1. Name of the Club

1. The club shall be called Somerset Youth Angling Club, hereafter referred to as “The Club.”

2. Objectives

1. The objectives of The Club are:
2. To promote and develop interest in fishing among young people in Somerset and surrounding areas.
3. To encourage environmental conservation and sustainable fishing practices.
4. To provide education, training, and recreational opportunities in angling.
5. To foster community spirit, inclusivity, and personal development among members.

3. Affiliation

1. The Club shall be affiliated with national and regional governing bodies as deemed appropriate and shall adhere to their rules and guidelines.

4. Membership
4.1 Membership Categories

• Cadet Members – Open to individuals aged 4-11. (At primary school when the season starts)
• Junior Member – Open to individuals aged 11-16 (At Secondary school when the season starts)
• Youth Member – Open to individuals aged 16-21. (Left School)
• Honorary Members – Awarded by the committee for outstanding contributions to The Club.

4.2 Membership Applications

• Applications for membership must be made through the official form available on the website or in person. Acceptance is subject to committee approval.

4.3 Membership Fees

• If the club ever needs to charge a fee, applications for membership must be made through the official form available on the website or in person. Acceptance will be subject to committee approval.

4.4 Termination of Membership

• Membership may be terminated for:
• Failure to comply with the rules or Code of Conduct.
• Non-payment of fees.
• Behavior that brings The Club into disrepute.

5. Governance
5.1 Executive Committee
The Club shall be managed by an Executive Committee consisting of the following roles:

• Chairperson
• Secretary
• Treasurer
• Welfare Officer
• Match Secretary
• Volunteer Coordinator

5.2 Election of the Committee

• Committee members shall be elected at the AGM and serve for a term of one year.
• Nominations must be submitted in writing to the club secretary at least two weeks before the AGM.
• Vacancies arising during the year may be filled by a majority vote of the committee.

5.3 Responsibilities of the Committee

• Oversee the day-to-day operations of The Club.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant laws and regulations.
• Develop and implement policies and procedures.

6. Meetings
6.1 Annual General Meeting (AGM)
The AGM shall be held annually to:

• Review the Club’s activities.
• Present financial accounts.
• Elect committee members.
• Discuss and vote on proposed changes to the constitution.
• Notice of the AGM must be given at least 28 days in advance.

6.2 Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM)

• An EGM may be called at any time by the committee or by a written request from at least 10% of the membership. Notice must be given 14 days in advance.

6.3 Committee Meetings

• Committee meetings shall be held at least quarterly. A quorum of at least 50% of the committee members is required for decisions to be made.

7. Finance

• The Club’s financial year shall run from 1st January to 31st December.
• All funds shall be deposited into a bank account in the name of The Club.
• Payments must be authorized by at least two signatories from the committee.
• An annual financial report shall be prepared by the Treasurer and presented at the AGM.

8. Safeguarding and Welfare

• The Club is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all members.
• A Welfare Officer shall oversee safeguarding policies and act as the main point of contact for welfare concerns.
• All staff and volunteers must undergo DBS checks and safeguarding training.
• Safeguarding policies shall be reviewed annually.

9. Conduct and Disciplinary Procedures

• Members must adhere to The Club’s Code of Conduct, which will be provided upon joining.
• Breaches of conduct will be investigated by the committee and may result in warnings, suspension, or termination of membership.
• Appeals against disciplinary actions may be made in writing to the Chairperson or Secretary.

10. Equality and Inclusivity

• The Club is committed to providing equal opportunities for all and does not tolerate discrimination based on age, gender, race, religion, disability, or socioeconomic status.

11. Environmental Responsibility

• Members must follow sustainable fishing practices.
• The Club shall actively promote conservation efforts and educate members about protecting the environment.
• Events and activities will aim to minimize environmental impact.

12. Insurance and Liability

• The Club shall maintain appropriate insurance to cover public liability, personal accidents, and any other relevant risks associated with its activities.

13. Policies and Procedures
The Club shall maintain and regularly update the following policies and procedures:

• Safeguarding Policy: Ensuring the safety of all junior members, with clear reporting procedures for concerns.
• Code of Conduct: Setting behavior expectations for members, parents, and volunteers.
• Health and Safety Policy: Detailing safety measures for all club activities.
• Environmental Policy: Outlining commitments to sustainability and conservation efforts.
• Volunteer Recruitment Policy: Providing guidance on recruiting, training, and supporting volunteers.

14. Risk Assessments

• Risk assessments shall be conducted for all club activities, particularly events near water.
• The Club will mitigate identified risks to ensure the safety of all participants.

15. Fundraising and Sponsorship

• The Club will actively seek funds through grants, sponsorships, and community events.
• Fundraising activities must align with the Club’s objectives and values.

16. Communication Plan

• Members will be informed through newsletters, social media updates, and the Club’s website.
• Parents will receive timely notifications regarding events and required permissions.

17. Membership Management System
The Club will use a membership system to:

• Manage member information securely.
• Track fee payments.
• Facilitate communication with members.

18. Monitoring and Feedback

• The Club will regularly evaluate its activities and seek feedback from members.
• Feedback will inform future improvements and developments.

19. Alterations to the Constitution

• Proposed changes to the constitution must be submitted in writing to the Secretary at least 14 days before the AGM or EGM.
• Changes require a two-thirds majority vote of members present.

20. Dissolution

• The Club may be dissolved by a resolution passed by a two-thirds majority at an EGM.
• In the event of dissolution, any remaining assets shall be donated to a related charity or organization as agreed by the members.