1. How the Rats Shall be Known

The name of the club is "Southampton Rats Climbing Club" (hereinafter referred to as "the Club" which shall have an emblem/logo incorporating a rodent (e.g. Ratus Norv.) and a mountain crag. Designs must be submitted to the Committee for approval.

2. Objectives of the Club

1. To promote and pursue rock climbing, mountaineering and other related outdoor activities within a loose-knit, informal and sociable framework.
2. To pass on to members any benefits and discounts on equipment, insurance and travel secured by the Club.
3. To especially encourage novice climbers or climbers with little or no technical ability.
4. The Club recognises the prevailing trend towards commercialism, egotism and alienation from the mountain environment that characterises the contemporary climbing scene, and is diametrically opposed to the same.
5. The Club will actively support Low Impact Mountaineering Activities (LIMAs) by promoting PEG league tables and annual PEG awards - see Appendix A.

3. Membership of the Club

• Club Membership is open to any individual over the age of 18 who can convince the Committee that he/she will honour the objectives of the Club.
• In addition to item 3a above, membership of the Club shall only be open to individuals who recognise that climbing and mountaineering are activities with a danger of personal injury or death. members shall be aware of and accept these risks and agree to be responsible for their own actions and involvement.
• Notwithstanding 3a above, a category of family membership may be offered by virtue of an annual resolution at the AGM whereby individual members over the age of 18 (adult Members) and any persons under the age of 18 (children) for whom they are responsible may be elected to this category of membership. Children may only participate in Club activities under the direct supervision of a responsible adult who remains responsible for them at all times. Only adult Members may vote at Club General Meetings.
• The Committee reserves the right to reject application for membership renewal in the following cases:-
   
• Participation in professional climbing
• Habitual use of Lyra tights, chalk bags, bolts, or other impedimenta deemed by the Committee to oppose the philosophy of the Club.
• Dilatory or non-payment of the required membership fee, or failure to comply with 3e below.
   
• All Club Members are expected to attend at least two Club activities per year and are encouraged to help in the organisation of other meets.
• The Club will aim to maintain a minimum membership of 25 active members at any time.

4. Management of the Club

1. The management of the club shall be trusted to the Club committee, hereinafter referred to as the Committee.

5. Committee of the Club

• The elected Officers of the Club shall comprise a minimum of the following:   Chairman, the Treasurer, the Meets Secretary,  the Secretary, and two ordinary Committee Members. In addition, other posts on the Committee may  be proposed and voted upon at the AGM e.g. Newsletter Editor.
• Voting for the election of Officers shall take place at the AGM.
• No Officer can hold the same post for more than five consecutive years unless subsequent elections for the post are unopposed.
• The Chairman of the Club will normally preside at and chair all meetings of the Committee and the Club, and shall be responsible for reporting to the membership at the AGM.
• A quorum for a meeting of the Committee shall be at least half of the elected voting members of the Committee. In addition to the AGM the Committee shall hold at least four meetings each year.
• The Club Secretary shall be responsible for all correspondence relating to Club affairs and for announcing all General meetings and Committee meetings, and the production and distribution of minutes from these meetings. The Secretary shall be responsible for announcing the AGM. In addition, if no separate Membership Secretary is elected, the Club Secretary shall also have responsibilities detailed under section 5j below.
• The Treasurer shall be responsible for the collection of subscriptions and will account for any other income and expenditure on behalf of the Club.
• The Meets Secretary shall be responsible for planning and booking the Club climbing meets subject to approval by the Committee. The arrangements for individual meets may be delegated to other Members in accordance with 3e above.
• If an Officer is appointed as the Newsletter Editor, he or she shall be responsible for the production and distribution of at least four newsletters each year.
• If an Officer is elected as the Membership Secretary, he or she shall be responsible for keeping records about the Membership of the Club, for dealing with membership enquires and for issuing membership cards and information.
• In the event of the resignation of any Officer or Committee Member of the Club, a temporary Officer or Committee Member may be appointed to the Committee.
• The Committee shall be responsible for and organise the following:-
   
• An AGM for the election of Officers, determination of fees, assessment of accounts and other matter.
• A regular newsletter (at least 4 per annum) to facilitate the broadcasting of club events, Committee decisions and any other matters of general interest.
• Club/Group discount as available.
• Application for and renewal of membership.
• Climbing meets and social events.
• Administration of PEG awards.

6. General Meetings

1. An AGM is to be called by the Secretary, who must provide at least 45 clear days notice of such a meeting,  and issue an agenda at least 20 days prior to the meeting. Proposals for items to be included in the agenda of the AGM must be submitted at least 30 days prior to the meeting. The AGM will incorporate a social event whenever possible.
2. An Extraordinary General Meeting must be called by the Club Secretary within 30 days when requested to do so in writing by one fifth of the adult Members of the Club. Members must be given at least 15 days notice of such a meeting and the purposes for which it is called, including an agenda and details of proposals to be voted upon.
3. Voting at an AGM or EGM on any subject will be carried out on a simple majority of members basis, unless otherwise stated in the Club Constitution.
4. A quorum for an AGM or EGM shall be one half of the voting members. Votes may also be submitted in writing to the meeting by members unable to attend, providing it is in their own hand.

7. Subscription and Entrance Fee

1. The Committee will produce a recommendation for the categories and amounts of annual subscription and entrance fees. These shall be pitched at a modest level only to cover the Club's ordinary expenditure in the way of newsletters, administration etc..
2. The categories and amount of fees will be decided by a majority vote at the Club AGM.

8. Amendments to the Constitution of the Club

1. This constitution may be amended at the AGM or EGM  by a two thirds majority. Notice of any amendment must be delivered to the Secretary at least 30 days prior to the AGM and included in the agenda.

9. Dissolution

1. The Club can be dissolved by a two thirds majority vote carried out in accordance with article 8a whereupon any surplus fund of the Club shall be used to further the sport of mountaineering. Any liabilities at the time of dissolution shall be the joint responsibility of all members.