Club Constitution December 2025
- Larkhall Bowling Club
- 1 The name of the club is Larkhall Bowling Club.
- 2 The club is affiliated to Bowls Scotland.
2 Objectives
The club shall hold the following as aims and objectives and shall strive to fulfil these at all times.
2.1 The club shall provide and equip a bowling green and recreation rooms to encourage recreation, social interaction among all members while providing privileges of such club to those members.
2.2 The club is a non-profit making organisation. Surplus funds will be used to improve club facilities. On dissolution of the club any assets and or surplus funds will be distributed to another non-profit body with similar objectives. The body will be determined by members of a resolution passed at a general meeting.
2.3 To promote the game of Lawn Bowls for the benefit of members and local community.
2.4 To promote and abide by the Rules of Bowls Scotland.
2.5 To provide access to lawn bowls for players of all standards in a friendly and welcoming atmosphere that does not discriminate on the grounds of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnerships, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, political or other opinion.
2.6 To provide coaching in bowls for beginners and improvement of experienced players.
2.7 To arrange competitions and matches for members.
2.8 To lease and/or purchase land and/or equipment suitable for purposes and functions of the club.
2.9 To sell and deal in alcohol and non alcoholic drinks within the provisions of licencing laws. Necessary statutory consents and licences will be obtained.
3 Membership.
Larkhall Bowling Club business and all membership will be administered by the Management Committee.
3.1 Any person seeking to join LBC shall submit a written application to the Club Secretary.
The application will be considered by the Management Committee who has the power to approve or reject any application.
3.2 Membership is open to all and no application for membership will be refused on other than reasonable grounds that would be prejudicial to the objectives of the club as set out in section 2 of this constitution.
3.3 There will be no discrimination on grounds of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnerships, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, political or other opinion.
3.4 The Club Secretary will notify the successful applicant in writing. The Club Secretary will inform the applicant in writing on annual subscription, and adherence to the club constitution, equity and disciplinary procedures and any pertinent rules relating to the green and club house.
3.5 The applicant will begin membership having accepted the offer of membership in writing to the Club Secretary within 10 days and payment of subscription.
3.6 Membership of Larkhall Bowling Club precludes membership of any other outdoor bowling club.
3.7 Membership of the club shall consist of the following classes of membership.
3.7.1 Adult Full Membership.
3.7.2 Junior Membership.
3.7.3 Non Playing Membership.
3.7.4 Honorary Membership.
3.8 Members in each category will pay the relevant membership fees as fixed at each Annual General Meeting. Honorary members will be nominated due to their service to the club. Nominations will be in recognition of long serving members who have contributed special service to the club or community. They will be relieved of payment of annual subscriptions. Honorary Treasurer and Honorary Secretary will be relieved of payment of annual subscriptions while holding office.
3.9 All members joining the club will accept the terms of the Constitution and Byelaws which may be adopted by the club, in particular the requirement to conduct themselves in accordance with conduct rules, equity policy and disciplinary procedures.
3.10 Only members in categories of Full and Honorary Members have the right to vote on any motion.
3.11 All voting members may be elected and serve on the Management Committee.
3.12 Annual subscriptions will be due on and must be paid on or before 1st April annually. No member will be entitled to play in any match, be drawn in ties or enter any competition prior to payment due by April 1st. In the event that the annual subscription has not been paid on due date, and remains unpaid by 1st June with no written explanation forwarded to Club Secretary, membership will be automatically terminated. The Club Secretary will notify the member in writing.
4 Suspension and Termination of Membership
4.1 All members of Larkhall Bowling Club will accept terms of the constitution including requirement to conduct themselves in accordance with any conduct rules, equity policy, and disciplinary procedures.
4.2 If the conduct of any member (either in or out of the clubhouse, on the green or elsewhere) brings the club into disrepute , the Management Committee has the right to investigate the infringement and to suspend, withdraw club privileges and/or terminate any membership. Any member concerned has the right to be heard by the full Management Committee before a final decision is made.
4.3 Any reason for refusal or termination must be communicated in writing to the individual as stated in the Club Disciplinary Procedures.
A COPY OF THE CLUB DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES IS DISPLAYED WITHIN THE GENERAL NOTICE BOARD IN THE CLUBHOUSE.
5 Club Management Structure
A Management Committee will be responsible for the overall management of the club inclusive of all sections and have the power to make Byelaws. This committee will be elected by voting members annually at the AGM.
5.1 The Management Committee shall consist of the following officers:
5.1.1 A Gent President and a Lady President with equal status.
5.1.2 A Gent Vice President and a Lady Vice President.
5.1.3 A Club Secretary and an Assistant Secretary.
5.1.4 A Club Treasurer and two Assistant Treasurers.
5.1.5 Match Convenors.
5.1.6 Both Past Presidents from previous year.
5.1.7 In addition, 3 more members will be elected to the Management Committee.
5.2 Officers of the club shall be referenced by specific role descriptors as agreed by the Management Committee.
5.3 Role Descriptions
5.3.1 The Chair will preside at all meetings of the Club or Management Committee meetings. Apart from the Chair having their required
vote they will have also have the casting vote where there is an equal vote. In the absence of the Chair, nomination of a committee member can be requested to chair meetings. The Chair will be appointed from either of the Ladies or Gents Presidents at the first meeting after each AGM.
5.3.2 The Club Treasurer will be responsible for the overall finances of the club. They will keep correct accounts and books showing financial affairs and intromissions of the club. A statement of the accounts will be submitted for the preceding year at the annual AGM. Accounts will have been audited by two members appointed by the committee for that purpose. The financial year will end on the last day of November. All funds of the club will be lodged in the bank in the name of Larkhall Bowling Club. All cheques and accounts will be signed by the Club Treasurer, or one of the Assistant Treasurers.
5.3.3 Assistant Treasurers will assist Club Treasurer in the administration of the financial affairs of the club. All monies in excess of £100 will be transferred monthly to the Club Treasurer who will issue a receipt. Correct accounts will be recorded and shown to the Club Treasurer at this time.
5.3.4 Club Secretary will record in the minute book, the results of any Committee, Special General Meeting and AGM. They will keep regular and exact minutes. They will intimate the notices of Annual General Meeting (February Annually) to all members. They will disseminate bulletins of main issues from meetings through Club notice Board and or on line. Alterations to the constitution can only be made at an AGM. Written notice of proposed change and or additions should be given to the Club Secretary no later than 1st January so that they may advise members of proposals prior to the AGM.
5.3.5 The Assistant Secretary will assist the Club Secretary.
5.3.6 Match Convenors will organise games/green use as agreed to be relevant to them. Practice will be inclusive of liaison between them and further share responsibility for recording events in club diary. Responsibilities will include dissemination of correspondence received to members.
5.3.7 In addition to designated Match Convenors, Match Committees will operate within the club and be involved in organisation as listed above and additionally member selection to represent L.B.C.
Members of Match Committees are not elected to Management Committee.
In addition to the Management Committee relevant sub committees will operate as required and report to the Management Committee by a representative elected by that sub committee.
6 Election of Management Committee
6.1 Members of the Management Committee will be drawn from the membership. Members can only be elected to the Management Committee after full membership of club for one year.
6.2 Candidates will be elected by a simple majority by a show of hands. If however, the number of proposed candidates exceeds the
permitted total of office bearers, a paper ballot will be held to decide successful candidates. Membership of committee will begin from conclusion of AGM until conclusion of following AGM.
6.3 Uncontested posts may be filled by nomination/s and election at AGM.
7 Responsibilities of Management Committee
7.1 The Management Committee will not have the power to purchase , sell, or lease heritable property without specific authority of members at a general meeting.
7.2 Election to any position on the management committee cannot be limited or discriminated on the ground of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, political or other opinion.
8 Management of Club
The business and affairs of the club will be undertaken by the Management Committee. They will have full powers to transact business of the club. Business of the club will be defined by the use of its name and/or logo. Associated business will be subject of submission to committee for discussion and approval.
8.1 Management Committee will meet at least once per month. The Chairperson or any three members of the committee have the power to instruct the Club Secretary to request a committee meeting at any time.
8.2 Eight committee members will form a quorum for meetings.
8.3 The Management Committee will have the power to co-opt a member to fill any vacancies which may occur during the year.
Co-opted committee members who wish to continue a specific role on the committee will be required to be formally elected at the next AGM.
9 Annual General Meeting
The AGM will be held once per calendar year, within four months of the end of the financial year. It can be attended by all members. However, only members who possess the right to vote can vote on club business.
9.1 Approval of the minutes from previous AGM or other meetings held during that year.
9.2 Presentation of Management Committee reports for the past year.
9.3 Approval of audited accounts for last financial year. Confirm auditors for oncoming year.
9.4 Election of office bearers to Management Committee.
9.5 Consider and agree any changes to Constitution. The Constitution will only be altered by consent of two thirds of voting members present at the AGM and or SGM.
9.6 Any other business of the L.B.C.
9.7 An agenda giving notice of Annual General Meeting will be circulated inclusive of audited accounts prior to the date of meeting.
9.8 The quorum for AGM will be 50 club members.
9.9 Voting on any matters other than changes to the constitution will be by a simple majority.
9.10 Each nomination will require one proposer who will be a voting member of the club. Elections will be conducted by paper ballot within venue and decided by a simple majority.
9.11 In the event no person is voted to a post, a resignation or retiral from a post, Presidents or Vice Presidents or other designated officers (as agreed by Management Committee) may undertake duties until post is filled.
10 Additional General Meetings
Further General Meetings eg. SGM (Special General Meeting) may be convened by Management Committee. At least 14 days notice and the agenda will be given to all voting members of the club. No business will be conducted unless fair notice is contained in agenda.
11 Finance
11.1 The Financial year runs from December 1st until November 30th annually.
11.2 All monies will be lodged in a bank in the name of Larkhall Bowling Club.
11.3 The Club Treasurer is responsible for securing preparation of Annual Accounts, disseminating and presenting to members at the AGM.
11.4 The accounts will be verified by L.B.C. auditors as approved at the AGM.
11.5 If upon winding up or dissolution there remains after all debts and liabilities are satisfied, any property will be transferred to any other association to which the club is affiliated, or to organisation/s which have similar objectives to L.B.C. These will be determined by members of L.B.C. by a resolution passed at a General Meeting. The treasurer of the club will obtain the necessary insurance to ensure the protection of directors and club members.
12 Complaints
Complaints should be made in writing , signed and dated to the Club Secretary. Refer to the CLUB DISCIPLINE PROCEDURES DISPLAYED IN GENERAL NOTICEBOARD IN CLUB.
GENERAL RULES
Hospitality
If a member who has previously held the post of President, Lady or Gent, holds same office for more than one year, any additional expenses incurred will be met by the club.
Hospitality should be extended to members / visitors of the club on opening and closing days and to visitors on any other occasions at the discretion of the Presidents holding office during any one year.
Visitors
The green will be open to members of other clubs and to visitors introduced by members. Any individual game, where visitors are involved, must include at least one member.
Visitors will not be supplied with excisable liquor within the premises of the club unless by invitation and accompanied by a club member. The visitor should enter their name and address and date in the visitors book. This book is located at the main entrance to the club and will be retained for records.
Licencing
The Club Licencing hours will be adhered to being those prescribed by the appropriate licencing authority or the Management Committee of the club operating within the authorised hours.
Gambling
Gambling is not permitted within the L.B.C. premises.
Dress Code
While representing L.B.C. members will conform to dress code, wearing club shirt.
Use of Green
All members by use of green are defined individually as Gents, Ladies, Senior and Junior sections.
All members will have the use of the green through designated diary / liaison for events except:
Gents Promiscuous on Monday Evenings at 7pm. Ladies Promiscuous on Monday afternoons at 1.30pm.
Senior Section on Monday mornings from 10am till 1pm. Any rinks unused can be used for ties or bounce games.
Junior members can play anytime rinks are available, at promiscuous sessions and at all day tournaments considered appropriate by the Match Committees. Junior members will be allowed to play on any available rinks but give way, if requested to, by full members.
In the event of any difference of opinion as to which available rink should be chosen for a Club tie, the toss of a coin will decide.
In the event of players in a tie not accepting the first available rink, names will be placed at bottom of the waiting list.
If the green is full, the friendly game longest in progress will, on request, retire in favour of the tie.
General Rules for Competition
It is the responsibility of both players (skips in the case of pairs, triples etc) to contact each other and arrange ties to be played before deadline.
All deadlines specified must be adhered to. Extensions will be applied in exceptional circumstances as determined by the Match Convenor.
When a player/s or skip/s contacts an opponent and fails to reach agreement to when a tie is played or has been unsuccessful in contacting their opponent on at least two attempts, the fact should be reported to his/her Match Committees at least three days before the expiry date.
The Match Committees will make a decision on all the relevant facts which may include:
Failure to contact opponent.
Failure to notify Match Committees within specified time limit.
Unwarranted obstructiveness.
Possible outcomes:
The tie will be played at a specified date and time.
In the event of one or both players/teams fail to turn up one or both may be eliminated.
One or both players/teams will be eliminated if game not played by due date.
Both players will be eliminated when a tie is not played by the due date and neither player/team has contacted the Match Convenor at least 3 days before expiry date.
Excluded participation in Competitions
Entries for Secretary’s competition will exclude past winners of the following competitions:
- Championship: Presidents :Vice Presidents: Secretary’s (Gents)
- Entries for Non Winners (ladies) will exclude past winners of this cup.
- One substitution in pairs, triples or fours will be allowed in:
- One substitute can play provided he/she has not played in previous rounds. Only when a substitute is necessitated by family bereavement will the player for whom substitution has been made, be allowed to play in subsequent ties. In all other cases the substitute may continue to play throughout the remainder of the competition.
GENERAL DATA PROTECTION ACT (GDPR)
Details of Larkhall Bowling Club GDPR policy can be accessed in Club Handbook located in the bar.
