The Lure Anglers Society: Constitution
1. Title
The Society shall be called “The Lure Anglers Society “, herein after called the Society.
2. Objects
The objects of the Society shall be:
a. To promote the sport of lure fishing throughout all branches of angling – sea, coarse and game – in the British Isles, Europe and the rest of the world.
b. To disseminate information and guidance on lure fishing.
c. To provide opportunities for social contact between lure anglers.
3. Membership
The membership of the Society shall comprise:
a. Ordinary members who have paid the annual subscription and been selected for membership or continued membership by the Committee, such selection being at the absolute discretion of the Committee.
b. Honorary Life Members, being members who by virtue of outstanding service to the Society are awarded Honorary Life membership by the Committee. Honorary Life members shall enjoy all the privileges of Ordinary members, but shall not be called upon to pay the annual subscription.
c. Honorary President and Honorary Vice Presidents, being Honorary Life members who have contributed both to the Society and lure fishing. The role of Honorary President to be for a term of 5 years, with an option for further terms and Honorary Vice Presidents being a lifetime appointment, both made by the Committee.
The Committee may, in its absolute discretion, refuse membership to those it believes will not act in the best interests of the Society. No reason need be given to the applicant, nor is there any appeal against this decision.
4. Subscriptions
Annual Subscriptions are payable1st March each year and shall be fixed by the Committee and stated on the membership renewal form.
5. Management
The management of the Society, its funds and all the property owned or controlled by the society shall be vested in the Committee.
Any member of the Society holding any funds, documents or other property belonging to the Society shall hold such funds, documents or property at the discretion of the Committee. All documents or other property of the LAS must be handed back to the Committee when stepping down.
A Committee member shall serve a term of 3 years after appointment. At the end of this term a Committee member may seek reappointment to the Committee in the same or another role.
The Committee shall be structured as follows:
1. Chairman* | 6. Chapter Co-ordinator |
2. Secretary* | 7. Boat Events Manager |
3. Treasurer* | 8. Bank Events Manager |
4. Journal Editor | 9. Saltwater Champion |
5. Journal Composition | 10. Webmaster |
At the discretion of the Committee, a member may hold more than one Committee role, except that roles marked * in the above list shall not be combined with each other.
The Committee may at its discretion rename or combine roles in the above list, except those marked *.
The Committee may co-opt any member of the Society to fill a casual vacancy on Committee. Such action shall be announced in a timely manner via the Forum, social media and the magazine.
The structure of the Committee and its membership shall be subject to a vote of approval at each Annual General Meeting.
New appointments of President and Vice-President(s) shall be confirmed by vote of the Annual General Meeting. Nominations shall be listed in the published agenda for the AGM.
The Committee shall have the power to nominate any member or members of the Committee to enter into any agreement on behalf of the Society.
The Committee may make, repeal or amend all such rules and regulations as it shall consider expedient for the proper management of the Society and the conduct of the members. All rules and regulations made by the Committee shall be binding upon all members following publication in the Society’s magazine.
The Committee may alter, amend or rescind this Constitution at any time, any changes must be communicated to the membership in advance of the Annual General Meeting and must be ratified at the AGM by means of a members’ vote. Any matter not dealt with by this Constitution and any case of doubt about its interpretation shall be referred to the Committee whose decision shall be final.
The Committee shall meet for a full Committee meeting at least once a year outside of the AGM. The meeting should have a full previously agreed agenda and all Committee members should present a short report on progress made and problems relevant to their own appointed role. This report should also be handed out in writing to the other members of the Committee and will be made available to the membership.
Any Committee member should disclose any connections with angling-related businesses or other lure fishing groups and those interests should not be seen to be benefiting from that association with the LAS through that connection.
Any committee member should be working for the benefit of the LAS and not seeking to benefit themselves through the Committee role they take on.
6. Borrowing
The Committee shall be entitled to borrow for the purposes of the Society upon such terms in such manner and upon such security as it deems appropriate.
7. Annual General Meeting and Conference
The Annual General Meeting of the Society should take place annually where practically possible and a suitable affordable venue has been found, with a Lurefair to be ideally arranged every 2 years. Both events may take place on the same day, to encourage a large membership attendance.
Admission to the AGM is for members only only and is free. Non - members may not attend.
Admission to the Lurefair is by the purchase of a ticket, the fee to be determined by the Committee. Tickets are available on the door for members and for non-members.
The previous year’s financial report and any proposed alterations, amendments to Society rules must be published in the magazine previous to the AGM.
Any proposal by a member must be sent in writing or via email, having already been seconded by another member, to the society secretary at least 28 days before the Annual General Meeting. Such a proposal will be included on the AGM agenda, both the proposer and seconder must be present at the AGM, before it can be put to the vote of the members.
Any proposal not supported by the Committee but with a majority at the meeting, although not with a majority of the total membership, shall be subject of a postal ballot of all members. Ballot forms would then be distributed with next magazine. Any forms not returned by members shall carry the vote of the Secretary, who shall make his views known in the same magazine.
8. Election of Officers
There is no limit to the number of terms a Committee member may serve, provided the outgoing and new Committee are in agreement.
Should no members come forward, the Committee may, at its own discretion, choose either to resign as individuals or to continue until another Committee is formed. Should this occur, the outgoing Committee, at its own discretion, may override any part of this Constitution to enable the Society to survive.
The LAS President and Vice Presidents shall be appointed or elected by the committee.
9. Accounts and Audit
The financial year of the Society is from 1st January until 31st December and the accounts of the Society shall be audited as soon as practically possible by a competent accountant, appointed by the Committee. The Treasurer shall present the audited accounts to the Committee for adoption.
10. Bankers
The Committee shall appoint a bank to act as the Society’s banker. The Society’s bank account shall be subjected to such financial regulations as the Committee may make.
11. Conduct of Members
The Committee may, in its absolute discretion expel any member whose conduct in the opinion of the Committee has been or is likely to be harmful to the interests of the Society and its members, is objectionable in any respect whatsoever, or otherwise contravenes the ideals of the Society, provided that the member is first advised of the proposal to expel him and afforded reasonable opportunity to make written representation to the Committee before any action is taken.
In cases of misconduct, a formal disciplinary procedure may be employed to demonstrate fair treatment and to ensure a record of the offence and of the sanction imposed is retained.