Club Constitution - General Provisions.

1 - The club shall be called KILLINGWORTH ARCHERS herein after referred to as the club, and will have the main outdoor range at GARTH 21 playing Fields, Killingworth with other such ranges designated as required from time to time.
2 - The funds and property of the club shall be vested in the Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer for the time being.
3 - All Moneys and sums received on behalf of the club shall remain the property of the club and there will be no distribution of such funds amongst the members, except as subject to clause 34.
4 - The objects of the club shall be the promotion and encouragement of Archery in all its forms, other than Bow Hunting.
5 - The club shall be affiliated to the G.N.A.S. through the county and regional societies and shall abide by the shooting regulations as prescribed in the G.N.A.S. Rules of Shooting as governing the relevant branches of the sport of Archery practised by the club and it’s members.
6 - Nothing will be included in this constitution which conflicts with that of the G.N.A.S.
7 - The postal address of the club shall be that of the secretary for the time being.
8 - The constitution of the club shall not be altered or amended except at the Annual General Meeting.
9 - Members wishing to move a proposition designed to alter or amend the constitution shall submit such proposition to the secretary twenty-eight days before the Annual General Meeting at which such proposition is to be considered.
Notice of such proposition, which it is intended to move, shall be sent to all members entitled to vote limited to a minimum of one notice per member household.

Management.

10 - The management of the clubs affairs shall be entrusted to the club committee.
In addition to the club committee, the AGM may elect a Club President for whatever term it decides. The President will have a vote on the committee.

The club committee shall consist of: -
Chairman.
Vice-chairman subject to clause 11.
Secretary.
Treasurer.
Tournament Secretary. (Optional).
Field Captain.
One or Two Assistant Field Captains as required.
Records Officer.
Coaching Organiser.
Assistant Coaching Organiser / Equipment Officer.
Junior Representative. (Optional)
Co-opted members as AGM see fit to appoint.
11 - The committee shall be elected at the AGM, to serve for one year to the following AGM. A Vice-chairman to be elected at the first committee meeting convened after the AGM.
12 - A retiring Club Chairman shall be ex-officio on the club committee for the following year.
13 - The club committee may appoint sub-committees and may delegate to such committee’s powers within defined limits.

Annual General and Extraordinary General Meetings.

14 - The Annual General Meeting shall be held each year before the end of September at a place determined by the club committee. Not less than 21 clear days notice of such meetings shall be sent to each member limited to a minimum of one notice per member household. At each Annual General Meeting all full senior members present may vote.
15 - The club committee may, or at the request of five or more senior club members, shall call an Extraordinary General Meeting. Not less than 28 days clear notice of such meetings, including notice of any proposition which it is intended to move, shall be sent to all club members entitled to receive notice of the meeting, limited to a minimum of one notice per member household.

Voting, and Emergency Powers

16 - At a meeting of the committee, five committee members shall constitute a quorum.
17 - At a General Meeting six senior members shall constitute a quorum. Each senior member shall be entitled to one vote. The chairman shall, if required, be entitled to cast an additional deciding vote.
18 - In the case of an emergency, the Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer shall together have full powers to act for the club.

Membership.

19 - There shall be the following classes of members:
(1) - Full Senior Member, (2) - Full Junior Member, (3) - Honorary Member
It is a condition of membership that any person, except an Honorary Member, joining the club shall shoot for the club in any tournament or match at any level.
20 - New members shall be vetted by the Coaching Organiser and/or Coach in charge of beginner’s course before acceptance.
21- New members transferring membership from another club shall be fully affiliated to the G.N.A.S. Refusal may be given if the committee feel that it may be detrimental to the existing membership to accept transferee(s).
22 - Any person interested in Archery, having attained the age of 18 shall be eligible to be considered for admittance as a senior member, or, over the age of 10, shall be eligible to be considered as a junior member subject to clause 20 or 21.
23 - Any person whom the club may wish to honour for distinguished service to the club may be elected at a general meeting of the club as an Honorary member for life or for a specified period of time. Two types of Honorary Member shall be possible, Honorary non-voting and Honorary Voting. The general meeting presenting the honour shall decide the voting rights granted.
24 - All members shall accept the jurisdiction of the club and shall conform to such conditions, shooting rules and regulations as may be determined from time to time. These will be attached as Appendix ‘A’ to this constitution.
25 - If, in the opinion of the committee any member shall have been guilty of conduct which makes it undesirable that such member should remain a member of the club the committee has discretionary powers to dismiss any member. Any member so dismissed shall have the right of appeal to the committee, whose quorum for this purpose is no less than nine members.

Subscriptions and finances.

26 - All members as defined in clause 19 other than Honorary members shall pay an annual subscription to the club at rates to be determined from time to time by full senior members in general meeting.
27 - All subscription shall become due before the end of September and must be paid by that date.
28 - A member who has NOT paid the subscription by the last day of September in any one-year shall cease to be a member of the club.
29 - The club financial year shall extend from 1st (the first) of August in any year to 31st (the thirty-first) of July in the following year.
30 - At each AGM, the Treasurer shall submit, for approval by the meeting, a statement of accounts audited by two club members who are not bank signatories.
31 - A bank account(s) and/or savings account(s) shall be maintained in the name of the club. All cheques and orders withdrawing moneys from the account(s) shall be signed by any two of the following club officers.

President - Secretary - Treasurer or Records officer.

32 - Club equipment shall be purchased by the Treasurer and Equipment Officer subject to approval by the club committee.
33 - Honorarium may be presented to the President, Secretary, Treasurer, Records Officer, Field Captain and Coaching Organiser in appreciation for services to the club, provided club funds are available, and must be declared in the audited accounts of the club. The sum to be agreed at AGM.
34 -Dissolution of the club may only occur following a majority vote in General Meeting, then by a 75% majority vote of all senior full, and Honorary voting members, in a postal ballot to ratify the decision. The votes for this postal ballot to be returned to the club secretary in sealed envelopes marked ‘KILLINGWORTH ARCHERS BALLOT’ and only opened at the re-convened General Meeting
If the membership choose to dissolve the club the assets shall be liquidated and split between the current membership at that time, on the basis of one (one) share per year of continuous membership.
E.g. For a member who has been at the club for two years continuously at dissolution time - Two shares.
For a member who has been at the club for ten continuous years - Ten shares.
For a member who has been at the club for five years, then lapsed then rejoined for two years - Two shares.

END OF CONSTITUTION.

The club has created the following 'Appendix' as a precaution in the interests of the general membership and to prevent becoming too eager for competition results by 'cherry picking' good archers from other clubs.

1. The club will follow the 'Child Protection Policy' produced by the G.N.A.S.
2. The club representatives to represent Killingworth at County meetings are the club secretary and one other, currently secretary and chairman.
3. A Committee decision was made in March 1998 that all members shall receive a copy of the club constitution upon joining the club plus a copy of appendix A, which covers local rules.
4. At the close of the indoor season the last indoor evening shall be reserved for a ‘fun night’.
5. Committee decision of 11th April 1988 was made concerning the ‘Killingworth Pairs’. The accepted round will be 2 dozen arrows at 20 yards, followed by 2 dozen arrows at 30 yards then 2 dozen arrows at 40 yards. The Field Captain can use discretion to shoot only 2 of the distances, or to reduce the number of required ends per distance, due to failing light or conditions. The round to be held on the nearest Tuesday to 21st June.
6. Club championships – Novices can shoot ‘Bristol Rounds’. Gents – ‘Bristol 2’, ladies – ‘Bristol 3’. Prizes will be awarded to both groups. NB - The club championships MAY be a shorter round if the committee feel that it will be in the interests of the general membership.
7. A committee decision was made on 9 November 1998 in that at the Killingworth Open Indoor tournament, to constitute a team for the team trophy, 2 gents and 2 ladies will be required.
8. Safety notices MUST be displayed, and the range must be roped off before shooting commences on the club field.
9. G.N.A.S. regulations concerning safety MUST be adhered to. It will be the responsibility of each member to ensure that the safety rules are complied with.
10. Existing target days are Tuesday evenings and Saturday afternoons, when priority is given to those archers trying to shoot a full round. Other archers are requested not to delay those shooting a round.
11. On target days members are requested to arrive in good time to assist in setting out the field and barrier and/or assist in its removal.
12. If a ‘field captain’ is not present then a senior archer is expected to take charge to ensure shooting is carried out safely.
13. Latecomers are requested to ask to join those shooting on a target if space permits otherwise another target should be set out. Please do not be tempted to shoot a distance greater than your ability permits just because a target is set out at that distance.
14. Please do not move from target to target when rounds are being shot without asking permission from your target companions.
15. As a protection against the ‘poaching of members’ from other clubs, it has been agreed at the committee meeting of 8th July 1999 to enter these statements into this appendix.

• No Killingworth member has the right to invite a member of any other club to affiliate to Killingworth Archers in preference to their existing club.
• Killingworth Archers will protect both the Killingworth club and any other Archery club against encouraging poaching practices.
• Mid season applicants from other clubs must obtain permission from their existing club to shoot for Killingworth Archers and the decision to accept a transferring member at this time is at the discretion of the ‘visitors sub-committee’.

"This 'club' believes that when dealing with children and vulnerable adults, their welfare should always be of paramount importance. We are committed to providing an environment where young people can learn and participate in a sport free from harassment and abuse. All those people working with children have a moral responsibility to safeguard and promote a child's welfare.

This 'club^' has therefore adopted the GNAS Protection of Children and Vulnerable Adults Policy to ensure peace of mind for both adults and children.

1. Coaches must at all times respect the rights, dignity and worth of all archers and treat them with equity within archery.
2. Coaches must consider the welfare and safety of the archer first and foremost before the development of their performance. Grand National Archery Society guidelines for coaching must be followed and a coach must ensure that they are adequately covered by insurance.
3. Coaches must hold a current G.N.A.S. coaching certificate and ensure that they keep up to date with any changes in coaching procedures.
4. Coaches must have a good and appropriate working relationship with the archers they are coaching and this is particularly necessary with juniors. Ensure you are working within the guidelines of your Club's Child Protection Policy at all times.
5. Coaches' relationships must be based on mutual trust and respect with their archer.
6. Coaches should encourage their archers to accept and be responsible for their own behaviour and performance as this will enable the archer to shoot and be independent when the coach is not there.
7. Coaches must ensure that the instructions and activities they give are appropriate to the experience and ability of the individual archer and that they are correctly understood. This is particularly important depending on the age or maturity of the athlete. (E.g. ensure bow poundage is suitable and will not cause damage or put pressure on growing muscles and bones.) Follow G.N.A.S. Coaching Guidelines.
8. Coaches should ensure that they clarify with their archers and where appropriate with parents exactly what is expected of them and equally so what they should expect from their coach.
9. Coaches should consult when necessary with other coaches and officials. Specialists such as sports scientists, physiotherapists, psychologists and doctors should also be available if it is in the beat interest of the athlete.
10. Coaches should promote archery in a positive manner and ensure fair play at all times. Bullying by anyone must be prevented.
11. Coaches must never condone the use of banned substances by any athlete.
12. Coaches must always display high standards of behaviour, appearance and knowledge.

This Code is only a basic guideline but G.N.A.S. Coaching Guidelines and procedures are a good base for all Coaches to work from. The G.N.A.S. motto encapsulates what coaches should adhere to;

The following Code of Conduct has been drawn up for the benefit of all members, as a reminder of their obligations to the Society and its members when participating in and administering the sport of archery.

Each member of the Society is committed to:

1. Obeying the GNAS Rules of Shooting, Law's and Policies and such other guidelines as the Society publishes.
2. Behaving in a manner that upholds the dignity and reputation of the Society and its members, including junior members and vulnerable adults.
3. Acting in fairness and with integrity when dealing with the Society and its members.
4. Avoiding the abuse of power or trust arising from position or status within the Society.
5. Using archery skills and equipment in a responsible way so as to avoid nuisance, damage or injury.
6. Never taking advantage of, or abusing, any other member of the Society, including especially, junior members and vulnerable adults.

KilIingworth Archers Support and adhere to the GNAS Policy of Zero Tolerance to Bullying. The following notes (taken from the GNAS Protection of Children and Vulnerable Adults Policy), give some guidance in recognising bullying.

1) Forms of Bullying.

The GNAS believe that every effort must be made to eradicate bullying in all its forms.

Bullying can be difficult to define and can take many forms, which can be categorised as;

Physical —— Hitting, kicking, theft.

Verbal ——— Homophobic / racist remarks, threats, name calling.

Emotional — Isolating individuals from activities.

Bullying may also include;

1. Other forms of violence.
2. Sarcasm, spreading rumours, persistent teasing.
3. Tormenting, ridiculing, humiliation.
4. Racial taunts, graffiti, gestures.
5. Unwanted physical contact or abusive or offensive comments possibly of a sexual nature.

Create an 'open' environment and provide adequate supervision at all times.

Encourage children to share any concerns with responsible adults. Take all signs of bullying seriously.

Reassure the victim you will help them.

Explain you may have to inform someone in authority.

Keep accurate records of what happened together with names of those involved and any action taken.

Report suspicions to person in charge.

Club Child Protection Officer should be informed as soon as possible.

KILLINGWORTH ARCHERS

CONTACT AND EMERGENCY TELEPHONE NUMBERS AND ADDRESSES WITHIN NORTH TYNESIDE FOR CHILD PROTECTION AND VULNERABLE ADULT POLICY.

SOCIAL SERVICES.

1. North Tyneside Co-ordinator for Child Protection, will be able to answer queries and provide guidance. 0191 200 1417. (Camden House, Camden Street, North Shields, NE30 1NW.)
2. Any problems or incidents call the following telephone number for Social Services Department who deal with children/young people. During daytime hours (0630 to 1700) First call to 0191-200-7429.

IN EMERGENCY (stand-by) From 1700 hours throughout the night; 0191 200 6800.

3. Alternatively or as well as:- Police Child Protection Unit in Whitley Bay. Tel. 0191 214 6555. This is during the day but there is always a designated Child Protection Officer on 'call' at all other times.

SOME NATIONAL CONTACT AND EMERGENCY NUMBERS NATIONALLY.

1. NSPCC CHILD PROTECTION IN SPORT UNIT. - Tel. 0116-234-7278.

HELPLINE 0808 800 5000.

2. NSPCC. - Tel. 020 7825 2500.

Designated Child Protection Officer for Killingworth Archers is;

Helen George;

Lee Blenkinsop is back-up Child Protection Officer;