Constitution
The British Golf Industry Association is a Group operating under the auspices of the Federation of Sports & Play Associations Limited and, as such, is bound by the Federation’s Memorandum and Articles of Association.
Office
The office of the British Golf Industry Association shall be that of the Federation of Sports & Play Associations. The association may have other offices that may from time to time be designated by the Executive Committee.
Objectives
Represent
- To represent the UK golf industry on all encompassing matters affecting the industry to; government departments, partners, golf’s governing bodies, trade associations and other organisations on a national and international level.
- To represent the membership at Trade Fairs and Exhibitions UK, Europe and worldwide
Service
- To provide member companies with an exclusive membership benefit and services package
- To provide key research, statistics, and vital information to the membership. Common Interest / Collective Voice
Common Interest / Collective Voice
- To foster the growth of golf and promote increased participation in the sport for the benefit of member companies
- To provide and facilitate a forum platform for the discussion and exchange of views on collective issues affecting the membership
Eligibility for Membership
In order to be eligible for Full Membership a company must be substantially engaged in the manufacture, wholesale and/or distribution of golf products and services to the trade.
Companies related to the golf industry that are not directly engaged in the manufacture, wholesale and/or distribution of golf products and services to the trade may apply for Associate Membership. Associate Membership is subject to the rights and obligations governing any membership and includes the right to attend General Meetings and the Annual General Meeting, receive communications and benefit from other membership services. Associate Members do not have the right to vote at General Meetings.
Membership Applications
Applications for both Full and Associate Membership shall be submitted on the forms determined by the Association. Applications shall be submitted by the Executive Secretary to the first Executive Meeting following the date of application. Election to membership shall be by ordinary resolution or, if requested by any one member present, by secret ballot. The Association reserves the right to reject any application without stating its reasons.
Office Holders
There shall be a permanent Executive Committee of eight plus the Chairman and Vice Chairman. The members of the Executive Committee shall be elected for one year at the Annual General Meeting of the Association.
The members of the Executive Committee shall elect a Chairman and Vice Chairman from among their membership. Their term of office shall be two years. At the end of the two year term of office they may be re-elected for further years of office provided they are willing to stand for re-election and it is the wish of the membership.
Chairman
The Chairman shall preside at meetings of the Association and shall have the right to vote. He shall do all in his power to promote the well-being of the Association and shall perform such duties in his capacity as Chairman as directed by the Executive Committee.
The Chairman of the Association shall act as the Association’s representative whenever the occasion requires and when representing its opinion on any subject it shall be his duty to do so in a fair and balanced manner.
Following his term of office the Chairman shall be an ex-officio member of the Executive Committee for one year, amd serve on The Golf Foundation Board of Directors
Vice Chairman
In the absence of the Chairman the Vice Chairman shall act as Chairman. In the absence of both Chairman and Vice Chairman the members present at the meeting shall have the power to elect a temporary Chairman to conduct the business of the meeting.
Executive Secretary
The Executive Secretary shall be a member of the staff of the Federation of Sports & Play Associations and he/she will be responsible to the Association through that organisation.
Resignation of Office Holders
Any office holder may vacate his office by tendering his/her resignation in writing to the Executive Secretary.
Removal of Office Holders
An office holder may be removed from office immediately on the passing of an appropriate special resolution.
Temporary Office Holders
Any member may, by a show of hands, be elected without notice to occupy an office temporarily pending the next Annual General Meeting. Members may also be co-opted onto any committee where their expertise is of assistance to that committee.
Voting Rights
At any General Meeting each member company shall have one vote. Whilst more than one representative of a member company may attend a meeting voting is restricted to one vote per member company. Associate Members may attend General Meetings but are not entitled to vote.
Nominations for office holders must be received by the Executive Secretary on the appropriate forms on or before the due date notified.
A member company may appoint a proxy (who must also be a member) to attend and vote on its behalf at an Annual General Meeting. Proxy nominations must be received in writing by the Executive Secretary 72 hours before the AGM.
Disciplinary Procedure
If a Member alleges that a Member is in breach of this Constitution or a customer complains about a Member, they shall refer the matter in writing to the Manager of the Association who shall conduct a preliminary investigation and report to the Chairman. The Chairman will determine the need for, and if necessary appoint, either a Mediation Panel or the appointed representatives of three members as a Disciplinary Panel.
The Mediation or Disciplinary Panel shall give both the complainant and the Member complained of a proper opportunity to put their case, and shall determine whether to invite submissions in person or in writing, dependant on its view of the seriousness of the issues concerned. The Mediation or Disciplinary Panel shall deal with the matter in a timely fashion and shall notify the parties concerned in writing of their decision as to whether the Member has acted in breach of its obligations under the BGIA Constitution or the Code of Practice.
If such a breach is found, the Panel shall determine the extent of the disciplinary action to be taken against the Member, which may include suspension or expulsion from membership in case of serious breach. Expulsion from the BGIA automatically means expulsion from the FSPA.
Meetings
A General Meeting shall be one to which all members are invited. 21 days notice shall be given of an Annual General Meeting. All items discussed at meetings, Minutes and other papers circulated in connection with meetings are private and confidential and it is a condition of membership that these matters are not divulged to non-members.
Quorum
A quorum shall consist of representatives from five member companies. If at any meeting a quorum is not present the meeting may be dissolved by those present.
Committees
The Association in General Meeting shall have the power to appoint Committees charged with such duties as the Association may decide.
Duration of Membership
Membership of the Association may be terminated by voluntary withdrawal. However, a resigning company will be liable for the fees for the current fiscal year. Membership may also be terminated if a company no longer fulfils the criteria for membership or fails to make the appropriate subscription payment.
Subscriptions
The annual subscription for member companies shall be determined by the Federation of Sports & Play Associations.
Alteration of Rules
The Executive Committee may revoke, alter or add to any part of this Constitution by ordinary resolution at an Executive Committee Meeting.