These Constitution and Rules were adopted in October 2003, and are as amended at the AGM, November 2003. In these Rules unless the context otherwise permits or requires, the following words and expressions shall have the following meanings:

‘Affiliated Club’ means a Club that is affiliated to the Somerset County Bowling Association (SCBA) – Affiliated Clubs and Members thereof, when playing on their own greens or on the greens of other Affiliated Clubs, are covered by EBA and SCBA insurance schemes

‘AGM’ means the Annual General Meeting of SCBA convened in accordance with Rule 9(a)

‘Alternative Vote Basis’ means a system whereby candidates are ranked by electors and redistributed until the number of required candidates or a candidate with more than 50% support emerges

‘Club’ means a bona fide men’s bowling club (or the men’s section of a bona fide mixed bowling club or the male members of a bona fide mixed bowling club) with no fewer than sixteen male members which possesses or has access for competitive purposes to a green fit for the Game of Bowls

‘Development Officers’ means the Patrons’ Secretary/Treasurer and the Marketing Officer who shall be elected by the AGM, and the delegate to the EBCSSA and the Child Protection Officer who shall be appointed by the Management Committee

‘EBA’ means the English Bowling Association

‘EBCSSA’ means the ‘English Bowls Coaching Scheme Somerset Association’

‘Executive Officers’ means the Secretary, Treasurer, Competition Secretary, League Secretary and Match Secretary

‘Game of Bowls’ means games played on outdoor level greens in England and defined in more detail by the Laws of the Game

‘Laws of the Game’ means the laws of the game as provided by the EBA

‘Member’ means any male member of an Affiliated Club whose rights of membership include the playing of bowls on the Club’s green. Such Members are ipso facto members of the SCBA

‘Misconduct’ means any incident of misconduct as defined in the Regulations

‘Presidential Team’ means the Immediate Past President, the President, the Senior Deputy President and the Junior Deputy President

‘Primary Club’ means the Affiliated Club for whom the Member plays competitive bowls. If the Member is a member of more than one Affiliated Club but does not play competitive bowls then for the purposes of voting at SCBA general meetings, the Member must declare one of his clubs to be the Primary Club

‘Regions’ means the three geographical areas into which the county is divided for administrative purposes – see ‘Sub Regions’

‘Regulations’ means the Laws of the Game and the Rules of the EBA and the Constitution and Rules of the SCBA and the Constitution and Rules of Affiliated Clubs and any other rules, by laws, regulations, conditions or codes of conduct applying to the EBA and the SCBA and the Affiliated Club and any amendments thereto

‘Representative Matches’ means matches selection for which is open to all Members who have achieved the necessary playing qualifications

‘Rules’ means the Constitution and Rules of SCBA

‘SCBA’ means the ‘Somerset County Bowling Association’

‘Somerset’ means the geographical area described by the County boundary on 31^st March 1965

‘Sub Regions’ means the six geographical areas into which the county is divided for administrative purposes. Regions and Sub Regions may be adjusted from time to time by the Management Committee. Affiliated Clubs belong to the following Regions and Sub-Regions:

1. Title

The Association shall be called the ‘Somerset County Bowling Association’.

2. Purpose

The purpose of the SCBA is to promote, foster and safeguard the Game of Bowls in Somerset in every legitimate way. In particular, it shall:

1. advise concerning the laying and upholding of greens to accord with the Laws of the Game
2. provide a safe environment in which children and vulnerable adults can enjoy taking part in the game of bowls
3. hold annually a championship for Affiliated Clubs, and championships for Members in Singles, Pairs, Triples, Fours, Junior Singles, Two Wood Singles, SCBA and Affiliated Club Champions, specified SCBA and Club officers, and a championship for Mixed Pairs
4. run a County League for teams from Affiliated Clubs
5. play competitive and friendly inter-county and other representative matches
6. have an annual tour
7. when requested, interpret on questions of Regulations and practice and arbitrate on disputes thereto between or among SCBA and Affiliated Clubs and Members
3. Structure
1. The SCBA shall be an unincorporated, non-profit making organisation with all the proceeds and surpluses being used for the defined Purpose (see Rule 2). The Headquarters shall be the Victoria Bowling Club, Albert Quadrant, Weston-super-Mare.
2. The SCBA shall be a full member of the English Bowling Association and shall be affiliated to the South Western Counties Bowling Association. Delegates and representatives thereto shall be appointed by the Management Committee.
4. Affiliation to the SCBA
1. Affiliation to the SCBA shall be open to Clubs in Somerset. Affiliated Clubs are ipso facto affiliate members of the EBA.
2. Every application for affiliation shall be made to the Secretary of the SCBA, and shall be accompanied by a copy of the Club’s constitution and rules, a list of its officers and members, the addresses of the Secretary, Treasurer and green, and the amount of the first annual subscription.
3. Such application shall be considered and decided upon by the Management Committee. In particular the Management Committee must satisfy itself that the constitution and rules of the club are complementary to SCBA and EBA Regulations. The Secretary shall advise applicants of the outcome of their application within fourteen days of the decision.
4. Affiliated Clubs are bound by the Regulations, its own and those of its Associations. The Management Committee of the SCBA may, in the event of any serious breach thereof, apply sanction or penalty as it considers fit. Such sanction or penalty may include suspension or expulsion of the Affiliated Club from the SCBA (and hence from the EBA).
5. Any Affiliated Club may disaffiliate from the SCBA (and hence the EBA) by giving written notice, to include a copy of the minute of their general meeting of Members that resolved so to disaffiliate.
6. Any Clubs expelled, suspended or disaffiliating from the SCBA shall forfeit all interest in the funds of the SCBA and shall be in the same position as if it had never been a member but shall be liable for any money due to the SCBA.
5. Membership
1. Members of Affiliated Clubs are ipso facto Members of the SCBA.
2. The SCBA shall have the power to elect Life Members who have rendered special services to the game.
6. Annual Subscription
1. An Annual Subscription shall be payable by each Affiliated Club. It shall include its subscription to the EBA. It shall be based on the number of Members of the Club as at 30^th September of the preceding year.
2. The charge per Member shall be determined by the Development Committee, endorsed by the Management Committee and approved by the AGM and shall be payable not later than 31^st January each year.
3. The Management Committee may suspend any Affiliated Club that fails to pay the Annual Subscription by the due date. Suspended clubs shall be treated as not affiliated until the whole of the arrears has been paid. In the meantime, the Club and its Members shall be precluded from exercising any rights under the Constitution and Rules, including playing in competitions and representative matches.
7. Administration
1. Management Committee
1. The affairs of the SCBA shall be conducted by a Management Committee consisting of the Presidential Team, the Executive Officers and one Elected Member per Sub Region in accordance with Rule 9(d)i. Each shall have the power of one vote.
2. The Management Committee shall ensure the effective administration of the affairs of the SCBA. It shall meet on at least four occasions each year, in the last month of each quarter. The meeting in September should be held after the September League Committee Meeting. The President or in his absence another of the Presidential Team shall act as chairman of the Management Committee. There shall be a quorum of eight. In the case of equal votes, the Chairman shall have a second and casting vote.
3. At its first meeting after each AGM, the Management Committee shall, inter alia, appoint the members of the Presidential Team to sit on each committee, the three Delegates to the EBA (one of whom shall normally be the Secretary) and one Representative to sit on the EBA Executive Committee (who shall normally be one of the three Delegates to the EBA), a delegate to the Somerset County Indoor Bowling Association, two delegates to the South Western Counties Bowling Association, and Members to serve as a Greens Advisor, the Child Protection Officer, the Middleton Cup Manager, the Junior Team Manager, a delegate to the EBCSSA, the Welfare Officer, an Assistant Competition Secretary, an Assistant Match Secretary and a Year Book Secretary .
4. At its meeting immediately prior to the following AGM the Management Committee shall, inter alia, ratify the nominations for Vice Presidents, Honorary Vice Presidents and Life Members, consider approval of the Development Committee’s budgetary proposals for the coming year, including the subscription to be charged, and agree the agenda for the AGM.
5. The Management Committee shall appoint sub-committees and delegate authority to such sub-committees as it may deem necessary. These sub-committees and all other committees defined in these Rules shall be accountable to the Management Committee.
6. In accordance with the Misconduct Procedures in Appendix 1 hereto, the Management Committee or a sub-committee thereof may inquire into any case of Misconduct or alleged Misconduct by an officer of the SCBA, or by an Affiliated Club or any Member thereof whilst representing the SCBA or being involved in SCBA business. Following such inquiry, the Management Committee or sub-committee shall impose such sanction or penalty as it considers fit. A new sub-committee may hear any appeal against such sanction or penalty.
7. The Management Committee shall have power to make appointments to fill any vacancy arising during the year of an Executive Officer or any Elected Member to a Committee or any appointment previously made by the Management Committee. In addition it may appoint assistants to any elected office who may act in the capacity of the elected member, subject to the elected member’s approval.
8. The Secretary shall keep a record of all business transacted, and shall report on the proceedings of the SCBA to the AGM.
2. Development Committee
1. The Development Committee shall be responsible for the finances of the SCBA and the promotion of the game of bowls within Somerset as far as the finances will allow. It shall, inter alia, manage all relationships with sponsors and advertisers. It shall determine the levels of honoraria and limits of expenses payable to all Officers.
2. It shall consist of two of the Presidential Team appointed by the Management Committee, the Secretary, the Treasurer, the Development Officers, and a Member elected at the AGM. Each shall have the power of one vote.
3. It shall meet on at least two occasions each year, in February, and in August. At the August meeting, the budget for the forthcoming year shall be agreed for approval by the Management Committee.
4. It shall appoint its own chairman who in the case of equal votes shall have a second and casting vote. The Secretary shall keep a record of all business transacted and report to the Management Committee.
5. The Treasurer shall present to the Management Committee for approval and to the AGM for adoption a precise account of the income and expenditure and a balance sheet for the past year, audited by Auditors appointed by the previous AGM, and a statement of budgetary provision for the coming year.
6. The Development Officers shall each report to the AGM.
3. Competitions Committee
1. The Competitions Committee shall be responsible for the conduct of the Annual Championships within the budget provided for it by the Development Committee
2. It shall consist of two members of the Presidential Team and an Assistant Competition Secretary appointed by the Management Committee, the Competition Secretary, and a Member elected at the AGM. Each shall have the power of one vote.
3. It shall meet in July and October each year and as the conduct of the Annual Championships demands. It shall appoint its own chairman, who in the case of equal votes shall have a second and casting vote.
4. The Competition Secretary shall keep a record of all business transacted and report to the Management Committee and AGM.
4. League Committee
1. The League Committee shall be responsible for the conduct of the County League within the budget provided for it by the Development Committee.
2. It shall consist of two members of the Presidential Team appointed by the Management Committee, the League Secretary, a Regional League Secretary for each Region and the Fixtures Clearing Secretary. Each shall have the power of one vote.
3. It shall meet on at least two occasions each year, in the first week in July and in the week immediately succeeding the last scheduled League Saturday. It shall appoint its own chairman who in the case of equal votes shall have a second and casting vote.
4. The League Secretary shall keep a record of all business transacted and report to the Management Committee and AGM.
5. Middleton Cup Selection Committee
1. The Middleton Cup Selection Committee shall be responsible for the conduct, within the budget provided for it by the Development Committee, of campaigns for Middleton Cup, South Western Counties League and all other National competitions for senior county sides. It shall make nominations to the EBA for all national representations.
2. It shall consist of two members of the Presidential Team appointed by the Management Committee, one who shall be the designated chairman, Match Secretary, Middleton Cup Manager, and one Middleton Cup Selector from each Region. None shall be eligible for selection for the Middleton Cup or other National competition.
3. The Middleton Cup Manager shall have sole responsibility for all team affairs including selection for the Middleton Cup and other National competitions.
4. For South Western Counties League matters, each member of the committee shall have the power of one vote. In the case of equal votes the Middleton Cup Manager shall have a second and casting vote.
5. The Middleton Cup Selection Committee shall meet as often as it deems necessary.
6. The Match Secretary shall keep a record of all business transacted and report to the Management Committee.
7. The Middleton Cup Manager shall report to AGM.
6. Junior Selection Committee
1. The Junior Selection Committee shall be responsible, within the budget provided for it by the Development Committee, for the conduct of all competitive and friendly representative matches for which an upper age limit is defined.
2. It shall consist of one member of the Presidential Team (who shall report to the Management Committee) and the Junior Team Manager appointed by the Management Committee, the Child Protection Officer and a Junior Selector elected at the AGM.
3. The Junior Team Manager shall have sole responsibility for all team affairs.
4. The Junior Selection Committee shall meet as often as it deems necessary.
5. The Junior Team Manager shall keep a record of all business transacted and report to AGM.
7. General Selection Committee
1. The General Selection Committee shall be responsible for the conduct, within the budget provided for it by the Development Committee, of all those representative matches outside the responsibility of the Middleton Cup and Junior Selection Committees.
2. It shall consist of two members of the Presidential Team appointed by the Management Committee, one who shall be the designated chairman, Match Secretary and one General Selector from each Sub Region. Each shall have the power of one vote. In the case of equal votes the chairman shall have a second and casting vote.
3. It shall meet as often as it deems necessary.
4. The Match Secretary shall keep a record of all business transacted and report to the Management Committee and AGM.
8. General Meetings
1. Except as provided for in Rule 16, subject to the Secretary receiving electronic or postal support for a motion or motions, identically worded, from the secretaries of at least two Affiliated Clubs, or upon receipt of a motion obtaining the majority support of the Management Committee, the Secretary is required either to include them in the business for the AGM or within 45 days if sooner and so requested by the motion to convene a Special General Meeting for the purpose of considering such a motion or motions. 28 days’ notice of such motions is required.
2. Fourteen days’ electronic or postal notice shall be given of all general meetings to the secretaries of each Affiliated Club. The agenda and all motions to be put shall be issued with the notice. Ballot papers will be issued to Members with appropriate voting rights when they register their attendance at the meeting.
3. Any Member of any Affiliated Club is entitled to attend General Meetings. Each Affiliated Club is required to advise the Secretary in the manner he prescribes of its two mandated representatives in advance of the meeting. The President, or in his absence another of the Presidential Team shall act as chairman.
4. Voting rights
1. Management Committee Members, Development Officers, Middleton Cup and Junior Managers, Patrons’ Chairman, Past Presidents, Vice Presidents and Honorary Vice Presidents are entitled to one vote per person. On regional matters, the person’s Primary Club determines the Region and Sub Region within which their vote might be cast. Any of these persons may also be mandated to represent an Affiliated Club.
2. Each of two mandated representatives of each Affiliated Club in accordance with Rule 8(c) is entitled to one vote per person. On regional matters, they may only vote within their own Region and Sub Region.
3. In the case of equal votes, the chairman shall have a second and casting vote.
5. Twenty-five voting members with voting rights shall form a quorum at general meetings.
6. The Secretary shall keep a record of all business transacted.
9. Annual General Meeting
1. The AGM shall be held on a Saturday in November each year. The Treasurer’s report including the audited accounts, the Secretary’s report and nominations for office shall be included with the notice.
2. Nominations
1. The Management Committee shall nominate candidates for President, Senior Deputy President, Junior Deputy President and Auditors. The President shall normally not hold office for more than one consecutive year. Neither the Auditors nor any of their servants shall be members of or candidates for election to the Management Committee or Development Committee.
2. Candidates for Executive Officers, Marketing Officer, Patrons’ Secretary/Treasurer, Patrons’ Chairman, Management Committee representatives (one per Sub Region), Development Committee representative, Competition Committee representative, Regional League Secretary (one per Region), Fixtures Clearing Secretary, Middleton Cup Selector (one per Region), General Selector (one per Sub Region), Junior Selector, Vice President, Life Member and Honorary Vice President shall require the nomination in accordance with Rule 9(b)v of two Affiliated Clubs.
3. An Affiliated Club shall not nominate more candidates for an office than there are vacancies to be filled.
4. All nominees shall at the time of nomination and for the period until the election be bona fide Members of an Affiliated Club
5. Except as provided for in Rule 9(b)vii, electronic or postal nominations must be submitted to the Secretary according to his instructions by 31^st August each year.
6. The Management Committee may refer back any nominations for Vice President, Honorary Vice President or Life Membership that it feels are not worthy. It may do this on two successive occasions. Any such nomination being received for a third year in succession must be allowed to go forward to the AGM.
3. The AGM shall elect, on the Alternative Vote basis, from the validly nominated candidates:
1. the President, Senior Deputy President and Junior Deputy President to serve for one year
2. the Executive Officers to serve for one year
3. the Patrons Secretary/Treasurer and Marketing Officer to serve for one year
4. the Patrons’ Chairman, Fixtures Clearing Secretary, Development Committee representative, Competition Committee representative and Junior Selector to serve for one year
5. sufficient Vice Presidents (VPs) so that there will be a maximum of six VPs serving (including the Senior Deputy President and Junior Deputy President) of which no Affiliated Club shall have more than one VP as his Primary Club, and sufficient Honorary Vice Presidents (HVPs) so that there will be a maximum of twenty HVPs. A Vice President may at any time and subject to there being a vacancy opt to convert to Honorary Vice President.
6. Life Members.
4. At the AGM, the votes from each Region shall elect from that Region on the Alternative Vote basis one Regional League Secretary and one Middleton Cup Selector to serve for one year.
5. At the AGM, the votes from each Sub Region shall elect from that Sub Region on the Alternative Vote basis one member to serve on the Management Committee and one General Selector to serve for one year.
6. Any Member elected to office (apart from Life Members and Honorary Vice Presidents) who during the course of the term of the office for which he has been elected ceases for a period of at least 30 days to be a member of an Affiliated Club, including under the provisions of Rule 6(c), shall be disqualified from office with immediate effect. A vacancy so arising may be filled by the Management Committee in accordance with Rule 7(a)vii.
10. Disputes

The Management Committee, or a sub-committee appointed by the Management Committee expressly for the purpose, shall adjudicate upon any dispute referred to it arising between or among Affiliated Clubs or any Members thereof, or any expelled or suspended Members if their expulsion or suspension or the cause thereof is the substance of the dispute, as to the meaning or interpretation of any Regulations or any such matters of compliance, practice, policy, conduct, right, privilege, penalty or complaint which the Management Committee shall hold to be within its jurisdiction. Such adjudication shall be in accordance with the Dispute Procedures in the Misconduct Procedures in Appendix 1 hereto.

11. Protection of Children and the Vulnerable

The SCBA is committed to promoting a safe environment in which children and vulnerable adults can enjoy taking part in the game of bowls. It will seek to underpin and ensure this commitment by following and promoting the joint Child Protection Policy Procedures of the National Governing Bodies. Affiliated Clubs shall, by 30^th November each year in the manner he so prescribes, confirm to the Secretary that they follow and promote Child Protection Procedures and retain an appropriate clause to this effect in their Rules and Constitution, and name the Affiliated Club’s current Child Protection Officer together with his address and telephone number and where appropriate his e-mail address.

12. Discrimination, Equal Opportunities and Human Rights Legislation

The Association acknowledges its responsibility under this Legislation to ensure, inter alia, that nobody is unfairly discriminated against solely on grounds of gender, sexuality, age, race, religious belief, disability or level of personal income whilst participating, or seeking to participate, in the Game of Bowls in Somerset.

13. Data Protection Act 1984

All Clubs that supply a list of their members for whatever reason shall be deemed to be aware of the provisions of the Act relating to the disclosure of personal information and to have given their authorisation to such disclosure.

14. Liquidation

In the event of the liquidation of the SCBA the funds and assets of the SCBA remaining after payment and satisfaction of its debts and liabilities and the costs and expenses of liquidation shall be distributed by the SCBA in general meeting to a sporting body which is established substantially or primarily for the purpose of promoting any game or sport, provided that the game or sport is conducted for the recreation and benefit or entertainment of the general public in Somerset and no part of the income or other funds of the body corporate operating such sport is used or available to be used for the pecuniary profit of any proprietor, member or shareholder.

15. Adoption of these Rules

Upon the adoption of these Constitution and Rules existing Affiliated Clubs who in the opinion of the Management Committee would not otherwise qualify for affiliation under these Rules shall be afforded a period of five years from the date of adoption to comply with the Rules. Failure to comply with this Rule within the said period may be considered to be a serious breach of Rule 4(d).

16. Alteration of Rules

Alteration of or addition to all or any of the foregoing Rules shall be made only at the AGM or at such Special General Meeting convened for the purpose by motion put in accordance with Rule 8(a).

17. Matters not provided for

If any matter shall arise which in the opinion of the Management Committee is not provided for in these Rules then the matter may be determined by the Management Committee in such manner as it sees fit, and every such determination shall be binding upon Affiliated Clubs and Members unless and until set aside by a resolution of a general meeting.

Misconduct Procedures – In the event of any case of Misconduct or alleged Misconduct considered necessary for possible disciplinary action by the SCBA against one or more of its Members or its Affiliated Clubs:

1. The Member or Members or Affiliated Clubs concerned shall be advised in writing that the case is to be considered for possible action and the way in which the case will be considered.
2. If the consideration of the case is to be through a formal hearing by a sub-committee appointed by the Management Committee expressly for the purpose, the Member or Members or officers of Affiliated Clubs concerned shall be invited to appear before the sub-committee, with an advisor if they so wish, so that their side of the case might be put. Such sub-committee shall not include any Member involved in the case.
3. When all the facts of the case have been established, they shall be considered by the sub-committee, the proceedings of which shall be minuted. The decision of the sub-committee shall be given in writing, with a copy of the minutes, to all parties within fourteen days of the hearing.
4. In the event of disciplinary action being taken, the Member or Members or Affiliated Clubs concerned shall be advised of their right of appeal. Such appeal must be made within fourteen days of the notice of decision.

Dispute Procedures and Appeal Procedures – In the event of any appeal against disciplinary action being taken regarding a case of Misconduct, or in the event of any dispute arising between or among Affiliated Clubs or any Members thereof, or any expelled or suspended Members if their expulsion or suspension or the cause thereof is the substance of the dispute:

1. A sub-committee (or a new sub-committee in the event of an appeal) shall be appointed by the Management Committee to hear the dispute or appeal. In the case of disputes, the sub-committee shall not include any Member involved in the case. In the case of appeals, the new sub-committee shall not include any member of the original sub-committee nor any Member involved in the case.
2. Within fourteen days of electronic or postal receipt of written notice of dispute or appeal to the Secretary, the disputants or appellants shall be invited to appear within the next 14 days before the sub-committee, with an advisor if they so wish, so that their side of the case might be put.
3. When all the facts of the case have been established, they shall be considered by the sub-committee, the proceedings of which shall be minuted. The decision of the sub-committee shall be given in writing, with a copy of the minutes, to all parties within fourteen days of the hearing.
4. In the event of the dispute or appeal being dismissed, the Member or Members or Affiliated Clubs concerned may lodge an appeal in writing to the EBA through the Chief Executive. Any such appeal shall be lodged and processed in accordance with EBA Rules 21.2 to 21.6.