Constitution of Norfolk Bowls Association
(as adopted at the AGM on 20th March 2022)
The Association shall be called Norfolk Bowls Association (the Association).
Objectives
The objectives of the Association shall be:
(a) To promote, foster and safeguard the game of outdoor flat green bowls in the County of Norfolk.
(b) To be a member and guarantor of the company Bowls England.
(c) To adopt and conform to Bowls England Rules and Regulations and the Crystal Mark Laws of the Sport (Third Edition), or any subsequent revision issued by World Bowls as amended for domestic play by Bowls England and the Association.
(d) To promote, organise and superintend competitions within the County of Norfolk for constituent clubs and their members in accordance with rules and by-laws approved in the Association Rules and Regulations of each gender.
(e) To promote, organise and superintend inter-county matches and friendly matches.
(f) To interpret, when requested by Affiliated Clubs or their members, difficult or doubtful questions of law and practice, and to arbitrate disputes between Affiliated Clubs, acting on matters of misconduct in accordance with Bowls England Regulation 9.
(g) To provide a safe environment for children and vulnerable adults in accordance with the Safeguarding Policy of Bowls England.
(h) To effectively manage the financial affairs of the Association.
(i) To advise on the preparation and maintenance of greens.
(j) To be aware of all legislation relating to outdoor flat green bowling.
Membership
(a) Membership shall comprise all Existing Clubs affiliated to the Norfolk County EBA Association and/or the Norfolk Women’s Bowling Association on 9th December 2012.
(b) Membership shall also be open to clubs within the County of Norfolk possessing level greens with banks and ditches in accordance with World Bowls Laws of the Sport of Bowls and approved by the Association Greens Committee.
(c) Clubs playing on greens connected with licensed premises must be managed by an Executive Committee and must have sole and exclusive control of club and green funds.
(d) Clubs playing on municipal or public greens must hold a permit allowing competitive play. No club may affiliate where an existing affiliated club plays without consultation and confirmation that no bona fide objection exists.
(e) Clubs admitted to membership shall be eligible to enter Association competitions in accordance with the Rules and Regulations of each gender.
(f) Affiliated Clubs must play all matches in accordance with the Association Rules and Regulations of each gender.
Fees and Subscriptions
(a) Every club applying for affiliation shall pay a Joining Fee, Annual Subscription and any Association levy agreed at the Annual Meeting.
(b) All affiliated clubs must pay the Annual Subscription per bowling member as determined by Bowls England.
(c) Subscriptions and fees must be paid by 30th April each year. Failure to do so will result in forfeiture of membership rights until arrears are settled.
Administration
The affairs of the Association shall be managed by the Executive Board.
Executive Board Positions
Executive Officer / Chairperson
President – Norfolk Bowls Association (Men)
President – Norfolk Bowls Association (Women)
Honorary County Administrator
Honorary Treasurer (Men)
Honorary Treasurer (Women)
Honorary Secretary (Men)
Honorary Secretary (Women)
Bowls England Representative (Men)
Bowls England Representative (Women)
Plus any Executive or Non-Executive Officers requested to attend under Rule 5(b).
Role of the Executive Board
(a) Uphold the Association Constitution
(b) Handle grievances and discipline
(c) Liaise with Bowls England
(d) Set affiliation and competition fees
(e) Pay affiliation fees to Bowls England
(f) Convene Annual and Special Meetings
Appointment and Terms of Office
The Executive Officer/Chairperson and Honorary County Administrator shall be elected for three years, except the initial Executive Officer who shall serve four years. Vacancies may be filled by the Executive Board. Terms commence on 15 March. Nominations close on 1 February.
Non-Executive Members
County League Chairman
Child and Vulnerable Adults Protection Officer
County Coach
Youth Development Officer
Middleton Cup and Eastern Counties League Manager
Under 30’s Manager
Visiting Tourist Liaison Officer
Honorary Benevolent Fund Secretary
Eastern Counties Co-ordinator
County Tour Managers
Press Officers
Green Maintenance Advisory Officer
Meetings
The Executive Board shall meet annually in February and as required. Seven members shall form a quorum.
Sub-Committees
The Executive Board may appoint sub-committees and working parties with defined terms of reference.
Men’s Management Committee
Chairman
President
Senior Vice President
Junior Vice President
Honorary Secretary
Honorary Assistant Secretary
Honorary Treasurer
Honorary Match Secretary
Honorary Assistant Match Secretary
Honorary League Secretary
Honorary Competition Secretary
Immediate Past President
Bowls England Representative
Four Group Representatives
County Administrator (non-voting)
Women’s Management Committee
President
Senior Vice President
Junior Vice President
Honorary Secretary
Honorary Assistant Secretary
Honorary Treasurer
Honorary Benevolent Fund Secretary
Honorary Competition Secretary
Immediate Past President
Bowls England Representative
County Administrator (non-voting)
Women’s Council
The Women’s Management Committee together with two delegates from each affiliated club.
Honorary Life Members
All past Presidents and individuals elected for special service shall become Honorary Life Members and may attend General and Special Meetings.
Matters of Urgency and Disputes
Disputes shall be referred to the relevant Management Committee. Seven members shall form a quorum.
Executive Board in Appeal
Appeals must be submitted in writing within 14 days. The decision of the Executive Board shall be final, subject to Bowls England appeal rights.
Severance of Membership
The Executive Board may suspend or terminate membership, subject to appeal at the Annual Meeting.
Expenses
Expenses shall be agreed at the AGM and paid by 1 October. Officers under consideration must withdraw from discussion.
General Meetings
Special General Meetings may be called with 28 days’ notice. Fifteen members shall form a quorum.
Standing Orders
Motions, amendments and voting shall be conducted in accordance with established procedures.
Team Selections
Team selections shall follow the Association Rules and Regulations of each gender.
Insurance
The Association shall maintain insurance for trophies and public and civil liabilities.
Indemnity
Members shall be indemnified from Association funds for duties carried out in good faith.
Liquidation
Remaining assets shall be distributed to a qualifying sporting body serving the County of Norfolk.
Disciplinary Matters
Disciplinary matters shall follow Bowls England Rules and Regulations.
Honorary Treasurer and Honorary Secretary
Honorary Secretaries shall record proceedings and submit reports.
Honorary Treasurers shall submit accounts to 30 September, subject to examination.
County and National Competitions
Competitions shall be governed by Bowls England rules and controlled by the Association.
County Colours
Men: Red, Blue and White
Women: Red, Yellow and Black
County Badges
Qualifications are set out in the Association Rules and Regulations.
Amendments to Constitution
Amendments require a two-thirds majority at a Special General Meeting and shall take effect after thirty days.