Shark Speleogical Society

The aim of Shark speleogical society is to provide a framework for the safe practice and persuit of sport caving by experienced members and to allow new members an avenue to begin caving in a manner that is both safe and shows due respect for the customs and practices of the larger caving community.

Rationale for the society

The founding members of the club are all former members of the York Univeristy Caving and Potholing Club and have become friends as such. However due to the members location they are unable to continue caving with the YUCPC. We therefore propose to form a new club located in the South East in order to persue the sport of caving via the organisation of trips to suitbale areas such as the Mendips or Peak District. As such the Shark Speleogical Society is called into being on the 1st of May 2017.

Criteria for joining

Those members wishing to join the club must be first proposed by a member and then seconded by another member. Any member may object to the inclusion of a new member in which case a vote requiring a two thirds majority will be held at the earliest convenience or by ballot. Any proposed member will not be unreasonably forbidden from joining. The president may veto at his or her own discression any proposed membership.

Rules of the club

Members of the club will be liable to pay dues up to £30 to cover the cost of membership of the club as well as BCA membership and insurance. The amount to which a member will be liable will be discussed at the general meeting as the first order of buisness in any year. Club members will be expected to act in a safe and responsible manner when caving and are expected to do everything in their power to ensure the safety of themselves and others. Club members are expected to act in a courtious manner to other clubs and show due respect for permits, caving huts, caves, mines, formations and other such objects/persons/institutions which are integral to the sport of caving.

Criteria for being ejected from the club

If a member behaves in such a manner so as to endanger either persons, equiptment or the reputation of the club the president may dismiss them with immediate effect and such a person will not be entitled to any refund of any kind for monies paid to the club or other members for the purposes of caving (this does not include personal debts unrelated to the club or caving). A member may also be ejected by a two thirds majority if the issue is brought to a vote at either a meeting or if a ballot is cast by phone/post/messenger service or other such communication. Any member if seconded by another member may propose for another to be ejected. The club and members will not eject any person without reasonable grounds.

Provision for the holding of meetings

Due the current memberships unique conditions the club holds the option to conduct virtual general meetings via phone/conferencing services/messenger services. Meetings will be endevoured to be held twice a year with at least a two thirds of members in attendance (either physically or virtually). Where membership is less than 10 total members the president and secretary shall have power to ammend the constitution and conduct buisness on behalf of the club freely provided they have made efforts to communicate such proceedings with the larger membership. The biannual meetings should be held at least three months apart and will take the form of the annual general meeting and the secondary meeting.

The AGM will cover:

The financial liabilities members will be subject to, the renewal of insurance and other such matters, the state of the club, the condition of club resources and its development, membership issues, the agenda of the club for the year, any other buisness and finally the election of the committee.

The SM will cover:

The financial liabilities members will be subject to, the current agenda of the club, membership issues and any other buisness. Motions raised at meetings require a simple majority to pass and all votes are transferable. In the event of a tie priority goes to the incumbent where applicable, where this is not applicable votes will be cast again up to two more times and if a tie remains the matter will be settled by the flip of a coin.

Committee positions

The club recognises the positon of President and Secretary which are to be elected anually with no limits on how long a member may fulfill any role. The president is responsibe for representing the club, organisng trips, ensuring the rules of the club are adhered to and leading the club. To this end the president will be afforded the privalages outlined above. The secretary is responsible for communicating with the BCA, arranging insurance, keeping records of members and administering the club.