CONSTITUTION AND RULES OF SWINFORD GOLD CLUB

 

CONTENTS

1

2

3

4

4.1

4.2

4.3

5

6

7

7.1

7.2

7.3

7.4

7.5

7.6

8

9

9.1

9.2

9.3

10

11

Preliminary

Title and Ownership

Membership

Objects:-

The Men’s Club

The Ladies Club

The Parent Club

The Company

The Officers

Management:-

The Allocation of Functions

Elections – Officers and Committees

Committee Meetings

Employment of Staff

Management Regulations

Appointment of Sub-Committees

Administration

Finance:-

The Parent Club

The Men’s Club

The Ladies Club

Election of Members

Categories of Members

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

18.1

18.2

18.3

18.4

18.5

18.6

19

20

21

22

23

24

 

 

25

26

27

Annual Subscription

Capital Levy

Freezing of Annual Subscriptions

Visitors and Temporary Members

Fines and Suspension

Termination of Membership

General Meetings:-

The Men’s Club

The Ladies Club

The Parent Club

Notification to Parent Club

Special General Meetings

Chairperson at General Meetings

Notices of General Meetings

Mode of Voting at General Meetings

Minute Book

Playing Facilities

Personal Property

Registration of Clubs Act 1904 to 2000, Intoxicating Liquor Act 1833 to 2000

Changes of Constitution and Rules

Rules of Golf and Local Rules

Bye-Laws

 

1                    PRELIMINARY

 

1.1               Rules herein contained are indicated by consecutive numbers.

1.2               Clauses are indicated by consecutive numbers and preceded by Rule Numbers

1.3               Sub-Clauses are indicated by consecutive numbers preceded by Rule and Clause numbers

1.4               Sub-Sub-Clauses are indicated by consecutive numbers preceded by Rule, Clause and Sub-Clause numbers.

 

2.                  TITLE AND OWNERSHIP

 

2.1               The name of the Club shall be Swinford Golf Club and this name shall be the common name by which the Men’s Club, the Ladies Club and the Parent Club shall be individually and collectively known.

2.2               The ownership of the Club property shall be vested in Swinford Golf Club Limited (a company limited by guarantee)(herein called “the Company”) on behalf of the Voting Members as defined in sub-clause 11.1.1.  The Voting Members only shall have control of the affairs of the club.

 

3.                  MEMBERSHIP

 

3.1               The Membership of the Men’s Club shall consist of Male Playing Members who are Life Members, Ordinary Members and other subscribing Playing members and such Honorary members as may be elected from time to time under Clause Honorary members as may be elected from time to tine under Clause 10.2.

3.2               The Membership of the Ladies Club shall consist of Female Playing Members who are Life Members, Ordinary Members and other subscribing Playing Members and such Honorary Members as may be elected from time to time under Clause Honorary Members as may be elected from time to time under Clause 10.2.

 

4.                  OBJECTS

 

4.1              The Men’s Club shall:-

 

4.1.1          Promote the Amateur game of Golf amongst its Members.

4.1.2          Accept and abide by the Constitution and Bye-laws of the Golfing Union of Ireland to which the Club is affiliated and the Bye-laws of the Connaught Branch of such Union in whose Province the Club is situate.

4.1.3          Accept and apply the Standard Scratch Score and Handicapping Scheme as prescribed by the Council of National Golf Unions and such rules thereunder as may require to be implemented from time to time by the Golfing Union of Ireland.

4.1.4          Accept and recognise the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andres as the sole authority for prescribing and implementing the Rules of Golf and the Rules of Amateur Status.

4.1.5          Accept that the Parent Club is the overall authority for administering the affairs of both the Men’s and the Ladies Clubs as provided in these Rules.

 

 

4.2              The Ladies Club shall:-

 

4.2.1          Promote the Amateur game of Golf amongst its Members.

4.2.2          Accept and abide by the Constitution and Bye-laws of the Golfing Union of Ireland to which the Club is affiliated and the Bye-laws of the Connaught Branch of such Union in whose Province the Club is situate.

4.2.3          Accept and apply the Standard Scratch Score and Handicapping Scheme as prescribed by the Council of National Golf Unions and such rules thereunder as may require to be implemented from time to time by the Golfing Union of Ireland.

4.2.4          Accept and recognise the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andres as the sole authority for prescribing and implementing the Rules of Golf and the Rules of Amateur Status.

4.2.5          Accept that the Parent Club is the overall authority for administering the affairs of both the Men’s and the Ladies Clubs as provided in these Rules.

 

4.3              The Parent Club shall:-

 

4.3.1          Provide facilities for the playing and promotion of the amateur game of golf by Men, Women and Juveniles and generally promote amateur games and other social activities amongst its Members.

4.3.2          Act as administrator of the affairs (other than Golf Competitions) of both the Men’s and Ladies Clubs including the application for and collection of, initial Club entry fees, annual subscriptions, capital levy and such charges from Members and Visitors as are authorised including Bar, Catering and Green Fees and to be responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of the course and Clubhouse and their environs.

4.3.3          Adhere to the maximum of Members of different categories, which can be elected to each of the Clubs.  Any alteration in the number permitted in each category shall be decided at the Annual General or Extraordinary General Meeting of the Parent Club.

4.3.4          Adhere to the existing rate of

(I)                Club entry fee.

(II)              Annual subscription (individual and Family).

(III)           Capital Levy and

(IV)           Compulsory spending being paid by Members of different categories of playing members in each of the Men’s and Ladies Clubs.  Also adhere to the existing rate of

(V)             Club entry Fee and

(VI)           Annual Subscription

(VII)        Capital Levy and

(VIII)      Compulsory spending being paid by Social or House Members in the Parent Club.

 

Thereafter any alteration in all or any such rates shall be decided at the Annual General or an Extraordinary General Meeting of the Parent Club.

 

4.3.5          In consultation with the Committee of both the Men’s and Ladies Clubs decide the rates of Green Fees to be payable by visitors to the Club.

4.3.6          Generally to act in the promotion and advancement of the club and the improvement of the facilities available to Members.

 

5.                  THE COMPANY

 

5.1               The Club premises and such other property of the Club as the Committee of Management of the Parent Club (hereinafter referred to as “the Committee of the Management”) shall determine shall be vested in and under the legal control of the Company and shall deal with the property of the Club as directed by a resolution of the Committee of Management of which an entry in the Minutes Book shall be conclusive evidence.

5.2               If the Board of Directors of the Company when directed by a resolution of the Committee of Management to perform a certain act, consider that the performance of such act is one of such importance that they consider that the Members of the Parent Club should be consulted, then the Board of Directors of the Company may refuse to perform such act until the Members of the Parent Club have been consulted at a General or an Extraordinary General Meeting and a resolution is passed at such meeting authorising or refusing to authorise the Board of Directors of the Company to perform such act as was originally directed by the Committee of Management.

 

6.                  OFFICERS

 

6.1               The Officers of the Men’s Club shall be a Captain, an Honorary Secretary, an Honorary Treasurer and an Honorary Match and Handicapping Secretary.

6.2               The officers of the Ladies Club shall be a Captain, an Honorary Secretary, an Honorary Treasurer and an Honorary Match and Handicapping Secretary (s).

6.3               The Officers of the Parent Club shall be a President, a Chairperson of the Committee of Management, an Honorary Secretary, and Honorary Treasurer (s) and a Course Manager.

 

7                    MANAGEMENT

 

7.1              Allocation of Functions

 

7.1.1          The business and affairs of the Men’s Club shall be made the jurisdiction and control of a General Committee (hereinafter referred to as “the Men’s Committee”) consisting of the Officers of the Men’s Club and twelve (12) other members of the Men’s Club elected under Sub-Clause 7.2.4 and Clause 21.7.

7.1.2          The business and affairs of the Ladies Club shall be made the jurisdiction and control of a General Committee (hereinafter referred to as “the Ladies Committee) consisting of the Officers of the Ladies Club and not more than twelve (12) other members of the Ladies Club elected under Sub-Clause 7.2.3 and Clause 21.7.

7.1.3          The business and affairs of the Parent Club shall be made the jurisdiction and control of the Committee of Management consisting of the Officers of the Parent Club, the Captain and Honorary Secretary of each of the Men’s and Ladies Clubs and not more than twelve (12) other members of the Parent Club elected under Sub-Clause 7.2.3 and Clause 21.7.

7.1.4          Each of the afore-mentioned Committee may exercise its powers notwithstanding that there might be a vacancy or vacancies in its membership.

7.1.5          Nothing in this Rule shall preclude a Member of either the Men’s or Ladies Committee being also a Member of the Committee of Management.

7.1.6          At meetings of any of the foregoing Committee five (5) of those entitled to attend and vote shall form a quorum.

7.1.7          At meetings of the men’s and Ladies Committees the Chair shall be taken by the Captain or, if absent, the Vice-Captain of the Club concerned.  At meetings of the Committee of the Management the Chair shall be taken by the Chairperson or, if absent, by the President.  In the absence of the above Officers at a particular meeting those in attendance  having a vote shall elect a Chairperson.

7.1.8          The Chairperson at a Meeting shall, in addition to a deliberative vote, have, and shall exercise a casting vote.

 

7.2              Elections – Officers and Committees

 

7.2.1          The Captain of the Men’s and the Captain of the Ladies Clubs shall retire after one years service and be succeeded by the Vice Captain always provided that the Members at the Annual Meeting may vote that the outgoing Captain should serve in that capacity for a second term of one year.  In such event that the Tenure of Office of the Vice-Captain shall be extended for a second term of one year.

7.2.2          The President, the Chairperson of the Committee of Management, all Honorary Secretaries, Honorary Treasurers and Honorary Match and Handicapping Secretaries shall retire annually and shall be eligible for re-election.

7.2.3          The election of Office Bearers, Auditors and Members of Committee shall be made at the respective Annual General Meetings.

7.2.4          The Vice Captain in Office shall each have the right to nominate for election the Vice Captain for the ensuing year of their respective Clubs.

7.2.5          The respective Committee shall have the power to fill vacancies in any of these offices (including membership of its Committee) during any year.  The persons so appointed shall hold office until the next Annual General Meeting of the particular club.  Such appointment shall not be construed as forming part of the time limit provided in Sub Clause.

7.2.6          Each Member of each Committee (other than the Office Bearers) shall hold office for a period of one year from the time of election and shall then retire, and shall be eligible for re-election in that capacity on the same Committee.

7.2.7          The Office or any Office Bearer shall be vacated by such Office Bearer resigning therefrom or on ceasing to be a Member of the Parent Club or being removed by a resolution at an Annual General or an Extraordinary General Meeting of the appropriate Club.

 

7.3              Committee Meetings

 

7.3.1          Stated Meetings of the Men’s and Ladies Committee shall be held once every month between February and September and not less than once in every two months between October and January.

7.3.2          Stated Meetings of the Committee of Management shall be held once in every month and Special Meetings on such dates as may be found convenient for the transaction of business on at least two (2) days notice being given by the Chairperson or Honorary Secretary of the Parent Club.

7.3.3          Any Member of a Committee who is absent for three consecutive meetings or five (5) in all, without an acceptable reason shall be deemed to have resigned from the Committee and the vacancy shall be filled under Sub-Clause 7.2.5.

 

7.4              Employment of Staff

 

7.4.1          The Committee of Management shall have power to appoint a paid Secretary Manager and other employees upon such terms and conditions as the Committee may determine to terminate such appointments and also appoint substitutes from time to time.

7.4.2          The Secretary Manager shall, in addition to carrying out the duties required for the Parent Club, act as Secretary Manager to both the Men’s and the Ladies Clubs.

 

7.5              Management Regulations

 

7.5.1          The Committee of Management is empowered to make, and from time to time to alter such Bye-Laws and regulations for the Management of the Parent Club as it may consider necessary.

7.5.2          In consultation with both the Men’s and Ladies Committee the committee of Management is also empowered to make such local rules (provided same are not at variance with the Rules of Golf) and regulations for the use of the Course as are required in the interest of all Members.

7.5.3          Every Member of every category and every visitor or other person using the Clubhouse or Course shall be subject to, and must comply with all Rules, Bye-Laws and Regulations in force.

 

7.6              Appointment of Sub-Committees

 

7.6.1          The Men’s and Ladies Committees and the Committee of Management shall each have power to appoint Sub-Committees and to appoint members of their respective Clubs, to act on such Sub-Committees and to define the scope of their authority and to delegate and confer upon such Sub-Committees the powers necessary for the discharge of the functions for which the Sub-Committees were formed.  No Sub-Committee can be appointed to elect members.

7.6.2          Each Sub-Committee shall retire annually on the date of the Annual General Meeting of its respective Club of when the function for which it was appointed is completed.

7.6.3          The quorum for each Sub-Committee shall be defined at the time of appointment.

7.6.4          The Chairperson of each Sub-Committee shall, in addition to a deliverative vote, have, and exercise a casting vote.

 

8                    ADMINISTRATION

8.1              The three Sections of the club shall be administered as follows:-

 

8.1.1          The Honorary Secretary of the Men’s Club shall be responsible for the everyday affairs of that Club except such duties which are specifically assigned to another Officer of the Men’s Club or to the Secretary Manager.

8.1.2          The Honorary Secretary of the Ladies Club shall be responsible for the everyday affairs of that Club except such duties which are specifically assigned to another Officer of the Ladies Club or to the Secretary Manager.

8.1.3          The Honorary Secretary of the Parent Club shall be responsible for the everyday affairs of that Club except such duties which are specifically assigned to another Officer of the Parent Club or to the Secretary Manager.

8.1.4          All written complaints concerning matters under the jurisdiction and control of the Committee of the Club concerned shall be referred primarily  to the Honorary Secretary of the Club, who, if unable to resolve same, shall place the complaint on the agenda for the next Meeting of the Committee of such Club for investigation and decision.

8.1.5          The Honorary Secretary of the Parent Club shall also act as Liaison Officer between the Committee of Management and each of the Men’s and the Ladies Committees.

 

9                    Finance

 

9.1              The financial affairs of the Parent Club shall be operated as follows:-

 

9.1.1          The Honorary Treasurer of the Parent Club shall keep full and detailed accounts, books and records, showing financial affairs, receipts and disbursements of the Parent Club.

9.1.2          The Banking account shall be kept in the name of the Parent Club (and shall be clearly identified as such) in such Bank as the Committee of Management may from time to time determine.  All cheques shall be signed by Honorary Treasurer and by one other authorised Officer of any authorised signatory.

9.1.3          The Honorary Treasurer of the Parent Club shall issue an Audited Statement of the affairs of the Parent Club for the financial year ended 30th September for consideration by the Committee of Management and for presentation by the Members at the Annual General Meeting of the Parent Club which shall be held not later than 31 December following.

9.1.4          The Committee of Management shall also make grants to each of the Men’s and the Ladies Club from time to time, on request being made, to defray the expenses incurred by the Committee concerned when entertaining visiting teams and Officials in Home Matches and expenses incurred in Away Matches by Team Members and Officials when representing the Club, and for such other events or occasions when it is considered to be in interest of the Club to do so.

 

9.2              The financial affairs of the Men’s Club shall be operated as follows:-

 

9.2.1          The Honorary Treasurer of the Men’s Club shall keep full and detailed accounts, books and records, showing financial affairs, receipts and disbursements of the Men’s Club.

9.2.2          The Banking account shall be kept in the name of the Men’s Club (and shall be clearly identified as such) in such Bank as the Men’s Committee may, with the permission of the Committee of Management, from time to time determine.  All cheques shall be signed by any two of the following:- The Honorary Secretary, the Honorary Treasurer and by one other authorised signatory.

9.2.3          The Men’s Committee shall be responsible for the payment to the Golfing Union of Ireland of the Annual per capita Subscriptions and Provincial Levy as required by the Bye-Laws of that Union.

9.2.4          The Men’s Committee shall be entitled to charge and retain all entry fees in Club and Open Competitions under its control and management and for which it has arranged for the provision of prizes.

9.2.5          The Honorary Treasurer of the Men’s Club shall issue an Audited Statement of the affairs of the Men’s Club for the financial year ended 30th September for consideration by the Men’s Committee and for presentation and approval by the Members at the Annual General Meeting of the Men’s Club which shall be held not later than 31 December following.

9.2.6          Following the Meeting of the Men’s Committee at which the Audited accounts are considered the Honorary Treasurer shall immediately forward a copy of the Audited Accounts to the Honorary Treasurer of the Management Committee for information.

 

9.3              The financial affairs of the Ladies Club shall be operated as follows:-

 

9.3.1          The Honorary Treasurer of the Ladies Club shall keep full and detailed accounts, books and records, showing financial affairs, receipts and disbursements of the Ladies Club.

9.3.2          The Banking account shall be kept in the name of the Ladies Club (and shall be clearly identified as such) in such Bank as the Ladies Committee may, with the permission of the Committee of Management, may determine.  All cheques shall be signed by any two of the following:- The Honorary Secretary, the Honorary Treasurer and by one other authorised signatory.

9.3.3          The Ladies Committee shall be responsible for the payment to the Irish ladies Golf Union of the Annual per capita Subscriptions and Provincial Levy as required by the Constitution.

9.3.4          The Ladies Committee shall be entitled to charge and retain all entry fees in Club and Open Competitions under its control and management and for which it has arranged for the provision of prizes.

9.3.5          The Honorary Treasurer of the Ladies Club shall issue an Audited Statement of the affairs of the Ladies Club for the financial year ended 30th September for consideration by the Ladies Committee and for presentation and approval by the Members at the Annual General Meeting of the Ladies Club which shall be held not later than 31 December following.

9.3.6          Following the Meeting of the Ladies Committee at which the Audited accounts are considered the Honorary Treasurer shall immediately forward a copy of the Audited Accounts to the Honorary Treasurer of the Management Committee for information.

 

10                ELECTION OF MEMBERS

 

10.1      Subject to the agreed limitations as to the number of

            Members electable to the different categories of member:-

 

10.1.1      The election of all Male Playing Members shall be in the hands of the Men’s Committee

10.1.2      The election of all Female Playing Members shall be in the hands of the Ladies Committee.

10.1.3      The election of Social or House Members shall be in the hands of the Committee of Management.

10.1.4      The election to Family Membership shall be in the hands of the Committee of Management as provided in Sub Clause 11.1.7.

 

10.2          The procedure for the election of Members shall be as follows:-

 

10.2.1      Each candidate for election (except in the case of Honorary Members must be proposed by one voting Member of the appropriate Club and seconded by one other voting Member) of such Club.  (The procedure would be set out, Application Form etc. – see Appendix 1).

10.2.2      Any omission from inaccuracy in the particulars relating to any Candidate shall render election voidable at the discretion of the Management Committee.

10.2.3      Notice in writing shall be dispatched to all elected Candidates by the Secretary Manager together with a copy of the Club Constitution and Rules and a request to remit to the Secretary Manager of the Parent Club or its Bankers within one calendar month from the date of such request the amount of the entrance fee, capital levy (if any) and first subscription  and any other charges payable by the category of Member to which the Candidate has been elected and on payment thereof the Candidate shall become a member of the club in that category and be entitled to the benefits and privileges of such Membership and be bound by its rules.

10.2.4      Should the requested payment not be made within one calendar month of the date of such request as aforesaid the election shall be void unless the Candidate shall satisfy the Committee that the delay in payment was due to some unavoidable cause.

10.2.5      If the candidate is not elected to Membership and at a later date wishes to make a further application for Membership the same procedure as set out above must be followed on any subsequent application.

 

11                CATEGORIES OF MEMBERS

 

11.1            The following are the categories of Members which shall be elected to the Club:-

 

11.1.1      Ordinary Members shall comprise of Men and Women, who, having paid the entrance fee, Annual Subscription and Capital Levy (if any) applicable in this category, shall be entitled to attend and vote at all Annual General Meetings or all Special General meetings of the Parent Club and enjoy all outdoor and indoor facilities prescribed by Sub-Clause 4.3.1 hereof.  Only a Member in this category shall have an interest in the Club property which interest shall cease on such Member this category unless the Member has been elected an Honorary member of the Club.  Ordinary Members that is, First year Beginners, Second year Beginners, Over 50 miles and University Members, who are over the age of 18 years of age on the first day of January in the year of Membership shall be known and referred to as full Members and such members are eligible for election as Officers or Members of Committees.  Men Ordinary Members shall be entitled to all the rights and privileges (including voting) of the Men’s Club.  Women Ordinary Members shall be entitled to all the rights and privileges (including voting) of the Ladies Club.

11.1.2      University Members shall comprise under graduates and Students of Universities and Medical Schools or such other Institutes of Learning as the Committee of Management may decide.  Such Membership shall cease on 31st December following graduation or qualification, or on the 31st December six years after the date of election, whichever period shall be the shorter.

11.1.3      Junior Members shall comprise young persons whose ages at the date of election are not more than eighteen years, such Membership shall cease on 31st December next after such Junior has attained the age of 18 (eighteen years).

11.1.4      County Members shall comprise persons whose permanent residence is distant (6 miles) from the Club provided each applicant of this category is already a voting Member of another Golf Club which is affiliated to the Golfing Union.  Such membership shall terminate as and when a Member ceases to be a voting Member of another affiliated Club.

11.1.5      University Members and Junior Members on ceasing to be eligible for these categories and wishing to be elected at another category shall be treated with priority at the next election.  Any other category of playing Member wishing to become an Ordinary Member shall likewise be treated with priority at the next election.

11.1.6      Honorary Members shall comprise persons whom the Committees of the Men’s and Ladies Club wish to acknowledge as having rendered exceptional service to the Club or the game of golf of whose distinguished position or public service would render their membership of special advantage to the Club.

11.1.7      Family Membership: Any husband and wife elected ordinary Members under Sub-Clause 11.1.1 shall be entitled to apply to the Committee of Management to become Family Members which will provide the following rights:-

11.1.7.1 The husband and wife shall continue to enjoy the rights of their respective categories.

11.1.7.2 Each son or daughter under the age of eighteen years on the first day of January in the year of Membership and shall enjoy the rights of Junior Members.

11.1.7.3 The Committee of Management shall decide on such inclusive annual subscriptions to cover either grouping in Sub-Clause 11.1.7 to be payable by the Head of the Family to cover all Members of the Family instead of the individual annual subscription payable.

 

12                ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION

 

12.1            All categories of Members, except Honorary Members shall be required to pay an Annual Subscription.

12.2            The amount payable by the different categories shall initially be fixed by the Committee of Management under Sub-Clause 4.3.4 and ratified or altered at the next Annual General Meeting of the Parent Club.  Thereafter such subscriptions shall remain in operation until altered at an Annual General Meeting or Special Meeting of the Parent Club.

12.3            All subscriptions shall be payable from the first day of January in any year.

 

13                CAPITAL LEVY

13.1            The Committee of Management shall be empowered to recommend to the Annual General Meeting of the Parent Club the imposition of a Capital Levy on Ordinary Members to find any additional acquisition of land or buildings, construction work or improvement in the Course, Clubhouse or its environs.

13.2            The amount of such levy shall be payable at the same time as the Annual Subscription and the same penalties shall apply.

 

14                FREEZING OF ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTIONS

 

14.1            On reaching the age of 65 and having retired from their business or profession and not otherwise engaged in full time or part time gainful employment or mostly engaged in household duties any subscribing member shall be entitled to notify the Committee of Management of such facts.

14.2            Thereafter the subscription payable by such Member shall remain the same as that paid in the year of such notification.

14.3            The Committee of Management shall also be empowered to grant similar facilities to Members who are widows/widowers irrespective of age.

14.4            Ordinary Members whose subscriptions are frozen shall thereafter not be liable for payment of any Capital Levy.

 

15                VISITORS AND TEMPORARY MEMBERS

 

15.1            Any Member may introduce visitors.

15.2            It shall be a condition precedent that the Member effecting the introduction shall enter each visitors name, address and date of the visit immediately on entering the Clubhouse in a book to be kept for the purpose called a “Visitors Book” and such entry must be attested by the signature of the introducing Member.

15.3            No visitor shall be supplied with excisable liquor in the Club premises unless on the invitation of and in the company of the introducing Member.

15.4            The charge for Visitors shall be fixed from time to time by the Committee of Management under Sub-Clause 4.3.5 who are empowered to make regulations for the admission of non-playing Visitors.

15.5            Every playing Visitor must procure a numbered Green Fee voucher, bearing the visitor’s name and the date on which the Visitor can use the facilities of the course and Clubhouse.

15.6            On the issue of each Green Fe Voucher the name of the Visitor, the number and the amount of the Green Fee voucher and the name of the Introducing Member must be immediately entered in a “Green Fee Book”.

15.7            In addition the Secretary Manager or Representative or any past or present Member of either the Men’s or Ladies Committee or the Committee of Management, having made and attested the necessary entry in the Visitors Book, may permit a person or group not having an introduction from a Member, to play on the course and use the Clubhouse as a Visitor on payment of the current Green Fee.

15.8            The payment of the Green Fee shall entitle the Visitor the temporary membership of the Club for the day.

15.9            The Committee of Management shall have power to suspend the Rules permitting to the introduction of Visitors or temporary Members at any time and refuse permission for any particular Visitor or Temporary Member to use the Clubhouse or Course.

15.10        Competitors in Club House Competitions held on the course and extending for more than one day shall, on payment of the entrance fee and green fee (if chargeable) for the Competition and on such fee(s) being accepted by the Committee in charge of the competition and be eligible to use the Course and Clubhouse, without further payment or nomination for election, as a Temporary Member for a period not exceeding one day prior to the date fixed for such competition, and for every day during the continuance of such Competition.

15.11        Competitors in Club Competitions limited to one day shall likewise be eligible for Temporary Membership status on the day of the Competition only.

15.12        Any Office Bearer or any two Members of the Committee of Management may (and without assigning any cause if they so right) cancel the admission of any Day Visitor or Temporary Member whose admission may be irregular or whose presence or conduct they deem objectionable or who deliberately breaks any of the Rules, Bye-Laws or regulations of the Club.

15.13        The fee paid by any such Visitor or Temporary Member may, at the discretion of the Committee of Management be either forfeited or refunded.

 

16                FINES AND SUSPENSIONS

 

16.1            The Committee of Management is empowered to impose fines for breaches of the Rules, Bye-laws and regulations of the Club in force for the time-being for breaches of the etiquette of Golf, and may also at any time (either instead of or in addition to fines) temporarily withdraw the use of the Clubhouse and Course from any member whose conduct or breaches of the Rules, Bye-laws or regulations may, in the opinion of the Committee of Management, justify this course.

16.2            Any Member refusing or failing to pay a fine so imposed within (4) weeks after notification thereof, shall be suspended from the use of the Clubhouse and Course until such fine shall be paid.

16.3            Each of the Men’s and Ladies Committees shall report any Member of their Club to the Committee of Management for investigation and penalty under this rule if they, in their absolute discretion, consider the breach warrants it.

 

17                TERMINATION OF MEMBERSHIP

 

17.1            The committee of Management shall have the power, to exercise only in accordance with the provisions of this rule, to deprive a Member of Membership in the Club.

17.2            The Committee may, by a majority of not less than two-thirds of its members then present at the Committee meeting, decide that it is in the interests of the Club that a Member should be called on to resign membership of the Club.

17.3            The Committee shall fix a date for the Committee Meeting at which the matter of the Member’s resignation shall be considered, the Member shall be given fourteen (14) days previous notice of the date and place of the Meeting.

17.4            The Notice shall be in writing and shall inform the member of the Committee’s decision and of the reasons why the Member is being called on to resign.  It shall incorporate a copy of this rule.

17.5            The Notice shall be deemed to have been fully given if sent by prepaid post to the member’s last known postal address or to the Member’s last address appearing in the records of the Club.

17.6            The Member may give notice to the Honorary Secretary of the Parent Club of intention to attend the Meeting.

17.7            If the Member attends the Meeting, the Committee, having heard what the Member may have to offer, may elect finally to deal with the matter itself or to refer it to be dealt with by a Special Body to be set up in accordance with the provisions of this rule.

17.8            If the Member may also elect to have the matter finally dealt with by the Committee or referred to a Special Body.  The Member shall be informed of such right to elect.

17.9            If the Committee or the Member shall elect to have the matter dealt with by a Special Body that Body shall consist of five (5) ordinary Members of the Parent Club none of whom shall be a member of either the Men’s or Ladies Committee or the Committee of Management.  The Committee and the Member whose membership is in question shall each nominate two Members of the Special Body.  These four shall, if possible, agree on a fifth Member to be their Chairperson.

17.10        In default of agreement the President of if he/she is not available the next most senior officer of the Club shall nominate a Chairperson.

17.11        When constituted the Special Body shall fix a date for a Meeting to consider the matter and shall give not less than two weeks notice in writing to the Committee of Management, the Member concerned and such other Club Members and Members of Staff it may wish to interview of the date, time and place of the Meeting.

17.12        Those to be interviewed shall only be present at the Meeting when interviewed.

17.13        The Committee of Management and the Men’s and Ladies Committee concerned shall each appoint a representative to attend on its behalf.

17.14        Such representative and the Member shall each have the right to attend the Meeting, to be heard and to call such evidence and make such case, as each my think fit.

17.15        Where the matter is dealt with by the Committee of Management it shall have the power by a majority of not less than two-thirds of its Members then present at a Committee Meeting, to remove the Member’s name from the list of Members of the Club.

17.16        Where the matter is dealt with by a Special Body the following provisions shall apply.  The quorum of the Special Body shall be five.  It shall have the power by a simple majority of its Members then present at a Meeting of the Body, to recommend to the Committee of Management that the name of the Member be removed from the list of Members of the Club.

17.17        If the Special Body fails to reach a decision the matter shall be finally decided by the Committee of Management.

17.18        Where, in accordance with the provisions of this rule, the Committee of Management remove the name of a Member from the list of Members of the Club such person shall thereupon cease to be a Member of the Club and shall be notified accordingly in writing.

17.19        Any category of Member may be deprived of Membership in accordance with the provisions of this rule.

 

18                GENERAL MEETINGS

 

18.1          The Men’s Club

 

18.1.1      The Annual General Meeting of the Men’s Club shall, save in exception circumstances, be held in the month of November for receiving the Men’s Club Committee’s Annual Report and Financial Statement for the year ended 30th September previous, for electing Office Bearers, Auditors, Member of Committee, revising (subject to the approval of the Parent Club) its rules and transacting such other business of the Men’s Club as may be on the Agenda.

18.1.2      Fourteen days notice, at least, of such Annual General Meeting shall be given to the Male Members of the Club who are the only persons entitled to attend and vote at the Annual General Meeting of the Men’s Club.

18.1.3      Notice of Motion must be submitted to the Honorary Secretary at least ten (10) days prior to the Annual General Meeting.  Such notice shall be accompanied by a copy of the Report and duly-studied Financial Statement.

 

18.2          The Ladies Club

 

18.2.1      The Annual General Meeting of the Ladies Club shall, save in exceptional circumstances, be held in the month of November for receiving the Ladies Club Committee’s Annual Report and Financial Statement for the year ended 30th September previous, for electing Office Bearers, Auditors, Members of Committee, revising (subject to the approval of the Parent Club) its rules and transacting such other business of the Ladies Club as may be on the Agenda.

18.2.2      Fourteen days notice, at least, of such Annual General Meeting shall be given to the Female Members of the Club who are the only persons entitled to attend and vote at the Annual General Meeting of the Ladies Club.  Such notice shall be accompanied by a copy of the report and duly audited Financial Statement.

18.2.3      Notice of Motion must be submitted to the Honorary Secretary at least ten (10) days prior to the Annual General Meeting.

 

18.3          The Parent Club

 

18.3.1      18.3.1            The Annual General Meeting of the Parent Club shall, save in exceptional circumstances, be held in the month of November for receiving the Parent Club Committee’s Annual Report and Financial Statement for the year ended 30th September previous, for electing Office Bearers, Auditors, Members of Committee, revising (subject to the approval of the Parent Club) its rules and transacting such other business of the Parent Club as may be on the Agenda.

18.3.2      Fourteen days notice, at least, of such Annual General Meeting shall be given to the Female Members of the Club who are the only persons entitled to attend and vote at the Annual General Meeting of the Parent Club.  Such notice shall be accompanied by a copy of the report and duly audited Financial Statement.

18.3.3      Notice of Motion must be submitted to the Honorary Secretary at least ten (10) days prior to the Annual General Meeting.

 

18.4          Notification to Parent Club

 

18.4.1      Immediately following the Annual General Meeting of each of the Men’s and Ladies Clubs the respective Honorary Secretaries shall notify the Secretary Manager of the names of the Captain and Honorary Secretary of their Club who shall represent that Club on the Committee of Management for the ensuing year.

18.4.2      Each Officer shall also forward to the Secretary Manager for submission such Notices of Motion or Recommendations as such Club wishes to submit for consideration at the Annual General Meeting of the Parent Club.

18.4.3      Any such Notice of Motion or Recommendation shall be discussed, if necessary, under the heading of “any other business” at such Meeting if it is not received in time for inclusion on the Agenda of the Meeting.

 

18.5          Special General Meetings

 

18.5.1      Special General Meetings of any of the Clubs may be called at any time by direct of the Committee of the Club concerned or on a requisition to the Honorary Secretary of such Club, signed by at least fifteen (15) Members entitled to vote at such Meetings, stating the business to be brought forward.

18.5.2      On receipt of such requisition it shall be the duty of the Committee of such Club to have a General Meeting called without delay and failing notice calling such Meeting being issued by direction to the Committee concerned within fourteen (14) days after receipt of the requisition by the Honorary Secretary of such club, any fifteen (15) Members who have signed the requisition may issue notice of a General Meeting, which notice shall be sufficient if published in three successive issues of a daily newspaper circulating in the locality of the Club at least ten (10) days before the date fixed for such Meeting.

 

18.6          Chairperson at General Meetings

 

18.6.1      The Captain, or if absent, the vice-captain shall preside at all General Meetings of the Men’s and Ladies Club respectively.

18.6.2      The Chairperson of the Committee of Management, or if absent the President shall preside at all General Meetings of the Parent Club.

18.6.3      If any of the foregoing Officers are absent or decline to preside any other Chairperson may be appointed by the Meeting.

18.6.4      Each Chairperson in addition to a deliverative vote shall have and shall exercise a casting vote.

 

19                NOTICES OF GENERAL MEETINGS

 

19.1            Fourteen (14) days of every General Meeting convened by order of a Committee (except Meetings called under Clause 18.5 when ten (10) days notice is required) shall be given to Members entitled to vote by a circular specifying the time and place of such Meeting and the business to be transacted.

19.2            All Notices calling such Meetings may be sent by post and addressed to Members at such addresses as may be recorded in the Club books.

 

20                MODE OF VOTING AT GENERAL MEETINGS

 

20.1            No proxies shall be allowed.

20.2            Voting shall be either by a show of hands or by ballot

20.3            Ballot shall mean a vote on voting paper.

20.4            A majority of one (1) shall be sufficient to decide any questions under discussion unless a greater majority is required by some other Club rule.

20.5            In the event of a tie the Chairperson shall have and shall exercise a casting vote as provided in Sub-Clause 18.6.4.

20.6            If any Member at a General Meeting proposes that the mode of voting on any particular matter should be by ballot and this is seconded by another Member, then the question of whether voting should be by a show of hands or by ballot shall be decided by a show of hands.

20.7            An election of Candidates for Membership of the Committee of either the Men’s or Ladies Club or for Membership of the Committee of Management shall be by ballot and all Members voting must vote for the full number of Candidates for whom there are vacancies otherwise such voting paper is invalid.

 

21                MINUTE BOOK

 

21.1            The Men’s Club, the Ladies Club and the Parent Club shall each keep:-

21.1.1      a Minute Book in which shall be recorded the Minutes of Annual General Meetings and Special General Meetings and also

21.1.2      a Minute Book in which shall be recorded the Minutes of all Committee Meetings held in compliance with Clause 7.3

21.1.3      The respective Minutes shall be read out at the next General or Statutory Committee Meeting and, when approved as being a correct record, shall be signed and dated by the Chairperson.

21.1.4      The Men’s Club and the Ladies Club shall each submit its Minute Book to the Committee of Management when required.

 

22                PLAYING FACILITIES

 

22.1            The Committee of Management, in consultation with the Men’s and Ladies Committee, shall prescribe the days and times when the members of the Men’s Club or the Ladies Club have the use of the Course for Competition or when the course is reserved for team matches or Union, branch or District events.

22.2            It shall also decide on the facilities to be afforded to Societies subject to the proviso that the first tee shall be reserved for Societies for a specified time, on a specified day.

22.3            The Committee of Management shall be empowered to direct the days and times when fourballs or singles shall have priority commencing playing of the First Tee and generally regulate the use of the course for the benefit of the Members.

 

23                PERSONAL PROPERTY

 

23.1            Any personal belongings of Members, Visitors and others, brought to, or kept at, or left on the premises of the Club (either in the Clubhouse or outside in the Car Park or on the Course) shall be at the sole risk of the owners, and neither the Club nor any Committee shall be responsible for any loss or damage thereto however arising; but this rule shall not prejudice any claims by the Club or the owners against Insurance Companies in case of fire, or when otherwise covered by Insurance.

 

24                REGISTRATION OF CLUBS ACTS 1904 TO 2000

INTOXICATING LIQUOR ACT, 1883 TO 2000

 

24.1            No person other than a Member (as defined in Clause 3.3 hereof) shall order or pay for refreshments in the Clubhouse.  Cash must be paid for every expense incurred in the Clubhouse before the person leaves the premises.

24.2            No visitor shall be supplied with excisable liquor on the Club premises unless on the invitation and in the Company of a Member, and that Member, shall upon admission of such Visitor to the Club premises or immediately upon his being supplied with such liquor, enter his or her name and address and the name and address of the Visitor in a book which shall show the date of each Visitor.

24.3            The Committee may prohibit the admission of any Visitor to the Club premises and no Member shall bring any person whose admission is prohibited into the Club premises.

24.4            No excisable liquor shall be sold or supplied for consumption outside the premises of the Club except to Members of the Club, between the hours of eight o’ clock in the morning and ten o’clock at night.

24.5            No excisable liquor shall be sold or supplied in the Club premises to any person under the age of eighteen years.

24.6            No member of the Committee or Officer, and no Manager or Servant employed by the Club, shall have any personal interest in the sale to the Club of supplies of excisable liquor, or in the profits arising from such sale.

24.7            Subject to the exceptions contained in Clause 24.8 no excisable liquor shall be supplied for consumption on the premises to any person (other than a Member of the Club lodging in the Club premises) or be consumed in the Club premises by any person other than those set out under Sub-Clause

24.7.1      Before the hour of half past ten o’clock in the morning and after eleven thirty o’clock in the evening on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays

24.7.2      Before the hour of half past ten o’clock in the morning and after twelve thirty o’clock in the evening on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

24.7.3      Before the hour of twelve thirty o’clock in the afternoon and eleven o’clock in the evening on Sundays and Saint Patrick’s Day.

24.7.4      At any time on Christmas Day or Good Friday.

24.8            Nothing contained in the Registration of Clubs Acts, 1904-2000 or contained by virtue only of the operation of Clause 24.7 hereof shall operate to prohibit the supplying for consumption on the Club premises of excisable liquor to any person or the consumption of excisable liquor on the Club premises by any person.

24.8.1      Between the hours of half-past eleven o’clock in the evening on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays and half past ten o’clock in the morning on the following day, or

24.8.2      Between the hours of half past twelve o’clock in the evening on any Thursday, Friday, and Saturday which is half past twelve o’clock in the morning of the following day.

24.8.3      On any Sunday and Saint Patrick’s Day between the hours of eleven o’clock in the evening and half past ten o’clock in the morning of the following day except where Saint Patrick’s Day falls on a Saturday it will be half past twelve o’clock in the morning on the following day.

24.8.4      On Christmas Day, between the hours of one o’clock in the afternoon or the hours of seven o’clock and ten o’clock in the evening, if in such case, the excisable liquor is:

(I)                 ordered by the person at the same time as a substantial meal is ordered by him/her

(II)              consumed at the same time as and with the meal

(III)            supplied and consumed in the portion of the Club premises usually set apart for the supply of meals, and

(IV)           paid for at the same time as the meal is paid for.

 

24.9            In Clause 24.7 and 24.8 hereof “weekday” and “Sunday” have meanings assigned to them by Section 7 of the Intoxicating Liquor Act, 2000.

24.10        Notwithstanding any provision herein, the constitution and these rules, are amended such that they conform with the provisions of Section 7 of The Intoxicating Liquor Act, 2000, insofar as they relate to prohibited hours in this club.

 

25                CHANGE OF CONSTITUTION AND RULES

 

25.1            No rule of either the Men’s Club or the Ladies Club shall be repealed or altered or new rule made except at a General Meeting of such Club and by consent of at least two thirds of the Members present and entitled to vote at such meeting and written notice of the proposed change must be sent to the Secretary Manager, with the name of the proposer and seconder attached, at least three weeks previous to the Meeting at which it is to be approved.

25.2            The Secretary Manager shall place the notice on the Agenda of the Club concerned and acquaint the Committee of Management of same.

25.3            Any repeal, alteration or new rule so passed is subject to approval of the Committee of Management of the Parent Club.

25.4            No rule of the Parent Club shall be repealed or altered or new rules made except at a General Meeting any by consent of at least two thirds of the members present and entitled to vote at such Meeting and written notice of the proposed change must be sent to the Secretary Manager, with the name of the proposer and seconder attached, at least three weeks previous to the Meeting at which it is to be approved.

25.5            The Secretary Manager shall place the notice on the Agenda.

25.6            Any change in the Constitution which affects Rule 10 of the Constitution of the Golfing Union of Ireland must be submitted to the Union for approval prior to adoption.

 

26                RULES OF GOLF & LOCAL RULES

 

26.1            The rules of the game of Golf for the Mens and Ladies Club shall be the Rules of Golf as approved by the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews.

26.2            In addition to the Committee of Management, in consultation with the Mens and Ladies Committees in compliance with Sub-Clause              shall from time to time prescribe such Local Rules, as it considers necessary having regard to the nature of the Course or otherwise provided such Local Rules are not contrary to or at variance with the Rules of Golf or directives issued by the respective Union to which the Mens and Ladies Club is affiliated.

 

27                BYE-LAWS

 

27.1            The Committee of Management shall have power from time to time in compliance with Sub-Clause 7.5.1 to make such Bye-Laws as it considers necessary and to alter and repeal same.

27.2            Each of the Mens and Ladies Clubs shall have power from time to time to make such Bye-Laws as it considers necessary for matters under its jurisdiction but every such Bye-Law shall be subject to ratification.