Constitution

1. NAME

N.S.W. Union of Rowers Incorporated hereafter called "the Union." Founded in 1931 as "The Union of Old Oarsmen" and incorporated on 22^nd June, 1993 as the "N.S.W. Union of Old Oarsmen Incorporated."

2. OBJECTS

(a) To perpetuate the highest traditions of sportsmanship within the rowing community through the continuing association and reunion of rowers.

(b) To foster, improve and perpetuate the sport of rowing and sculling.

(c) To promote the ideals of rowing and sculling through an active interest in the affairs of the New South Wales Rowing Association and its affiliates.

(d) To encourage Junior Rowing Development through the establishment of appropriate award schemes/programs.

(e) To recognize and record significant achievements of individuals and organisations.

(f) To assist the New South Wales Rowing Association in the staging of regattas and other events.

3. AFFILIATION

The Union shall be affiliated with the New South Wales Rowing Association Incorporated.

4. MOTTO

"From the past, for the future."

5. BADGE OR CREST

The badge shall consist of circular gold plated lapel badge with sky blue background featuring a waratah surmounted on crossed oars with "N.S.W. Union of Rowers" on the perimeter.

6. MEMBERSHIP

The qualifications for membership shall be:

(a) Those who are or who have been members of recognized rowing clubs. OR

(b) Who have participated in rowing or sculling in school programs.

7. CLASSES OF MEMBERSHIP

(a) Life members who shall be elected at an Annual General Meeting and their nomination will be included in the notice of such meeting.

(b) Permanent Members who shall pay a sum of money determined by the Executive Committee and shall be afforded the privileges of membership for the period of their life.

(c) Members who shall pay a sum of money for a specific period that shall be determined by the Executive Committee.

(d) Upon attaining the age of eighty (80) years current members will become exempt from the further payment of subscriptions.

8. OFFICERS

Officers of the N.S.W. Union of Rowers shall consist of:

(a) Patron,

(b) President,

(c) Deputy President,

(d) Elite Vice-President,

(e) Four (4) Vice-Presidents,

(f) Honorary Secretary,

(g) Honorary Treasurer,

(h) And twelve (12) Committee members

i. All Officers shall be elected annually at the Annual General Meeting. Nominations for Officers from members, duly signed by the nominee must be lodged on Schedule (iii) twenty eight (28) days prior to the date of the Annual General Meeting.

ii. Any casual vacancies shall be filled by the Executive Committee.

iii. The office of President shall not be held by the same person for successive terms.

9. MANAGEMENT

(a) Shall be vested in an Executive Committee. The Executive Committee shall comprise the elected officers as listed in "8. Officers"

(b) The Executive Committee may appoint Committees or Sub-Committees for any purpose which shall further the objects of the Union.

(c) The current financial position of the Union shall be reported by the Honorary Treasurer at all Executive Committee meetings and an audited report will be published and included in the Annual Report.

10. FINANCIAL ACCOUNTABILITY

(a) Honorary Auditor

The Honorary Auditor shall be appointed by the Executive Committee and be a person who is a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia and/or the National Institute of Accountants and/or the Australian Society of Certified Practising Accountants.

(b) Public Officer

The Public Officer shall be appointed by the Executive Committee and shall fulfill the requirements of the Associations Incorporations Act.

11. SUBSCRIPTION

The rates of subscription shall be set by the Executive Committee from time to time.

12. ANNUAL GENERAL MEETINGS

The Annual General Meeting shall be held during August of each year at such time and place as fixed by the Executive Committee provided that at least fourteen (14) days notice of the meeting shall be given.

13. SPECIAL GENERAL MEETINGS

(a) A Special General Meeting shall be called at the discretion of the Executive Committee or upon a requisition in writing to the Honorary Secretary, signed by at least fifteen members of the Union.

(b) At least 14 days notice of a Special General Meeting must be given to the members of the Union and such notice must state the motion/s to be considered at the Special General Meeting.

14. VOTING

(a) At all Annual General and Special General Meetings only financial, permanent and Life Members who are present will be entitled to vote on motions and the election of Officers.

(b) The method of voting shall be by a majority of those present and entitled to vote at the meeting.

(c) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this rule the Chairman of an Annual General or Special General Meeting shall only be entitled to a vote in case the voting has not resolved the question.

(d) A motion passed at a Annual General Meeting or Special General Meeting can only be rescinded at a subsequent Special General Meeting by a two thirds majority of those present and entitled to vote.

15. QUORUM

At all Annual General and Special General Meetings of this Union twelve (12) from those present and entitled to vote shall form a quorum whilst seven (7) shall form a quorum at Executive Committee Meetings.

16. YEAR

The year of the Union will extend from 1^st July to the 30^th June.

17. ALTERATIONS TO THIS CONSTITUTION

(a) Notice of any motion for any proposed alteration to this Constitution must be given in writing, setting out the text of the proposed alteration, to the Executive Committee not later than twenty eight (28) days before the date set for a Annual General or Special General Meeting. Such notice must be signed by not fewer than fifteen (15) current members.

(b) The Executive Committee will then place the motion for alteration before the membership on the notice paper for the Annual General or Special General Meeting..

(c) Any motion or amended motion to alter this Constitution will only be passed if a three quarters majority of those present and eligible to vote is attained.

18. COMMON SEAL

(a) The Executive Committee shall provide safe custody of the Common Seal of the Union.

(b) The Common Seal shall not be used without the authority by resolution of the Executive Committee and shall be used in the presence of two members of the Executive Committee.

(c) Two members of the Executive Committee shall sign every instrument to which the Common Seal is fixed.

19. DISSOLUTION

(a) The Union shall not be dissolved except at a Special General Meeting convened for that purpose and by a resolution carried by a majority of two thirds of those present and entitled to vote.

(b) If upon winding up or dissolution there remains, after satisfaction of all its debts and liabilities any assets, then such assets shall be given or transferred to the New South Wales Rowing Association Inc.

20. SCHEDULES

The following schedules shall form part of this Constitution:

i. Application for Membership of the Union.

ii. Renewal of Membership of the Union.

iii. Nomination for Election of Office Bearers of the Union.

iv. Application for a Union Youth Scholarship.

v. Application for a Union Coaching Scholarship.

vi. Permanent Membership Certificate.