1. Name
The club shall be known as Lucan Kayak Club hereinafter referred to as THE CLUB.
2. Objectives
The objectives of the Club are to promote the sport and recreation of Canoesport.
3. Affiliation
The club and all members shall be affiliated to Canoeing Ireland.
4. Membership
4.1 Eligibility
Membership of The Club shall be open to all persons subscribing to its aims and objectives.
Entry is subject to payment of the annual subscription. Except for reasons of personal safety and risk of injury, no restriction shall be imposed on any person on the grounds of gender, marital status, family status, age, race, religion, disability, sexual orientation, or membership of the Traveller community.
All membership applications are subject to the approval of the General Committee.
4.2 Voting Rights
Voting rights are restricted to those who are over the age of 18 years on the 1st January in the relevant club year.
4.3 Classes of Membership
- Full Member: Open to individuals aged over 18 on January 1st in the relevant club year. Each senior member shall be entitled to one vote.
- Junior Member: Open to individuals aged under 18 on January 1st in the relevant club year.
- Student Membership: Open to individuals who provide evidence of full-time student status with their application. Each student member is entitled to one vote.
4.4 Application Process
Candidates seeking membership must submit a written application to the Secretary of the Club using the prescribed form. The General Committee gas tge authority to accept or decline applications or renewals at its sole discretion, and may do so without providing a reason.
4.5 Duration
The Club year shall run from 1 October to 30 September. Annual subscriptions are payable one month prior to the start of the club year.
4.6 Restrictions
Any person expelled from, or refused membership of Canoeing Ireland is ineligible for membership of the Club.
4.7 Membership Fee
Each applicant for new or renewed membership must pay an entry fee, the amount of which is determined by the members at a General meeting.
4.8 Annual Subscription
The annual subscription rates are set the members at a General meeting. Subscriptions are due upon acceptance and subsequently on or before 30th September each year.
4.9 Cessation of Membership
A member is deemed to have resigned from the Club if, after due notice, he or she has not paid the annual subscription by 31st October following its ue date of 30th September. Such a member may re-join at any time during that year without penalty, payment of any penalty, subject to the relevant provisions.
4.10 Disqualification of Membership
Any member who violates the rules or regulations of the Club, or is found guilty of unsatisfactory conduct, may be suspended or expelled by resolution of the General Committee. Suspended or exprelled members may appeal to a Special General Meeting if such an appeal is supported by at least 25% of the voting members.
5. General Committee
5.1 Composition and Responsibilties
The General Committee is responsible for the overall conduct of the Club’s business and activities. It shall consist of an Executive Committee comprising a Chairperson, Secretary, and Treasurer, along with other voting committee members such as the Safety Officer, Activities Coordinator, Child Liaison Officer, Public Relations Officer, Equipment Officer and any additional officers as deemed necessary. The Committee may co-opt up to three extra committee members.
5.2 Election and Accountability
The Committee is elected by members at the Annual General Meeting each year and is accountable to the membership for its stewardship of the Club. The Committee meets regularly as required, but at least four times per club year. A quorum for Committee meetings is three, including at least one Executive Committee member. Vacancies may be filled by appointment until the next AGM. The Committee may delegate authority to sub committees of at least three members, including at least one Committee member.
5.3 Nominations and Terms
Nominations for Committee positions must be submitted as motions according to Section 7.2 Each term of office lasts one year, with eligibility for re-election. Only voting members may hold office, and members under 18 are ineligible for election to the General Committee.
6. Duties of General Committee Officers
- Chairperson: Presides at all General and Committee Meetings, guides the Club’s activities according to its rules and member policies, and represents the Club at Canoeing Ireland General Meetings. The Chairperson is an ex-officio member of any other Club committee.
- Secretary: Organises meetings, records minutes, manages all correspondence related to Club business, and ensures timely communication of information regarding Club activities.
- Treasurer: Collects all monies including subscriptions, maintains Club accounts as required by the General Meeting, audits accounts annually, presents a financial statement at the AGM (with Auditor’s report if required), and ensures all withdrawals have two authorised signatures. The Treasurer must alert the Committee to any actual or potential financial issues.
- Safety Officer: Promotes safe practices among members, ensures Club equipment meets current safety standards, and encourages participation in Canoeing Ireland’s Award Scheme.
- Activities Coordinator: Arranges a programme of kayaking events and activities.
- Equipment Officer: Overall responsibility for club container and equipment
- Public Relations Officer: Overall responsibility for website and media management,
- Child Liaison Officer: Fulfils duties as specified by Canoeing Ireland guidelines.
7. General Meetings
7.1 Types of Meetings
- Annual General Meeting (AGM): Held each year, and no later than 18 months after the previous AGM.
- Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM): May be called by a majority of the General Committee or upon requisition by at least 51% of voting members.
7.2 Notice and Procedures
All members must receive at least 14 days’ clear notice specifying the time and business of the General Meeting. Motions not originating from the Committee must be submitted to the Secretary at least 21 days before the AGM, signed by two voting members. Voting at General Meetings is by show of hands, except for contested Committee positions, which require a secret ballot. The Chairperson presides, or in their absence, a Chairperson is elected by those present
7.3 Quorum and Adjournment
A quorum is 33% of the Club’s membership. If a quorum is not present within half an hour of the appointed time, the meeting is dissolved if called by members; otherwise, it is adjourned. If a quorum is still not present at the adjourned meeting, those present constitute a quorum. Accidental omission or non-receipt of meeting notice does not invalidate the meeting.
8. Liability
The General Committee manages the Club’s affairs, but any financial or legal liability incurred in the rightful exercise of their office is the responsibility of the Club as a whole, not the individual committee members. All members and persons attending Club trips or events do so at their own risk; neither the Club nor its officers accept liability for loss or injury sustained at Club premises or during Club activities.
9. Alterations to the Constitution
This constitution may only be altered, amended, or rescinded by resolution at a General Meeting. Any change requires approval by at least 50% of full members present.
10. Auditor
At each Annual General Meeting, an Auditor is appointed to examine the Club’s accounts at least once per year, and to verify the correctness of income and expenditure accounts and the Balance Sheet.
11. Distribution of Profits/Assets
Any profits earned by the Club are contributed to a General Fund for furthering the Club’s objectives. Under no circumstances can profit be distributed to members.
12. Termination
The Club may only be terminated by resolution at a Special General Meeting convened for that purpose. In the event of termination, any surplus assets are to be transferred to a body or bodies with similar objectives or to a charity or charities as agreed at the meeting which formally terminates the Club.
13. Power of Decision
Any matter not provided for in this constitution, or any question over the interpretation of it shall be dealt with by the General Committee whose decision shall be final.
14. Safety Rules
The General Committee shall be empowered to draw up rules for the safe conduct of canoeing activities.
15. Declaration
Each member upon joining shall sign an application form containing the following declaration
Name_____________________________________________________________
Upon acceptance into membership of Lucan Kayak Club I understand that canoeing is undertaken at my own risk. I confirm that I do not suffer from any disability or medical condition which may render me unfit for strenuous exercise**
Signed____________________________________________________________
Parent/Guardian (if under 18) ___________________________________________
** Should a medical condition exist, this does not necessarily preclude you from membership/participation, but it must be declared. Should you be in any doubt, advice should be sought from your family doctor.
Updated: January 2026