Name
The name of the club shall be FOLKESTONE ANGELS BATON TWIRLING CLUB and hereafter called ‘the club’

Purpose
It shall be the purpose of this club to provide children and young people with a safe and fun activity at low cost. The children will learn a large range of skills including baton twirling, cheerleading, dance, flag and ribbon twirling, mace and marching. The organization also helps to promote fitness, self discipline, and team work and to set targets and reach them as well as helping children to develop social skills and self confidence. Our number one aim is to have fun.

Troop colours
The official club colours will be red and black. This means all club uniforms must be in these colours.

Eligibility Requirements
All members must be aged 4 years and over. There is no upper age limit. This is the only restriction on membership. Nobody will be turned away despite gender, race, religion or physical ability.

Membership
I) There is a restriction on membership to 15 members per class. This is ensuring the children get the best training and attention. Once this number has been reached then any interested party will be added to a waiting list. If there is demand for place then
this section may be reviewed with intentions of taking on another trainer to allow more children to join.
II) Upon joining the club a Personal Details form must be completed by a parent or guardian for members under 18 years old. A form completed by the member will not be accepted.
III) Any interested party will be offered 1 free trial session before they make any commitment to joining.

IV) after 4 weeks a membership fee of £5 per year will be due. this is not refundable

Attendance requirements
I) Attendance is very important. Members are expected to attend training every week.
II) If a member is going to be absent from training they must inform the trainer as soon as possible.
III) If a member has continued absence without contacting the trainer and there is a waiting list then the place will be offered to the next person waiting.
IV) Members are encouraged to attend displays and carnivals but this is not a requirement.
V) It is to be the choice of the member if they attend competitions.
VI) All members are encouraged to attend social events but this is not a requirement.
VII) All members are expected to attend the end of year show and awards evening.


Training sessions
I) Training sessions take place on a Monday evening 4:30 until 6:30 for beginners and children aged up to 9 years old. Also on a Tuesday Evening 4:30 until 6:30 for 10 years and over and those progressing though grades 5:30 untill 7:30 for more advanced twirling.
II) The training session will contain one 15 minuet break.
III) Suitable clothing must be worn for training, this must include a leotard worn with shorts, tracksuit or jogging bottoms, stretchy leggings, T-shirts, crop tops and sweat shirts may be worn when weather is cold.
IV) Suitable foot wear must be worn for training, this includes: jazz or ballet shoes, pumps or plimsolls and trainers. The trainer may ask any member to remove unsuitable foot wear and train in bare feet. This for the safety of the child.
V) Spectators are not allowed at training.

Financial Responsibility
I) It is the responsibility of the member to pay for training every 4 weeks before training begins. Training sessions are charged at £6 per child every 4 weeks and must still be paid if not attending the sessions.
II) The club will cover the cost of Team uniforms, costumes, tights, pom poms and batons.
III) The member must pay for individual costumes and any equipment that they would like that the club does not have to lend them.
IV) The club will cover the cost of make up, hair cosmetics and accessories for team events.
V) It is up to the individual to pay for make up hair cosmetics and accessories for individual events and competitions
VI) The individual is asked to provide there own foot wear. If this is too much for the member then the club will try to assist the best it can.
VII) If the decision is taken that the team will attend an event then cost will be covered through club funds if available. If the funds are not available then the members will be asked for a donation.
IX) If a member decides to attend an event as an individual (competitions etc)  then they must cover the cost.
X) Members are encouraged to buy their own batons but this is not a requirement.

Purchase and care of uniforms
I) The club will make the original purchase of all team uniforms. This may include leotards, skirts, tights, military uniforms, hats and sweat shirts. All uniforms purchased by the club remain the property of the club.
II) The member is responsible for all practice wear and foot wear. Team foot wear will be black plimsolls or black jazz shoes.
III) Alterations and mending of uniforms will be the responsibility of the club.
IV) If the club uniform is to be changed for any reason then the committee will decide on what style with the input of the captain to represent the team.
V) Loss of a uniform by a member may result in that member being asked to pay or replace it.

Appearance
I) Uniforms and shoes must be clean, pressed and not in need of repair.
II) Small stud ear rings are the only item of jewellery that will be permitted for training and when on show.
III) Make up must suit the event. It is not needed at all while training. Minimal make is worn for displays and social events. Make up is allowed to be bold and flashy for competitions. The trainer will determine if make up is suitable for the event and may ask a member to remove it.
IV) Hair must be tied up off the face for training.
V) When taking part in club events hair must be in a tight pony tail with all hair in place off the face.
VI) It is up to the individual how they where their hair for solo events but it must be neat and tidy and off the face.

Team selections
I) Teams are split in to age groups.
II) Selections for the team will be determined by ability, attendance and attitude.
III) Each team selected will have 1 reserve that will train as part of the team and act as stand by.
IV) For club events all members who want to take part will be included.

Selection of captain and co-captain
I) The club will have 1 captain and 1 co-captain. They will be chosen by the committee based on attendance, team sprit and attitude. Ability will not be a factor when choosing captains.
II) The position will be reviewed every year and a new captain or Co captain will be selected and normall informed at the annual show and awards evening.
III) It will be possible for 1 person to be re-elected as captain.
IV) If the captain has to step down for any reason or is not able to perform the duties then the Co captain will step up to take that place.
V) A person selected as captain or co-captain is under no obligation to accept the position and a list of duties will be issued to them before they accept.

Duties and responsibilities of the captain and co-captain.
I) The two captains are expected to work together for the best interest of the club
II) Attend all training sessions and displays
III) Is required to attend all social events.
VI) They should set an example of the behaviour and attitude expected of members.
V) Represent the club at social events and collect any awards or gifts.
VI) Meet and greet guests at club events.
VII) Represent the members views at committee meetings.
VIII) Take lead in cheers, chants and calling commands
IX) Report any problems to the trainer to keep the club running smoothly.
X) They should show no favouritism in the club.

Awards and grading
I) Grading is available to all but is not a requirement.
II) Grading exams will take place as soon as 6 members are at the required level for their next grade.
III) There will be a show and awards evening once a year.
IV) Awards are given to each member who attends summer events.
V) Other awards given include 100% attendance, Captain and co-captain, spirit award and Most outstanding. All decisions are made by the trainer with support of the committee.
VI) Other awards may be given at the discretion of the committee.

Discipline, suspension and dismissal
I) Shouting, smacking, or belittling are not accepted forms of punishment.
II) If possible verbal warnings should be given in private and not in front of team mates.
III) Time out may be used as a form of punishment to help the child calm down and then rejoin team mates but the child must not be left alone
IV) If after a number of verbal warnings the behaviour has not been improved then the parents will be called to attend and discuss the problem.
V) Suspension may be an option of punishment if continued bad behaviour is not rectified, this will be discussed with the parent.
VI) Dismissal is a last resort but if the repeated bad behaviour of 1 child is affecting the other member’s dismissal may be the best option. This will be decided between the committee and the parent of the child involved.
VII) The following is a list of offences that will not be accepted and suitable punishments will be issued: Swearing, Spitting, bullying, throwing object, destruction of uniforms or equipment. Stealing, non-Co operation with the trainer or committee, smoking, drug or alcohol abuse, abusive language towards other members or staff,

THE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE AND DUTIES
I) The club shall be managed by a committee that will be elected annually at the annual General meeting.
II) The committee shall consist of a chairperson, Treasurer, secretary and 4 other members.
III) The Director: It is the job of the director to chair all meeting of the committee. To be involved in all aspects of the troop and take part in fund raising, organising shows and events and will have a say in all troop business.
IV) Secretary: It is the job of the secretary to deal with all incoming and outgoing correspondence. To take notes at committee meetings and deal with bookings. Also to prepare all news letters, membership forms and permission slips.
V) Treasurer: It is the job of the treasurer to take care of the financial interest of the troop. Collect money, make deposits and withdrawals. To have active control over what the money is spent on e.g., do we need 10 new batons? It is up to the treasure to decide if we need 10 and can afford them. It is also the  responsibility of the treasurer to prepare a statement of accounts quarterly that is available to all who want to see it.
VI) Committee members: Committee members can be any one who wants to be involved. They will attend meeting and be able to vote and take an active interest in the business side of the troop.

COMMITTEE MEETINGS
I) The committee shall meet no less than twice a year.
II) The committee will arrange the annual general meeting (AGM) for the purpose of receiving the annual report for the club, accounts, acceptation of resignations from the committee and to elect or re-elect the management committee.
III) All proposals to amend the constitution, elect members or make general changes to the running of the club must be voted on and have a clear majority of the vote.
IV) If a person does not attend a meeting then they do not have the right to vote on issues raised in the meeting but can raise the issues at the next meeting if they are unhappy with the motion carried.
V) The members of the club will be given no less than 1 weeks notice that a committee meeting is to be held.
VI) The members shall be given no less than 4 weeks notice to the date of the AGM and will be invited to add items to the agenda for discussion.
VII) Members can request a special meeting of the committee to be called if there are concerns within or complaints about the club which need to resolve. This must be backed by 1 other request on the same or similar subject.
VIII) A special meeting must have no less than 2 days notice for management to attend.
IX) The chairperson or person presiding the meeting shall have a second or casting vote.
X) The secretary will take minutes and prepare a statement of the minutes from all meetings of the club committee

ALTERATION TO THE CONSTITUTION
Any Alteration to this constitution will require the approval of the committee and must be voted on and passed with a clear majority of the people voting at the meeting where the changes were discussed. Any proposals for the changes or additions to be made to the constitution must be received in writing by the secretary at least 14 days before a meeting date or 7 days before a special meeting shall be called.

CLOSER OF THE CLUB
I)If the committee by majority decide to disband the club it shall call a meeting of all members to give them 21 days notice of the closer of the club and to explain why this is happening.
II) If for any reason the club should disband then all equipment owned by club will be donated to another baton twirling team who need it. Assets will not be sold on for profit.
III) Any moneys in the club account will be donated to a charity.
IV) It has been decided by the committee that the chosen charity will be Children in Need.

This constitution was adopted as the constitution of THE FOLKESTONE ANGELS BATON TWIRLING CLUB at the annual general meeting held at the St Augustine’s centre, Folkestone Kent. On 18th December 2006