AS AMENDED JULY 2014
ARTICLE 1 – PREAMBLE
The Society
The name of the Society is Calgary 55 plus Games Association
The By-laws
This document is the general By-laws of Calgary plus Games Association. These by- laws regulate the transaction of business and affairs of Calgary 55 plus Games.
ARTICLE 2 – DEFINING AND INTERPRETING THE BY-LAWS
2.1 Association means Calgary 55 plus Games.
2.1.2 Board means the Board of Directors of this Association.
2.1.3 By-laws means the By-laws of this Association as amended
2.1.4 Director means any person elected or appointed to the Board.
2.1.5 General Meeting means the Annual General Meeting or a Special General Meeting.
2.1.6 Member means a Member of the Association.
2.1.7 Officer means any Officer listed in Article 6.2.
2.1.8 Registered Office means the registered office for the Association.
2.1.9 Register of Members means the registry maintained by the Board of Directors
containing the names of the Members of the Association.
2.1.10 Special Meeting means the Special General Meeting described in Article 5.2.
2.1.11 Special Resolution means:
a) a resolution passed at a general Meeting of the membership of this Association. There must be fourteen (14) days notice of this meeting. The notice must state the proposed resolution. There must be approval by a vote of 75% of the voting Members who vote in person.
b) a resolution proposed and passed as a Special Resolution at a General Meeting with less than fourteen (14) days notice. All the Voting Members eligible to attend and vote at the General Meeting must agree.
2.1.12 Voting Members means a Member entitled to vote at the meetings of the Association.
ARTICLE 3 – OBJECTIVES OF THE ASSOCIATION
3.1 The Objectives of the Association are:
3.1.1 To encourage, promote and develop recreation and culture opportunities for Members
55 years of age and older.
3.1.2 To represent the citizens residing in the city of Calgary who are 55 years of age and
Older and to encourage those to become active members of the community, by taking
advantage of available recreation and culture opportunities.
3.1.3 To advocate awareness on the part of 55 plus adults to become more active Members
of the Calgary 55 plus Games Association.
3.1.4 To develop sport clinics, leadership skills and friendly competitions for 55 plus adults.
3.1.5 To co-operate with and encourage other organizations having objectives similar in
whole or in part to the purposes and objectives of the Association.
ARTICLE 4 – MEMBERSHIP
4.1 Membership shall be open as follows:
4.1.1 Any person being of the full age of 55 plus years as of December 31st of the current year,
Who wishes to support the objectives of the Association may become a Member upon
payment of the annual Membership Fee.
4.1.2 Any organization which supports the objects of the Association may become an
“Associate” Member upon payment of the appropriate Membership Fee, but will have
No Vote at meetings.
4.1.3 Any Association organized by 55 plus adults carrying on activities catering to 55 plus
adults cultural and recreational needs may become an “Associate” Member upon
payment of the appropriate Membership Fee.
4.1.4 Membership shall comprise of Members whose principal residence is in the Calgary City
Limits and therefore is entitled to the right to become Members of the Association.
4.2 Admission of Members.
Application of membership shall be made by submitting the name and address of the
Proposed Member accompanied by the annual Membership Fee to the Membership
Director of the Association. Upon receipt thereof by the Membership Director, the
person named shall become a Member.
4.3 Membership Fees
4.3.1 Membership Year. The Membership year is January 01 to December 31.
4.3.2 Setting Membership Fees.
The Membership Fee for the Association shall be determined from time to time
by Members at the General Meeting of the Provincial Association.
4.3.3 Payment Date for Fees.
The annual membership fees must be paid prior to participation in any games in
the current year.
4.4 Rights and Privileges of Members.
4.4.1 Any Member in good standing is entitled to:
a) receive notice of Annual Meetings of the Association.
b) attend any annual meeting of the Association.
c) participate and vote in any annual meeting of the Association.
d) exercise other rights and privileges given to members in these bylaws.
4.4.2 Voting Members
The only Members who can vote at meetings of the Association are full members in good standing.
4.4.3. Number of Votes
Every member in good standing shall be entitled to one (1) vote
4.4.4. Members in Good Standing
The Member has paid current Membership Fees or other required fees to the
Association.
4.5 Suspension of Membership
4.5.1 Decision to suspend.
The Board, at a Special Meeting called for that purpose, may suspend a
Member’s membership for one or more of the following reasons:
If the Member has failed to abide by the ByLaws.
If the Member has been disloyal to the Association.
If the Member has disrupted meetings or functions of the Association, or
If the Member has done or failed to do anything judged to be harmful to the
Association
4.5.2 Notice to Member
4.5.2.1. The affected member will receive written notice of the Board’s intention to
Deal with whether that Member should be suspended or not. The member
will receive at least two (2) weeks notice before the Special Meeting.
4.5.2.2. The notice will be sent by double registered mail to the last known address of
the Member shown in the records of the Association.
4.5.2.3. The notice will state the reasons why suspension is being considered.
4.5.2.4 The Member will have an opportunity to appear before the board or the
committee considering the suspension to address the matter. The Member
may bring another person to accompany him or her to the meeting.
4.5.3 Decision of the board or Committee
4.5.3.1. The Board or Committee will determine how the matter will be dealt with and may limit the time given the Member to address the Board or committee.
4.5.3.2. The Board or Committee may exclude the member from its discussions of the
matter, including the deciding vote.
4.5.3.3. The decision of the Board or the Committee, after approval by the Board, is
FINAL.
4.6. Termination of Membership
4.6.1 Deemed Withdrawal.
If a Member has not paid the annual Membership Fee by December 31, for the
Current year, the Member is considered to be not in good standing and must pay the Fee in order to restore all Membership benefits.
4.7 Limitation on the Liability of Members.
No individual Member is liable for any debt or liability of the Association.
5.1 The Annual General Meeting
5.1.1 The Association holds its’ Annual General meeting no later than March 30th of each calendar year at a date, time and place within the City of Calgary in the Province of
Alberta to be determined by the Board of Directors.
5.1.2. Proper notice shall be given of each Annual General Meeting stating the date, time and place of the meeting. Such notices shall be published, posted, mailed, fax’d or E mailed at least fourteen (14) days before the Annual General Meeting.
5.1.3. Agenda for the Meeting.
The Annual General Meeting deals with the following matters:
Adopting the Agenda
Adopting the Minutes of the last Annual General Meeting
Considering the President’s report
Reviewing the financial statements setting out the Association’s income, disbursements, assets, liabilities and the independent accountant’s report.
Appointing an independent accountant
Electing the Members of the Board
Considering matters specified in the meeting notice
Considering any other items brought before the meeting by the Board of Directors and/or any member in good standing.
5.1.4 Quorum
Attendance by not less than twenty (20) Members at the Annual General Meeting is a Quorum.
5.2 Special General Meeting of the Society.
5.2.1 Calling of Special General Meeting
A Special General Meeting may be called at any time:
By a resolution of the Board of Directors to that effect; or
On the written request of a least five (5) Directors. The request must state the reason for the Special General Meeting and the motion(s) intended to be submitted at this Special General Meeting: or
On the written request of at least one third (1/3) of the Voting members. The request must state the reason for the Special General Meeting and the motion(s) intended to be submitted at such a Special General Meeting.
5.2.2 Notice
Proper notice shall be given of each Special General Meeting stating the date, time and place of the meeting. Such notice shall be published, posted, mailed, Fax’d or
E-mailed at least fourteen (14) days before the Special General Meeting.
5.2.3. Agenda for Special General Meeting
Only the matter(s) set out in the notice for Special General Meeting are considered
At the Special General Meeting.
5.2.4. Procedure at the Special General Meeting
Any Special General Meeting has the same method of voting and the same quorum requirements as the Annual General Meeting.
5.3 Proceedings at the Annual or A Special General Meeting.
5.3.1 Attendance by the Public.
General Meetings of the Association are open to the public. A majority of the Members present may ask any persons who are not Members to leave.
5.3.2. Failure to Reach Quorum.
The president cancels the General Meeting if a quorum is not present within one half (1/2) hour after the set time. If cancelled, the meeting is adjourned and
rescheduled for one (1) week later, at the time and place to be announced. If a quorum is not present within one half (1/2) hour after the set time of the second meeting the meeting will proceed with the Members in attendance.
5.3.3. Presiding Officer.
5.3.3.1. The President chairs every General Meeting of the Association. The Vice-
President chairs in the absence of the President.
5.3.3.2. If neither the President nor the Vice-President is present within one half (1.2)
hour after the set time for the General Meeting, the Members present shall
choose one (1) of the Members to chair.
5.3.4. Adjournment.
5.3.4.1. The President may adjourn any General Meeting with the consent of the Members at
the meeting. The adjourned General meeting conducts only the unfinished
business from the initial Meeting.
5.3.4.2. No notice is necessary if the General Meeting is adjourned for less than thirty (30) days.
5.3.4.3. The Society must give notice when a General Meeting is adjourned for thirty (3) days or more. Notice must be the same as for any General Meeting.
5.3.5 Voting
5.3.5.1. Each Voting Member has one (1) vote. A show of hands decides every vote at every General Meeting. A ballot is used if at five (5) voting Members request it.
5.3.5.2. The President does not have a second or casting vote in the case of a tie vote. If there is a tie vote, the motion is defeated.
5.3.5.3 A Voting Member may not vote by proxy.
5.3.5.4. A Majority of the votes of the Voting Members present decides each issue and resolution, unless the issue needs to be decided by a Special Resolution.
5.3.5.5. The President declares a resolution carried or lost. this statement is final and does not have to include the number of votes for and against the resolution.
5.3.5.6. Five (5) Voting Members may request a ballot vote. In such cases, the President or the presiding officer may se the time, place and method for a ballot vote. The result of the
Ballot is the resolution f the General Meeting.
5.3.5.7. Members may withdraw their request for a ballot.
5.3.5.8. The President decides any dispute on any vote. The President decides in good faith, and this decision is final.
5.3.6. Failure to Give Notice of Meeting
No action taken at a General Meeting is invalid due to:
Accidental omission to give any notice to any Member
Any Member not receiving any notice
Any error in any notice that does not affect the meaning.
ARTICLE 6 – THE GOVERNMENT OF THE ASSOCIATION
6.1 The Board of Directors
6.1.1. Governance and Management of the Association.
The Board governs and manages the affairs of the Association. The Board may hire a paid secretary to carry out secretarial functions under the direction and supervision of the
Board.
6.1.2. Powers and Duties of the Board.
The Board has the powers of the Association, except as stated in the Societies Act.
The powers and duties of the Board include:
Promoting the objectives of the Association
Promoting Membership in the Association
Hiring employee to operate the Association
Regulating employees’ duties and setting their salaries
Maintaining and protecting the Association’s assets and property
Approving an annual budget for the Association
Paying all expenses for operating and managing the Association
Paying persons for services and protecting persons from debts of the Association
Investing any extra monies
Financing the operations of the Association and borrowing or raising monies
Making policies for managing and operating the Association
Approving all contracts for the Association
Maintaining all accounts and financial records of the Association
Approving all contracts for the Association
Maintaining all accounts and financial records of the Association
Appointing legal counsel as necessary
Making policies, rules and regulations for operating the Association and using its facilities and assets
Selling, disposing of, or mortgaging any or all of the property of the Association
On all financial resolutions, no Director may abstain from voting.
6.1.3. Composition of Board
The Board consists of a maximum of 17 people
The President
No fewer than five (5) and no more than fifteen (15) Directors-at-Large elected at General Meeting from among the Voting Members
The immediate Past President
6.1.4. Election of Executive and Directors
6.1.4.1. At the Annual General Meeting the voting Members shall elect the following
Positions for a two (2) year term as follows:
On odd numbered years: The President and Treasurer
Also elect up to 6 Directors as large
On even numbered years; the Vice-President and Secretary
Also elect up to 6 Directors at large
The Immediate Past President
The President normally may only be re-elected for three (3) consecutive
terms. Only by the approval of the Board, this may be extended for a further
term in office. The officers must be re-elected after two (2) years.
6.1.5. Resignation, Death or Removal of a Director.
6.1.5.1. A Director may resign from office by giving one (1) months’ notice in writing. Resignation takes effect either at the end of the months’ notice, or on the date the Board accepts the resignation.
6.1.5.2. If any member of the Board of Directors shall resign from office, or without
Reasonable excuse be absent for three (3) or more consecutive Director’s Meetings, or be suspended or expelled from the Association, the Directors shall declare his/her office vacated.
6.1.5.3. If there is a vacancy on the Board, the remaining Directors may appoint a
Member in good standing to fill that vacancy, such appointment to expire at the
next Annual General Meeting.
6.1.6. Meeting of the Board
6.1.6.1. Meetings of the Board shall be held as often as the business of the Association shall require and at least once every three (3) months.
6.1.6.2. The President calls the meetings. The President also calls a meeting if any two (2) Directors make a request in writing and states the business for the meeting.
6.1.6.3. Regular meetings of the Board shall be called, on seven (7) days’ notice by mail, telephone, fax or E-mail. Board Members may waive notice.
6.1.6.4. Five (5) Directors present at any Board meeting is a quorum.
6.1.6.5. If there is no quorum, the President reschedules the meeting to a later date
and time.
6.1.6.6. Each Director, including the President and the Past President, has one (1) vote.
6.1.6.7. The president does not have a second or casting vote in the of a tie vote.
A tie vote means the motion is defeated.
6.1.6.8. Meetings of the Board are open to Members of the Association, but only
Directors may vote. A majority of the Directors present may ask any other
Members to leave.
6.1.6.9. All Directors may agree to and sign a resolution. This resolution is a valid as
One passed at any Board Meeting. It is not necessary to give notice or to call a
Board Meeting. The date on the resolution is the date it is passed.
6.1.6.10. A meeting of the Board may be held by a conference call or E-mail. Directors who participate in this are considered present for the meeting.
6.1.6.11. Irregularities or errors done in good faith do not invalidate acts done by any meeting of the Board.
6.1.6.12. A director may waive formal notice of a meeting.
6.2 Officers
6.2.1. The Officers of the Association are the President, Vice-President, Past President, Secretary and Treasurer.
6.3 Duties of the officers of the Association
6.3.1. The President:
– Supervises the affairs of the Board
– When present, chairs all meetings of the Association and the Board
– Is an ex officio member of all Committees, except the Nominating Committee
– Acts as the spokesperson for the society
– Carries out other duties assigned by the Board
6.3.2. The Vice-President
– Presides at meetings in the President’s absence. If the Vice-President is absent, the Directors elect a Chairperson for the meeting
– Replaces the President at various functions when asked to do so by the President of the Board
– Carries out other duties assigned by the Board
6.3.3. The Secretary
– Attends all meetings of the Association and the Board
– Keeps accurate minutes of these meetings
– Has charge of the Board’s correspondence
– Makes sure a record of names and addresses of all Members of the Association is kept
– Makes sure all notices of various meetings are sent
– Keeps the Seal of the Association
– Files the annual return, changes in the directors of the organization, amendments in the bylaws and other incorporating documents with the Corporate Registry.
– Carries out other duties assigned by the Board
6.3.4. The Treasurer
– Makes sure all monies paid to the Association are deposited in a chartered bank, treasury branch or trust company chosen by the Board
– Makes sure a detailed account of revenues and expenditures is presented to the Board as requested.
– Makes sure a notice to reader of the financial position of the Society is prepared
and presented to the Annual General Meeting and submits a copy of same to
the Association for the records of Calgary 55 plus Games Association
Carries out other duties assigned by the Board
6.3.5 The Past President
– Chairs the Nominating Committee
– Carries out other duties assigned by the Board
ARTICLE 7 – FINANCE AND OTHER MANAGEMENT MATTERS
7.1 The Registered Office
The Registered Office of the Association is located in Calgary, Alberta. Another place may be established at the Annual General Meeting or by resolution of the Board.
7.2 Finance and Auditing
7.2.1. The fiscal year of the Association ends on December 31 of each year.
7.2.2. There is a compilation of a Balance Sheet and Receipts and Disbursements of the Association done by an Independent Accountant for the Annual General Meeting.
At each Annual General meeting of the Association, the Treasurer submits a complete
statement of the books for the previous year.
7.3 Seal of the Association
7.3.1. The Board may adopt a seal of the Association.
7.3.2. The Secretary has control and custody of the seal, unless the Board decides otherwise.
7.3.3. The Seal of the Association can only be used by Officers authorized by the Board. The Board must pass a motion to name the authorized Officers.
7.4 Cheques and Contracts of the Association
7.4.1. The designated Officers of the Board sign all cheques drawn on the monies of the Association. Two (2) signatures are required on all cheques.
7.4.2. All contracts of the Association must be signed by the Officers or other persons authorized to do so by resolution of the Board.
7.5 The Keeping and Inspection of the Books and Records of the Association
7.5.1. The Secretary keeps a copy of the Minute Books and records Minutes of all meetings of the Members and of the Board.
7.5.2. The Secretary keeps the original Minute Books. This record contains Minutes from all meetings of the Association and the Board.
7.5.3. The Board keeps and files all necessary books and records of the Association as required by the Bylaws, the Societies Act, or any other statute or laws.
7.5.4. A Member wishing to inspect the books or records of the Association must give reasonable notice to the President or the Secretary of the Association of his intention to so.
7.5.5. Unless otherwise permitted by the Board, such inspection will take place only at the Registered Office, or other regular business premises operated by the Association during
normal business hours.
7.5.6. All financial records of the Association are open for such inspection by the Members.
7.5.7. Other records of the Association are also open for inspection, except for records that the Board designates as confidential.
7.6 Borrowing Powers
7.6.1. The Association may borrow or raise funds to meet its objectives and operations providing the resolutions to borrow is passed at a duty constituted meeting of the Board
by at least two thirds (2/3) of the Board Members entitled to be present at such meeting.
7.7 Payments
7.7.1. No Member, Director or Officer of the Society receives any payment for his services as a Member, Director or Officer.
7.7.2. Reasonable expenses incurred while carrying out duties of the Society may be reimbursed upon Board approval.
7.8 Protection and Indemnity of Directors and Officers
7.8.1. Each Director or Officer holds office with protection from the Association. The Society indemnifies each Director or Officer against all costs or charges that result from any act
done in his role for the association. The Association does not protect any Director or Officer for acts of fraud, dishonesty or bad faith.
7.8.2. No Director or Officer is liable for the acts of any other Director, Officer or employee. No Director or Officer is responsible for any loss or damage due to the bankruptcy, judgment, or
Insolvency, or wrongful act of any person, firm or corporation dealing with the Society. No Director or officer is liable for any loss due to an oversight or error in damage
by an act in his role for the Association, unless the act is fraud, dishonesty or bad faith.
7.8.3. Directors or Officers can rely on the accuracy of any statement or report prepared by the Association’s Treasurer. Directors or Officers are not held liable for any loss or
as a result of acting on that statement or report.
ARTLE 8 – AMENDING THE BYLAWS
8.1 These Bylaws may be cancelled, altered or added to by a Special Resolution at any Annual General or Special General meeting of the Association.
8.2 The fourteen (14) days’ notice of the Annual General or Special General meeting of the Association must include details of the proposed resolution to change the Bylaws.
8.3 The amended bylaws take effect after approval of the Special Resolution at the Annual General Meeting of Special General Meeting and acceptance by the Corporate Registry of Alberta.
ARTICLE 9 – DISTRIBUTING ASSETS AND DISSOLVING THE ASSOCIATION
9.1 The Association does not pay any dividends or distribute its property among its Members.
9.2 If the Association is dissolved, any funds or assets remaining after paying all debts are to be paid to a registered and incorporated Canadian charitable organization. Members select this organization by Special Resolution. In no event do any members receive any assets of the Association.