Irish Deaf Sports Association

SECTION 1 - GENERAL

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 The name of the Association shall be Irish Deaf Sports Association (IDSA)

1.2 IDSA shall be affiliated to International Committee of Sports for the Deaf (ICSD – the rules and regulations as framed and interpreted by ICSD shall be recognised and enforced by IDSA and also affiliated to European Deaf Sports Organisation (EDSO).

1.3 Articles in this Constitution, together with the by-laws in the schedules to this Constitution, shall collectively form the laws of IDSA.

1.4 IDSA shall be the sole authority in all sports competitions of the Deaf on national, regional and inter-club levels in Ireland.

1.5 The word ‘Deaf’ shall be deemed to define such a person as:
(a) One who is profoundly deaf.
(b) have a facility of hearing up to a certain level (decibels) in accordance with the decision of ICSD

2. OBJECTS

2.1 The objects of IDSA shall be:
(a) to develop, promote and control the aims and management of Ireland’s Deaf sports,
(b) hold Annual Sports Championships and other such Meetings for the Deaf as may be deemed necesary by the Executive Committee.
(c) to provide or arrange courses of instruction in sports for the Deaf, subject to conditions as set out by the Executive Committee.
(d) to facilitate the representation of its selected competitors in international sports and Deaflympicsand
(e) to promote international matches and competitions in sports.
(f) to promote and develop sports at grassroots.

2.2 IDSA shall make every effort to ensure that no racial, religious or political

considerations, or any other kind of discrimination shallbe allowed in our sports and in the administrative work of our Association and to take the necessary steps to prevent such discrimination arising.

3. MEMBERSHIP

3.1 Membership of IDSA shall be open to:
(a) all the Deaf of Ireland.
(b) active officials provided that they conform to the rules as laid in the Article of this Constitution 1.5
(c) co-operatirs and sponsors, being persons who are actively interested in furthering the objects of IDSA, in either in coaching or officiating duties.
(d) Such persons shall be considered Honorary Members

3.2 All members shall comply with and observe the laws of IDSA, including they payment of appropriate fees as determined by the Association from time to time.

3.3 The Association shall have the final say on the eligibility of an applicant for membership of IDSA.

4. MANAGEMENT

4.1 The administration of the affairs of IDSA shall be vested in its Executive Committee, Advisory Council and Regional Council Committees

4.2. The Officers on the Executive Committee shall comprise of a President, Vice-President, General Secretary, Treasurer, Directors of Sports, Registrar, Asst.Treasurer and a Committee Member. The functions and duties of each Officer shall be as determined by the Executive Committee from time to time.

4.3 The title, “President” shall be reserved for the President of IDSA. The Senior Officers on each Regional Council shall be termed the Chairperson. The President shall not serve more than two consecutive terms.

4.4 a) The title, “Directors of Sports” shall be reserved for the Officers on the Executive Committee. The Officers looking after sports on the Regional Councils shall be termed Managers of their respective sports.
b) Each Director shall set up his / her sub-committee with up to 7 members in total.

4.5 The Officers of the IDSA shall be elected at the Annual General Meeting and shall hold office for a term of four years – until the conclusion of the fourth AGM. For the purpose of IDSA, the term, fourth AGM shall be deemed to mean the AGM that is being held immediately following the conclusion of Deaflympic, normally taking every fourth year or in a year the Deaflympicis being held.

4.6 All Officers shall be honorary.

4.7 Officials nominated for the offices of President, Vice-President shall have served a full term previously and the offices of the Secretary and Hon. Treasurer shall have served at least 2 years’ sports administration experience

4.8 The position of IDSA Public Relations Officer shall be filled at the discretion of the Executive Committee who shall, also decide on the functions and duties of such an appointed PRO within a specified period of time. Such an appointed PRO may be exempt from the rules as laid in this Constitution. (Article 1.5)

SECTION 2 – MEETING

5. GENERAL MEETING

5.1 A Meeting of IDSA, hereinafter called Annual General Meeting (AGM) shall be held each year on a Saturday in the month of November at a time and place in Ireland as determined by the Executive Committee.

5.2 The AGM shall consist of: the Officers of the Executive Committee and AdvisoryCouncil, each with one vote and three delegates from each Regional Council each with one vote and the Director of each Sport in force each with one vote. Each Regional shall notify the IDSA Secretary in writing of its proposed delegates at least two weeks before the AGM.
Any member may attend the proceedings of the AGM but he/she shall not be eligible to vote.

5.3 At least two months’ notice, specifying the place, date and hour of the AGM, shall be given in writing.

5.4 The Presidential address, Secretary’s and Treasurer’s Reports, together with an Account of Receipts and Expenditure, duly certified, shall be issued with the Agenda and Notices of motion not less than one month before AGM. Each Motion shall bear the signature of its proposer and seconder, both of whom shall be members of the Committees entitled to be present at the AGM in accordance with the rule of this Constitution (Art. 5.2.), subject to approval by its Regional Council.

5.5 No business shall be transacted unless a quorum is present at the AGM. A quorum shall be not less than two-thirds of those entitled to be present in accordance with the rule (Art. 5.2.) and personally present. If a quorum is not present within half an hour, the President or a person appointed by the Executive Committee to deputise for the President, may adjourn the meeting to another date.

5.6 The business of the AGM shall be:
(a) to scrutinise the credentials of those present;
(b) to confirm the minutes of the previous AGM;
(c) to receive and consider the Presidential and Secretary’s Reports;
(d) to receive and consider the Treasurer’s Report;
(e) to elect an Officer for the Executive Committee if such an office becomes vacant in the preceding year;
(f) to transcate any business on the Agenda and Notices of motion in accordance with the rule of this Constitution (Art. 5.4.).

5.7 In accordance with the provisions of Article 4.5., every fourth year, the AGM shall consist of: all outgoing Officers of the Executive committee and such other officials as provided for in Article 5.2. For this AGM, which may be designated “the election year”, the Articles of the Constitution (5.2 – 6) shall apply but additional provisions shall be laid down as follow:
a) Nominations shall be made by all those entitled to be present at the AGM with the exception of the President.
b) Nomination papers for officership of the Executive Committee shall be sent with the notice of the AGM (Art.5.3.) to the Secretaries of Regional Councils, eachsports organiser andAdvisory Council member
c) The Hon. Secretary of each Regional Council shall convene within four weeks of receipt of the notices of the AGM, a meeting of its Council for the purposes of considering any motion, which is asked to propose for adoption at the AGM. Also the appointment of the Delegates and also to nominate candidates for the Executive Committee Elections, when they fall due.
d) Nomination papers shall be returned so as to reach the IDSA Secretary at least a month before the AGM. In the event of any nominated candidate not meeting the required qualification rules of IDSA, the General Secretary shall immediately check the qualifications of the candidates, as defined in Article 3. And any other relevant articles. In the event of any candidate not meeting the qualification rules, the General Secretary shall notify in writing the Hon. Secretary of the Regional Council, responsible for the void nomination. Then this Regional Council shall be given two weeks to propose alternative candidates.
e) Persons nominated for officership but not elected shall be deemed nominated by the Executive Committee.

5.8 The AGM shall have power to amend existing laws of IDSA to make new laws and to rescind decisions of previous meetings on Notice of Motion from the Executive Committee, Advisory or Regional Councils. Such Notices of Motion must be received not later than the date on the Notice convening the AGM and may not be passed unless by a two-thirds of those present and voting. (Voting shall be done by a show of hands with IDSA cards at the AGMs)

5.9 When this Constitution comes into force, any Article of this Constitution and any by-law in the Schedule thereto, may be amended only at every second AGM.

5.10 All changes of laws adapted at the AGM, shall come into force at the commencement of the calendar year following the AGM.

5.11 No other business than specified inthe Agenda set out inthe Notice convening the AGM, may be transacted at the AGM. The Executive Committee may, however, introduce a special business that demands a prompt approvalwith a view to reaching at a satisfactory solution. This special business shall be of an administrative nature and shall not have less than two-thirds of those present and voting.

5.12 The President of IDSA may, with the consent of two-thirds of those present and voting, adjourn the AGM but no business other than the business left over at the adjournment may be transacted.

5.13 The Executive Committee shall summon an emergency General Meeting of IDSA on receipt of a requisition to do so for a specific purpose and which has been signed on behalf of two-thirds of R. C. Officers , Executive Committee, Advisory Council and Sports Chairpersons.

SECTION 3 – NATIONAL MANAGEMENT

6. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

6.1 The Executive Committee shall meet as often as the business of IDSA may require. At every meeting of the Committee, - seven members including the President shall constitute a quorumAll meetings shall be convened by the Secretary and at least seven days’ notice shall be given of the date, time and place of the meeting.

6.2 The President shall chair all the meetings or in his absence, the Vice-President shall deputise. If both are absent, the meeting shall be adjourned.

6.3 Any business transacted by the Executive Committee, can only be rescinded by a quorum of seven of the Committee,and then only on a Notice of motion handed in at a subsequent meeting.

7. IDSA DUTIES OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

7.1 The authority and general direction of the affairs of IDSA shall be exercised by the Executive Committee which shall, in particular, be responsible for all financial matters of IDSA.

7.2 (a) The Executive Committee shall not accept responsibility, nor shall it be held responsible, for any debts, expenses or liabilities incurred on its behalf or otherwise incurred by a Regional Council, Club or individual without written approval from the Executive Committee.
(b) The Executive Committee shall reserve the right to impose the conditions on the use of funds granted or guaranteed by the IDSA.

7.3 The Executive Committee shall have power to appoint such other sub-committees as and when it is deemed necessary to carry out the work of IDSA. Officers of IDSA shall be ex-officio members of all sub-committees.

7.4 The Executive Committee of IDSA hereby resolves that from 1 June 2004, it shall abide by the anti-doping rules of the Irish Sports Council as follows:

“The anti-doping rules of the IDSA are the Irish Anti-Doping Rules as amended from time to time as shown in the Irish Sports Council regulations in their website."

7.5 The Executive Committee shall have power to deal with any matter not provided for in these laws, but shall not have power to delegate the authority conferred by Article 7.5.

7.6 The Executive Committee shall have power to define the area of jurisdiction of any Regional Council in the event of any doubt or dispute arising.

7.7 The Executive Committee shall be the interpreter of the laws and no appeal from its decision shall be made except to the AGM.

7.8 The Executive Committee may, at any time, summon a meeting of any Regional Council and shall have power to enquire and examine the working of such Council. It shall also have power to suspend any Council and to direct the formation of another body to replace the dissolved Council. No Council, however, can be suspended or dissolved until it has been given an opportunity of being heard in its defence, and then only by a majority of not less than two-thirds of those present and eligible to vote.

7.9 The Executive Committee may expel or suspend any member who violates any of the provisions of the laws of IDSA or who has been guilty of conduct likely to bring IDSA into disrepute, provided always that such a member is given an opportunity of being heard in his / her own defence and be referred to the Regional Council of which he / she is a member.

7.10 The Executive Committee shall hear and determine any appeal arising from any decision of any Regional Council.

7.11 The Executive Committee is responsible for promoting, developing and managing deaf sports in Ireland.

7.12 IDSA is fully committed to safeguarding the well being of its members. Every individual in IDSA should at all times, show respect and understanding for members rights, safety and welfare and conduct them selves in a way that reflects the principles of the IDSA and guidelines contained in the Code of Ethics and Good Practice for Children’s Sport.

In IDSA, our first priority is the welfare of the young people and we are committed to providing an environment which will allow participants to perform to the best of their ability, free from bullying and intimidation. The IDSA adopts section 235 of the Taxes consolidation Act 1997 (Exemption from Tax for sports bodies.)

SECTION 4 – MANAGEMENT COUNCILS

8. ADVISORY COUNCIL

8.1 The Advisory Council shall be appointed by the Executive Committee, to assist the Executive Committee in its administrative work for IDSA.

8.2 The Officers of the Advisory Council shall be the President, Vice-President, General Secretary, Treasurer of the Executive Committee, the Chairmen of Regional Councils and four members, preferably those who have given a lengthy service ( at least - 8 years ) in the Executive Committee. The functions and duties of each officer shall be as determined by the Advisory Council.

8.3 The Advisory Council shall meet at least twice a year at a date and place as determined by the Executive Committee.

8.4 The term of office of the National Council shall be concurrent with the term of office of the Executive Committee.

8.5 All the officers of the Advisory Council shall be honorary.

9. REGIONAL COUNCILS

9.1 The words “Regional Council” used in these rules in reference to a province,Club or individual shall where the context permits, be deemed to mean the Regional Council of the Region in which such an individual is resident (or was born) or such club exists or such a county is situated, subject to the decision of the Executive Committee in accordance with the provisions of Article 7.5 of this Constitution.

9.2 An administrative area known as a Region based on provincial zones of our country, may be established by Motion of General Meeting and the administrative body known as the Regional Council may be set up under the provisions of Article 9.1.

9.3 Where such an area coincides with a recognised geographical oradministrative entity, it may receive from such an entity and be known as the managing body for sports within it. A General Meeting shall be the basis of representation on any Council and may provide that such representation be related to the counties and/or clubs in the region of Leinster Deaf Sports Council, Ulster Deaf Sports Council, Munster Deaf Sports Council and Connacht Deaf Sports Council.

9.4 Where a member wishing to transfer to another Regional Council in order to represent in sports only, the facilitator, with the agreement of both RegionalCouncils and his/she Council from which he/she wishes to transfer, he/she may do so with the approval of the Executive Committee.

10. DUTIES OF A REGIONAL COUNCIL

10.1 The Officers of the Regional Council Committee shall comprise of: Chairman, Hon Secretary, Hon. Treasurer, Sports Managers and such other officer as the meeting may consider necessary. Each Regional Council Committee shall have a minimum of five members who may not necessarily be delegates to the Special Meeting. The quorum for meetings of the Regional Council committee shall be five.

10.2 A Regional Councilshall administer sports among the Deaf in its region as directed by the Executive Committee.

10.3 It shall have a direct responsibility for development and promotion of sports among the Deaf in its region, as directed (Article 2.1 of IDSA Constitution).

10.4 a) The Regional Council shall ensure that National or Regional Championships are held in any of the sports being promoted by IDSA, When directed by the Executive Committee and may organise sports competitions between the clubs in its region
b) The organising Regional Council shall ensure that National or Regional Championships in conjunction with the Director responsible for specific sports.
c) The Regional Council shall inform the Executive Committee of its proposed sports events at least three months in advance and shall apply for a sport permit from the IDSA Secretary subject to written approval of the Executive Committee.
d) The organising Regional Council shall furnish a full report of the sports events to the Executive Committee not later than seven days after the events.

10.5 Each Regional Council shall meet at least three times a year.


10.6 a) Each Regional Council shall summon an Annual Regional Meeting on a day and place as determined by its Committee. However, such a meeting may not be announced until it is approved by the Executive Committee.
b) The annual Account of Receipts and Expenditure, duly audited, shall be submitted to the Executive Committee at least one month before its A.R.M.

10.7 The Regional Council, when elected, shall furnish the names and addresses of each officer to IDSA Secretary not later than seven days of its election. For the purpose of IDSA, it is desirable that three senior officers on the Regional Council reside within the area of its jurisdiction.

10.8 The elected officers shall hold hold office for at least a year and shall be honorary. If and when an officer terminates his/her office, he/she shall notify his/her Committee, which in turn, shall inform the Executive Committee of such an intention at once and propose a replacement if possible. Such a replacement must have an approval from the Executive committee.

11. ANNUAL REGIONAL MEETING

11.1 The Annual Regional Meeting shall consist of the outgoing officers of the Council and all members of the Council

11.2 The business of the Annual RegionalMeeting shall be:
(a) to receive the Chairperson’saddress and Hon. Secretary’s Reports;
(b) receive the Hon. Treasurer’s Report. This Report shall incorporate an Annual Account of Receipts and Expenditure duly audited;
(c) transact any business of which due notice has been given and which is not reserved to the Executive Committee and
(d) to elect the officers of the Regional Council

11.3 No business other than specified on the Agenda set out on the Notice convening the A.R.M. may be transacted.

11.4 A representative appointed by the Executive Committee to act on its behalf shall be present an the Annual RegionalMeeting and shall be given a copy of the Hon. Secretary’s and Treasurer’s Reports not less than two weeks before the date of the meeting.

11.5 A representative appointed by the Executive Committee to act on its behalf shall be present at the Annual Regional Meeting and shall be given a copy of the Hon. Secretary’s and Treasurer’s Reports not less than two weeks before the date of the meeting.

SECTION 5 – CLUBS AND MEMBERS

12. CLUBS

12.1 The word “Club” shall where the context permits, be deemed to mean such a club affiliated to its Regional Council, consisting of active members for the purpose of the realisation of the Objects of IDSA (Art. 2. C).

12.2 Affiliation of a Club and registration of its members shall be effected as provided for in by-laws and the Club shall ensure that all appropriate fees are paid in due time when requested by the Executive Committee.

12.3 A Club applying for affiliation to their Regional Council,shall be deemed to be acquainted with the laws of IDSA and every application shall be deemed an admission by the applicant of agreement to be bound by the laws and every renewal of affiliation shall be deemed to be renewal of such agreement.

12.4 A Regional Council shall be responsible for the conduct of its members and shall not commit, permit or encourage an offence against the laws of IDSA or any otherconduct likely to bring IDSA into disrepute. A Regional Council’s representative shall report to its Regional Council on the misconduct of a member at a meeting or competition held under the auspices of IDSA.

12.5 A Club shall not be eligible to compete in any National, Regional or International sports competitions until its affiliation has been recorded as provided for in the by-laws 1-6.

12.6 A Club when accepted as a member-club of IDSA shall make every effort to develop and promote the love of sports as a means of recreation among its members whenever possible.

13. MEMBERS

13.1 The registration of a member shall be effected through the Regional Council to which his club belongs in accordance with the provisions of the by-laws 1.1-9.

13.2 a) A member shall not be eligible to compete in any National or regional Championships until the registration of his / hermembership has been recorded by the Hon. Secretary of its Regional Councilas provided for in By-laws 1.1-8
b) A person not registered with a club may apply to his / herRegional Council.

14. GENERAL PROVISIONS

14.1 Where not specifically provided for in these laws, the proceedings of the AGM and all meetings of Committees and Councils shall be in accordance with the by-laws in Schedule thereto.

14.2 The qualifications of members to compete in sports under the laws of IDSA shall be in accordance with the Qualification Rules set out in the Schedule thereto.

NATIONAL TRUSTEES (Supplementary)

1. There shall be three National Trustees of the Association consisting of the President, IDSA Secretary and Hon. Treasurer.

2. In the event of any of the National Trustees being removed from office, or becoming from any cause incapable of acting or unwilling to act as such, another shall be appointed by the Executive Committee to fill the vacancy, the remaining Trustees shall in all matters act as the Trustees of the Association.

3. All deeds, documents of title and securities for money of the Association shall be held by the National Trustees and they may take such measures for the custody and preservation there at the expense of the Association as they shall think fit and they shall be responsible for the safe custody of all such deeds, documents and securities as are placed in their hands or under their control; shall produce them when required by a resolution of an Annual or Special Meeting or of the Executive Committee or when required by the Auditor.

4. It shall be the duty of any trustee who has resigned or been removed from office to execute such documents and shall take such other steps as may be necessary to rest in the Trustees for the being of the Association all securities and other property held by him on behalf of the Association.

5. Office and financial documents, equipments, trophies and mementoes, the property of the Association, other than such as are ordered by the Executive committee to be left in the custody of the IDSA Secretary and Honorary treasurer, shall be in the custody of the National Trustees, who shall be jointly and severally responsible thereof.

Winding Up:
If upon the winding up or dissolution of the Association there remains, after the satisfaction of all its debts and liabilities, any property whatsoever, the same shall not be paid to or distributed among the members of the Association but shall be transferred to some charitable organisation or organisation having main objects similar to the main objects of the association and which shall prohibit the distribution of its or their income and property among its or their members to an extent at least as great as it imposed on the Association, such organisation to be determined by the members of theAssociation at or before the time of dissolution and if so far effect cannot be given to such provisions, then some charitable object.

IRISH DEAF SPORTS ASSOCIATION BY-LAWS

SCHEDULE 1

1. AFFILIATION AND REGISTRATION

1.1. Applications for the affiliations of clubs to IDSA and for the registration of officials and members shall be made on forms to be prescribed by the Executive Committee.
1.2. The Executive Committee may prescribe the forms for specific purpose of such applications for affiliation and registration as follows:
(a) the affiliations of a club with particulars of officers and officials.
(b) The registration of active members with particulars of date and place of birth.
1.3. The applications of a club for affiliation to IDSA shall not be granted unless it is accompanied by applications for registration of a sufficient number of members to comply with the provisions of Article 12.4 of the Constitution.
1.4. The Club representative (Art. 12.4 in the Constitution) shall be responsible for ensuring the accuracy of all information furnished on the forms under the provisions of by-law 1.2
1.5. The Club representative (or the Club Secretary) seeking affiliation of his/her Club to IDSA and registration of its members, shall complete and sign each of the appropriate forms in triplicate and forward one each (affiliation and registration application form) to its appropriate Regional Council together with the prescribed fees. The Club representative of the club secretary shall also forward two of each forms to Hon. Treasurer of IDSA.
1.6. On receipt of such application forms, the Registrar shall, if they appear to him/her to be in order, take the following steps:
(a) record the fact and date of affiliation of the Club concerned,
(b) record the fact and registration of the members concerned and assign registration number to each. Each such number shall be entered on each copy of the application form.
(c) issue registration cards for the members concerned, bearing the member's name, Club and registration number.
(d) forward these registrations together with one copy of the application forms, countersigned by him, to the Club representative or the club secretary. Such countersignatures shall serve to confirm both the affiliation of the Club and the registration of its members and
(e) retail the remaining copy of the application form in IDSA's office and record the completion of such affiliation and registration of the club and its members.
1.7. For the purpose of affiliation of clubs and registration of members, the period to be known as the Registration Year, shall be the twelve-month period commencing on the first of January in each year.

2. FEES

2.1 The Executive Committee, on the recommendation of the Treasurer shall, at a meeting in September each year, determine the fees that shall become payable during the following Registration Year (By-law 1.7) in respect of:
1. Affiliation of Clubs.
2. Registration of Members.
3. Sport Permit.
4. Entry fees for National and Regional Championships.
In the absence of such determination, the fees for the following Registration Year shall be the same as were payable in the preceding year.

3. PROCEDURES AT MEETINGS

3.1. At all meetings of all Committees of IDSA, the chair shall be taken by the person elected to the appropriate office, or in his absence, by Vice-President or the Vice-Chairperson as the case may be.
3.2. If the numbers of votes for and against are exactly equal, the President has a casting vote, which should be againist motion. He/she should never use his other vote as an ordinary member of the meeting.
3.3. Save where the Articles of the Constitution specify otherwise, voting at all such meetings of IDSA Committees, shall be a simple majority on a show of hands, but the President may declare a particular motion carried or a particular person elected without such show of hands if no dissenting view is raised.
3.4. No appeal shall be allowed in respect of any of the procedures in taking a vote at such meetings of the Committees in including the entitlement to vote of a person present unless objection is made at the time the vote is taken or immediately thereafter and a ruling is given by the Vice-President or Chairperson. An appeal shall lie from such ruling except in the case of a ruling given at the AGM.
3.5.
(a) An appeal from a decision of Club Committee shall be made to the appropriate Regional Council.
(b) An appeal from a decision of a Regional Council shall be made to the Executive Committee.
(c) An appeal from a decision of the Executive Committee shall be made to the IDSA AGM or to a Special Meeting summoned for this purpose.
3.6. An appeal from a decision of a member/Club, Council or of the Executive Committee shall be made by way of a Notice of Motion to the Appeal Body as defined in By-law 4.5. Due Notice shall be given to all interested parties. If the appellants of Club, Council or Committee against whose decision an appeal has been made, are not otherwise entitled to representation at meetings of the Appeal Body, they shall be entitled to representation on the hearing of the appeal but may, at the discretion of the President, be required to leave the meeting while the decision is being considered.
3.7. No form of proxy voting shall be allowed at any AGM, or at any meeting of theExecutive Committee, or Regional Council or any sub-committee

3.8. Where a member/Club, Council or sub-committee (hereinafter called the nominating body) is entitled to send representatives to any meeting of any other Council or Committee of IDSA, the names of such representatives (hereinafter called the nominated representatives) shall be notified in writing to the Hon. Secretary of that other Council or to the General Secretary of the Executive Committee. In absence for any reason, of any nominated representative from any such meeting, no person may substitute for him unless written notification of the details of the said substitution is received by the IDSA Secretary of the meeting at least two days before the scheduled meeting.

3.9. Any Committee, Council or Executive or Sub-Committee shall adopt its set of Standing Orders for its meetings provided that they are not in conflict with the By-laws 4.1-8.

4. FINANCE

4.1. The treasurer of IDSA shall keep proper accounts of all IDSA financial matters in proper order and to have custody of all documents relating thereto.
4.2. The financial year of IDSA shall commence on the first January and continue to the thirty-one December.
4.3. A Statement of Receipts and Payments showing the surplus or deficit on the year's operations and a Balance Sheet showing the assets and liabilities (including accumulated funds) as at the end of the financial year, shall be submitted to the IDSA Annual General Meeting. (Art. 5.6.d)
4.4. All the accounts shall be audited by a qualified Certified Accountant.
4.5. All monies raised by or on behalf of IDSA shall be applied to further the Objects of IDSA and for no other purpose.
4.6. All monies received shall be deposited in IDSA's bank account; the surplus funds may be diverted into other investments, subject to the approval of the Executive Committee.
4.7. Bank accounts shall be reconciled monthly or periodically as the case may be.
4.8. All receipts shall be banked in full.
4.9. Only on a receipt of proper voucher for the purchase of any item, which has been duly authorised in accordance with the rule of the Constitution (Art. 7.2), shall the Treasurer re-imburse in full by a cheque - and no other mode of payment. When the Treasurer considers the expenses incurred on behalf of IDSA, exceeds the original estimate, he shall withhold the payment and refer the matter to the Executive Committee for its decision. All cheques on the bank account shall bear the signature of not less than two, -either of the President, General Secretary or Treasurer.
4.10. Re-imbursements for outgoings advanced shall be made as separate items and not by way of deduction from income items, which shall be always banked in full.
4.11. The Treasurer shall be responsible for the distribution of the State Grants and other such grants as directed by the Executive Committee.
4.12. The accounts relating to such grants shall be audited and certified by a professional accountant.
4.13. All the provisions in the By-laws 4.1 - 4.12 shall be strictly observed.

4.14 The Income and property of the Association wherever derived, shall be applied solely towards the promotion of the main objects of the Association as set forth in this Constitution and no portion thereof shall be paid or transferred directly or indirectly by way of dividend, bonus or otherwise the members of the Association. Provided that nothing herein shall prevent the payment, in good faith, of reasonable and proper remuneration to any officer or servant of the Association, or to any member of the Association in return for any services actually rendered to the Association, nor prevent the payment of interest at a rate not exceeding five percent per annum on money lent or reasonable and roper rent for premises or let by any member of the Association shall be appointed to any salaried office of the Association or any office of the Association paid by deed and that no remuneration or other benefit in money or money’s worth shall be given by the Association to any member of such as for said committee, except repayment of out-of pocket and interest at the aforesaid on money lent or reasonable and proper rent for premises lent to the Association: provided that the provision last aforesaid shall not apply to any payment to any company of which member, and in which member shall not hold more than one-hundredth part of the capital, and such member shall not be bound to account for any share of profits they may receive in respect of any such payment.

4.15 With the exception of this that refers to International rules and regulations, no addition, alteration or amendment shall be made to or in the provisions of this Constitution for the time being in force unless the same shall have been previously approved in writing by the revenue Commissioners.

5. EXPENSES

5.1. IDSA shall defray the costs in full or in part in accordance with the conditions as laid down by the Executive Committee as follows:
(a) the travelling and lodging expenses of any Member of the Executive Committee appointed to attend CISS Congress or other important Meeting abroad to further the work of IDSA.
(b) the travelling and lodging expenses of appointed officials and selected competitors when taking part in World Games for the Deaf or in international sports competitions. Competitors are required to make a partial contribution towards, the travelling expenses in accordance with the scales prescribed by the Executive Committee.
(c) the travelling expenses and subsistence allowance of any Member of the Executive Committee and National Council in the course of an official business on behalf of IDSA.
5.2. Full insurance covers shall always be maintained where appropriate.
5.3. IDSA shall not consider itself liable to any extra costs incurred by any appointed delegates from any Committee of council in the course of travel (due to the vehicle breakdown or some other unforeseen reasons, or extended period of lodging, unless allowance has been made by the Executive Committee, prior to the departure of the appointed delegate.
5.4. Where possible, each appointed delegate or a group on official business for IDSA, shall obtain the relevant vouchers or receipts in connection with the official business being carried out to comply with the By-law (4.9).

5.5 An official of the IDSA shall not be reimbursed for loss of earnings while on IDSA business.

6. FINANCES OF REGIONAL COUNCILS

6.1. Shall have charge of the routine financial affairs of the Council; his duties are as follows:
(a) He shall be responsible for the collection of membership fees and keep records thereof (By-law 1.5)
(b) He shall open a bank account of behalf of the Council and arrange with the bank that all cheques drawn on the Council's account shall be signed by - either the Treasurer and Chairman or Hon. Secretary of the Council.
(c) He shall present a financial statement, duly audited by an independent person approved by the Executive committee, to the Council's ARM, showing the receipts and payments for the year and, also showing how the Council's funds are invested or held.
6.2. The Treasurer shall send the financial statement for the year with a list of Clubs and members of the Council to the Executive Committee at least two weeks before the Council's ARM.
6.3. The financial year of each Regional Council shall commence on the first of January and continue until the thirty-first of December.
6.4. Each Regional Council shall defray the costs in full or in part the travelling and lodging expenses of its officers in the course of an official business on behalf of the Council. (The rules in By-law 5.3 - 4.) shall apply also to the officers of each Council).
6.5. A Regional Council, which fails to furnish IDSA with a satisfactory statement of accounts, accurately vouched for, shall, after repeated requests of the Executive Committee, be suspended under the provisions of the Articles of the Constitution 7.7. The Executive Committee shall then take a temporary control of the Council's affairs until the balance sheet is prepared and put in order.

SCHEDULE 2.

7. COMPETITIONS

7.1 The sports being promoted by IDSA are as follows:

1. Athletics including Cross Country
2. Association Football
3. Badminton
4. Basketball
5. Bowling (Indoor & Outdoor Bowls)
6. Golf
7. Swimming
8. Table Tennis
9.Ten Pin Bowling
10.Water Polo
11. Futsal

The Executive Committee, in accordance with the rule or article 7.4 of the Constitution, shall have the power to activate the Object of IDSA (2.1a) when adopting an additional sport provided that it is seen to be of a permanent advantage to IDSA throughout the area of its jurisdiction.
a) Each Regional Council shall be notified of the Executive Committee’s
decision in writing.
b) The Executive Committee shall propose a Notice of Motion for the
adoption of new sports to the IDSA AGM for its approval before it comes into
practice the following year.(Refer to Article 5.8 of the Constitution)

7.2 To facilitate the efficient operation of the provisions of Articles of the Constitution 11.1 – 4., the Executive Committee shall arrange a Meeting of Sports Directorswith the purpose of preparing a programme of IDSA activities subject to the approval at the next AGM.
7.3 A Regional Council, or a member-club, wishing to organise a sports competition atlocal level shall notify the Regional Councilof its intention at least three months in advance provided it does not interfere with the programme of IDSA activities (See By-law 7.2).
7.4 Each Regional Council shall assume full responsibility for the financial and organisational aspects of a national, regional and inter-club sports competition and the Sports Manager entrusted with the task of running a competition, shall maintain regular correspondence with the IDSA Secretaryto ensure that all the Articlesof the Constitution and By-laws are observed.
7.5 All the rules of each sports competition shall be in accordance with those in force inthe relevant international organisation.
7.6 Each Director of Sports shall have the final decision in any dispute arising pertaining to the particular competition
7.7 Each Director of Sports, in conjunction with the Executive committee and the organising Regional Council (if necessary), shall have a set of regulations governing specific competitions such as Regional Football or Table Tennis Tournaments.
7.8 Each Director shall ensure that each competitor is adequately covered by insurance when taking part in sports under the auspices IDSA where personal injury is possible.

8. QUALIFICATIONS FOR COMPETITIONS

8.1. To be eligible for participation in IDSA sports competitions, a member shall meet the conditions as follows:
(a) He/she shall be a registered member of his/her Council.
(b) He/she shall represent the Region provided he/she was born within the area of its jurisdiction.
8.2. A member shall be eligible for consideration for participation in international sports provided he/she is a regular player for his/her club, a member-club or hearing-club and making every effort to improve on his own performance in sports and complying with the rules in By-laws 9.

9. SELECTION

9.1. On receipt of invitation for participation in international sports, (if accepted) the Director of Sports responsible for specific sports shall take the steps as follows:
(a) Arrange a trial match(es) at a suitable venue and date.
(b) Guarantee an absolutely impartial selection of a panel or team subject to the approval of the Executive committee. (Art 2.2)
9.2. Those taking part in the trial match(es) will be considered for selection. If a member is unable to attend the trial match for a valid reason, he/she shall write to the appropriate Director of Sports who is empowered to make a decision on the matter.
9.3. The Executive Committee reserves the right to replace any selected member who fails to attend training / coaching sessions or not complying the rule of By-law 8.2.
9.4. Those taking part in trials are responsible for their travelling and lodging arrangements but they may request assistance from their respective Manager of Sports in the Regional Councils.

10. INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION

10.1. When IDSA holds an international sports competition, the Executive Committee shall notify the ICSD, a legitimate International organisation, catering to the sports for the Deaf of the world of its intention to obtain the required authorisation in accordance with ICSD regulations.
10.2. When a required authorisation is obtained, the Executive Committee shall make the arrangements required to ensure the smooth running of the International sports and its receptions.
10.3. When a regional Council or member Club intends to organise a sports Meeting in its locality with a Club from abroad, such Council or Club shall notify the Executive Committee immediately for its approval so the necessary authorisation can be secured. Failure to observe this procedure may result in the cancellation of the proposed Sports Meeting as ICSD rules require adequate notification of its affiliated organisations' plans for International sports fixtures.

10.4 In view of the fact that the Ulster Deaf Sport Council and their affiliated clubs are connected to the United Kingdom politically, their participants may be excused from the rule 10.3 where they wish to compete with Deaf sports teams from the United Kingdom. However, when they wish to compete with teams in Europe or elsewhere, the rule 10.3 shall apply in full. In all matters, they should notify the IDSA.

11. DISCIPLINE

11.1. Any member under suspension by his/her Club or League shall not be eligible for participation in IDSA International, National, Regional Council or inter-club sports competitions for the duration of the suspension.

11.2 A selected personwho does not comply with the rules or regulations of the Director of Sports in the course of preparations for International or other important sports competitions, shall be subject to disciplinary action of the Executive Committee if necessary.
11.3 Any damage to or loss of IDSA property such as trophies or equipment (or any part of the said trophies or equipment ), shall be repaired or replaced in part or in its entirety at the expense of the person responsible or by the Regional Council or club as the Executive Committee shall exercise its discretion on the matter. If such person or Regional Council or Club rejects the Committee’s decision on the matter, it shall be referred to the next AGM for its decision.
11.4 All gear, equipment, goods and materialswhich arethe property of IDSA, shall be returned after the Sports events. If lost or damaged,the person responsible shall make good the loss.