Club Constitution

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Following on from understanding incorporation, let's learn about the cornerstone document for every incorporated club: the Constitution. You might even hear it called the club's 'Rules' – they mean the same thing!

What is the Constitution?

Think of it as the official rulebook for your croquet club. It's required under the Associations Incorporation Act 1981 and sets out the agreed way your club operates. It acts like a contract between the club and its members, outlining rights and responsibilities.

Why is it So Important?

• Sets the Framework: It defines how the club is governed, covering key areas like:
  • Membership types and processes
  • The structure and election of the Management Committee
  • Procedures for holding meetings (especially General Meetings like the AGM)
  • How club finances are managed
• Legal Compliance: Ensures the club operates according to the requirements of the Act.
• Clarity & Consistency: Provides a single point of truth for how things should be done, helping to avoid disputes and confusion.
• Committee Guidance: All committee members must act in accordance with the constitution, so knowing its contents is essential for fulfilling your role properly.

Key Points to Know:

• Accessibility: The constitution should be readily available for all members to read.
• Model Rules: The QLD Office of Fair Trading provides 'Model Rules' – a standard template constitution that many clubs adopt or adapt.
• Review Regularly: Clubs change over time! It's recommended to review your constitution roughly every 5 years to ensure it still fits your club's needs and aligns with any updates to the Associations Incorporation Act 1981.
• Changing the Rules: Amending the constitution usually requires a special resolution (e.g., 75% vote) at a General Meeting and must be registered with the Office of Fair Trading to take effect.

QLD Government Resources to Help:

These resources provide more detail on understanding and managing your constitution:

• Guide: Understanding your constitution (PDF)
• Guide: The benefits of reviewing your constitution (PDF)
• Guide: Incorporation and constitution terminology (PDF)
• Guide: Governance document hierarchy (PDF) (Shows where the constitution fits)
• Guide: Act amendments overview (PDF)
• Info: QLD Gov Model Rules
• Training Video: ClubIQ: Incorporation and constitutions (YouTube)

Knowing your club's constitution makes good governance easy to acheive.