GUIDANCE NOTES

Drafting the Club Constitution

2004

INTRODUCTION

1 A Constitution should be a very simple document which aims to ensure the smooth working of a club. Difficulty may arise when one tries to put what amounts to common sense into clear words. The Constitution in Appendix II is one way of doing this. This is a very basic version of a Constitution and as the club grows it will no doubt find other things that need to be said, but beware - some organisations spend more time changing the Constitution than participating in their sport. Leave any problems for the club's executive to solve.

GUIDANCE NOTES

2 These guidance notes include three appendices:

Appendix 1 - General Notes on Design

Appendix II - Sample Constitution

Appendix III - Specific Comments. To be read in conjunction with Appendix II. For easy reference, paragraph numbers equate with clause numbers of Appendix II.

SAMPLE CONSTITUTION

3 The attached sample of a Constitution is intended for outline guidance. When you come to apply it to your own situation you might find it advisable to consult a lawyer to ensure that you have covered all the club's specific areas of activity. Legal advice would be essential if the club developed to the extent that it was employing staff, applying for a liquor licence, purchasing property or if at any time changing circumstances, financial or otherwise, raised doubts about the relevance of the Constitution.

Sample text provided by: sportscotland
Modified by the Mountaineering Council of Scotland 2004