Setting up a club

[Michael Purcell]

When I was a BSAC member as part of an international club in the UAE my diving progressed and I did quite a number of dives per year. After having moved to another part of the country, and a much smaller town, I find I dive far less often and the diving is not very challenging even though I am far closer to some great diving.

When I moved here my intention was to start a BSAC Branch. Unfortunately, with a number of disappointments over decisions made by NDC my interest in BSAC has waned. Especially since in the past while there may have been a lot of agency bashing that went on BSAC was fairly agency inclusive.

Which brings me back to my question:

If I start a diving club that is underpinned by the BSAC Branch system, what flexibility do I have in the Bye-laws? I have looked at the Model Bye Laws (http://www.bsac.com/page.asp?section=2562&sectionTitle=Branch+Formation+Application+Form) but there doesn't seem to be associated information as to what bye-laws are required and what flexibility exists to modify them. Also I notice there are clauses for the disolution of the club. Is it also possible to have a clause to remove the BSAC association without disolving the club? Obviously that is not my intention, but this was in fact a discussion we had at my previous branch and would like to outline it in the Bye-laws.

I know there are a number of folks that are members of clubs where BSAC is only a component of the club and am looking for feedback.

Thanks

[JamesW]

You need a min of 8 people.
We formed a branch for members who didnt want to be in a main line branch, its cheaper than direct.
Thanks
James




When I was a BSAC member as part of an international club in the UAE my diving progressed and I did quite a number of dives per year. After having moved to another part of the country, and a much smaller town, I find I dive far less often and the diving is not very challenging even though I am far closer to some great diving.

When I moved here my intention was to start a BSAC Branch. Unfortunately, with a number of disappointments over decisions made by NDC my interest in BSAC has waned. Especially since in the past while there may have been a lot of agency bashing that went on BSAC was fairly agency inclusive.

Which brings me back to my question:

If I start a diving club that is underpinned by the BSAC Branch system, what flexibility do I have in the Bye-laws? I have looked at the Model Bye Laws (http://www.bsac.com/page.asp?section=2562&sectionTitle=Branch+Formation+Application+Form) but there doesn't seem to be associated information as to what bye-laws are required and what flexibility exists to modify them. Also I notice there are clauses for the disolution of the club. Is it also possible to have a clause to remove the BSAC association without disolving the club? Obviously that is not my intention, but this was in fact a discussion we had at my previous branch and would like to outline it in the Bye-laws.

I know there are a number of folks that are members of clubs where BSAC is only a component of the club and am looking for feedback.

Thanks

[Mike Halligan]

In your position, I think I'd probably be guided more by Abu Dhabi law on "unincorporated members' associations" than by anything published in another nation by the local governing body of my sport. However, the BSAC's model bye-laws are just that, "models", so let's not get hung up on them. They are actually quite handy and simple adoption more or less guarantees affiliation if you seek it.

An association lays down the Constitution and Rules that it chooses, and may then modify either/both by any means legitimised in them. If as a consequence of the Constitution and Rules you've chosen to adopt, the BSAC feels unable to grant you affiliation, then you must deal with the consequences. Similarly, if you choose at any time to disaffiliate from the BSAC then you may have to change your Constitution, but the BSAC and your members must live with your election.

I trust this helps,
Mike

[Edward]

[snip] my question:

If I start a diving club that is underpinned by the BSAC Branch system, what flexibility do I have in the Bye-laws? I have looked at the Model Bye Laws (http://www.bsac.com/page.asp?section=2562&sectionTitle=Branch+Formation+Application+Form) but there doesn't seem to be associated information as to what bye-laws are required and what flexibility exists to modify them. Also I notice there are clauses for the disolution of the club. Is it also possible to have a clause to remove the BSAC association without disolving the club? Obviously that is not my intention, but this was in fact a discussion we had at my previous branch and would like to outline it in the Bye-laws.

Hi Michael,

With the exception of Clauses 2, 8, 19 and 21 you can change the Bye-Laws as much as you like. By changing these clauses you are effectively disassociating the club from BSAC, unless the amendment(s) are sanctioned by a BSAC Officer (Chairman, Vice-chairman, Honorary Secretary, Honorary Treasurer or the National Diving Officer) or the Chief Executive (clause 19.ii).


I know there are a number of folks that are members of clubs where BSAC is only a component of the club and am looking for feedback.

Club committees that allow members trained from other agencies, but don’t require them to join BSAC need to arrange their own Liability insurance as they are operating outside BSAC guidance – namely Articles 46.C.3 and 46.C.4 (http://www.bsac.com/page.asp?section=2095&sectionTitle=Branch+Officers%27+Handbook+-+Articles+of+Association). As an example, an incident involving one member who is a BSAC member and another who isn’t.

As Mike has said you need to check out the local Laws.

Regards

Edward