CONSTITUTION: FEBRUARY, 2004

CHANGES IN BOLD PRINT HAVE BEEN APPROVED

Cumann na mBunscol is a National Federation of Primary Schools promoting Gaelic Games in an educational context, having affiliated to it County and Provincial Primary Schools Committees. This promotional work is professionally co-ordinated by Primary School teachers in 2,800 schools throughout the County and attract an annual participation level of 100,000 school children. A wide range of activities for all children is provided with equal opportunities for boys and girls to participate. Activities include boys’ and girls’ football, hurling, camogie, rounders, athletics, handball, mini-sevens, inter-class leagues, quizzes, projects, skill awards schemes and blitzes.

(A) The Federation of Primary Schools Gaelic Games shall be known as "Cumann na mBunscol". The National logo of "Cumann na mBunscol" shall be the "Scoilsport logo".

All business pertaining to "Cumann na mBunscol" shall be carried out under this name and/or under the "Scoilsport logo".

(B) Schools with G.A.A. affiliations in other countries may be accepted as associate members on application to the National Committee and subsequent approval.

(C) The aims and objectives of "Cumann na mBunscol" shall be:

To promote and foster our national games., Boys’ Football, Girls’ Football; Hurling; Camogie; Handball and Rounders in all the Primary Schools of Ireland and other affiliated areas.

To promote and foster a positive attitude towards our national games among teachers, pupils, parents and all involved in the promotion of Gaelic Games in the primary education system

To endeavour to have our national games accepted as part of the curriculum in primary schools by the Department of Education &Science.

To promote Gaelic Games in an atmosphere of fun and enjoyment.

(D) The function of "Cumann na mBunscol" shall be:-

To provide a means for the expression of the collective opinion of its members on matters affecting the interests of Gaelic Games in the Primary Schools of Ireland and other affiliated areas.
To provide a means whereby talks and negotiations can take place with the Department of Education & Science, the G.A.A. and other relevant bodies to promote the aims and interests of "Cumann na mBunscol".
To establish and administer funds for the general administration of the organisation and provide financial assistance to affiliated areas by:

Making submissions and requests to state agencies for financial assistance, grants and special concessions.

Making submissions and requests to the G.A.A. for grants and financial assistance.

Raising sponsorship and other finances nationally to help with the overall promotion of the games.

Using the "Scoilsport logo" in franchising arrangements with business and industry to help raise funds.

Making special arrangements with sports companies so that sports goods may be purchased collectively at special reduced rates.

To provide advice to members on the best ways of promoting Gaelic Games in Primary Schools.
To endeavour to raise standards in all affiliated areas by (a) Coaching (b) Seminars (c) Publications.
To identify weaknesses with the co-operation of County Coisti, Provincial Councils and other relevant bodies and endeavour to rectify them.

(a) To organise and administer a National Skills Programme (Mini-Sevens) in both Boys’ and Girls’ Football, Hurling and Camogie, culminating in Croke Park on All-Ireland Semi-Final and Final days.

(b) To organise a National Skills programme in individual schools in Hurling and Camogie.

To organise and administer National Handball skills programmes, culminating in a National Handball Skills Exhibition in Croke Park.
To operate and maintain an insurance policy so that cover can be provided for officers and members of commitees of "Cumann na mBunscol" while organising and promoting the games.

(E). The philosophy of "Cumann na mBunscol" shall be:-

To promote Gaelic Games in an atmosphere of fun and enjoyment.

(F). Constitution:

"Cumann na mBunscol" shall be constituted as follows:

(1)           Annual General Meeting

(2)           Ordinary General Meeting

(3)           Special General Meeting

(4)           National Committee

(5)           Provincial Councils

(6)           County Schools Committees

(7)           Associate Members

(8)           Members

Annual General Meeting:

(a)The A.G.M. shall be the supreme governing body of the organisation but shall not be involved in the running of local units.

(c)The AGM shall consist of

(1) The National Officers.

(2) Two delegates from each county

(3) Two delegates from each Provincial Council.

( 4 ) Two delegates from each affiliated area ( non-voting ).

(d) The hosting of the AGM shall rotate between the four provinces.

The Business of the AGM Shall be:

(1) Welcoming of Delegates.

(2) Minutes.

(3) Matters arising from Minutes

(4) Correspondence

(5) Address of Chairperson.

(6) Secretary's Report.

(7) Treasurers' Report.

(8) Other Reports as necessary.

(9)Elections

· President.

· Chairman.

· Vice-Chairman.

· Secretary.

· Assistant Secretary

· Treasurer.

· P.R.O.

· Development Officer.

· Delegate to Central Council.

· (a) Provincial Delegate Leinster.

· (b) Provincial Delegate Ulster

· (c)Provincial Delegate Munster.

· (d) Provincial Delegate Connaught.

· Motions.

(11) Addresses of invited Speakers.

(12) A.O.B.

· N.B. Provincial Delegates will be elected only in the absence of a delegate from that province been elected to the National Committee.

* Ordinary General Meeting:

1. A general meeting of Cumann na mBunscol will be held annually in September.

2. The National Oficers shall choose a suitable venue for the meeting.

3. The General Meeting shall consist of:

(a) The officers of Cumann na mBunscol

(b) Two delegates from each County

(c) Two delegates from each Provincial Council

(d) Two delegates from each affiliated area ( non-voting ).

4. The business of the Ordinary General Meeting shall be:-

(a) Welcoming of delegates

(b) Minutes

(c) Matters arising from minutes

(d) Correspondence

(e) Reports on current business

(f) Financial Report

(g) Mini-Sevens Report

(h) Special Business

(i) Addresses of Invited Speakers

(j) A.O.B.

N.B. Every third year the Ordinary Meeting will consider a review presented to it by a sub-committee of Cumann na mBunscol on the organisation of the 'Mini-Sevens'. Proposed changes will be voted in and if successful, will come into effect for the following years 'Mini-Sevens'.

*Special General Meeting:

1. A special General Meeting may be called at the special written request of 12 or more County/Provincial Coisti stating the reason for such a meeting.

2. On the receipt of 12 or more written requests for a Special General Meeting, the Secretary must inform the Chairman who will call a meeting within 14 days.

3. The Special General Meeting shall consist of

(a) The Officers of Cumann na mBunscol

(b) Two delegates from each affiliated County

(c) Two delegates from each Provincial Council.

(d) Two delegates from each affiliated area ( non-voting ).

4. Business of Special General Meeting.

The only business that will be discussed at the meeting is the business requested as the reason for calling the meeting.

* Officers and National Committee:

1. All members of the National Committee shall be elected annually at the AGM. All officers may hold office for a maximum

period of five years.

2. All members of the National Committee are limited to two consecutive maximum terms of office. A member may however seek office again after a minimum of one year's break.

3. The National Committee shall carry out the business of Cumann na mBunscol between General Meetings. They shall meet regularly and attend to all current business.

4. The National Committee may appoint sub-committees as required to assist them with a current task or problem. These sub-committees to be endorsed by the AGM or GM.

5. The National Committee may accept units from other countries on approval of application for associate membership of Cumann na mBunscol.

6. The Cathaoirleach shall preside at all meetings of Cumann na mBunscol.

7. The Cathaoirleach shall see that the rules of the organisation are enforced sensibly and fairly on all occasions.

8. In an event of the enforced absence of the Cathaoirleach, the Leas-Chathaoirleach shall preside over the meetings and act in all cases as Cathaoirleach.

9. All sub-committees set up by the National Committee will be chaired by anothermember other than the Cathaoirleach and Leas-Chathaoirleach.

10. The Secretary shall minute all meetings and ensure that a copy of the minutes be available for the next meeting.

11. All routine correspondence with affiliated areas shall be done by the Secretary.

12. All correspondence with the GAA, State Departments and Public Bodies shall be carried out by the Secretary in consultation with the other bodies.

13. The Treasurer shall be responsible for

(a) The maintenance of proper financial records.

(b) The lodgement of all income into the Bank Account of Cumann na mBunscol.

(c) The issuing of all cheques.

(d) An annual audit of the accounts.

(e) Presentation of accounts to the Annual General Meeting.

14. The PRO shall in consultation with the other officers:

(a)Take every available opportunity to publicise Cumann na mBunscol and to ensure that the organisation has a high profile.

(b) Ensure that the 'Aims and Objectives' of Cumann na mBunscol be protected and advanced in dealing with outside agencies.

(c) Prepare a newsletter and distribute it to all affiliated areas.

(d) Prepare all National Press Releases on behalf of An Coiste Naisiunta, Cumann na mBunscol.

(e) Ensure that all suitable G.A.A. promotional material be available to all schools.

(f) Meet with the Four Provincial P.R.O.'s within a few months of the A.G.M. to formulate a coherent P.R. policy for the current year.

15. The Development Officer shall in consultation with the other officers:

(a)Endeavour to raise standards in all counties by holding seminars, coaching courses and issuing publications.

(b)Identify weaknesses and with the help of County Coisti, Provincial Councils and other relevant bodies seek to rectify them.

(c)Examine applications made by County Committees for development grants and make recommendations there on to the National Committee.

(d)Meet with the Four Provincial Development Officers within a few months of the A.G.M. to

formulate a coherent development policy for the current year.

16. The delegate to Central Council will in consultation with the other officers promote the interests of Cumann na mBunscol at Central Council and endeavour to promote Primary School games at all times.

17. The remaining members of the National Committee shall be the President, Assistant Secretary and if necessary Provincial delegates.

18. A Provincial Delegate will be a full member of the National Committee with full voting rights.

* Provincial Councils.

1. Provincial Councils shall be properly constituted under the aims and objectives of "Cumann na mBunscol".

2. A General Meeting of each Provincial Council will be held annually.

3. Those entitled to vote at this meeting shall be the officers and two delegates from each county.

4.At this meeting the delegates will elect officers and a committee to run the affairs of the Provincial Council between meetings.

5.This committee shall promote the aims of Cumann na mBunscol and endeavour to raise the standards of Gaelic Games within the Province.

7. Two delegates from each Provincial Council will attend the Annual General Meeting, General Meeting and Special Meetings of Cumann na mBunscol.

8. A report of yearly activities and statement of accounts must be forwarded to the National Secretary annually.

9. Each Provincial Committee will notify and invite a delegate from An Coiste Naisiunta to the Provincial AGM.

* County Schools Committees:

1. Each County Schools Committee shall be properly constituted under the aims and objectives of Cumann na mBunscol.

2. A General Meeting of each County Schools Committee will be held annually.

3. All Primary Schools in the County will be sent written notification of that meeting.

4.Elections will be held at this meeting and Officers and a Committee will be appointed to run the affairs of Cumann na mBunscol in that affiliated area between meetings.

5. This committee shall promote the aims and objectives of Cumann na mBunscol and endeavour to raise the standards of Gaelic Games in their County.

6. This Committee shall adjudicate on all activities of Cumann na mBunscol within the County.

7. Decisions of Cumann na mBunscol may be appealed to 'An Coiste Gearan' within the County. The decision of An Coiste Gearan will be final.

(a) An Coiste Gearan should be elected at the AGM. Members of 'An Coiste Gearan' should not be officers

or

(b) members of the Committee within the County.

8. A comprehensive report of yearly activities together with a statement of Accounts must be forwarded to the National Secretary annually.

9. Two delegates from each County will attend the Annual General Meeting, Ordinary General Meeting and Special Meetings of Cumann na mBunscol.

10. Each county shall formally adopt a constitution, a copy of which shall be forwarded to An Coiste Náisiúnta for ratification

11. Each County Coiste adopt a code of practice in line with any of the following:

Cumann Luthchleas Gael, I.N.T.O., Sports Council Code of Ethics in Sport and Children First.

12. When affiliating to Cumann na mBunscol annually, teachers and B.O.M. agree to be bound by the rules of Cumann na mBunscol.

13. County committees shall accept correspondence only from the school through the Chairperson, the principal or the designated teacher.

Associate Membership:

(a) Other affiliated areas may be accepted as associate members of Cumann na mBunscol provided that they have a properly constituted committee set up in accordance with the aims and objectives of Cumann na mBunscol.

(b) Associate membership will entitle areas to send two delegates in a non-voting capacity to the Annual General Meeting, Ordinary General Meeting and any Special General Meeting.

(c) Associate units will be entitled to receive all new documentation together with any new promotional material issued by Cumann na mBunscol.

* Standing Orders: Updated on 24.3.98

1. The Cathaoirleach shall preside over all meetings and shall see that the rules of the organisation be enforced sensibly and fairly on all occasions.

2. Motions to the Annual General Meeting, which shall be in the name of an affiliated area or Provincial Council and formally adopted at a meeting of that body , must reach the National Secretary not later than the last Friday in January.

3. All nominations for positions on the National Committee which shall be in the name of an affiliated area or Provincial Council and formally adopted at a meeting of that body, must reach the National Secretary not later than the last Friday in January.

4. The National Committee shall consider all motions and nominations and decide if they are in order and acceptable for consideration at the AGM.

5. Copies of the agenda for the AGM together with list of motions and nominations for elections to National Committee shall be circulated to all affiliated areas and Provincial Councils at least 14 days before AGM.

6. Amendments and agenda will be with the National Secretary in writing in the name of an affiliated area or Provincial Council at least one week before the AGM.

7. Contrary motions shall not be accepted.

8. All motions must be clear and unambiguous and must not conflict with the aims and objectives of Cumann na mBunscol.

9. (a) To be deemed in order a motion must be implementable and must be specific to Cumann na mBunscol.

(b) However motions may call on Cumann na mBunscol to negotiate with relevant bodies on a specific matter that is of interest to Cumann na mBunscol.

10. The mover of a proposal shall speak for not more than three minutes.

11. The seconder of a proposal shall speak for no more than three minutes.

12. No motion shall be discussed for more than 20 minutes. The motion must be disposed of when the 20 minutes have elapsed.

13.The mover shall have the right of reply in all cases. 2 minutes maximum.

14. Voting shall be by a show of hands on all motions. A simple majority shall ensure the adoption of any item. Where rule changes are proposed, a two thirds majority shall be neccessary in every instance to ensure their adoption.

15. The usual method for the disposal of amendments and agenda shall be followed.

16. In the event of the proposition "That the question be put", and that this proposition be seconded, the presiding Cathaoirleach shall on a show of hands either continue the debate or 'Put the question'.

17. In the event of the proposition "That the AGM, move to next business " and that this proposition be seconded, the presiding cathaoirleach shall put the proposition to a vote immediately. If defeated the debate shall be resumed.

18. If a position on the National Committee be contested, voting shall be by secret ballot. A successful canditate must have 50% + 1 of the valid votes cast by delegates present and voting at the AGM. In the event of a tie, the winning candidate will be drawn by lot.

19. The chairman may at his discretion ask if there is no obvious objection to a motion that the motion be put in order, to save time.

20. The chairman may at his discretion and in consultation with order officers change the order of business in the interest of efficiency.

21. The order of business may also be changed at the request of a majority of delegates present and voting.

22. Only properly constituted delegates may speak at the AGM or General Meeting. Other speakers may only address the AGM when prior arrangements are made through the National Committee.

* National Mini-Sevens:

1. The National Mini-Sevens will be run each year culminating in Croke Park on All-Ireland Final and Semi-Final days.

2. At the first meeting at the National Committee after the General Meeting, a National Co-Ordinator will be appointed. Counties may submit the names of interested candidates to the National Committee for consideration.

3. The National co-ordinator will, in consultation with the National Committee, be responsible for the running of the 'Mini-Sevens' from regional level to completion on All Ireland Final Days.

4. All grievances and complaints at County level will be dealt with at County level.

5. All grievances and complaints, after the County stages have been completed, will be made in writing to the National Co-Ordinator and will be dealt with by the National Committee.

6. Failure to comply with rules and bye-laws will result in immediate suspension from that year's series.

7. The rules and by-laws including organisation, playing rules, age limits and rules governing stages of the games will be considered every three years.

8. A sub-committee will be set up by the National Committee and all affiliated areas will be asked to make submissions on all aspects of the Mini-Sevens to the sub-committee.

9. The sub-committee will examine all submissions and will put recommended changes or additions to the rules or the organisation of the games to the National Committee.

10. The National Committee will examine all recommended changes and additions to the rules or the organisation of the games and decide if they are in order and acceptable for consideration.

11. All new proposals will be circulated to affiliated areas at least 21 days before the General Meeting.

12. Amendments and agenda to the proposed changes which shall be in the name of an affiliated area or Provincial Council and adopted at a meeting of that body must reach the National Secretary not later than one week before the General Meeting.

13. The Ordinary General Meeting will consider all new proposals , together with amendments and agenda and accept or reject them according to usual procedure.(A change of rule will need a 2/3 majority).

11. All adopted changes or additions will come into effect for the following years games.

*National Handball Skills Programme:

1. The National Handball Skills Programme will be run each year culminating in the alleys at Croke Park in May/April as a National handball skills day/days.

2.At the first meeting of the National Committee after the General Meeting, a National Co-Ordinator will be appointed. Counties may submit the names of interested candidates to the National Committee for consideration.

3. The National Co-Ordinator will, in consultation with the National Committee, be responsible for the running of the Handball skills programme from regional level to completion on National Handball skill days.

4. Singles and doubles games will be organised for both girls and boys on a non-competitive basis.

5. There will be two sections according to age

(1) Under 11 1st Jan

(2) Under 13 1st Jan

6. All grievances and complaints at County level will be dealt with at County level.

7. All grievances and complaints after the County stages have been completed will be made in writing to the National Co-Ordinator and will be dealt with by The National Committee.

8. Failure to comply with rules and by-laws will result in immediate suspension from that year's series.

9. The rules and by-laws including organisational, playing rules, age limits and rules governing the staging of the skills programme will be considered every three years.

10. All aspects of the skills programme will be considered by a sub-committee set up by the National Committee and submissions will be sought from each affiliated area as with the 'Mini-Sevens'.

11. All proposed changes will be put to the Ordinary General Meeting and will be dealt with in the usual manner.

12.All adopted changes or additions will come into effect for the following years skills programme.

* Grievances and Complaints:

1. Grievances and complaints in regard of matters within an area will be settled within that area.

2. Each County will have a constitutionally elected Coiste Gearan to deal with appeals arising from decisions of the County Coiste.

3. Complaints, Objections and Counter Objections:

Any complaints or objections must be lodged with the Runaí Chontae in writing within 4 school days of the game. The Runaí informs the other party who also has 4 school days to respond in writing. The matter can then be dealt with by the Coiste Contae. The decision will then be conveyed to both parties. Any party dissatisfied with the decision of the Coiste may appeal in writing to the Runaí Chontae Cumann na mBunscol within 4 school days. This appeal will be heard by the Coiste Gearán.

4. Coiste Gearán: This is an appeals body.

A minimum of 5 are elected to this committee at the A.G.M. No member of the Officer Board of Coiste Chontae, Cumann na mBunscol or anybody who has heard the original objection may sit on An Coiste Gearán. No member of the Coiste Gearán may consider any appeal involving their own school. The Coiste Gearán may call all interested parties. A quorum of 3 is necessary to hear all appeals. The decision of the Coiste Gearán is final and binding.

5. Grievances, complaints and objections dealing with issues outside County Juristiction will be dealt with by the National Committee. The decision of the National Committee will be final.

6. Sanctions will be taken against any area or member who brings the organisation into disrepute.

*Sanctions:

1. Misuse of organisational funds.

Automatic Disassociation.

2. Conduct unbecoming a member of 'Cumann na mBunscol'.

Automatic Disassociation.

3. Failure of a County to furnish a statement of accounts.

Withholding of grants.

4. Failure of a County to furnish a secretary’s report.

Withholding of grants.

5. Failure to hold an A.G.M.

Withholding of all monies due to that County Coiste.

6. Failure of Counties to honour obligations to sponsorship agreements. Witholding of sponsorship monies.

Contents	Clar an lae		Standing Orders.	A.G.M. 2003 Minutes		G.M. 2003 Minutes.
Secretarys Report 2002-03.	Treasurers Report.		Handball.	Development Report Jan 2003		Mini7 2003 Report
P.R. Report.	Nominations &Motions		Roadstone Recipients.	Taoiseach's Speech.		Nos. of Games Played
Nos. of Participating Schools.	Constitution		Insurance Cert. For 26 Counties.	Insurance Cert. For 6 Counties.		National Addresses.
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	CUMANN NA MBUNSCOL NÁISIÚNTA
National A.G.M.2004 (Kerry)