NAME

 

1.1 The Club shall be known as Brasenose College Boat Club (BNCBC), hereafter known as ‘the Club’.

 

OBJECTIVES

 

2.1 The Club exists to encourage participation in rowing amongst members, staff and fellows of the Kings Hall and College of the Brazen Nose (Brasenose College), and to develop the skills of athletes of a range of abilities.
2.2 The Club aims to raise its standing in local and national competition. Specifically, the Club aims to maintain and improve its standing in Torpids and Summer Eights.

 

MEMBERSHIP

 

3.1 The Club is constituted by “Members”, which is anyone who satisfies at least one of the following:

a) They have rowed or coxed in Autumn Fours, Christ Church Regatta, Isis Winter League, Torpids, Eights or an external regatta in the last twelve months, b) They have trained in a squad on a weekly basis in the last twelve months, c) They are deemed by the Executive Committee to be Members (e.g. coaches, alumni).

 

COLOURS

 

4.1 The Club’s colours shall be black and gold.

4.2 The Club’s blade colour shall be black.

4.3 The Childe of Hale colours are yellow, purple and red, and shall be worn by Members under the following circumstances:

a) They were selected for and have rowed or coxed in the Club’s men’s or women’s first eight in Torpids or Summer Eights or have represented the Club at Henley Royal Regatta or Henley Women’s Regatta.

b) To allow for Principal’s breakfast and similar situations, Members will be allowed to wear Childe of Hale colours on the first day of Torpids, Summer Eights, Henley Royal Regatta or Henley Women’s Regatta if they are entered to row/cox in a first eight or have qualified for Henley Royal Regatta or Henley Women’s Regatta, 

c) When competing in a first boat and race rules mandate that crews adhere to a single uniform, any member who has not yet met 3.3.a will wear the Childe of Hale colours for that event,

d) Should a member not have been selected for a first boat but is then required to substitute into that boat: (i) for either Torpids or Summer Eights they will meet the requirements as per 3.3.a if they compete on 3 or more days. 1 or 2 days will not fulfil this requirement. They should wear Childe of Hale colours in each day they compete in bumps racing, (ii) for Henley Royal Regatta or Henley Women’s Regatta, they should wear the Childe of Hale colours to race, but will not meet the requirements as per 3.3.a,

e) The interpretation of these rules [4.3] shall rest with the Executive Committee (see 6.1).
4.4 The Executive Committee with approval from the Senior Member can remove the Childe of Hale colours from any member of the Club who is deemed to no longer represent the value of the Club outlined by our Code of Conduct (see 15.6)

 

BLADES

 

5.1 Blades shall be awarded for Torpids and Summer Eights only when all of the following criteria have been met by a crew:

a) The crew bumps at least once on each of the four days of competition, totalling four or more times over the competition and, b) The crew does not receive any bumps, or c) The crew finishes the competition as Head of the River

5.3 In recognition of the inherent luck-based nature of bumps racing, any crew which satisfies all of the following and is ineligible for blades shall be awarded a pennant:

a) The crew bumps four or more times over the competition and, b) The crew does not receive any bumps.

 

 

THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

 

6.1 The Executive Committee shall consist of the following Members (with no Member occupying more than one Committee post concurrently):

a) President, b) Vice President, c) Treasurer, d) Men’s Captain, e) Women’s Captain, f) Captain of Coxswains.
6.2 Members of the Executive Committee will serve for a term of one year, starting at the end of Trinity term. Throughout Trinity term, the committee-elect will shadow the outgoing committee.
6.3a Two Members may run for a position together, in which case they would serve concurrently and the responsibilities of the role would be the joint responsibility of these two Members.
6.3b In the case of the role of President being served by two Members concurrently in a Joint Presidency, the Vice-President will have the deciding vote when deciding any irreconcilable disagreements between the Presidents.

6.4a Members of the Executive Committee must complete their role to the best of their ability and in the best interests of the Club. They should avoid taking on positions in other clubs or societies which will significantly and negatively impact their performance in their role, and nor should they engage in relationships which introduce conflicts of interest to Club leadership.

6.4b If any two Member believes a member of the Executive Committee is unable to complete their role as per 6.4a, they may request a vote on dismissal of the member (see 6.7).

6.5 ELECTIONS6.5.1 The President shall be elected by alternative vote at the AGM (Annual General Meeting, see 8.1). Candidates shall have at least two publicly announced seconders, including at least one outgoing Executive Committee Member. 

6.5.2 The Vice President shall be elected by alternative vote at the AGM. Candidates shall have at least two publicly announced seconders, including at least one outgoing Executive Committee Member.

6.5.3 The Treasurer shall be elected by alternative vote at the AGM. Candidates shall have at least two publicly announced seconders, including at least one outgoing Executive Committee Member.

6.5.4 The Men’s Captain shall be elected by alternative vote at the AGM. Ideally, the Men’s Captain should have at least three full terms of rowing experience.

6.5.5 The Women’s Captain shall be elected by alternative vote at the AGM. Ideally, the Women’s Captain should have at least three full terms of rowing experience.

 

6.5.6 The Captain of Coxes shall be elected by alternative vote at the AGM. Ideally, the Captain of Coxes should have at least three full terms of rowing experience.

6.5.7 In the event that a Captain’s choice is not ratified, alternative candidates shall nominate themselves within one week. Elections shall take place at an Extraordinary General Meeting.

6.5.8 All candidates should announce their intention to run for positions no less than 3 days in advance of the AGM.

6.5.9 In the case of an electoral tie during the AGM for a position, the incumbent President will call for an Emergency General Meeting for a new election. Candidates must submit applications with the same conditions as the AGM.

6.5.10. In the case of an Emergency General Meeting election where a candidate is still not selected, the incoming Executive Committee will appoint the role by simple majority, with the incoming President casting the deciding vote. Should the unfilled role be the President, then the incoming Vice-President shall have the casting vote.

 

6.5.11 Any role that remains unfilled by the start of Michaelmas shall become the joint responsibility of the Executive Committee. They should continue actively recruiting a candidate, who can be appointed at any time as per 6.5.10.

 

6.6 RESPONSIBILITIES

 

6.6.1 The responsibilities of the President shall be:

a) To observe and respond to the long-term interests of the Club, b) To call and chair meetings of the Executive Committee (see 6.1), General Committee (see 7.1), and Steering Committee (see 10.1),  c) To oversee the responsibilities of the General Committee and provide assistance where possible, d) To ensure that the Club conforms to OURCs, British Rowing and Environment Agency regulations, e) To maintain the Club’s relationship with its Alumni and the Brasenose College Development Office, f) To organise Club dinners for Torpids in Hiliary and VIIs in Trinity. g) To manage relations with the alumni society (The 1815 Club), and organise an annual dinner for ex-members, h) To assist in the establishment of a new Executive or General Committee, i) To record the Club’s activities in the Captain’s log, j) To manage the club’s relations with its coaches (see 6.6.6).

 

6.6.2 The responsibilities of the Vice President shall be:

a) To process the order and payment of stash at least once per year , for both current members and the alumni, b) To act as the Club’s senior marshal and to organise umpires and marshals for regattas, c) To assist with the President in their duties, d) To organise training camps at least twice per academic year.

6.6.3 The responsibilities of the Treasurer shall be:

a) To promote the financial interests of the Club, b) To keep the Club’s accounts, ensure that all financial commitments are met in good time, and present the accounts for inspection at the Executive Committee’s discretion, c) To make recommendations to the General Committee as to the affordability of Club expenditures and propose changes to subscriptions or other financial arrangements as necessary, d) To maintain the Club’s relationship with the College Bursar, Accountant, etc. and to keep a record of all developments in BNCBC/College relations, e) To create a separate coaching budget of equal value for both sides (male and female) of the Club, f) To maintain the Club’s relationship with its official sponsor

 

6.6.4 The responsibilities of the Men’s/Women’s Captain shall be:

a) To promote the best interests of the Club in all races and regattas, b) To recruit and appoint the Club’s coaches, c) To organise training for senior crews in Michaelmas, and 1^st VIIIs in Hilary and Trinity, d) To choose the Members of the crews who will represent boats in Torpids, Summer Eights, and other regattas, under the guidance of the Club’s coaches, e) To represent the Club at OURCs Captains Meetings, f) To ensure that individual Members of the Club adhere to OURCs regulations, e.g. swim tests, g) To assist with the organisation of recruitment and events.

 

6.6.5 The responsibilities of the Captain of Coxswains shall be:

a) To promote the best interests of the Club in all races and regattas, b) To recruit and ensure suitable training for the Club’s coxswains, c) To ensure all Coxswains adhere to OURCs regulations, including but not limited to licensing and attendance of coxing briefings, d) To oversee the disbursement of the Club’s coxswains amongst the crews according to merit and suitability, e) To act as Water Safety Officer monitoring safety procedures within the Club and reporting incidents to British Rowing.

 

6.6.6 The club’s relationship with coaches, salaried or otherwise, shall be divided between the Executive Committee as follows: a) The Executive Committee shall decide which roles are required, b) The relevant captain shall advertise for, interview, and recommend a candidate for coaching, c) The Executive Committee shall ratify this choice by simple majority, d) The President and Treasurer shall assume joint responsibility for negotiating the contract between the Club, the coach, and the College and managing that ongoing financial relationship, e) The captains shall manage the working relationship with the coach and the Club, f) The contract may be terminated if: i) the Executive Committee votes to terminate it by simple majority (see 6.6.7), ii) the three captains on the Executive Committee all vote to, iii) the President, on the advice of the Welfare Representative, should there be a welfare issue.

 

6.6.7 a) Voting in Executive Committee meetings should be by simple majority, b) Coaches or other individuals may be appointed as observers on the advice of the President, c) Observers will have no voting power, d) Observers may be removed at any time i) by the President, ii) if at least two Committee Members vote against them, e) In the case of a tie, the President shall have the casting vote. 

 

6.7 RESIGNATION AND DISMISSAL

 

6.7.1 A member of the Executive Committee is able to resign their position but must give at least 2 weeks’ notice.
6.7.2 In the event of an unscheduled or scheduled vacancy of any position of the Executive Committee, the remaining Members of the Executive Committee shall be responsible for appointing a successor.
6.7.3 The Executive Committee can, through a supermajority vote (≥2/3 majority), remove any member from the Executive Committee, General Committee or Club.

6.7.4 Should any two members propose and second a motion to remove a member of the Committee, they can request a vote in an Emergency General Meeting, at which a simple majority is required.
6.7.5 A member removed from the Executive Committee, General Committee or Club can appeal their removal either to the Senior Member or Executive Committee. In the case of the latter, the Executive Committee will call for an Emergency General Meeting unless they deem it inappropriate (e.g. outstanding welfare issue, see 7.6.6.b).

 

THE GENERAL COMMITTEE

 

7.1 The General Committee shall consist of the following positions:

a) The Executive Committee, b) Men’s and Women’s Vice Captains, c) Men’s and Women’s Social Secretaries, d) The Club Secretary, e) The Webmaster, f) The Boathouse Officer, g) The Welfare Representative, h) The Social Media Secretary i) Any other role deemed appropriate by the Executive Committee.

 

7.2 Other than executive committee (7.1.a), Members will run for each position on the General Committee and be elected by alternative vote at the AGM. Members of the Executive Committee are also eligible to run for any of these positions, except for the Welfare Representative (7.1.g).

7.3 If a position is not filled by election, the responsibilities of this position will be the joint responsibility of the Executive Committee, except for the Welfare Representative (7.1.g) Should this position not be appointed, Executive Committee must, before the start of 0^th week Michaelmas, appoint a member of the college welfare team to act in this capacity.

7.4 Members of the General Committee will serve for one year, starting at the end of Trinity term. Throughout Trinity term, the committee-elect will shadow the outgoing committee.

7.5 The General Committee shall meet no less than twice a term (preferably more), to coordinate the day to day running of the Club.

 

7.6 RESPONSIBILITIES

 

7.6.1 The responsibilities of the Vice Captains shall be:

a) To promote the best interests of the Club in all races and regattas, b) To assist the Captains in fulfilling their responsibilities, c) To organise novice training in Michaelmas, and novice and lower boats training in Hilary and Trinity.

 

7.6.2 The responsibilities of the Social Secretaries shall be:

a) To promote the social interests of the Club, b) To organise and advertise club events and crew dates, c) To organise the social aspects of rowing events such as Torpids and Summer Eights, d) To assist in the recruitment of new and novice Members.

 

7.6.3 The responsibilities of the Club Secretary shall be:

a) To produce regular reports and newsletters for general publication and distribute information to Club Members, b) To update news on the Club’s Facebook page, Twitter feed, and website , c) To produce agendas for and keep records of Executive and General Committee meetings, d) To keep a record of Club Members, and to present a list termly to the College to levy subscriptions, termly to the Webmaster to update mailing lists, and yearly to the Development Office to update the Club alumni, e) To assist the President with the Club’s correspondence, f) To announce the club AGM at least 10 days prior to the meeting, g) To act as returning officer in elections.

 

7.6.4 The responsibilities of the Webmaster shall be:

a) To manage the Club’s website and mailing lists , b) To provide such technical assistance as the General Committee may reasonably require, c) To promote the Club online.

 

7.6.5 The responsibilities of the Boathouse Officer shall be:

a) To promote the accumulation and maintenance of the Club’s capital, b) To maintain and regularly update an inventory of the belongings of the Club, and to keep a record of any damage to equipment, c) To keep a record and a deposit when the Club’s belongings are lent out, d) To liaise with the General Committee about new equipment needed and make the appropriate purchases.

 

7.6.6.a The responsibilities of the Welfare Representative shall be: a) To be the welfare lead within the club and ensure the safety and wellbeing of club members, b) To resolve disputes or issues arising with and between members, c) To facilitate financial or other support for members in need, d) To escalate issues to college, OURCs, or British Rowing authorities, where the Welfare Representative may deem it appropriate.

7.6.6.a The Welfare Representative shall also possess the power to overrule a decision by any committee or committee member on welfare grounds. If this exercise of power is not accepted by that committee or committee member, it is the responsibility of the Welfare Representative to seek external arbitration from British Rowing, OURCs, or the College. 

 

7.6.7 The Responsibilities of the Social Media Secretary shall be: a) To manage the club’s social media presence for both internal and external communications, b) To create and publish content on the club’s social media channels, aimed at current rowers and ex-members, c) To use those channels to promote the club and attract members and donations.

 

THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

 

8.1 The AGM shall be held in Trinity Term before the second week of Trinity Term.
8.2 The Club Secretary shall publicise the meeting no less than two weeks before it is to be held.
8.3 All Members of the Club are eligible to attend the AGM.
8.4 The AGM shall be chaired by the President, and the order of business will be:

a) Constitutional change (see 20.1), b) Election of a new Executive Committee and General Committee, with each Member present exercising one vote (subject to article 6.5), c) Areas of business deemed by the President to be best discussed by the Club, d) Areas of business as submitted by any Member of the Club.

 

THE SENIOR MEMBER

 

9.1 The Club will have a Senior Member who will represent the interests of the Club to the Governing Body of Brasenose College and fulfil any other obligation as reasonably expected of a Senior Member by Brasenose College and the Club.
9.2 Should a new Senior Member need to be appointed, the President shall enter into negotiations with the interested parties.

 

THE STEERING COMMITTEE

 

10.1 The Steering Committee shall consist of the following Members:

a) The Executive Committee, b) The Senior Member, c) Where possible, the outgoing President, d) Several appointed Alumni Members.

 

10.2 Alumni Members shall be appointed for a term of one academic year. They shall be appointed in the first instance by the President, and each year thereafter by self-nomination for an online poll, in which all present and former members of the Club may vote.

10.3 The Steering Committee shall meet at least once at the beginning of each academic year, and once during Hilary or Trinity term.

10.4 Further meetings can be called at any time, with at least a month’s notice, by the President, Captains, or any three Members of the Steering Committee. No more than three meetings of the Steering Committee ought to be held in any one year, unless in exceptional circumstances.

10.5 The shared responsibilities of the steering committee shall be: 

a) To regularly review the performance of the Club, specifically in Torpids and Summer Eights, and to discuss how the performance can be improved upon, b) To make suggestions towards the Club’s training programs, and provide such assistance as is expedient, c) To act as a link with the wider alumni, making suggestions towards alumni relations and, either personally or through those contacts, assist with crew mentoring, d) To advise and provide strategic assistance with the Club’s finances, e) To promote the interests of BNCBC; present, past and future.

 

SUBSCRIPTIONS

 

11.1 Anyone who uses the Club’s equipment, both land and water based, is liable to pay subscriptions for the use of equipment.
11.2 The Treasurer will levy subscriptions once a term, at a reasonable level determined by the General Committee.
11.3 At the General Committee’s discretion, returning Blues rowers may be excused from subscriptions. This reflects their extra effort, expense, and the valuable experience they bring to college rowing.

 

EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES

 

12.1 The Club will ensure that the talents and resources of all Members are utilised to the full and that no member receives less favourable treatment on the basis of gender, disability, marital status, creed, social class, ethnicity, age or sexual orientation. Selection of crews, training squads and any other aspect of the sport should be based on merit alone.

 

CHILD PROTECTION

 

13.1 The Club agrees and supports the sentiments of the ARA Child Protection measures, although these typically have no direct bearing upon the running of the Club as its Members are generally over the age of 18.
13.2 In the unlikely event that this situation was to change, the President must immediately convene a meeting of the General Committee to ensure that the Club is adequately prepared to meet the needs of a junior.

 

SAFETY

14.1 The Executive Committee shall appoint a Member to act as Safety Advisor whose duty it will be to understand the requirements of the ARA code of Practice for Water Safety and advise on their prominent display, their observation and their implementation at all times. In the event of a suitable Member being unavailable these duties will be distributed between the Executive Committee.

 

WELFARE

 

15.1 The Club shall prioritise the welfare of its members, and all members are encouraged to speak out about welfare concerns to an authority of their discretion.
15.2 The Club will endeavour to have at least two members trained in welfare support by the university, if feasible at least one of these member’s should not be a member of the Executive Committee in order to reduce conflicts of interest.

15.3 In the circumstance that no member of the Club is welfare trained, the Executive Committee must publish the names of all welfare trained individuals in College. The President shall also write a letter to the relevant authorities in the HCR and JCR to inform of the Club’s position.

15.4 At the end of each year the outgoing committee must publish recommendations to improve the welfare of its members, the incoming Executive Committee must respond to these recommendations and publish their response to all members.
15.5 The Club supports the ‘Good Lad Initiative’, all members that are actively rowing are required to attend a Good Lad Initiative Workshop or similar.
15.6Any Member of the Executive or General Committee who is found to be discussing disclosed information relating to a welfare issue with individuals tangential to the welfare process will be reported to a relevant authority.

15.7 Code of Conduct sets out the guidelines for best practice by members.

15.7.1 The Club agrees and supports the Code of Conduct outlined by British Rowing. This Code of Conduct will be published by the Executive Committee at the start of every academic year and must be adhered to by all Members of the Club.
15.7.2 The Club can amend this Code of Conduct with new codes but cannot remove codes published by British Rowing.
15.7.3 Proposal of new codes follows the same rules as amendments to the Constitution and is outlined in 20.1 and 20.2.
15.7.4 Any member, at their own discretion, can report anyone who is found to be breaking its Code of Conduct to the Senior Member or an appropriate authority.

 

LIABILITY

 

16.1 The General Committee shall manage the affairs of the Club. Financial or legal liability incurred in the rightful exercise of their office shall not however be the personal liability of the General Committee but shall be the responsibility of the Club as a whole.

 

TERMINATION

 

17.1 The Club shall not terminate except by a resolution of an Extraordinary General Meeting convened for this purpose.
17.2 In such an event, any surplus assets shall be handed over to a body with similar objective, or to a charity or charities agreed at the Executive General Meeting.

 

DECLARATION

 

18.1 Each member upon joining the Club will sign this declaration (amended November 2010):

 

POWER OF DECISION

 

19.1 Any matter not provided for in this constitution or any question of interpretation shall be dealt with by the Executive Committee, whose decision shall be final.
19.2 Any responsibility not delegated in this constitution will be the joint responsibility of the Executive Committee.

 

AMENDMENTS AND ADDITIONS

 

20.1 Amendments and additions to this constitution, if proposed unanimously by the Executive Committee and voted on by the members present at the AGM, shall be immediately included.
20.2 If proposition by the Executive Committee is not forthcoming, an amendment can be proposed in writing by two Members. If it is approved by a simple majority at the AGM, it shall be included.

20.3.1 Constitutional changes may be proposed by any member for vote in an Executive Committee Meeting at any time, and will be included 2 weeks after the vote if all of the following conditions are met: a) Quorum on these votes will require all members of the Executive Committee (see 6.1) present, plus the Welfare Representative and Club Secretary, b) the Committee votes unanimously in favour, c) the proposed change is published to the Club at least three days prior to the voting, d) the outcome of the vote is published to the Club within 24 hours of the vote, e) the proposing member is present in the meeting to state their case.

20.3.2 Amendments as per 20.3.1 can be appealed by any two members of the club within two weeks of the vote, at which point the President must call an Emergency Meeting, where the amendment shall be debated and voted on as per 20.2. If an appeal comes after this two-week window, the member(s) must submit a separate motion for constitutional change (see 20.3.1).