Old Cooperians Rugby Football Club
Rules of the Club
1.That the Club shall be called “Old Cooperians Rugby Football Club” and that the membership shall be open to all.
2.That the Club colours be light blue shirts with gold and dark blue chevrons, navy shorts and red socks.
3.That the elected officers of the Club shall be the Chairman, Hon. Secretary, Hon. Treasurer, Hon. Fixture Secretary, Hon. Kit Secretary, Youth Development Officer and Public Relation Officer.
4.The management of the Club be vested in the Committee which shall consist of the Elected Officers and Appointed Officers (The Elected Captains will serve on the ‘Rugby players’ Committee: see rule 4a). Any three Elected Officers shall form a quorum and in the event of a vacancy occurring on the Committee then the Elected Officers of the Club shall be empowered to appoint replacement. All Elected Officers and Appointed Officers of the Committee shall retire annually but shall be eligible for re-election.
4a.That each incoming Committee shall ensure that the following Sub-Committee are constituted.
The ‘Rugby Players’ Committee, The Academy (Youth Development - covering the age range of youths up to 17 years) Committee, the Social Committee and the Former Players Committee. The Appointed Academy Secretary will also serve on the Club Committee.
4b.The Committee shall have the power to co-opt any other Sub-Committee it deems necessary.
4c.The Committee shall have the power to withdraw membership of any member providing the matter is discussed and decided by a simple majority at a properly constituted Committee meeting to which the member has been invited. The Committee shall decide the period for which the membership withdrawal shall apply. The member shall be entitled to be accompanied by any other; both may participate in any discussion but may not vote on any proposal.
Two weeks notice of the matter shall be given to all parties. During the period of membership withdrawal the member shall take no part in, or attend, any rugby game or take part in any social event in which the Club is involved. The member shall not be entitled to any refund of his annual subscription fee and only receive a refund of other fees at the Committee’s discretion.
4d.The Committee shall have the power to refuse membership providing the matter is discussed and voted on by a simple majority at a properly constituted Committee meeting. If any annual membership fee has been received it shall be refunded in full. Any person who has been refused membership shall not participate in any rugby game or social event in which the Club is involved.
5.There shall be four categories of membership; Full Club Member, Retired Former Player, Supporters Member and Honorary Member.
6. That fourteen clear days notice must be given for the convening of the ‘Annual General Meeting’ of the Club and that this meeting must take place no later than the end of June of each year. Furthermore at least ten days clear notice must be given to the Hon. Secretary in writing of any proposals or amendments to be considered at the AGM – nominations for the Election of Officers and Team Captains will be received and dealt with at the AGM.
6a. That two members, not on the committee, be appointed annually at the AGM to audit the accounts of the Club for the ensuing season.
6b.That on written request of not lest than five Full Club Members stating the matter desired by them to be considered, the Hon. Secretary shall convene an Extra Ordinary Meeting with fourteen days of the receipt of such a request and shall give each member at least seven days notice of such a meeting stating the matter to be considered.
6c.That no rule be added or altered except at a General Meeting.
6d.Only Full Club Members who have paid the current annual subscription may vote at a General Meeting.
7.That each member shall pay an annual subscription and the rate of subscription shall be as follows:-
Full Club Member £20 per month by Direct Debit or £50 per season (plus £15 per game played – Rule 7c).
Retired & Former Player £15 & Supporters Member (incl. spouse) £75 per season.
Hon. Member Nil.
7a.Academy Members at school shall pay an annual subscription of £50 per season. Club Playing Members who are students in full time education (at college or university) at £5 per game played.
7b.That for the purpose of determining annual subscription and match fees a student is a member in full time education or who has left full time education within 12 months of the beginning of the relevant season.
7c. That in addition to the ‘annual subscription’ there shall be a standard ‘Match Fee’ for those members playing in an organised game who are not paying their subscription by Direct Debit. The standard match fee shall be agreed at the AGM. Club Playing Members in the 1st year out of full time education, under 20 or unemployed shall pay a reduced subscription of £10 per month by direct debit or £7.50 per game played.
7d.That any person travelling by coach to away games will be required to pay a contribution towards the cost of hire.
8.That each team shall have an Elected Captain for the duration of the season and that the Elected Captain shall select a Vice Captain and advise the Committee of this selection prior to the start of the season.
9.That any member who orders tickets for any social function shall be responsible for the payment of those tickets unless the Committee shall be empowered to debar any member from social functions for failing to pay for tickets received without good reason.
10. That no member shall be allowed to purchase equipment if still owing monies for equipment purchased at an earlier date.