit of members other than as reasonably allowed under 8cii. All surplus income or profits remain the property of the Club.
b) The Club may provide its members with sporting and related social facilities, sporting equipment, coaching courses, insurance cover, medical treatment, travel expenses and other ordinary benefits of Community Amateur Sports Clubs as provided in the Finance Act 2002.
c) The Club may also, in connection with the purposes of the Club:
i) obtain, on behalf of its members, food, drink, clothing and equipment, and sell
these items to members at cost (including carriage charges)
ii) Employ members and remunerate them for providing goods and services
on fair terms set by the Committee without the person concerned being
present
iii) Pay for reasonable hospitality for visiting guests
iv)) indemnify the Committee and members acting properly in the course of running
the Club against any liability incurred in the proper running of the Club (but only to
the extent of its assets).
9) Discrimination and Child Protection
The Committee will have due regard to the law on disability discrimination, safeguarding
and child protection.
10) Winding up
a) The members may vote to wind up the Club if not less than two-thirds of those present, and voting, support that proposal at a properly convened General Meeting.
b) The Committee will then be responsible of the orderly winding up of the Club’s affairs.
c) After settling all liabilities of the Club, the Committee shall dispose of the net assets remaining to one or more of the following:
i) to a registered charity chosen by an EGM
ii) to another local Association/Club with similar purposes
iii) to the Club’s national governing (LTAGB and/or BCCMA) for use by them
to support community sports.
Abbreviations and Definitions
Tai Chi Refers to the Chinese Internal Martial Art of “Taijiquan” or Grand Ultimate Boxing “Taijiquan uses Pinyin, currently the most commonly used system of writing Chinese using a phonetic and Roman script.
Tai Chi is a simple form that has found common use in on-technical literature.
Qigong “Energy work” – Chinese Yoga like exercises and practices practised for their physical, Mental and Emotional/Spiritual Health benefits.
SDTC South Dorset Tai Chi Club – referred to as “the Club”.
LTAGB Longley Taijiquan Association of Great Britain.
BCCMA British Council for Chinese Martial Arts – national governing body recognised by the Sports Council.
AGM Annual General Meeting.
EGM Extraordinary General Meeting.
Equal Opportunities and safeguarding as outlined in BCCMA policy documents including “The Protection of Children and Vulnerable Adults from Abuse”, and “Protection of Children and Vulnerable Adults, Policy and Procedures” and “Child Protection and Safeguarding Update, May 20.
CASC Community Amateur Sports Clubs – as first provided for by the Finance Act 2002.
EXPECTATIONS AND CODE OF CONDUCT
The Committee will ensure that the Constitution and every member a copy sight of the Constitution, Expectations and Code of Conduct are available to all members.
.
The Committee will arrange training to be held in suitable appropriate premises with identified and explained health and safety procedures.
Members will be alert to health and safety risks to themselves and others in the class. All such risks identified should be reported to an Instructor.
Members will respect property belonging to the practice venue, members, instructors or the Club.
Members will not attend class while suffering from a significant communicable illness and have any open wounds appropriately dressed.
Members will cultivate and maintain an atmosphere of friendship, respect and mutual cooperation in class so all can advance their practice.
Members will not engage in discrimination of any kind and will ensure that the rights of children and vulnerable adults are protected. Any breach of this condition should be reported to an Instructor and/or the Committee.
Members will wear appropriate clothing for practice e.g. loose casual clothing.
Members will maintain awareness that Taijiquan is a martial art. The use of force against another person should never be applied except:
under the supervision and control of a qualified instructor
or
to protect oneself or others from assault
and
any force used should be as necessary and proportional as the circumstances demand.
1) Title
a) “South Dorset Tai Chi Club” (the Club) is an unincorporated association regulated as described in this constitution.
b) In this Constitution, the term “Tai Chi” refers to the Chinese Martial art of “Taijiquan”.
2) Statement of Purpose
a) To promote the study and practice of traditional Taijiquan and other, related, “Internal” Chinese Martial Arts and Exercise routines (including Qigong), for self-defence, health and self-development, in Weymouth, Dorset and the wider community
b) To provide training facilities and instruction for club members, in Taijiquan and other, related “internal” Chinese Martial Arts and Exercise routines (including Qigong)
c) To provide members with opportunities to develop their skill in line with the syllabus of the Longfei Taijiquan Association of Great Britain [LTAGB], and to work towards Assistant Instructor/Instructor qualifications recognised by the British Council for Chinese Martial Arts [BCCMA]
d) To ensure that all members are treated fairly and provide equal opportunities wherever possible, in accordance with the Equal Opportunities Policy of the BCCMA.
3) Membership
a) Membership of the Club shall be open to all persons who are amateurs, as defined by UK Chinese Martial Arts/Tai Chi governing bodies,, 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, in accordance with the Equal Opportunities Policy of the BCCMA.
b) Members under the age of 18 attending any Club activity must be accompanied by their parent or guardian who shall be entirely responsible for them..
c) There shall be no membership fee.
d) An individual is deemed to become a (full) member as soon as they attend classes, pay the agreed subscription, and complete a membership application form.
e) An individual’s membership is terminated when:
i) the member informs the Club that membership is no longer required.
ii) the member has not attended for a period of at least 3 months (unless
the member has given notice of longer absence).
iii) A General Meeting decides that Gross Misconduct has occurred.
f) The Committee may suspend or exclude from training any member for contravention of the agreed Club Constitution, or published codes of conduct. Any such decision is to be discussed at a General Meeting as soon as possible.
g) Members shall be advised to apply for, and maintain, membership of the LTAGB and the BCCMA (including member-on-member insurance cover). Practice of certain activities may be restricted to insured members only.
h) Instructor/Assistant Instructors must apply for and maintain relevant Instructor membership of the LTAGB and BCCMA and hold appropriate insurance and attend appropriate technical and coaching courses as available. Work towards a recognised coaching qualification is recommended.
i) Honorary (non-voting) Membership may be granted to ex-members, or volunteers wishing to help with the overall running of the Club.
4) Subscriptions
a) A subscription shall be paid for each session attended – the amounts being determined at an EGM or AGM.
b) The Club will keep subscription at levels that will not pose a significant obstacle to people participating.
c) The subscription shall be a standard rate for all members.
5) Management
a) Day to day management of the Club shall be carried out by a Committee
elected by members at the AGM or EGM, in a manner to be determined by the Committee.
b) The Committee is to consist of the following:
i) Treasurer to be responsible for financial matters
ii) Membership Secretary to be responsible for membership and associated records
iii) Events, Publicity and Media secretary to be responsible for arranging events and
publicity
iv) Secretary to be responsible for correspondence and liaison with Instructors.
c) Committee meetings will be chaired by a Chairperson chosen by the
Committee at each meeting.
d) The Committee to have power to co-opt members of the Club onto the Committee as
felt appropriate.
e) Committee members may reallocate roles as appropriate.
f) Instructors are to have a standing invitation to attend and contribute to Committee
discussions and decisions but this is not an expectation. The Committee will ensure
that they can contribute to the agenda and receive a report after each meeting.
g) Volunteers will be needed to carry out specific tasks as the Committee decides.
6) Governance
a) Governance will be by General meetings.
b) An Annual General meeting [AGM] shall be held in the month of January or as dictated by the practical circumstances of that time.
c) At the AGM the meeting will:
i) Receive the annual report prepared by, or behalf of the Chair
ii) Consider any amendment to the constitution of which due notice has been given to
all members. Any proposed change to the constitution must be received by the
Secretary at least 14 days preceding the meeting in order that l members shall
have sufficient notice of the proposal
iii) transact any other notified business.
d) At least 21 days notice shall be given to members of the date, venue and agenda items for the AGM.
e) Voting shall normally be by a show of hands and/or written submission, except where the Chair decides voting shall be by ballot.
f) All current members of the Club shall have one vote and votes may be cast via appropriate written submissions where a member cannot attend. In the case of an equality of votes the Chair will have a second, casting vote.
g) An Extraordinary General Meeting [EGM] may be called at any time to discuss changes to the Constitution and Rules or any other urgent Club business.
h) An EGM must be called if 25% of voting members so petition the Secretary in writing.
i) Three weeks notice of an EGM must be given to all members in writing together with the motion/s to be discussed. No other business shall be conducted.
j) Procedures for voting shall be as used for the AGM.
7) Finance
a) The financial year of the Club shall end on 31st December.
b) All funds belonging to the Club shall be deposited with a bank or building society in accounts that shall carry the Club’s title – “South Dorset Tai Chi”.
c) All accounts shall operate on one signature. Official signatories are to be Committee members..
d) Expenditure above any agreed budget levels may only be authorised at a General Meeting.
8) Property and funds
a) The property and funds of the Club will not be used for the direct or indirect, private benefit of members other than as reasonably allowed under 8cii. All surplus income or profits remain the property of the Club.
b) The Club may provide its members with sporting and related social facilities, sporting equipment, coaching courses, insurance cover, medical treatment, travel expenses and other ordinary benefits of Community Amateur Sports Clubs as provided in the Finance Act 2002.
c) The Club may also, in connection with the purposes of the Club:
i) obtain, on behalf of its members, food, drink, clothing and equipment, and sell
these items to members at cost (including carriage charges)
ii) Employ members and remunerate them for providing goods and services
on fair terms set by the Committee without the person concerned being
present
iii) Pay for reasonable hospitality for visiting guests
iv)) indemnify the Committee and members acting properly in the course of running
the Club against any liability incurred in the proper running of the Club (but only to
the extent of its assets).
9) Discrimination and Child Protection
The Committee will have due regard to the law on disability discrimination, safeguarding
and child protection.
10) Winding up
a) The members may vote to wind up the Club if not less than two-thirds of those present, and voting, support that proposal at a properly convened General Meeting.
b) The Committee will then be responsible of the orderly winding up of the Club’s affairs.
c) After settling all liabilities of the Club, the Committee shall dispose of the net assets remaining to one or more of the following:
i) to a registered charity chosen by an EGM
ii) to another local Association/Club with similar purposes
iii) to the Club’s national governing (LTAGB and/or BCCMA) for use by them
to support community sports.
Abbreviations and Definitions
Tai Chi Refers to the Chinese Internal Martial Art of “Taijiquan” or Grand Ultimate Boxing “Taijiquan uses Pinyin, currently the most commonly used system of writing Chinese using a phonetic and Roman script.
Tai Chi is a simple form that has found common use in on-technical literature.
Qigong “Energy work” – Chinese Yoga like exercises and practices practised for their physical, Mental and Emotional/Spiritual Health benefits.
SDTC South Dorset Tai Chi Club – referred to as “the Club”.
LTAGB Longley Taijiquan Association of Great Britain.
BCCMA British Council for Chinese Martial Arts – national governing body recognised by the Sports Council.
AGM Annual General Meeting.
EGM Extraordinary General Meeting.
Equal Opportunities and safeguarding as outlined in BCCMA policy documents including “The Protection of Children and Vulnerable Adults from Abuse”, and “Protection of Children and Vulnerable Adults, Policy and Procedures” and “Child Protection and Safeguarding Update, May 20.
CASC Community Amateur Sports Clubs – as first provided for by the Finance Act 2002.
EXPECTATIONS AND CODE OF CONDUCT
The Committee will ensure that the Constitution and every member a copy sight of the Constitution, Expectations and Code of Conduct are available to all members.
.
The Committee will arrange training to be held in suitable appropriate premises with identified and explained health and safety procedures.
Members will be alert to health and safety risks to themselves and others in the class. All such risks identified should be reported to an Instructor.
Members will respect property belonging to the practice venue, members, instructors or the Club.
Members will not attend class while suffering from a significant communicable illness and have any open wounds appropriately dressed.
Members will cultivate and maintain an atmosphere of friendship, respect and mutual cooperation in class so all can advance their practice.
Members will not engage in discrimination of any kind and will ensure that the rights of children and vulnerable adults are protected. Any breach of this condition should be reported to an Instructor and/or the Committee.
Members will wear appropriate clothing for practice e.g. loose casual clothing.
Members will maintain awareness that Taijiquan is a martial art. The use of force against another person should never be applied except:
under the supervision and control of a qualified instructor
or
to protect oneself or others from assault
and
any force used should be as necessary and proportional as the circumstances demand.
