1. The name of the incorporated association is Victorian Gridiron Officials Association Incorporated, (in these rules called the Association).

INTERPRETATION

2. (1) In these rules, unless the contrary intention appears:-

"Committee" means the Committee of Management of the Association.

"Financial year" means the year ending on 31 December.

"General Meeting" means a general meeting of members convened in accordance with Rule 10.

"Member" means a member of the Association.

"Ordinary Member of the Committee" means a member of the committee who is not an officer of the Association under Rule 13.

"The Act" means the Associations Incorporation Act 1981.

"The Regulations" means regulations under the Act.

(2) In these Rules, a reference to the secretary of an Association is a reference:-

(a) where a person holds office under these Rules as secretary of the Association - to that person; and

(b) in any other case, to the public officer of the Association.

(3) Words or expressions contained in these rules shall be interpreted in accordance with the provisions of the Acts Interpretation Act 1958 and the Act as in force from time to time.

3. The objects of the Association shall be:-

(1) The protection and furtherance of the interests of officials of the Victorian Gridiron Officials Association (hereinafter referred to as the V.G.O.A.);

(2) The promotion of efficiency and fellowship amongst all gridiron officials.

4. (1) A nomination of a person for membership of the Association:-

(a) shall be made in writing in the form set out in Appendix 1; and

(b) shall be lodged with the secretary of the Association.

The Secretary shall submit the nomination to members at the following General Meeting.

(2) Membership shall be granted by the majority vote of financial members present at any General Meeting to which an application is submitted, and may be terminated by resignation, by non-payment of dues, or by direction of the committee acting within the provisions of these Rules.

(3) Any member whose membership has been terminated in accordance with sub-clause (2) may only be re-admitted to membership by a three-fifths majority of members present and entitled to vote at the General Meeting to which an application for re-admission to membership is submitted.

(4) A person who is not a member of the Association at the time of the incorporation of the Association (or who was such a member at that time but has resigned his membership) shall not be admitted to membership:-

(a) unless he is nominated as provided in sub-clause (1); and

(b) his admission as a member is approved by a majority of the members present and entitled to vote at the General Meeting to which the application is submitted.

(5) The Secretary shall, with as little delay as possible, notify the nominee in writing that he is approved for membership of the association and request payment within the period of 28 days after receipt of the notification of the sum payable under these rules as the first year's annual subscription.

(6) The Secretary shall, upon payment of the amounts referred to in sub-clause (5) within the period referred to therein, enter the nominee's name in the register of members kept by him and, upon the name being so entered, the nominee becomes a member of the association.

(7) A right, privilege, or obligation of a person by reason of his membership of the association:-

(a) is not capable of being transferred or transmitted to another person;

(b) terminates upon the cessation of his membership whether by death or resignation or otherwise.

(8) admittance to membership of the Association obligates a member to adhere to and abide by such By-laws as may, from time to time, by implemented by the committee.

5. (1) Each member, other than Life Members who are no longer actively officiating, shall pay an annual subscription and shall be liable for any levies imposed by a majority vote of financial members present at a General Meeting.

(2) The amount of the subscription shall be set at the Annual General Meeting and shall be paid not later than one month prior to the first officially scheduled game of the season.

(3) Non-payment of subscriptions or levies shall render a member ineligible to attend meetings or functions of the Association until amounts in arrears are paid. In extenuating circumstances the committee may defer payment or grant exemption therefrom.

6. The Secretary shall keep and maintain a register of members in which shall be entered the full name, address and date of entry of the name of each member and the register shall be available for inspection by the members at the address of the Public Officer.

7. (1) A member of the Association who has paid all monies due and payable by him to the Association may resign from the Association by first giving one months notice in writing to the Secretary of his intention to resign and upon the expiration of that period of notice, the member shall cease to be a member.

(2) Upon the expiration of a notice given under sub-clause (1) the Secretary shall make in the Register of Members an entry recording the date on which the member by whom the notice was given, ceased to be a member.

8. (1) Subject to these rules, the committee may by resolution:-

(a) expel a member from the Association;

(b) suspend a member from membership of the Association for a specified period; or

(c) fine a member in accordance with The Regulations

(The Regulations provide that the committee of an incorporated association may impose a fine not exceeding $20.00 on a member who commits a breach of the rules of the incorporated association),

if the committee is of the opinion that the member:-

i) has refused or neglected to comply with these rules; or

ii) has been guilty of conduct unbecoming a member or prejudicial to the interests of the Association.

(2) A resolution of the committee under sub-clause (1):-

(a) does not take effect unless the committee, at a meeting held not earlier than 14 and not later than 28 days after the service on the member of a notice under sub-clause (3) confirms the resolution in accordance with this clause; and

(b) where the member exercises a right of appeal to the Association under this clause, does not take effect unless the Association confirms the resolution in accordance with this clause.

(3) Where the committee passes a resolution under sub-clause (1), the secretary shall, as soon as practicable, cause to be served on the member a notice in writing:-

(a) setting out the resolution of the committee and the grounds on which it is based;

(b) stating that the member may address the committee at a meeting held not earlier than 14 and not later than 28 days after service of the notice;

(c) stating the date, place and time of that meeting;

(d) informing the member that he may do one or more of the following-

i) Attend that meeting;

0. Give to the committee before the date of that meeting a written statement seeking the revocation of the resolution;
1. Not later than 24 hours before the date of the meeting, lodge with the secretary a notice to the effect that he wishes to appeal to the Association in general meeting against the resolution.

(4) At a meeting of the committee held in accordance with sub-clause (2), the committee:-

(a) shall give to the member an opportunity to be heard;

(b) shall give due consideration to any written statement submitted by the member; and

(c) shall by resolution determine whether to confirm or revoke the resolution.

(5) Where the secretary receives a notice under sub-clause (3), he shall notify the committee and the committee shall convene a general meeting of the Association to be held within 21 days after the date on which the secretary received the notice

(6) At a general meeting of the Association convened under sub-clause (5):-

(a) no business other than the question of the appeal shall be transacted;

(b) the committee may place before the meeting details of the grounds for the resolution and the reasons for the passing of the resolution;

(c) the member shall be given an opportunity to be heard; and

(d) the members present shall vote by secret ballot on the question whether the resolution should be confirmed or revoked.

(7) If at the general meeting:-

(a) two-thirds of the members vote in person or by proxy in favour of the confirmation of the resolution, the resolution is confirmed; and

(b) in any other case, the resolution is revoked.

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

9. (1) The Association shall in each calendar year convene an annual general meeting of its members.

(2) The annual general meeting shall be held on such day as the committee determines.

(3) The annual general meeting shall be specified as such in the notice convening it.

(4) The ordinary business of the annual general meeting shall be:-

(a) to confirm the minutes of the last preceding annual general meeting and of the last general meeting held since that meeting;

(b) to receive from the committee reports upon the transactions of the Association during the last preceding financial year;

(c) to elect officers of the Association and the ordinary members of the committee; and

(d) to receive and consider the statement submitted by the Association in accordance with section 30(3) of the Act.

(5) The annual general meeting may transact special business of which notice is given in accordance with these rules.

(6) The annual general meeting shall be in addition to any other general meetings that may be held in the same year.

10. (1) General meetings shall commence at 6.30pm and be held on the second Tuesday of every alternate month during the season unless varied by the committee in special circumstances.

(2) Special general meetings may be called by the committee or by the Secretary at the written request of three financial members.

i) Such a request shall state the objects of the meeting and shall be signed by the members making the requisition and be sent to the address of the Association.

ii) No business other than that set out in the request for the meeting shall be transacted at the meeting.

iii) If the committee does not cause a special general meeting to be held within one month after the date on which the requisition is sent to the Association, the members making the requisition may convene a special general meeting to be held not later than three months after that date.

(3) The Secretary shall, within seven (7) days of receiving such a request, notify all members in writing of the time, date and place of the special general meeting and any notices of motion which may be put.

11. (1) No item of business shall be transacted at a general meeting unless a quorum of members constituting one-third of members entitled to vote) is present during the time when the meeting is considering that item.

(2) If within half an hour after the appointed time for the start of a general meeting, a quorum is not present, the meeting shall stand adjourned for seven days and if at the adjourned meeting a quorum is not present within half an hour after the time appointed, the members present (being not less than three) shall be a quorum.

(3) General meetings shall close not later than 9.00pm. If, at that time, the motion under discussion has not been resolved the meeting shall be closed and the debate continued as normal business at the next general meeting.

(4) The Order of Business at all general meetings shall be:-

(a) Reading of minutes and confirmation thereof

(b) Admission of new members

(c) Correspondence

(d) Reports

(e) Accounts for payment

(f) Business adjourned from previous meetings

(g) Business arising from minutes

(h) Business arising from correspondence

(i) General Business

(j) Discussion on Rules

(5) Any member desiring to speak at a meeting may do so only upon recognition from the Chairman and shall address the Chair.

(6) A question arising at a general meeting of the Association shall be determined on a show of hands and unless before or on the declaration of the show of hands a poll is demanded, the Chairman shall declare the resolution carried or lost on a show of hands and an entry to that effect shall be made in the Minute Book of the Association.

(7) Upon each question arising at a general meeting of the Association, a member has one vote only.

(8) All votes shall be given personally or by proxy.

(9) In the case of an equality of voting on a question, the Chairman of the meeting is entitled to exercise a second or casting vote.

(10) A member is not entitled to vote at any general meeting unless all monies due and payable by him to the Association have been paid, other than the amount of the annual subscription payable in respect of the current financial year.

(11) Each member shall be entitled to appoint another member as his proxy by notice given to the secretary no later than 24 hours before the time of the meeting in respect of which the proxy is appointed.

(12) The notice appointing the proxy shall be in the form set out in Appendix 2.

COMMITTEE OF MANAGEMENT

12. (1) The affairs of the Association shall be managed by a Committee of Management constituted as provided in Rule 14.

(2) The committee:-

(a) shall control and manage the business and affairs of the Association;

(b) may, subject to these rules, the regulations and the Act, exercise all such powers and functions as may be exercised by the Association other than those powers and functions that are required by these rules to be exercised by general meetings of the members of the Association ; and

(c) subject to these rules, the regulations and the Act, has power to perform all such acts and things as appear to the committee to be essential for the proper management of the business and affairs of the Association.

13. (1) The officers of the Association shall be:-

(a) a President;

(b) a Vice-President;

(c) a Treasurer; and

(d) a Secretary.

(2) Each officer of the Association shall hold office until the annual general meeting next after the date of his election but is eligible for re-election.

(3) In the event of a casual vacancy in any office referred to in sub-clause (1), the committee may appoint one of its members to the vacant office and the member so appointed may continue in office up to and including the conclusion of the annual general meeting next following the date of his appointment.

14. (1) Subject to section 23 of the Act, the committee shall consist of:-

(a) the officers of the Association; and

(b) the training officer -

who shall be elected at the annual general meeting of the Association in each year and shall, subject to these rules, hold office until the annual general meeting next after the date of his election but is eligible for re-election.

(2) In the event of a casual vacancy in the office referred to in sub-clause (1)b, the committee may appoint one of its members to the vacant office and the member so appointed may continue in office up to and including the conclusion of the annual general meeting next following the date of his appointment.

15. (1) Nominations of candidates for election as officers of the Association or as Training Officer shall be made in writing, signed by the proposer and the nominee and lodged with the Secretary not less than seven (7) days before the date fixed for the holding of the annual general meeting.

(2) If insufficient nominations are received to fill all positions on the committee, the candidates nominated shall be deemed to be elected to the positions for which they were nominated and further nominations shall be received at the annual general meeting.

(3) A member may be nominated for more than one office but may be elected to one position only.

(4) If the number of nominations exceeds the number of vacancies to be filled for any office, a ballot shall be held.

(5) The ballot for the election of officers and Training Officer shall be conducted at the annual general meeting in such usual and proper manner as the committee may direct.

16. For the purposes of these rules, the office of an officer of the Association or of the Training Officer becomes vacant if that person:-

(a) ceases to be a member of the Association;

(b) becomes an insolvent under administration within the meaning of the Companies (Victoria) Code; or

(c) resigns his office by notice in writing given to the Secretary.

HONORARIA

17. An honoraria shall be paid to the Secretary and the Training Officer. The sum shall be determined by a vote of members at the annual general meeting and shall be payable at the final meeting of each financial year.

PROCEEDINGS OF COMMITTEE

18. (1) The committee shall meet at least 3 times in each year at such place and such times as the committee may determine.

(2) Special meetings of the committee may be convened by the President or by any of the members of the committee.

(3) Notice shall be given to members of the committee of any special meeting specifying the general nature of the business to be transacted and no other business shall be transacted at such a meeting.

(4) Any 3 members of the committee constitute a quorum for the transaction of the business of a meeting of the committee.

(5) No business shall be transacted unless a quorum is present and if within half an hour of the time appointed for the meeting a quorum is not present the meeting shall stand adjourned to the same place and at the same hour of the same day in the following week unless the meeting was a special meeting in which case it lapses.

(6) At meetings of the committee:-

(a) the President or in his absence the Vice-President shall preside; or

(b) if the President and the Vice-President are absent, such one of the remaining members of the committee as may be chosen by the members present shall preside.

(7) Questions arising at a meeting of the committee or of any sub-committee appointed by the committee shall be determined on a show of hands.

(8) Each member present at a meeting of the committee or of any sub-committee appointed by the committee (including the person presiding at the meeting) is entitled to one vote and, in the event of an equality of votes on any question, the person presiding may exercise a second or casting vote.

(9) Written notice of each committee meeting shall be served on each member of the committee at a reasonable time before the meeting.

DUTIES OF MEMBERS OF THE COMMITTEE OF MANAGEMENT

19. (1) President

(a) Preside at General and committee Meetings of the Association.

(b) As Chairman, report to Association meetings on committee matters.

(c) Represent the Association as required, and to Association meetings on matters arising therefrom.

(d) Appoint a member of the committee to perform the duties of Secretary or Treasurer in the event of a temporary absence of either.

(2) Vice-President

(a) In the absence of the President, preside at any General and committee Meetings of the Association and assume associated presidential duties.

(3) Secretary

The secretary of the Association shall keep minutes of the resolutions and proceedings of each general meeting and each committee meeting in books provided for that purpose together with a record of names of persons present at committee meetings.

(4) Treasurer

(a) shall collect and receive all monies due to the Association and make all payments authorised by the Association; and

(b) shall keep correct accounts and books showing the financial affairs of the Association with full details of all receipts and expenditure connected with the activities of the Association. The accounts and books shall be available for inspection by members.

(5) Training Officer

(a) setting out and administering a training program to achieve the highest practical level of officiating skills.

(b) Overseas and local liaison.

(c) Rule interpretation and game procedures.

(d) Recruitment.

(e) Appointments.

20. (1) No member of the Association shall:-

(a) disclose the business of the Association to non-members unless he be empowered to do so;

(b) canvass any person for the purpose of favour in appointments of himself or another official;

(c) make adverse statements on officials decisions unless in open discussion at meetings of the Association.

21. All cheques, drafts, bills of exchange, promissory notes and other negotiable instruments shall be signed by two members of the committee.

22. (1) The Common Seal of the Association shall be kept in the custody of the secretary.

(2) The Common Seal shall not be affixed to any instrument except by the authority of the committee and the affixing of the Common Seal shall be attested by the signatures either of two members of the committee or of one member of the committee and of the Public Officer of the Association.

ALTERATION OF RULES AND STATEMENT OF PURPOSES

23. These rules and the statement of purposes of the Association shall not be altered except in accordance with the Act. (Section 22 of the Act provides that an incorporated Association may, by special resolution, alter its statement of purposes or its rules. Section 29 (1) states that, for the purposes of the Act, a resolution of an incorporated association is a special resolution if it is passed by a majority of not less than three-fourths of such members of the incorporated association as being entitled under the Rules of the incorporated association so to do).

WINDING UP OR CANCELLATION

24. In the event of the winding up or the cancellation of the incorporation of the Association, the assets of the Association shall be disposed of in accordance with the provisions of the Act. (See Part VIII of the Act for Winding Up and Cancellation.)

25. Except as otherwise provided in these Rules, the secretary shall keep in his custody or in his control all books, documents and securities of the Association.

FUNDS

26. The funds of the Association shall be derived from annual subscriptions, donations and such other sources as the committee determines.

Appendix 1

Application for membership of the V.G.O.A. Inc.

I, __________________________________________________________

(Full name of applicant)

of __________________________________________________________

(Address)

____________________________ desire to become a member of the

(Occupation)

V.G.O.A. Inc.

In the event of my admission as a member, I agree to be bound by the rules of the Association for the time being in force.

_____________________________________

Signature of Applicant

_____________________________________

Date

Appendix 2

FORM OF APPOINTMENT OF PROXY

I _________________________ of ______________________________

being a member of the Victorian Gridiron Officials Assoc. Inc.

hereby appoint ___________________ of _______________________

being a member of that Incorporated Association, as my proxy to vote for me on my behalf at the general meeting of the Association (annual general meeting or special general meeting, as the case may be) to be held on the __________ day of _____________ 19 and at any adjournment of that meeting.

My proxy is authorised to vote in favour of / against (delete as appropriate) the resolution (insert details).

Signed _________________________________

The _____________ day of ________________ 19 .

1. Members shall at all times conduct themselves in accordance with the Code of Ethics and Responsibilities of Officials as set out in these By-laws, and the Obligations of Members as set out in the rules of the Association.

2. (1) A GOOD OFFICIAL SHALL:

(a) not officiate any game after having had any alcoholic drink that day.

(b) not converse with crowds at any time before, during or after a game, intermissions included.

(c) not request to officiate a game or games from any league or official thereof. No official shall obligate himself to any person affiliated with any game he might be assigned to officiate

(d) be in good physical condition.

(e) be prompt for appointments.

(f) not be over-officious.

(g) not become intimate with coaches or affiliates of teams to whose games he may be assigned.

(h) not criticise or attempt to explain other officials judgement on decisions to either coach, team or affiliate thereof. Never argue with players. If a player asks a question, he should listen to it, then give a definite and decisive answer, but should not quibble about any situation.

(i) assist players in the interpretation of rules when such request is made at a proper time.

(j) give each team his best efforts, as he is the designated representative to administer the rules of the game.

(k) enthusiastically adhere to the ideals of sportsmanship and qualities of loyalty, courage, unselfishness, self-discipline and authority.

(l) by his actions both on and off the field be a credit to the profession of officiating.

(2) No official shall fraternise with any players, coaches or team affiliates on game day. To avoid any possibility of an officials impartiality or integrity coming into question coaches and players should be addressed as follows:-

- Coaches: by the term "coach".

- Players: by their number or, if a team captain, by the term "captain".

3. (1) All Officials are responsible for the proper application of officiating mechanics adopted by the V.G.O.A. and implementation and observance of the guidelines for officials as set out in the V.G.O.A. Members Handbook.

(2) The following specific responsibilities shall be observed:

(a) Pre-game

i) Endeavour to be available to officiate at all times.

ii) Notify the Assigning Secretary or game Referee if unable to fulfil an appointment.

iii) Be in attendance at the ground at least 45 minutes prior to game time.

iv) Attendance at the pre-game conference is mandatory.

(b) During the game

i) The proper enforcement of NCAA and/or local controlling body rules.

ii) Complete and accurate maintenance of game cards as required.

(c) Post-game

i) Complete all game reports as required.

ii) Attendance at the post-game conference is mandatory.

(d) General

i) Attendance at Association meetings is not mandatory but all members should make every effort to be present.

ii) Attend any test(s) and/or exam(s) as may be set by the Association.

iii) Attend such training sessions as may be arranged.

4. (1) Uniform

For all games the entire crew shall wear an approved uniform. (Refer to the Uniform Options list in the V.G.O.A. Members Handbook.)

An approved uniform shall include the following:

• Shirt - All members of each crew must wear either long or short sleeve shirts. Mesh shirts may not be worn. Numbers are prohibited.

• Knickers

• Stockings

• Shoes and Belt

• Cap (Note: Mesh caps are prohibited.)

• Foul Marker - All officials shall be equipped with a light gold foul marker, 15" x 15" and weighted in the centre or in one corner with shot, sand or beans and carried inconspicuously.

• Bean Bag - All officials shall be equipped with a white bean bag for marking spots.

• Gloves - Gloves when worn shall be black or white. All crew members shall wear the same color.

• Uniform check - Check your uniform and equipment before leaving home and again check each other's uniform prior to the pre-game conference. Test whistle (carry spare), watch, have game cards, foul markers and pencils. Have shoes polished and entire uniform neat and clean.

(2) Dress

For attendance at games the following is recommended:

i) for intra-state games; local Association top or jacket (navy blue), white shirt, black slacks and shoes.

ii) for inter-state games; as above except that National Association uniform should be worn if available.

Note: Whilst the above is a recommendation only we should endeavour to appear as a team and not wear any clothing which could suggest an association with, or interest in, any team.

5. Officials will be certified in accordance with the A.G.O.A. Professional Development Program.

6. (1) General

(a) All assignments will be made through either the National or State Officials Association responsible for providing the game officials.

(b) Any member who is approached to officiate a competitive game within Australia should direct such inquiries to the local or National Body. Any official who accepts such an invitation does so with the express disapproval of the V.G.O.A. and cannot purport to represent the V.G.O.A. at that game.

(The intent of this clause is not to prohibit involvement with such games but to ensure that the approach is made through the correct channels. This will enable appropriate game management tasks to be arranged along with any travel and accommodation requirements. There is also the matter of a game fee to be settled as well as ensuring the availability of suitable "local" or "interstate" officials to augment the principle crew.)

(c) The following are defined as "competitive" games:-

i) any regular season scheduled game (including play-offs) in a League or competition where the V.G.O.A. is responsible for providing a crew.

ii) any game billed as an "exhibition" or "challenge" match

iii) any interstate game between either State or club teams.

iv) any game between a club, State or "National" team and a visiting overseas team.

(2) Local League games

(a) Assignments will be made by the Assigning Secretary or, in the absence of an Assigning Secretary, by the committee.

(b) Assignments will be based on merit although some consideration may be given to reduce officials travel. (Exception: 6.2.d)

(c) Non-members of the Association may be permitted to officiate at the discretion of the committee. The President shall have the casting vote should such be required.

(d) Officials who do not have a minimum of 1 seasons working experience in games with the V.G.O.A. or any other Officials group recognised by the V.G.O.A. shall be ineligible for assignment to play-off games. All such questions regarding eligibility shall be decided by the committee and their decision shall be final. In exceptional circumstances the committee may waive the above qualifications.

(3) Other local games

(a) Appointments for such shall be determined by the committee, and based upon selection of the best available official for each position.

7. (1) General

(a) All financial members of the V.G.O.A. shall be eligible for a share of any monies received by the Association for match payments or as a reimbursement of expenses.

(b) Any such monies received shall be retained by the Association and distributed following the end of the season.

(c) Monies received for pre-season tournaments shall be apportioned amongst those officials working the tournament on a "per game" basis.

(d) All other games worked during the season, including practice matches, for which a payment is received shall earn the officials involved a game credit based upon a formula which shall be decided by the committee.

(e) Games worked refers to both "on-field" and "off-field" activities. "Off-field" activities include but are not limited to, clock operator or supervisor, clip man, down marker, ball person or chain crew member.

(f) For the purposes of calculating game credits an "alternate" official appointed to play-off games shall be considered an "off-field" official.

(g) The Association shall retain for administration costs a percentage of all monies received. The percentage figure applicable shall be set by the committee prior to the start of each season and shall not thereafter be altered during that season without the approval of the majority of financial members at a general meeting.

Following the last game of the season the Treasurer shall obtain from the Assigning Secretary a breakdown of the number of games worked by each official during that season and calculate the total game credits due to each.

Non-financial members of the V.G.O.A. and other officials who may work games for which game credits are earned may be included when calculating the apportionment of match payments at the discretion of the committee.

8. (1) General

(a) The V.G.O.A. Committee of Management shall have the disciplinary power to hear and determine charges made arising from all breaches of the Code of Ethics or Responsibilities of Officials as laid down in these By-laws, and the Obligation of Members as set out in the rules of the Association.

(b) In the case of officials from other Associations, the V.G.O.A. shall report any such charges to the relevant Association.

(c) The V.G.O.A. may also deal with any disciplinary matter reported to it by another Association.

(2) Reportable Offences

(a) It is the duty of the game officials in any match to report any official who:

i) Assaults a player, coach, spectator or fellow official.

ii) Uses abusive, threatening, obscene or insulting language or otherwise misconducts himself.

iii) Kicks or spits at, intentionally trips or violently pushes another person, or uses undue roughness.

(b) Association officials are also authorised to report any offence as listed above.

(c) Any other conduct that brings the V.G.O.A. or officiating into disrepute.

(3) Duties of an Official making a Report

(a) Notify the Secretary within 24 hours that a report is to be lodged.

(b) Enter the details of the offence on the report form as soon as possible after the match noting all particulars in connection with the report so that a clear account may be given to the committee when the report is being dealt with.

(c) Lodge the report form with the Secretary within 72 hours of the incident.

(4) Duties of the Secretary and Notification procedures

(a) Within 24 hours of receiving notification that a report will be lodged advise the Committee of Management that a report has been made and that a date for a Hearing must be set.

(b) The Committee of Management shall set the earliest practicable date for this Hearing notwithstanding the requirements of clause (c).

(c). The Secretary shall notify by Registered Mail all parties involved of the date set for the Hearing giving a minimum of 7 days notice.

(5) Eligibility to attend a Hearing

(a) Those eligible to attend are:

i) The person reported.

ii) Any other person involved.

iii) The reporting official(s).

iv) One witness called by the person reported.

v) One witness called by the reporting official(s).

vi) Additional witnesses, who may be called if special permission is granted by the committee.

(b) Legal representation is not permitted.

(c) Any person summoned who fails to attend may be penalised.

(d) Any person who, in the opinion of the committee, gives false evidence, may be penalised.

(6) Procedure of Hearings

(a) The charge will be read out in the presence of all persons eligible to be present.

(b) The person charged will be asked if the charge is understood and the reporting official(s) asked whether the charge correctly represents the report.

(c) The person charged will be asked to enter a plea.

(d) The person charged and the reporting official(s) may remain in the Hearing Room while all the evidence is given. Any witness who has not given evidence shall be asked to leave the room until such time as they are called to give evidence.

(e) The reporting official(s) will present the charge. One witness may be called. The person charged shall be permitted to ask questions.

(f) The person charged will present their defence. One witness may be called.

(g) Additional witnesses, if present, may be questioned by the person charged.

(h) The committee shall be empowered to question any person giving evidence.

(i) Video evidence, if available, may be presented.

(j) All will be asked to leave while the committee deliberates.

(k) The resolution of the committee will be announced in the presence of all. A statement of how the penalty is assessed shall be included.

(7) Non-attendance, failure to carry out duties listed

(a) If any witness fails to attend, the case will proceed in their absence.

(b) If the official charged fails to attend, but notifies the committee of his non-attendance, he shall be suspended until the next such meeting can be held. If the official charged fails to attend, and does not advise the committee, the case will proceed in his absence provided that the committee is satisfied that all notification procedures have been enacted.

(c) In the case of absence, the committee shall adjudicate whether the reason given is acceptable or not and if not shall impose a suitable penalty.

(d) If a reporting official inadvertently fails to carry out any duties listed the charge will not be dismissed for this reason but may be deferred to allow the omission to be rectified. Where possible the committee will take the failure into account and make suitable allowance.

(8) Penalties

(a) Charges should be confined to the listed categories wherever possible. Suspended sentences are not permitted.

(b) An additional penalty of up to 8 weeks may be incurred if injury is caused, or for any other special reasons decided by the committee and notified when the decision is announced.

(c) Charges arising from one particular incident shall be considered together. The maximum penalty for a composite offence shall be for the most serious of the offences plus 4 weeks.

(d) Standard penalties are as follows:

i) Failure to attend Hearing when summoned - 2 weeks

ii) Breaches of the Code of Ethics (maximum) - Fine or 2 weeks

(for offences committed outside the playing season a fine only may be imposed.)

iii) Using abusive, obscene or insulting language, unsportsmanlike behaviour - 4 to 8 weeks

iv) Using threatening language - 6 to 12 weeks

v) Tripping, violently pushing, using undue roughness - 8 to 16 weeks

vi) Threatened violence - 1 to 2 years

vii) Striking, kicking, elbowing, spitting or assaulting other than by striking or kicking - 2 years to Life

(9) Enforcement of Penalties

Details of decisions of the committee shall be forwarded by the Secretary without delay to all State and National Officials Associations.

(10) Appeals

An appeal against a decision of the committee may be lodged in accordance with the Rules of the Association.

Additional Membership

9. (1) General

(a) In addition to the membership conditions set out in the Rules of the Incorporated Association there shall be 4 other types of membership, viz:-

i) Life

ii) Honorary

iii) Associate

iv) Branch

(2) Definitions

(a) Life

A person who has been a member of the Association for a minimum of 5 years and who has rendered meritorious service to the Association.

i) Nominations for Life Membership, setting out full details of the meritorious service, must be signed by one-third of the financial members other than members of the committee and be lodged with the President or Secretary not later than twenty-eight days prior to the Annual General Meeting.

ii) Should a nomination be that of a member of the committee, the other members of the committee shall consider the nomination in his absence. Only one Life Membership appointment shall be made annually.

iii) Any recommendation not approved by the committee to which it is submitted shall lapse.

iv) The appointment to Life Membership shall be announced at the Annual General Meeting.

(b) Honorary

A person who contributes meritorious service to the Association where circumstances prevent them from taking up active membership of the Association. This is intended primarily to apply to non-residents.

i) Nominations for Honorary Membership, setting out full details of the meritorious service shall be proposed by the committee at the Annual General Meeting where it shall be voted upon by the members.

(c) Associate

A person who is a non-active member of the Association. An Associate member shall not be eligible to officiate but retains the voting rights of a normal member. Application for Associate Membership shall be made in accordance with Rule 4 of the Rules of Association.

(d) Branch

i) Branch membership may be offered to other officiating groups unable to satisfy the A.G.O.A. membership criteria.

ii) Membership is offered on a group basis. Individuals of that group are not members in their own right.

iii) The membership fee payable by the Branch shall be set as a % of the individual fee for members of the V.G.O.A. as set at the Annual General Meeting and shall be payable for each full time official of that Branch. Note: A full time official is defined as an official who has no association with any team or club.

10. (1) Affiliation may be offered to other related bodies (ie groups of player-officials) at the discretion of the Committee of Management.

(a) Affiliates are expected to uphold and adhere to the Code of Behaviour set out in By-Law 1.

(b) A nominal affiliation fee will be charged.

(c) Affiliates have no membership or voting rights.

11. (1) Returning Officer

(a) Prior to the conducting of any secret ballot at a meeting of the Association, the President or, in his absence the Chairperson, shall appoint a Returning Officer. Where the secret ballot is being conducted for a position of an Office Bearer a nominee for that position shall not be the Returning Officer.

(b) The duties of the Returning Officer shall be;

i) Distribute the ballot papers.

ii) Indicate to all members present and entitled to vote the correct method of voting.

iii) Collection of the completed ballot papers.

iv) Scrutinise and validate the ballot papers and proxies.

v) The counting of votes.

vi) Declaring the results of the ballot to the meeting. The person with the most votes shall be declared the winner.

vii) Implementing the prescribed procedure for resolving a tied ballot.

(2) Disputes

In the event of a dispute in the announced result, each nominee may appoint a scrutineer to review the Returning Officer's result. Where there is more than one scrutineer appointed the review shall be carried out collectively.

(3) Tied Ballot

In the event of a tied ballot in determining the election of Office Bearers there shall be a second ballot between the nominees with the most number of votes. In the event of a further tie the successful nominee shall be determined by the drawing of lots. This shall be conducted by the Returning Officer.

(4) Withdrawal of Nomination

Prior to the declaration of the ballot or drawing of lots, a nominee may withdraw his nomination.