ENGLISH LACROSSE ASSOCIATION Ltd.

Transcription

1 ENGLISH LACROSSE ASSOCIATION Ltd. BYE LAWS Agreed at the 2017 Annual General Meeting (AGM) October 2017 Page 1 of 10

2 1. Membership and Voting Rights Club Any club, including educational establishments, affiliated to a Regional Association or to a Youth / Regional Juniors and Schools Committee shall be entitled to membership and to vote at general meetings of the English Lacrosse Association Limited (ELA). The approval of any membership and entitlement to vote at general meetings shall be given at the discretion of the board of directors of ELA (the Board). Individual Membership (Senior and Junior) An individual category of membership is provided to allow for individuals not necessarily associated with a Club. This category is predominately for membership benefit purposes, including public liability insurance, and does not include any voting rights. Regional Associations Regional Associations affiliated and with representation at the respective playing committees. This category does not have any voting rights. 2. Registration All individuals must be registered on the ELA on-line registration system prior to taking part in lacrosse activity related to playing, coaching, officiating, managing and any other volunteer work where liability cover (through registration) is relevant. Further information on the registration process is available on the ELA website. The on-line nature of the database permits continual updates and as such there are no cut off dates. Listings of players are available to clubs and league organisations, as relevant, and as required for confirmation of eligibility (in the context of registration) via the on line registration system. Individual Members All individual members must be registered on the database to receive membership benefits. 3. Subscriptions Membership subscription and individual registration categories and levels will be determined by the Board and advised to the membership at each Annual General Meeting of ELA. 4. Committee and Group Structure The Board is supported by the following committees: October 2017 Page 2 of 10

3 the National Lacrosse Committee; the Performance Committee; the Finance, Audit and Risk Committee; and the Remuneration Committee. The Board is also supported by the following groups: the Research and Initiatives Group; the Commercial Advisory Group; the Performance Management Group; The committee and group structure will be under Board review on an on-going basis. Administration to support the functional committees and groups will be agreed between the Chief Executive and the respective Committee Chairperson or whoever has functional responsibility. 5. Playing Qualifications 5.1 Women Criteria for national team selection are one of the following: United Kingdom (UK) subjects who are passport holders or eligible for UK passports At least one parent or grandparent of English nationality Acquired English nationality by marriage or naturalisation Resided in England continuously for two years over the previous five year period For a Senior Regional team one of the following: (e) Birth within the regional boundary Bona fide residence for a period of at least six months or in the case of a university, college or school, three months for the season in question Three seasons as a member of the Regional Team Registered to a club which is registered to that Region, or competing in the league system of that region Three years playing for the previous territory relevant to the region In addition: (f) Any U18 player selected for their Senior Elite National Squad (England A, Scotland A, Wales A) can choose to play at Senior and / or Junior level for their region. October 2017 Page 3 of 10

4 All players entering Senior Regional trials must be individually registered. For a Senior County team one of the following: (g) (h) (i) Birth within the county boundary B ona fide residence for a period of at least six months or in the case of a university, college or school, three months for the season in question Three seasons as a member of the County Team 5.2 Men Any exceptions must be referred to the National Lacrosse Committee. Only registered individuals shall be eligible for County or Regional teams. No player shall represent more than one County or Region in the same season. No player may play for a Senior County or Senior Region if they are under 18 years at the beginning of the relevant season (generally commencing in September) or still at school at the time of the relevant event. Exceptions may be made to allow a player who is under 18 years at the beginning of the relevant season (generally commencing in September) or still at school at the time of the relevant event to play for a Senior County Team where in the opinion of the Regional Association exceptional circumstances preclude them from playing for a Junior County Team. Such exceptions must be advised to the National Lacrosse Committee. Criteria for national team selection are one of the following: United Kingdom (UK) subjects who are passport holders or eligible for UK passports At least one parent or grandparent of English nationality Acquired English nationality by marriage or naturalisation Residence in England for a period of two years over the previous five years. For a Regional / County team one of the following: Place of birth Bona fide residence for a period of at least six months or in the case of a university, college or school three months or member of a club of an affiliated Region or County Club Competition and National Club Championship Eligibility No player may represent more than one Club in any matches in the same season which form part of a competition under the jurisdiction of EL i.e. the NEMLA Premier League, the SEMLA Premier League and the National Club Championship unless his transfer has been approved by the North West Lacrosse Association, Yorkshire and North East Lacrosse Association and / or South of England Men s Lacrosse Association under October 2017 Page 4 of 10

5 which the clubs concerned are controlled. Any such player who does transfer during the season is ineligible to play in the National Club Championship. University students who participate in BUCS and play for a Club team in NEMLA or SEMLA Leagues and Cup Competitions can chose who they represent should their University team and Club team both become eligible to compete in the National Club Championship Eligibility for Flags Competitions Players, who play for a Club team outside of the NEMLA and SEMLA premier leagues, can play for teams in both the NEMLA and SEMLA leagues and cup competitions. Cup Competitions including Senior Flags eligibility is subject to having played sufficient league games in accordance with the respective cup competition rules. For clarity, a player transferring from a SEMLA Club where they have played in the Senior Flags competition to a Club competing in NEMLA Senior Flags competition is eligible to play in the latter subject to the competition rules. This applies both ways i.e. transferring from a Club playing in NEMLA Senior Flags competition to a Club playing in SEMLA Senior Flags competition. Only registered individuals shall be eligible for County or Regional teams 6. Regional and County Associations 6.1 Women REGIONS For the purpose of Women s Lacrosse, England shall be divided into the following parts referred to as Regions: SOUTH EAST Buckinghamshire, Northamptonshire, Cambridgeshire, Norfolk, Suffolk, Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire, Essex, Greater London, Surrey, West Sussex, East Sussex and Kent. NORTH - Northumberland, Cumbria, Durham, Tyne and Wear, Lancashire, Cheshire, Greater Manchester, Merseyside, West Yorkshire, South Yorkshire, East Riding of Yorkshire, North Yorkshire, North Lincolnshire, Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Rutland, Staffordshire, Lincolnshire and Leicestershire. Scottish clubs also participate in this Region. SOUTH WEST Berkshire, Bristol, Shropshire, Warwick, Herefordshire, Worcestershire, Warwickshire, Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Wiltshire, Hampshire, Dorset, Somerset, Devon and Cornwall. Welsh clubs also participate in this Region. Others may be affiliated as formed subject to Board approval REGIONAL ASSOCIATIONS Within every Region there shall be a Regional Association comprising any members of ELA which are situated or based or who are resident within its boundaries. Any borderline case shall be decided by the Board. October 2017 Page 5 of 10

6 Each Region shall submit its constitution, rules or bye laws, and any alterations subsequently made to those documents to the ELA. The Board may, if it considers that an article offends against the Aims and Objects (as determined by the Board from time to time) or the general policy of the ELA, call upon the Region concerned to make appropriate amendments. The Committee(s) responsible for League, Cup, Championship or Trophy competitions shall submit their rules under which the games shall be played and administered for approval by the National Lacrosse Committee, by 31 July each year. Once submitted, no alteration shall be made other than those agreed with the National Lacrosse Committee. Each Regional Association shall forward to the Board, not later than 30th May each year, details of two individuals who shall act as the Regional Association's contacts and representatives. The details to be provided are their name and address, telephone number and address and that of the Regional President (and where appropriate Committee nominees) COUNTY ASSOCIATIONS 6.2 Men Within a Region there may be County Associations comprising any members of the ELA which are situated or based or who are resident within its boundaries. Any borderline case shall be decided by the National Lacrosse Committee CURRENT POSITION The Regional and County Associations currently affiliated to the ELA are: North of England Men s Lacrosse Association (NEMLA) South of England Men s Lacrosse Association (SEMLA) North West Lacrosse Association (NWLA) Yorkshire and North East County Lacrosse Association (YCLA) Others Regional and County Associations may be affiliated as formed subject to Board approval REGIONS / COUNTIES Within every Region there shall be a Regional Association comprising any members of ELA which are situated or based or who are resident within its boundaries. Any borderline case shall be decided by the Board. Each Region shall submit its constitution, rules or bye laws and any alterations subsequently made to those documents, to the ELA. The Board may, if it considers that an article offends against the Aims and Objects (as determined by the Board from time to time) or the general policy of the ELA, call upon the Region concerned to make appropriate amendments. The Committee(s) responsible for League, Cup, Flags or Trophy Competition shall submit their rules under which the games shall be played and administered for approval by the Men s Playing Committee. Once submitted, no alteration shall be made other than those agreed with the National Lacrosse Committee. October 2017 Page 6 of 10

7 Each Regional Association shall forward to the Board, not later than 30th May each year, details of two individuals who shall act as the Regional Association's contacts and representatives. The details to be provided are their name and address, telephone number and address and that of the Regional President (and where appropriate Committee nominees). 7. England teams The Board shall have ultimate responsibility for deciding the manner in which teams to represent England shall be chosen and for all Team England appointments including managers, coaches and officials. The Board may choose to delegate this authority to the Performance Committee. 8. National Representative Touring Teams The Board shall have the authority to issue and accept invitations for national representative touring teams to tour at home and abroad. The Board will generally delegate this authority to the Performance Committee and invitations will normally be issued / accepted by Performance Director or Talent manager. 9. Equal Opportunities It is the aim of the ELA to: ensure that all present and potential members / employees receive fair and equal treatment; provide all of its services in a way which is fair to everyone; and ensure that in its relationships with its members / employees and in its provision of services not to disadvantage any individual by imposing any conditions or requirements which cannot be fully justified. In pursuance of this policy, the ELA: may take special measures / positive action for any group which is currently under represented in its membership, representative bodies or workforce taking account of any relevant legislation; and reserves the right to discipline any members /employees of ELA who practice any form of discrimination on the grounds of a person s age, gender, disability, ethnic origin, creed, colour, social status or sexual orientation. The ELA will monitor and evaluate this policy on an on-going basis and will inform the members / employees of its impact. 10. Disciplinary In the event of a member, registered individual or an employee committing an offence or any club, player, official, employee or spectator (being a member or associated with a member) which brings the game into disrepute, the relevant Regional Association or Committee controlling the relevant fixture shall have the power to deal according to their own published procedures. Matters that are outside Regional or present League disciplines shall be dealt with by the National Lacrosse Committee. October 2017 Page 7 of 10

8 As required, the National Lacrosse Committee may refer disciplinary matters to the Board. Any member, registered individual or employee shall have the right of appeal to the Board, whose decision shall be final. In the event of an appeal to the Board, notice must be given by the appellant to the Board, in writing, within twenty-one (21) days of being advised of the imposed penalty. The penalty shall be suspended pending the hearing of such an appeal. The hearing of the appeal shall be before a tribunal consisting of one of the Co-Presidents and two other persons (nominated by the Board) who were not present at, nor involved in, the earlier hearings. A Safeguarding Young People and Vulnerable Adults Group will deal with issues related to safeguarding issues. The group will consist of an appointed National Safeguarding Officer and two or three others to be decided and appointed by the Board. The ELA complaint and appeal procedure will be used to deal with any formal complaints and/or appeals. The ELA Safeguarding Young People and Vulnerable Adults Group will make an immediate decision about whether any individual accused of abuse should be temporarily suspended pending further police and social service inquiries. Irrespective of the findings of the social services or the police, the Safeguarding Young People and Vulnerable Adults Group must assess all individual cases under the appropriate misconduct/disciplinary procedure, to decide whether a member of staff or volunteer can be re-instated and how this can be effectively handled with other staff or volunteers. This may be a difficult decision, particularly where there is insufficient evidence to uphold any action by the police. In such cases the Safeguarding Young People and vulnerable adults Group must reach a decision based on the available information that could suggest, on a balance of probabilities, it is more likely than not that the allegation is true. In all cases, the welfare of the children is paramount. 11. Anti Doping Doping for improvement of performance is strictly forbidden. Doping is defined as the taking or use of substances or participation in doping methods prohibited by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), World Anti- Doping Authority (WADA) and the Federation of International Lacrosse (FIL). Assisting or inciting others to contravene Doping Regulations is also considered on offence. It shall be misconduct for a player or person associated with players to contravene the Doping Regulations. All registered individuals shall, by virtue of registration to the ELA, be regarded as having consented to co-operate fully in any testing, arranged through the ELA, both within and out of competition. To fail to co-operate will be regarded as misconduct. The Board shall make arrangements on such occasions as they consider appropriate for the random testing of registered individuals and shall determine the procedure to be followed. October 2017 Page 8 of 10

9 The Board reserves the right to take disciplinary action in accordance with these against an offender. A registered individual in respect of whom a positive test result is obtained may be suspended pending investigation. A registered individual for whom the relevant Anti-Doping agency confirms a positive test result will be subject to the bans advised by WADA. All appointed coaches and managerial staff of national squads have a responsibility to assist in educating players on anti-doping matters. Persons who assist or incite others to commit such misconduct will be liable to the same disciplinary actions. 12. Betting It is not permitted for any person involved in competition activity to bet on any game in that competition or event. "Persons involved" in this context includes: (e) All playing members of the team; All members of the coaching, managerial, support, medical staff and other staff associated with the team; All game officials for the game or event, whether associated with a particular team or not including officials (referees, CBO, bench manager, assessors, umpires and technical delegates) and all bench officials (time keepers, penalty time keepers, scorers etc.); Competition / event organisers; and Other persons deemed relevant by the Board. Any person who falls into categories and above, who does not comply with this restriction and who has been confirmed as undertaking inappropriate betting, will be immediately asked to leave the team and take no further part whatsoever in the game or event. Failure of the relevant team management to comply with this penalty may result in disciplinary action. Any person who falls into categories, and (e) above will be asked to vacate their positions with immediate effect if found to have violated the betting restriction as set out above. In addition to the immediate exclusion from the game / event, for all persons who have been found to have violated the betting restrictions, disciplinary action may be instituted. Further, the relevant Organising Committee will consider whether other additional measures are appropriate, to restore a fair balance to the game / event taking into consideration all known circumstances to ensure that no team is unfairly disadvantaged by the actions (specifically betting and any related activity) of others. 13. Data Management The head office staff will be responsible for the registration and compliance with the Data Protection Act 1998 in respect of all matters related to the October 2017 Page 9 of 10

10 administration, membership records, individual registrations and general data management of the ELA. October 2017