1. List of Terms and Abbreviations

Tallaght Swim Team The name of our club
Swimming The aquatic discipline(s) in which the members participate
SI Sport Ireland – previously Irish Sports Council (ISC)
AGM Annual General Meeting
EGM Extraordinary General Meeting
CCO Club Children’s Officer

2. Officers

Officer Officers of a club are the Chairperson, Secretary and Treasurer

Management Committee – This is the body elected by the Members for the management of the business and affairs of the club.

Leader – this is any person, whether paid or unpaid, who is responsible for those participating in the aquatic disciplines; roles include but not limited to supervisor, team manager, sports science personnel, chaperone, helpers, committee members, tutors, coaches and teachers.

Swim Ireland – is the National Governing Body for the Aquatic Disciplines in Ireland, recognised as such by the Irish Government, the Irish Sports Council, Sport Northern Ireland, the Olympic Council of Ireland and FINA and LEN, the World and European Aquatic Governing Bodies.

National Governing Body (NGB) – The role of a NGB is to organise and administer the sport; train and deploy coaches; organise representative level sport; and provide sporting opportunities and pathways leading from grass root sport to national and international competition.

Swim Ireland website – www.swimireland.ie

Club website – www.tallaghtswimteam.ie

Club contact details:
Chairperson – chairperson@tallaghtswimteam.ie
Secretary – secretary@tallaghtswimteam.ie
Treasurer – treasurer@tallaghtswimteam.ie

Covid 19 Officer – covid19officer@tallaghtswimteam.ie
CCO (Club Child Officer)– childrensoffier@tallaghtswimteam.ie
Membership Secretary – secretary@tallaghtswimteam.ie
Gala Secretary – competitions@tallaghtswimteam.ie

Tallaght Swim Team Club Constitution 2019

Name(s) and Colour(s)
The name of the club shall be Tallaght Swim Team
The colours of the Club shall be orange and navy

The headquarters of the Tallaght Swim Team shall be Tallaght Community School Sports Complex, Tallaght, Dublin 24

2.1 The objectives of Tallaght Swim Team are:

To foster and develop swimming and its participants
To promote the teaching/coaching and practice of swimming in line with current best practice
To promote the development of physical, moral and social qualities associated with sport, within the participants
To accept and enforce the rules and regulations set down by Swim Ireland regarding swimming in accordance with the affiliation status afforded to the club
To provide a positive and safe environment for all its members
To ensure sport for young people in the club is fun, and conducted in an encouraging atmosphere in line with Swim Ireland guidelines and best practice
To provide equal opportunities whenever possible for successful participation, irrespective of ability or disability, so as individuals can be involved in sports activities in an integrated and inclusive way

2.2 Tallaght Swim Team is fully committed to safeguarding the wellbeing of its members. Every individual in the Tallaght Swim Team should, at all times, show respect and understanding for their rights, safety and welfare and those of others, and conduct themselves in a way that reflects the principles of Tallaght Swim Team and the guidelines contained in the Code of Ethics and Good Practice for Children’s Sport and the ‘Swim Ireland Safeguarding Children Policies and Procedures 2010’ or most up to date equivalent.

3. Affiliation

3.1 By virtue of the affiliation of Tallaght Swim Team to Swim Ireland, its members acknowledge that they are subject to the laws, rules and constitutions of:

Swim Ireland, the governing body for the whole of the island of Ireland
Ligue Euro penne de Natation (LEN), the European governing body for the aquatics
Fédération Internationale de Natation (FINA), the world governing body for the aquatics

4. Membership

4.1 All members are subject to the rules and constitution of Tallaght Swim Team.
4.2 Membership Categories
4.6.6 Full membership status is only valid where a subscription has been paid in full or in a manner agreed by the club management committee.
4.6.7 Members are required to renew their membership annually with Tallaght Swim Team and Swim Ireland.

5. Club Management

5.1 The management committee is the body elected by the members for the management of the business and affairs of the club. It consists of seven who must be members of Swim Ireland in their own right. The Club Children’s Officer is an appointed position who must also be a member of Swim Ireland on their own right and sits on the committee in addition to the seven elected.

5.2 Membership of the Management Committee

5.2.1 Membership of the management committee shall consist of the following: a chairperson, a vice- chairperson, a secretary, a treasurer, a club children’s officer and three other adult members.

5.2.3 The management committee will appoint a complaints and disciplinary committee (CDC) in accordance with the SI Complaints and Disciplinary Rules and Procedures

5.3 Roles and Responsibilities of Management Committee Members

5.3.1 Duties of the Chairperson

Comply with Swim Ireland rules and regulations
Support the efficient running of the club
Chair regular committee and annual general meetings
Help others understand their roles and responsibilities
Communicate with various members within the club
Be actively involved in developing an action plan for the club
Represent the club at local and regional events
Assist the club to fulfil its responsibilities to safeguard young people at club level
Ensure an understanding of the legal responsibilities of the club to which the Club complies

5.3.2 Duties of Club Secretary

Comply with Swim Ireland rules and regulations
Be the first point of contact for club enquiries
Organise and attend key meetings (including Annual General Meetings)
Take and distribute minutes
Delegate tasks to club members
Deal with all correspondence
Attend to club affiliations

Plan and deliver coaching sessions appropriate to the ability of the athletes

Work with the club’s coaching and teaching team to deliver the coaching programme as agreed by the Head Coach/Teacher
Make athletes aware of their progress.
A clear understanding of any special needs of the athletes involved i.e. fitness levels, medical conditions, physical impairments or disabilities.
Be aware and understand the facility Emergency Action Plan and Normal Operating Procedures (EAP & NOP)
Attend all appropriate competitions and gala’s in accordance with agreed yearly coaching plan
Ensure appropriate cover for sessions if unable to attend, meeting the requirements for the club, i.e. licensed member of Swim Ireland
Assist athletes to achieve their full potential

5.5 Rights and Duties of the Management Committee

5.5.1 The management committee shall be empowered to introduce rules, as the need arises, for the general regulation of the club. No rule shall be inconsistent with anything contained in the Swim Ireland rulebook or this constitution. The management committee must ensure the club’s rule book is in place, which is made available to all members

5.5.2 The committee have the power to appoint such sub committees as they may consider necessary. These sub committees will act on behalf of the management committee and follow procedures and relay information as directed by the management committee. All sub-committees must be ratified annually at the club AGM.

5.5.3 The management committee shall be responsible for all assets of the club.

5.5.4 The management committee, in conjunction relevant parties; i.e head coach and coaching staff, will be responsible for formulating club policy in accordance with the ‘Swim Ireland Safeguarding Children Policies and Procedures 2010’, or most recent edition, and on the direction the club takes in the future in all its activities.

5.5.5 The members of the management committee shall be indemnified by the members of the club against all liabilities properly incurred by them in the management affairs of the club.

5.5.6 Committee members must declare any personal or business interest, which may conflict with their duties as a member of the management committee. Such a declaration may be discussed with the other committee members at a designated meeting, and they may be required to absent themselves content, discussions and decisions.

5.5.7 The management committee will be expected to sign and follow codes of conduct in relation to their obligations to (club) members. These include, but are not limited to, confidentiality, objectivity, loyalty, fairness and a constant awareness of their obligations to (club) and its members. The committee will familiarise itself with the ‘Code of Ethics and Good Practice for Children’s Sport’ and fulfil the duties required in the Code of Conduct for Club Committees section of the ‘Swim Ireland Safeguarding Children Policies and Procedures 2010’, or the most recent equivalent. The committee will also adhere to any updated versions of these policy documents which are issued in the future.

5.6 Meetings of the Management Committee

5.6.1 The management committee shall meet 10 times per year with a minimum quorum of 50% plus 1

5.6.2 The chairperson and the secretary shall have discretion to call further meetings of the committee if they consider it to be in the interests of the club.

5.6.3 A minimum of 7 days notice will be given to management committee members save with exceptional circumstances. The management committee shall agree how notice shall be provided.

56..4 The management committee should set out its agenda for a meeting no less than 4 days prior to the meetings.

5.6.5 The chairperson has the casting vote on any motion arising during the meetings.

5.6.6 The chairperson’s decision on a Point of Order is final

5.6.7 The chairperson shall preside at all meetings; however in the chairperson’s absence a member of the management committee may be nominated.

5.6.8 The secretary, or in her/his absence a member of the committee, shall take minutes.

5.6.9 The treasurer shall relay the financial position of the club at each meeting.

5.6.10 The CCO and other committee members must also relay details on the areas of the club they are designated to.

5.6.11 The head coach/ teacher shall be given the opportunity to report and voice their concerns of their designated areas within the club, as well as to advise the management committee on relevant issues.

5.6.12 The club secretary shall circulate points of note from the meetings of the management committee within 7 days to all club members.

5.6.13 The management committee may also decide upon acceptable means of communication used, during periods between meetings, to ensure the day to day running of club.

6. Annual General Meeting (AGM)

6.1 The AGM will be held annually in October of each year.

6.2 Members shall be informed of the date, time, place and order of business of the AGM at least 21 days prior to the meeting. This information shall be emailed to club members as well as posted on the club notice board and website.

6.3 The committee shall distribute to members its annual report and other relevant documents not less than 14 days prior to the AGM.

6.4 At the AGM, the annual report shall be presented, which shall consist of a: chairperson’s report; secretary’s report; treasurer’s report; head coach’s report and the CCO report.

6.5 Any changes or updates to the club constitution or club rules will be notified to the members and Swim Ireland within 21 days following the AGM.

6.6 Any resolution to amend the club’s constitution which is successful at the general meeting will come into immediate effect upon conclusion of the general meeting.

6.7 Two delegates for the club will be elected to represent the club at the Swim Ireland AGM.

6.8 The club AGM shall be run in accordance with Swim Ireland standing orders

7. Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM)

7.1. An Extraordinary General Meeting may be called at any time in the following circumstances:

7.1.1 If a resolution to convene a club EGM is passed at the preceding club AGM

7.1.2 If 20% of club members serve on the club secretary a written notice duly signed seeking the holding of such a club EGM

7.1.3 Where two-thirds of the club management committee resolve to convene a club EGM

7.2. A club EGM must be held within 14 days of receiving such a request and must allow for 7 days’ notice to all club members.

7.3 The EGM shall be run in accordance with Swim Ireland standing orders, as amended from time to time.

7.4 The total number of eligible voting club members will be made available by the management committee to club members.

7.5 Only the specific matter outlined in the submitted EGM notice may be dealt with at the EGM.

7.6 Procedures at General Meetings (AGM & EGM)

7.7 No business shall be transacted at a general meeting unless a quorum is present. A quorum of 25% of the eligible voting members is the number required.

8. Procedures at General Meetings (AGM & EGM)

8.1 No business shall be transacted at a general meeting unless a quorum is present. A quorum of 25% of the eligible voting members is the number required.

8.2 If such a quorum is not present within half an hour from the time appointed for the meeting, or if during a meeting such a quorum ceases to be present, the meeting shall stand adjourned to the same day in the next week at the same time and place or to such time and place as the club committee may determine and if at the adjourned meeting a quorum is not present within half an hour from the time appointed for the meeting the members present shall be a quorum.

8.3. Members who are fully paid up and over 18 years of age are eligible to vote.

8.4 No voting by proxy is allowed.

8.5 Parents shall hold one vote on behalf of their child/children within the club. Only one parent may exercise this vote and this must be so agreed between the parents (i.e. that is one vote only and not one vote per child). Parents who are club members on their own right can vote with this right for themselves and cast one vote on behalf of their child/children

8.6 Voting shall be conducted via a show of hands, which will be counted by the secretary. The management committee may, however, recommend that a vote should be held in a secret ballot format owing to the context of the vote.

8.7 Nominations will be passed at AGM’s by simple resolution of 50% plus one.

8.8 Motions for a change to the Tallaght Swim Team constitution must be passed by a special resolution of 75% of persons entitled to vote present at the meeting.

8.9 The chairperson will have a casting vote if there is an equality of votes

9. Nominations, Notice of Motions and Election of the Management Committee

9.1 Election of the management committee members takes place at the club AGM each year. At this time the executive officers of the club shall be elected – chairperson, vice-chairperson, treasurer and secretary, along with three other members of the management committee.

9.2 If an executive officer of the club must step down during their term the management committee may appoint an existing committee member to fill this vacancy to hold office from the date of such appointment until the expiry of the term of office that would have been served by that executive officer where he or she had completed a full term.

9.3. A committee member may stand for re-election for four consecutive years. After the time period is up, they will be ineligible for election for a period of two years.

9.4 Nominations for office and notice of motions must be received in writing by the club secretary no less than 14 days prior to the general meeting.

9.5. A proposer and seconder are required for all nominations and notice of motions.

9.6 Notices of motions and nominations for the management committee shall be displayed on the club notice board for not less than 7 days prior to the AGM. They will also be available on request from the club secretary. Motions and nominations without due notice will not be discussed.

9.7 In the event that no nominations are received by the Secretary by 7 days prior to the general meeting, only then may a nomination from the floor at the AGM can take place.

9.8 A Club Children’s Officer must be appointed by the Management Committee and fulfil the criteria laid down by the ‘Swim Ireland Safeguarding Children Policies and Procedures 2010’, or most recent equivalent.

1 0 . T r a n s f e r s

10.1 If a member wishes to leave Tallaght Swim Team and join another they must follow the Swim Ireland transfer rule (6.9 – Swim Ireland Rule Book).

1 1 . F i n a n c e

11.1 The financial affairs of Tallaght Swim Team shall be the responsibility of the management committee in general and in particular, the treasurer. Correct accounts and book keeping shall be done by treasurer or under his/her supervision.

11.2 Annual accounts of Tallaght Swim Team should be prepared for the Annual General Meeting by the Tallaght Swim Team treasurer.

11.3 The management Committee shall be empowered to open bank accounts in the name of Tallaght Swim Team and all transactions in these accounts shall be authorized by the management committee. All cheques, drafts and so forth shall be signed by the treasurer and either the chairperson or secretary.

11.4 The treasurer will receive all money paid to Tallaght Swim Team and ensure all such sums are lodged to the Tallaght Swim Team bank account as soon as possible.

11.5 Any assets invested in by the management committee will be used for Tallaght Swim Team purposes only. The management committee will delegate the use of these assets under advisement from coaches, teachers, club children’s officers and others within Tallaght Swim Team

11.6 The committee will have the power to negotiate sponsorships on Tallaght Swim Teams behalf and engage from time to time fundraising activities. Any financial returns from these activities will be used for Tallaght Swim Team development purposes only.

1 2 . Complaints and Disciplinary Procedures

12.1 Tallaght Swim Team hereby adopts The Swim Ireland complaints & disciplinary rules and

procedures as amended by Swim Ireland from time to time.

12.2 All members of Tallaght Swim Team must abide by the Swim Ireland complaints and disciplinary procedures

12.3 All complaints will be dealt with in accordance with the relevant complaints and disciplinary

procedures

12.4 The management committee will appoint a complaints and disciplinary committee (CDC) in

accordance with the Swim Ireland Complaints and Disciplinary Rules and Procedures

12.5 Any matter involving members under 18 must also be brought to the attention of the CCO

1 3 . Cessation/Suspension/Expulsion of Membership

13.1 Tallaght Swim Team have the power to terminate and suspend membership owing, but not limited to, violation of the constitution and/or rules, criminal behaviour or any activity deemed unseemly by the management committee in line with Swim Ireland complaints and disciplinary policies

13.2 All club terminations and suspensions will be reported to Swim Ireland.

13.3 All club terminations and suspensions can be appealed in line with the Swim Ireland complaints and disciplinary policy.

13.4 Suspension or termination of an individual’s membership to Swim Ireland can only be done by Swim Ireland’s board. These procedures are laid out in the ‘Articles of Association of Swim Ireland’.

1 4 . D i s s o l u t i o n

14.1 The Club may be dissolved:

By a Resolution passed owing to the inactivity of its members. This Resolution would be passed at an EGM, specifically called for that purpose and carried by three quarters of the members present.
A Court Order where a dispute exists within its membership

14.2 Notice must be given to members and Swim Ireland for any Dissolution to come into effect, owing to a resolution at a general meeting

14.3 All aspects of the club, having discharged debts and liabilities, shall be distributed to a charity, charities or other non-profit making organization having an agenda similar to those of Tallaght Swim Team or Swim Ireland.

14.4 The management committee shall be responsible for the winding up of assets and liabilities of Tallaght Swim Team.

1 5 . Equality

15.1 In accordance with the Equal Status Act 2000 – 2004 and the Equality Act 1996 in Northern Ireland, Tallaght Swim Team will not discriminate against any persons or visitors within Tallaght Swim Team. No discrimination of any kind against employed and voluntary staff, membership.

1 6 . Criminal Allegations

16.1 Tallaght Swim Team shall treat allegations of criminal activity very seriously. Any allegation of a criminal offence will be reported to Swim Ireland and the appropriate policing body.

1 7 . Data Protection

17.1 Tallaght Swim Team hereby adopts The Swim Ireland data protection policy as amended by Swim Ireland from time to time.