Constitution of the Ulster Chess Union

1. The name of the Union shall be, ``The Ulster Chess Union''
2. The objects for which the Union is established are:-
   1. to encourage the study and practice of chess in Northern Ireland;
   2. to administer the playing of chess in Northern Ireland
   3. to arrange for the participation of Northern Ireland chess players in British and Irish chess meetings and contests
   4. to act as the supreme governing body for chess in Northern Ireland,
   5. to affiliate to other chess organisations, and in particular the World Chess Federation (FIDE), in its role as the supreme governing body for chess in Northern Ireland,
   6. to be responsible for the representation of Northern Ireland in International chess contests and meetings.
3. Registered members of the Ulster Chess Union may participate at any meeting of the Union and shall be entitled to a single vote at any division
4. 1. The officers of the Union shall be five members elected at an Annual General Meeting namely:-
      1. a President,
      2. a Vice President,
      3. an Honorary Secretary,
      4. an Honorary Assistant Secretary,
      5. an Honorary Treasurer.
   2. These officers constitute the Executive Board of the Union
   3. The Union or its Executive Board shall have the power to appoint such Committees as it may consider necessary, and may delegate all or any of it's powers to such Committees
   4. The Union or its Executive Board may determine such standing orders as it deems necessary to ensure the objects of the Union are met.
5. 1. Any question, other than a vote on an amendment to this Constitution, arising at any meeting of the Union shall be decided by majority vote.
   2. No person shall be entitled to cast more than one vote at any division.
   3. Notwithstanding anything stated to the contrary in this Constitution, the President, or in his absence the Chairman of the meeting, shall have a casting vote in the event of a tied vote.
6. The fees and subscriptions due to the Union shall be those sums which the Annual General Meeting shall from time to time determine.
7. 1. The Annual General Meeting of the Union shall be held each year not later than the month of October, and shall be convened by the Honorary Secretary.
   2. An annual report and audited statement of accounts shall be presented by the Honorary Secretary and Treasurer respectively for adoption to this meeting.
   3. The agenda of the meeting shall be drawn up by the Honorary Secretary but may be altered by the meeting itself.
8. 1. In order to summon an Extraordinary General Meeting of the Union, three of the officers or twenty or more players registered with the Union shall give written notice to the Honorary Secretary that they wish such a meeting be convened.
   2. The Honorary Secretary, on receipt of such notice, shall convene the meeting.
9. 1. This Constitution shall not be altered except at a meeting of the Union specially called for the purpose.
   2. In order to summon such a meeting of the Union, three of the officers or twenty or more players registered with the Union shall give written notice to the Honorary Secretary that they wish such a meeting be convened, and give written notice of the amendments they propose.
   3. The Honorary Secretary, on receipt of such notice, shall convene the meeting.
   4. A two-thirds majority of those present and entitled to vote at the meeting shall be necessary before any alteration may be carried.
10. In convening any meeting of the Union, the Honorary Secretary shall inform the membership at least two weeks in advance of the time, place and agenda of the meeting.
11. No vote at any meeting of the Union shall be valid unless seven people, entitled to vote at the meeting, are in attendance at the time of the vote.
12. 1. The Union may be dissolved at any General Meeting by a two-thirds majority vote of those present and entitled to vote. Any motion to dissolve shall be presented to the membership 4 weeks prior to the General Meeting.
    2. In the event of 3 consecutive General Meetings failing to be quorate, the Union shall be dissolved
    3. In the event of dissolution, all assets shall be given to one or more organisations with similar aims and objectives as the Union. Remaining members shall determine, by a simple majority, this distribution of assets.