Constitution

Introduction

  1. The name of the Association shall be called the International Professional Pool Players Association (herein after called the IPA).
  2. The IPA is an independent organisation, formed to promote the sport of pool amongst all 8 ball pool players, through competitions and events.
  3. Any alterations to the constitution can only be done at an Annual General Meeting of the IPA, with the relevant details of proposed changes to be submitted to the Secretary, at least 28 days prior to the announced date.

Aims and objectives

  • To promote the sport, both nationally and internationally, for the benefit of its members.
  • To offer the best competitions, with the best prize money, for the best players.
  • Ensure a duty of care to all its members, and to advise, assist and protect.
  • To be pioneering and innovative whenever possible
  • Develop relations with all pool bodies.

Membership

There will be 2 levels of membership:

  1. Full membership – Professional member
  2. Associate membership – Amateur member

Membership consists of officers and members of the Association, and all present and future members will receive fair and equal treatment.

All members will be subject to the regulations of the constitution, and by joining the IPA, will be deemed to have accepted these regulations and codes of practice the IPA has adopted.

Fees:

  1. Will be set annually by the Committee and announced in good time for the following season
  2. All fees are due whether all events attended or not.
  3. The Tournament Director has the authority to restrict event participation, if appropriate fees not paid.

 

Officers of the IPA Committee

The Committee will comprise of the following positions:

  • Chairman
  • Secretary
  • Treasurer
  • Professional Players Representative
  • Tournament Director

Officers will be elected at the AGM or EGM. All positions carry a 3 year term and will be eligible for re-appointment.

Officers can be elected from Full members or Associate members.

The Committee

  1. All posts carry equal voting rights
  2. Committee meetings will be convened by the Secretary of the IPA, and held no less than 3 times per year
  • The quorum required for business to be agreed is 4, which must include at least 2 of the Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer.
  1. Committee members are obliged to safeguard the interests of the IPA only.
  2. The Committee will be responsible for adopting new policy, codes of practice and rules that affect the organisation of the IPA.
  3. The Committee will be responsible for disciplinary hearings of members who infringe on the IPA’s rules and regulations, or constitution. The Committee will be responsible for taking any action of suspension or discipline following such hearings.

Finance

All IPA monies will be banked in an account held in the name of the Association.

The Treasurer will be responsible for the finances of the IPA.

The financial year end will be 30th November. The annual accounts will be presented by the Treasurer at the AGM.

Any cheques drawn against IPA funds should have 2 signatures, selected  from the Chairman, Treasurer and Secretary.

Borrowing from financial institutions is permitted if appropriate

Annual General Meetings

Notice of Annual General Meetings(AGM) will be given by the IPA Secretary, not less than 21 days before beforehand.

  1. The AGM will receive a report from the Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer
  2. Nominations for Officers should be sent to the Secretary 28 days prior to the AGM
  • Elections of Officers will take place at the AGM
  1. Only Full members have the right to vote at the AGM
  2. The quorum for the AGM will be 25% of the membership
  3. Election of new members will take place
  • Any other Agenda items
  • No motions will be discussed without 7 days notice prior to the AGM

The date of the AGM will usually be held at the first event following the year end, but in exceptional circumstances could be subject to change.

The Committee is entitled to call an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) at any time, giving due notice. For this to happen, 50% of the Full membership should request such a meeting in writing to the Secretary, stating the reason and the points to be discussed.

Discipline and appeals

All concerns, allegations or reports of unacceptable practice/behaviour, will be recorded and responded to swiftly and appropriately in accordance with the IPA’s rules and regulations.

  1. The Committee reserve the right to suspend, fine or expel any member, for a breach of the rules and regulations, or constitution, or for any act that is deemed to bring the IPA into disrepute.
  2. Any member accused of any offence will have the right of defence, either in writing or in person, to the disciplinary Committee.
  • The outcome of a disciplinary hearing should be notified in writing to the person who lodged the complaint and/or the member whom the complaint was made, within 3 days of the hearing.
  1. Any member expelled from the IPA, will forfeit any fees paid for that year, and any rights or entitlement formally accorded to them as members of the IPA
  2. There will be a right of appeal to the Appeals Committee following disciplinary action being announced, which should be sent to the Secretary within 7 days of notification.
  3. The IPA’s Disciplinary Committee will consist of: Secretary, Tournament Director and the appropriate Players Representative.
  • The Appeals Committee will consist of the Chairman or Treasurer, and the alternate Players Representative

The IPA has a zero tolerance in relation to the use of drugs. Any person found to be in breach of this policy, will face immediate expulsion from the IPA.

Dissolution

A resolution to dissolve the IPA can only be passed at an AGM or EGM through a majority vote of the Full members. At least 50% of the members must be in attendance.

If the AGM/EGM does not have a quorum, then a further meeting will be called within 2 months, and will be deemed to have a quorum, irrespective of the numbers present.

Management, utilisation or disposal of any assets held by the IPA, will be decided on at the meeting voting on dissolution. Assets will not be divided up between members.