Constitution
1 TITLE
The association shall be known as "CEAD MILE FAILTE ASSOCIATION" or
C.M.F.A for short hereafter known as "the association".
2 AIMS
The aim of the association shall be to teach, promote and encourage Irish step dancing according to tradition, as a friendly organisation.
3 COMPOSITION
The association shall comprise of the following persons:
i. The Chairperson
ii. The Secretary
iii. The Registrar
iv. The Treasurer
(All known as the officers)
v. Members
4 MEMBERS
Persons wishing to become members of the association must apply in writing on an application for membership form. Forms will be reviewed by the committee and acceptance is subject for their approval. Assuming approval is granted membership will become effective upon receipt of the current years subscription by the association for a trial period of 3 feis's.
Each school shall be entitled to nominate one member, who will be allowed to attend meetings in addition to the teacher. If the teacher is unable to attend meetings he/she will be able to vote by proxy through the additional member. In effect this means that each school is entitled to two votes which must be delivered by both the teacher and their representative. The chairperson holds their own school vote and an additional casting vote which may be used when voting is drawn.
5 THE COMMITTEE
The committee shall comprise of the officers and all members.
6 QUORUM
All teachers shall be entitles to one vote each. A quorum must consist of half the composition.
7 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
An AGM shall take place prior to the last day of January. All members shall be eligible to attend and shall be entitled to voting rights.
8 ELECTION OF OFFICERS
Election of officers of the association shall take place annually at the AGM; outgoing officers may stand for re-election.
9 SUBMISSION OF PROPOSALS
Any motion put before the committee for discussion and decision shall be proposed and seconded by members (or proxy). The chairperson will have the casting vote in the event of a drawn vote.
10 MINUTES
Minutes of all meetings shall be recorded and the secretary shall be responsible for circulating a copy of the minutes to al members as soon as possible following a meeting.
11 DIRECTORY
The registrar shall be responsible for circulating to all teachers a copy of the current directory of members containing names, addresses and telephone numbers. He/she is also responsible for circulating amendments thereto.
12 REGISTER
The Registrar shall maintain a record of registered dancers and shall be responsible for amending such record as and when necessary. All members shall be responsible for informing the registrar of any changes, all dancers on the list are to be paid for by 31st January. The registrar shall maintain a record of achievements of all registered competitors ion relation to grades (ie beginners, primary, intermediate and open) that each dancer has reached. The organiser of a feis shall be responsible for supplying a list of 1st place winners to all teachers within a period of fourteen days following a feis. The registrar shall be responsible for ensuring that an up to date register is available to the organiser at each feis.
13 ANNUAL AUDIT
The treasurer shall be responsible for arranging an annual audit of the association's accounts and financial matters by an independent person. This shall be checked at the AGM.
14 ASSOCIATION CHEQUES
All cheques will be drawn when needed from The Building Society.
15 ACCEPTANCE BY MEMBERS OF RULES OF THE ASSOCIATION
All members shall have completed an application form which includes a signed agreement to be bound by the association's rules and constitution. On being accepted as a member, he/she shall receive a certificate of membership of the association with a full copy of the rules and constitution of the association. Any alleged breach of the said rules by a member shall be investigated by the committee and in the event of substantiation, shall results in the termination of the membership.
16 CHANGES TO THE RULES
Amendments to existing rules or the establishment of new rules may be effected following a vote at a meeting consisting of a quorum.
17 ACCEPTANCE BY PARENTS
In the instance of any nature of bad behaviour by any person attending a feis, disqualification of the said party from the venue must be adhered to by all teachers and an extra-ordinary meeting will be held to discuss the events and the action taken.
18 SUBSCRIPTION
Membership subscriptions shall be for the time being a rate of £25.00 per school per year, or part thereof. Subscriptions shall become due for payments at the AGM annually; if fees are not paid the school will not be entered into the first feis of the year. Each dancer will pay £5.00 registration fee.
19 NEW TEACHERS
New teachers will be voted on at a meeting or via email.
