This constitution and these bye laws shall be permanently available on the Club website
Constitution
Name: The name of the Club is Hastings Pirates Baseball Club
Objects: The objects of the Club are to promote the sport of baseball, and to provide a route to playing baseball at an amateur level for people local to Hastings & St. Leonards
1 Members
Membership is open to all persons aged 14 years and over. Any person who supports the objects of the Club may apply for membership to the General Manager.
Every person who applies for membership shall become a member:
1. if approved by the Club committee and
2. on payment of the subscription(s) for the current year
The General Manager shall keep a register of members.
A member shall cease to be a member if:
1. they give the General Manager written notice of resignation or
2. they fail to pay any subscription within three months after the due date of payment or
3. they fail to adhere to the code of conduct or bring the interests of the Club into disrepute
2 Officers
The Club Committee shall consist of the Club Chair, Team Manager(s), Treasurer, Safety Training & Equipment Officer, Media/Publicity Officer, Sport Development Officer, and any other position required either as a decision of the committee or as a prerequisite of registration with the British Baseball Federation.
The Officers shall hold office from immediately after the meeting at which they are appointed until the conclusion of the meeting at which their successors are appointed
Membership of the Club committee ceases should that member give 7 days written notice to the General Manager
3 General Meetings
A General Meeting for all adult members (18 and over) shall be held at least once every twelve months on 14 days notice and on such date and at such place and time as the Club committee shall determine. Notice shall be given by most appropriate electronic means (Club messaging, email, website notice)
General meetings will be chaired by the General Manager, or any nominated member of the Club committee
Subject to the provisions of this Constitution a General Meeting with the consent of a majority of the Club committee may determine any matter affecting the Club
If a majority of the Club committee do not consent to a proposal made at a General Meeting then a decision on the proposal shall be adjourned to the next following General Meeting and all members shall be given notice of the resolution which may then be decided without the consent of the Club committee
No decision taken at a General Meeting shall invalidate any prior act of the Club committee which would have been valid if such decision had not been made
The quorum for a meeting of the Club committee shall be 4 persons, the quorum for a general meeting shall be 10 persons. Only those present will be entitled to vote. All decisions require a simple majority, apart from to:
1. alter this Constitution
2. make amend or rescind bye laws
3. dissolve the Club
where a two thirds majority is required.
Unless the Chair of a meeting authorises a secret ballot, votes shall be on a show of hands with the Chair having a second or casting vote in the event of a tie
4 Financial matters
The financial year of the Club shall end on the 31st March
All monies received by the Club shall be paid into an account in the name of the Club at a bank to be chosen by the Club committee
5 Dissolution
If the Club is dissolved then the dissolution shall take effect from the day the resolution is passed and the Club committee shall be responsible for winding up the assets and liabilities of the Club
If any property remains after the discharge of all debts and liabilities of the Club it shall be distributed to another Club or body with broadly similar objects to this Club as selected by the Club committee
6 Indemnity
Except such loss as arises from their respective wilful default the members of the Club Committee will not be liable (otherwise than as members) for any loss suffered by the Club as a result of the discharge of their respective duties on its behalf
Hastings Pirates Baseball Club Bye Laws (The Pirate Code)
1.1 Player Conduct
Participants are expected to conduct themselves with integrity, respect, and sportsmanship at all times, both on and off the field.
The club operates a zero tolerance approach to racism, sexism, transphobia, homophobia, ableism or prejudices based on ethnicity, nationality, religion, gender & gender presentation, ability, class, asylum status.
Participants will otherwise adhere to the British Baseball Federation Code of Conduct
Any behaviour deemed inappropriate or detrimental to the clubs values and objectives may result in disciplinary action, as determined by the committee.
1.2 Spectator Conduct
Spectators are encouraged to support their children and teams positively and constructively. Unsportsmanlike conduct, including but not limited to verbal abuse, harassment, or physical altercations, will not be tolerated and may result in expulsion from League events.
2.0 Dispute Resolution
2.1 Procedure:
In the event of disputes or grievances arising between participants, coaches, or officials, parties are encouraged to seek resolution through open communication and mediation. If a resolution cannot be reached informally, the matter may be brought before the committee for further review and adjudication.
2.2 Appeals Process:
Participants have the right to appeal decisions made by the committee regarding disciplinary actions or other matters. Appeals must be submitted in writing within a specified time frame, and the committee shall conduct a fair and impartial review of the case before rendering a final decision.