Membership
Membership is open to all breeders, exhibitors, owners and lovers of Siamese. Membership fees are due 1 January of each year. Please note our rules of membership in our Constitution below.(A copy of the constitution is downloadable at the bottom of the page).
For new applications of membership click here to download an application form:
sbg_application_form_2017.doc | |
File Size: | 25 kb |
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For existing SBG members click here to download a renewal form:
sbg_renewal_form_2019.doc | |
File Size: | 27 kb |
File Type: | doc |
sbg_renewal_form_2019.pdf | |
File Size: | 270 kb |
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Constitution
(As amended: March 2016)
1. NAME
The Group shall be called the Siamese Breeders’ Group of South Africa, hereinafter referred to as “the Group”, with headquarters in Cape Town or at such other place or places as may be decided on by the Group from time to time.
2. AIMS
2.1. To encourage the breeding of quality, registered cats and specifically to promote the Siamese Breed in all possible ways.
2.2. To assure the welfare of the Siamese Breed.
3. OBJECTS
To carry on the affairs of the Group as a non-profit making concern. All excess of revenue over expenditure shall be devoted or expended in order to further the aims of the Group, or shall be held or reserved in accordance with the Rules for that purpose.
4. AFFILIATION
The Group will be affiliated to the Southern Africa Cat Council (SACC).
5. LEGAL STATUS
5.1. The Group shall have an independent legal “persona” with perpetual succession and with a capacity to acquire and hold property for itself and apart from its members, and likewise to acquire other rights and incur obligations and to sue and be sued for and by itself apart from its members.
5.2. The property and other assets of the Group shall vest in the Group, which shall hold such assets for itself as distinct from its individual members, and the individual members shall have no right in or to any property or other assets of the Group.
5.3. Under no circumstances shall the assets of the Group or any part thereof be distributed to members in the form of a dividend or share-out of excess or remaining funds and in the event of the Group being dissolved, the assets shall be dealt with in term of Paragraph 27 “Dissolution of the Group”.
5.4. Any obligations or liabilities incurred by or on behalf of the Group shall be incurred for the Group itself and to the exclusion of the individual members.
5.5. The Group may sue or be sued in its own name and the power to decide on whether or not to defend a suit, shall vest in the Committee for the time being holding office, as provided for in this Constitution.
6. DEFINITIONS
6.1. “Committee” shall mean the Executive Committee of the Group duly elected in accordance with the Rules.
6.2. “The Rules” shall mean the Rules and Regulations of the Group as implied by the Constitution and Regulations duly passed in accordance with the Rules.
6.3. “General Meeting” shall mean an Annual General Meeting or an Extraordinary General Meeting held in accordance with the Rules.
6.4. “Group Meeting” shall mean an Ordinary Meeting held in accordance with the Rules.
6.5. The masculine gender includes the feminine gender and vice versa.
6.6. The terms “in writing”, “by post” and “postal” shall mean communication by post/surface mail, electronic mail or fax; except where a specific format is prescribed.
7. MEMBERSHIP OF THE GROUP
7.1. The Group shall consist of Members, who shall be persons elected as such by the Committee in accordance with the Rules. Membership shall be in categories: Full, Overseas, Honorary, Family and Life. Members shall be entitled to: Attend Meetings, Receive Agendas and Minutes of Meetings, Receive the Newsletter, Eligibility for special awards of the Group
7.2. All Members in good standing shall be entitled to vote in the General Meetings of the Group.
7.3. For the purpose of SACC Breed Council voting in respect of all issues pertaining to changes to the Siamese Standard of Points, membership of the Group is divided into two categories: Voting and Non-Voting,
7.3.1. Voting members Breed Council voting rights are restricted to those Members who qualify as Voting Members under the rules of SACC.
7.3.2. Non-Voting members
7.3.3. All other Members not qualifying in terms of rule 7.3.1 above
7.4. Honorary membership may be conferred on any person deemed helpful to the Group, by a two thirds (2/3) majority vote of those Members present at a meeting and, where applicable, shall entitle them to attend meetings, receive agendas and minutes of meetings and the newsletter. Honorary Members will not have voting rights as specified in rule 7.2 above.
7.5. Membership of the Group will lapse if dues are not paid within 60 days of the due date. A rejoining fee of R20 will be levied on a lapsed membership when rejoining.
8. APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP
8.1. All applications for membership shall be made to the Secretary in writing, signed by the candidate, in the format prescribed by the Committee and shall be accompanied by the necessary subscription.
8.2. The acceptance or rejection of such application shall be made at the sole and absolute discretion of the Committee and its decision shall be final and binding on the candidate. The committee shall not be obliged to give any reasons for its decision.
8.3. The Secretary shall notify the candidate in writing of election or rejection as a Member. In the case of election, a copy of the Constitution and a membership card shall accompany such notification. Such a Member shall be bound by the Rules from the time of election. In the case of rejection the subscription shall be returned to the candidate.
9. SUBSCRIPTIONS
9.1. The Annual Subscriptions for the categories of membership of the Group shall be laid down at the Annual General Meeting. It may be altered by a simple majority vote at a General Meeting.
9.2. The first Annual Subscription shall become due on election; and the Annual Subscription thereafter, on the first day of January each year.
9.3. Life membership shall be calculated at ten times the Full Annual Subscription.
9.4. Life membership is optional and open only to those who have been members for five (5) consecutive years.
10. RESIGNATION OF MEMBERS
10.1. A Member shall be entitled to terminate his membership by written notification to that effect to the Secretary. Such termination shall take effect from the date of posting of a written acceptance of such resignation by the Secretary to the member concerned
10.2. Any Member so resigning shall not be entitled to a refund of any subscription or any other dues paid by him in accordance with the Rules and shall have no claim whatsoever against the Group or its property.
11. CONDUCT OF MEMBERS
11.1. Every Member shall conform to the Rules of the Group and of SACC and shall not commit any breach thereof or act in opposition to the Rules and/or to the fundamental objects and principles upon which the Group had been founded.
11.2. Every Member shall show proper respect for the authority of the Chairman and Committee and shall conform to all the decisions duly made by them or by the duly authorized Officers of the Group in accordance with the Rules.
11.3. Every Member should conduct himself in such a manner that the Group is not brought into disrepute. Such harmful actions might be, but are not limited to: verbal attacks or maligning of other Members, exhibitors, judges or other people at SACC shows, exhibitions or events; or written attacks or scathing comments on persons in public email lists, in cell phone messages or any electronic media.
11.4. Every member shall in his breeding activities comply with the SBG Code of Ethics contained in Annexure A to this Constitution.
12. DISCIPLINE
12.1. The committee shall have the power to constitute a disciplinary committee, which, after due and proper investigation or hearing, may reprimand, suspend or expel any member, subject to the right of appeal at the next Annual General Meeting or at an Extraordinary General Meeting.
12.2. In the event of any Member being so reprimanded, expelled or suspended, the Committee shall place before the next General Meeting a report of the investigation so held and the decision of the Committee.
13. OFFICERS OF THE GROUP
13.1. The affairs of the Group shall be managed by the Committee. The following shall be the Officers of the Group:
13.2. Executive Officers namely;
13.2.1. The Chairman, Vice Chairman, Honorary Secretary, Honorary Treasurer, Breed Council Delegate, Awards Officer, Editor and PRO, who shall be Members of the Group, elected to these offices in accordance with the Rules. Candidates shall be proposed and seconded in writing.
13.3. The Financial Officer, who shall be a qualified person elected at an AGM in accordance with the Rules
13.4. Members thus elected will serve the Group for one year and will be eligible for re-election, unless otherwise indicated.
14. ELECTION OF OFFICERS
14.1. Nominations for the office of an Executive Officer of the Group shall be made in writing, and shall reach the Secretary no later than 1st February annually. Candidates shall be proposed and seconded by two members, and such nominations signed by the candidate.
14.2. In the event that an Officer has to resign his duties during his term of office, for any reason whatsoever, the Committee shall have the power to co-opt another Member of the Group to fill the position, except in the case of the resigning member being the Chairman. In this event the Vice-Chairman will automatically become the Chairman and a new Vice-Chairman co-opted.
14.3. Voting shall be done by a show of hands or ballot, in the discretion of the Chairman. Where possible, preference should be given to voting by ballot. A simple majority of votes shall decide the election of officers.
15. FUNCTIONS AND DUTIES OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
15.1. The following preside at Meetings in order of precedence: Chairman or Vice-Chairman: If both are absent the Meeting shall appoint its own Chairman
15.2. In the case of an equality of votes the Chairman of the Meeting shall have a casting vote.
15.3. The Chairman shall ensure that the Minutes of the Group Meetings and General Meetings are confirmed at an ensuing meeting.
15.4. The Chairman and the Treasurer shall present Annual Reports and Statements to the Annual General Meeting on behalf of the Committee.
15.5. The Committee shall not incur any expenditure whereby the funds of the Group shall be diminished by more than 25% of its total funds without the authority of a General Meeting.
15.6. The Committee reserves the right to co-opt Members to the Committee as the need arises.
15.7. To give to the Financial Officer any information whatever he may deem necessary, for the proper performance of his duties and any necessary Certificates signed by the relevant Officer concerned.
16. DELEGATE TO BREED COUNCIL
16.1. The Delegate to Breed Council must be a Voting member of the Group in terms of Rule 7.3.1 above
16.2. If a Delegate appointed to attend a meeting cannot attend, then the Committee shall designate the proxy to be substituted and the Delegate shall execute the applicable proxy
17. DUTIES OF THE HONORARY SECRETARY
17.1. The duties of the Honorary Secretary shall be:
17.2. To conduct the correspondence of the Group and place such correspondence before the Group.
17.3. To keep an up-to-date Register of the names, addresses and registered cattery names of the Members of the Group.
17.4. To give notice in accordance with the Rules of election or rejection of any candidate for membership and to forward with the Notice to a Member so elected a copy of the Constitution and a Membership Card or to refund the subscription to a person not so elected.
17.5. To give notice, in writing, to members of every Group and/or General Meeting. Such notice shall contain the Agenda for the Meeting/s.
17.6. To keep true and accurate Minutes of the proceedings of the Group and General Meetings, and to enter these in a Minutes Book, and to read such Minutes when required to do so at Group or General Meetings.
17.7. To circulate to Members any Notices, Reports or Publications in accordance with the Rules or when required to do so by the Committee.
18. DUTIES OF THE HONORARY TREASURER
18.1. The Duties of the Honorary Treasurer shall be:
18.2. To accept, hold in trust, deal with and administer all monies received by or on behalf of the Group.
18.3. To open and operate a Banking or Building Society account in the name of the Group. All cheques, negotiable instruments and other Banking or Building Society Documents shall be signed by the Treasurer and a member of the Committee.
18.4. To submit to the Group at Group Meetings a list of liabilities of the Group for payment and to obtain direction thereon.
18.5. To keep true, proper and up-to-date records of assets, liabilities and financial transactions of the Group and of payment of subscriptions by members. To submit such books and records to the Auditor of the Group in sufficient time to enable the Auditor to audit the Group’s accounts as soon as possible after the 31st day of December of each year. To obtain the Balance Sheet and any other reports compiled by the Financial Officer and to place the same before the Committee to enable the Committee to discuss and submit the same to the ensuing Annual General Meeting.
18.6. To send by not later than the 31st day of January each year to Members still liable for payment of subscriptions, notice to make payment thereof.
19. DUTIES OF THE EDITOR
19.1. The Duties of the Editor shall be:
19.2. To produce a Newsletter at least twice per year.
19.3. To compile and Editorial to the Newsletter.
20. DUTIES OF THE PR
20.1. The Duties of the PRO shall be:
20.2. To promote the Group in all possible ways.
21. DUTIES OF THE FINANCIAL OFFICER
21.1. The Duties of the Financial Officer shall be:
21.2. To obtain from the Treasurer or Officers of the Group whatever information he may deem necessary for the proper performance of his duties.
21.3. To audit the Group’s accounts from the books and records submitted to him by the Treasurer and to prepare and submit a signed Balance Sheet and Statement of Revenue and Expenditure for the Group’s financial year, together with any report which he may deem necessary as soon as possible after the 31st day of December of each year.
22. GENERAL MEETINGS
22.1. The Group may hold Annual General Meetings and Extraordinary General Meetings.
Annual General Meeting
22.2. An Annual General Meeting shall be held not later than the last day of March each year
22.3. A written notice of the Annual General Meeting shall be posted to all Members by the Secretary not later than 21 days before the date of such a meeting. Such notice shall specify the date, place and time thereof. This communication shall include the Agenda and other relevant documentation, including a schedule of nominees for Executive Officer positions, and proposed Constitutional and Rule amendments.
22.4. The Agenda shall include the following:
22.4.1. Confirmation of the Minutes of the previous Annual General Meeting.
22.4.2. Chairman’s Report.
22.4.3. Treasurer’s Report and financial statements.
22.4.4. Election of Officers.
22.4.5. Appointment of Financial Officer.
22.4.6. Amendments to the Constitution and Rules.
22.4.7. Determination of subscription/membership fees.
22.5. The Agenda may include any other business, which a General Meeting is entitled or obliged to deal with and/or decide upon.
22.6. No other business save that appearing on the Agenda shall be transacted at an Annual General Meeting.
22.7. A quorum for an Annual General Meeting shall be 10%, calculated to the next highest whole number of the Members of the Group entitled to vote thereat, or ten (10) members, whichever shall be the greater. Should a quorum not be present within half an hour from the time appointed for such Annual General Meeting, the Chairman shall adjourn the Meeting to a date or time not later than fourteen (14) days from the date thereof, and to a place announced by him, and the Members present and entitled to vote at such an adjourned meeting shall form a quorum. No further notice of such adjourned meeting, save for the Chairman’s announcement, need be given.
Extraordinary General Meeting
22.8. Extraordinary General Meetings shall be convened upon majority decision of the Committee, or upon written request signed by not less than 20% of members of the Group in good standing. Such request shall state the business to be brought forward before the meeting.
22.9. In the case of a request by members, such meeting shall be convened by the Committee within 30 days of the written request to the Committee.
22.10. A written notice of the Extraordinary General Meeting shall be posted to all Members by the Secretary not later than fourteen (14) days before the date of such a meeting. Such notice shall specify the date, place and time thereof and the Agenda.
22.11. The Agenda may include any other business, which a General Meeting is entitled or obliged to deal with and/or decide upon.
22.12. No other business save that appearing on the Agenda shall be transacted at an Extraordinary General Meeting.
22.13. A quorum for an Extraordinary General Meeting shall be 10%, calculated to the next highest whole number of the Members of the Group entitled to vote thereat, or ten (10) members, whichever shall be the greater. Should a quorum not be present within half an hour from the time appointed for such Extraordinary General Meeting, the Chairman shall adjourn the Meeting to a date not later than fourteen (14) days from the date thereof, and to a place announced by him, and the Members present and entitled to vote at such an adjourned meeting shall form a quorum. No further notice of such adjourned meeting, save for the Chairman’s announcement, need be given.
23. GROUP MEETINGS
23.1. Group Meetings for all Members shall be held at the discretion of the Committee from time to time.
23.2. A written notice and agenda of a Group Meeting shall be circulated to all Members, by the Secretary, not later than fourteen (14) days before the date of such a Meeting.
24. VOTING PROCEDURE
24.1. Members holding Full, Life or Family membership, and fully paid up for the current year by no later than 60 days after the due date, shall be entitled to vote, subject to restrictions with respect to postal votes, at all General Meetings and Group Meetings.
24.2. Votes at General Meetings and Group Meetings may be cast in person or by proxy on all matters before such meetings.
24.3. Votes at General Meetings with respect to election of Officers may be cast by postal vote.
24.4. All proxies and postal votes must be submitted to the Secretary, and must reach him not later than 48 hours before the scheduled start of the meeting.
24.5. Members shall endeavor to cast votes in person, to the extent practicable.
24.6. Notices of all meetings shall contain reference to these restrictions and where necessary, the proxy and postal voting forms of which the templates are contained in Annexure B to this Constitution.
24.7. At all meetings voting shall be done by a show of hands or ballot, in the discretion of the Chairman. Where practicable, preference should be given to voting by ballot.
25. AMENDMENTS TO THE CONSTITUTION AND RULES OF THE GROUP
25.1. This Constitution may be amended by a two thirds majority vote of the members voting at an Annual General Meeting.
25.2. All other rules of the Group may be amended by a majority vote of the members voting at an Annual General Meeting.
25.3. To bring a proposed amendment to a vote it must be proposed by:
25.3.1. A majority of the Committee; or
25.3.2. be submitted to the Secretary in writing setting forth the exact wording of the proposed amendment and signed by a minimum of five (5) members.
26. RECORDS OF THE GROUP
26.1. A Register of Voting and Non-Voting Members, Minutes of the General Meetings and Group Meetings, which shall be open for inspection by any Member at the address of the Secretary on reasonable notice and by appointment with the Secretary.
26.2. Likewise the Financial record of the Group shall be open for inspection by any Member at the address of the Treasurer on reasonable notice and by appointment with the Treasurer.
27. INTERPRETATION OF THE RULES
The Committee shall be the sole authority for the interpretation of the Rules or Regulations made hereunder and the decision of the Committee upon any question or interpretation or upon any matter affecting the Group and not provided for in the Rules shall be final and binding on Members.
28. DISSOLUTION OF THE GROUP
The Group may be dissolved by a Resolution to that affect at an Annual General Meeting or at an Extraordinary General Meeting summoned in terms of the Rules with the express purpose of voting upon such a Resolution. Such a Resolution shall only be passed by a majority of two thirds (2/3) of the Members entitled to vote at such a Meeting. Such a Meeting shall decide upon the manner of the disposal of the assets of the Group after payment of all liabilities and shall vest power to carry out the Resolution and decisions of such a Meeting for that purpose.
CODE OF ETHICS: RULES AND RECOMMENDATIONS FOR BREEDER MEMBERS
1. PREAMBLE:
1.1. A breeder member of the SBG shall at all times in his breeding endeavours be mindful that:
1.2. Siamese should primarily be bred for the purpose of improving the breed.
1.3. All the cats in a member’s care should be kept in a safe, clean, healthy and happy environment and have access to veterinary care when they become ill or otherwise need it. Cats have a right to a stimulating environment enriched with toys and adequate exercising opportunities.
1.4. Kitten buyers have a right to expect a healthy and well-socialised kitten that has the potential to develop into a well-adapted companion animal.
2. BREEDING POLICY RULES:
2.1. No queen may be bred before she is of a suitable age and physical development and thereafter according to her condition. A queen may not be bred at a rate faster than that which would allow her to sustain, or regain quickly, her condition over the duration of her breeding career.
2.2. Kittens may under no circumstances be sold to pet shops or through any other form of broker or agent. Kittens may not be sold at events or premises (such as flea markets) where a kitten might be bought on the spur of the moment decision without the breeder adequately evaluating the suitability of the new home.
2.3. Kittens must not be allowed to go to their new homes before at least 10 weeks but preferably 12 weeks of age.
2.4. Kittens must be properly housetrained, have had at least one inoculation, be dewormed and be in good health before being allowed to go to their new homes.
2.5. When selling a kitten a diet sheet, or at the least full details of the kitten’s diet, as well as any other information relevant to the well-being of the kitten, is to be provided and explained to the new owner.
2.6. Should a kitten in a litter die from a contagious disease e.g. FIP, the remainder of the litter must be kept for at least 30 days before they are allowed to go to their new homes.
2.7. The relevant registered pedigree and SACC transfer form are to be provided to the new owner immediately if they are to hand or as soon as they become available but at the latest when the kitten is 6 months old.
2.8. In the event that a pedigree is issued but not recorded in the register of a registration authority, the breeder shall clearly explain to the new owner that it is not a registration paper but merely a record of the parents’ ancestry. No misrepresentation that a kitten is registered when in fact only an unrecorded pedigree is issued, may be made to the new owner.
2.9. The terms of any stud contract/agreement entered into between the stud’s owner and queen’s owner must be honoured by both owners.
2.10. Breeders must draw the attention of purchasers to the “Not for breeding” ruling when selling kittens which are registered as such.
2.11. Breeders are responsible for the health of any cat or kitten leaving their premises for a period of up to 3 days, provided the new owner follows the breeder’s instructions, including those pertaining to the kitten’s diet.
3. BREEDING POLICY RECOMMENDATIONS:
3.1. Cats used for breeding should be healthy, of sound temperament, of good quality and free from any defects as listed in the SACC Standard of Points.
3.2. It is desirable to select cats of good size and vitality for breeding programs.
3.3. Females should be spayed if they turn out unsuitable for breeding. All neutered breeding cats should, as far as possible, be kept and loved as part of a family and not discarded.
3.4. Kittens sold for breeding should be of superior quality and of sound genetic background.
3.5. Breeders selling a kitten for breeding to a new/novice breeder should offer advice and support and act as a mentor to such new breeder.
3.6. A brood queen’s inoculation should be dated within 12 months of the date when her litter is born, as this will maximize the immunity of the kittens.
3.7. Studs should be tested as negative for FeLV and FIV at least every 12 months. Queens should be tested as negative for FeLV and FIV within 24 hours prior to mating.
3.8. The breeder should ensure that kittens only go to homes where the responsibility of cat ownership is understood and where it has a reasonable chance of having a quality life and will receive adequate physical and emotional care.
3.9. Registered breeders should preferably register all kittens with a registration authority.
3.10. A kitten contract/agreement between the breeder and the new owner is highly recommended.
3.11. It is strongly advised that kittens sold as “not for breeding” be spayed/neutered and microchipped prior to rehoming.
3.12. A stud contract/agreement between the stud’s owner and the queen’s owner is highly recommended.
The Group shall be called the Siamese Breeders’ Group of South Africa, hereinafter referred to as “the Group”, with headquarters in Cape Town or at such other place or places as may be decided on by the Group from time to time.
2. AIMS
2.1. To encourage the breeding of quality, registered cats and specifically to promote the Siamese Breed in all possible ways.
2.2. To assure the welfare of the Siamese Breed.
3. OBJECTS
To carry on the affairs of the Group as a non-profit making concern. All excess of revenue over expenditure shall be devoted or expended in order to further the aims of the Group, or shall be held or reserved in accordance with the Rules for that purpose.
4. AFFILIATION
The Group will be affiliated to the Southern Africa Cat Council (SACC).
5. LEGAL STATUS
5.1. The Group shall have an independent legal “persona” with perpetual succession and with a capacity to acquire and hold property for itself and apart from its members, and likewise to acquire other rights and incur obligations and to sue and be sued for and by itself apart from its members.
5.2. The property and other assets of the Group shall vest in the Group, which shall hold such assets for itself as distinct from its individual members, and the individual members shall have no right in or to any property or other assets of the Group.
5.3. Under no circumstances shall the assets of the Group or any part thereof be distributed to members in the form of a dividend or share-out of excess or remaining funds and in the event of the Group being dissolved, the assets shall be dealt with in term of Paragraph 27 “Dissolution of the Group”.
5.4. Any obligations or liabilities incurred by or on behalf of the Group shall be incurred for the Group itself and to the exclusion of the individual members.
5.5. The Group may sue or be sued in its own name and the power to decide on whether or not to defend a suit, shall vest in the Committee for the time being holding office, as provided for in this Constitution.
6. DEFINITIONS
6.1. “Committee” shall mean the Executive Committee of the Group duly elected in accordance with the Rules.
6.2. “The Rules” shall mean the Rules and Regulations of the Group as implied by the Constitution and Regulations duly passed in accordance with the Rules.
6.3. “General Meeting” shall mean an Annual General Meeting or an Extraordinary General Meeting held in accordance with the Rules.
6.4. “Group Meeting” shall mean an Ordinary Meeting held in accordance with the Rules.
6.5. The masculine gender includes the feminine gender and vice versa.
6.6. The terms “in writing”, “by post” and “postal” shall mean communication by post/surface mail, electronic mail or fax; except where a specific format is prescribed.
7. MEMBERSHIP OF THE GROUP
7.1. The Group shall consist of Members, who shall be persons elected as such by the Committee in accordance with the Rules. Membership shall be in categories: Full, Overseas, Honorary, Family and Life. Members shall be entitled to: Attend Meetings, Receive Agendas and Minutes of Meetings, Receive the Newsletter, Eligibility for special awards of the Group
7.2. All Members in good standing shall be entitled to vote in the General Meetings of the Group.
7.3. For the purpose of SACC Breed Council voting in respect of all issues pertaining to changes to the Siamese Standard of Points, membership of the Group is divided into two categories: Voting and Non-Voting,
7.3.1. Voting members Breed Council voting rights are restricted to those Members who qualify as Voting Members under the rules of SACC.
7.3.2. Non-Voting members
7.3.3. All other Members not qualifying in terms of rule 7.3.1 above
7.4. Honorary membership may be conferred on any person deemed helpful to the Group, by a two thirds (2/3) majority vote of those Members present at a meeting and, where applicable, shall entitle them to attend meetings, receive agendas and minutes of meetings and the newsletter. Honorary Members will not have voting rights as specified in rule 7.2 above.
7.5. Membership of the Group will lapse if dues are not paid within 60 days of the due date. A rejoining fee of R20 will be levied on a lapsed membership when rejoining.
8. APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP
8.1. All applications for membership shall be made to the Secretary in writing, signed by the candidate, in the format prescribed by the Committee and shall be accompanied by the necessary subscription.
8.2. The acceptance or rejection of such application shall be made at the sole and absolute discretion of the Committee and its decision shall be final and binding on the candidate. The committee shall not be obliged to give any reasons for its decision.
8.3. The Secretary shall notify the candidate in writing of election or rejection as a Member. In the case of election, a copy of the Constitution and a membership card shall accompany such notification. Such a Member shall be bound by the Rules from the time of election. In the case of rejection the subscription shall be returned to the candidate.
9. SUBSCRIPTIONS
9.1. The Annual Subscriptions for the categories of membership of the Group shall be laid down at the Annual General Meeting. It may be altered by a simple majority vote at a General Meeting.
9.2. The first Annual Subscription shall become due on election; and the Annual Subscription thereafter, on the first day of January each year.
9.3. Life membership shall be calculated at ten times the Full Annual Subscription.
9.4. Life membership is optional and open only to those who have been members for five (5) consecutive years.
10. RESIGNATION OF MEMBERS
10.1. A Member shall be entitled to terminate his membership by written notification to that effect to the Secretary. Such termination shall take effect from the date of posting of a written acceptance of such resignation by the Secretary to the member concerned
10.2. Any Member so resigning shall not be entitled to a refund of any subscription or any other dues paid by him in accordance with the Rules and shall have no claim whatsoever against the Group or its property.
11. CONDUCT OF MEMBERS
11.1. Every Member shall conform to the Rules of the Group and of SACC and shall not commit any breach thereof or act in opposition to the Rules and/or to the fundamental objects and principles upon which the Group had been founded.
11.2. Every Member shall show proper respect for the authority of the Chairman and Committee and shall conform to all the decisions duly made by them or by the duly authorized Officers of the Group in accordance with the Rules.
11.3. Every Member should conduct himself in such a manner that the Group is not brought into disrepute. Such harmful actions might be, but are not limited to: verbal attacks or maligning of other Members, exhibitors, judges or other people at SACC shows, exhibitions or events; or written attacks or scathing comments on persons in public email lists, in cell phone messages or any electronic media.
11.4. Every member shall in his breeding activities comply with the SBG Code of Ethics contained in Annexure A to this Constitution.
12. DISCIPLINE
12.1. The committee shall have the power to constitute a disciplinary committee, which, after due and proper investigation or hearing, may reprimand, suspend or expel any member, subject to the right of appeal at the next Annual General Meeting or at an Extraordinary General Meeting.
12.2. In the event of any Member being so reprimanded, expelled or suspended, the Committee shall place before the next General Meeting a report of the investigation so held and the decision of the Committee.
13. OFFICERS OF THE GROUP
13.1. The affairs of the Group shall be managed by the Committee. The following shall be the Officers of the Group:
13.2. Executive Officers namely;
13.2.1. The Chairman, Vice Chairman, Honorary Secretary, Honorary Treasurer, Breed Council Delegate, Awards Officer, Editor and PRO, who shall be Members of the Group, elected to these offices in accordance with the Rules. Candidates shall be proposed and seconded in writing.
13.3. The Financial Officer, who shall be a qualified person elected at an AGM in accordance with the Rules
13.4. Members thus elected will serve the Group for one year and will be eligible for re-election, unless otherwise indicated.
14. ELECTION OF OFFICERS
14.1. Nominations for the office of an Executive Officer of the Group shall be made in writing, and shall reach the Secretary no later than 1st February annually. Candidates shall be proposed and seconded by two members, and such nominations signed by the candidate.
14.2. In the event that an Officer has to resign his duties during his term of office, for any reason whatsoever, the Committee shall have the power to co-opt another Member of the Group to fill the position, except in the case of the resigning member being the Chairman. In this event the Vice-Chairman will automatically become the Chairman and a new Vice-Chairman co-opted.
14.3. Voting shall be done by a show of hands or ballot, in the discretion of the Chairman. Where possible, preference should be given to voting by ballot. A simple majority of votes shall decide the election of officers.
15. FUNCTIONS AND DUTIES OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
15.1. The following preside at Meetings in order of precedence: Chairman or Vice-Chairman: If both are absent the Meeting shall appoint its own Chairman
15.2. In the case of an equality of votes the Chairman of the Meeting shall have a casting vote.
15.3. The Chairman shall ensure that the Minutes of the Group Meetings and General Meetings are confirmed at an ensuing meeting.
15.4. The Chairman and the Treasurer shall present Annual Reports and Statements to the Annual General Meeting on behalf of the Committee.
15.5. The Committee shall not incur any expenditure whereby the funds of the Group shall be diminished by more than 25% of its total funds without the authority of a General Meeting.
15.6. The Committee reserves the right to co-opt Members to the Committee as the need arises.
15.7. To give to the Financial Officer any information whatever he may deem necessary, for the proper performance of his duties and any necessary Certificates signed by the relevant Officer concerned.
16. DELEGATE TO BREED COUNCIL
16.1. The Delegate to Breed Council must be a Voting member of the Group in terms of Rule 7.3.1 above
16.2. If a Delegate appointed to attend a meeting cannot attend, then the Committee shall designate the proxy to be substituted and the Delegate shall execute the applicable proxy
17. DUTIES OF THE HONORARY SECRETARY
17.1. The duties of the Honorary Secretary shall be:
17.2. To conduct the correspondence of the Group and place such correspondence before the Group.
17.3. To keep an up-to-date Register of the names, addresses and registered cattery names of the Members of the Group.
17.4. To give notice in accordance with the Rules of election or rejection of any candidate for membership and to forward with the Notice to a Member so elected a copy of the Constitution and a Membership Card or to refund the subscription to a person not so elected.
17.5. To give notice, in writing, to members of every Group and/or General Meeting. Such notice shall contain the Agenda for the Meeting/s.
17.6. To keep true and accurate Minutes of the proceedings of the Group and General Meetings, and to enter these in a Minutes Book, and to read such Minutes when required to do so at Group or General Meetings.
17.7. To circulate to Members any Notices, Reports or Publications in accordance with the Rules or when required to do so by the Committee.
18. DUTIES OF THE HONORARY TREASURER
18.1. The Duties of the Honorary Treasurer shall be:
18.2. To accept, hold in trust, deal with and administer all monies received by or on behalf of the Group.
18.3. To open and operate a Banking or Building Society account in the name of the Group. All cheques, negotiable instruments and other Banking or Building Society Documents shall be signed by the Treasurer and a member of the Committee.
18.4. To submit to the Group at Group Meetings a list of liabilities of the Group for payment and to obtain direction thereon.
18.5. To keep true, proper and up-to-date records of assets, liabilities and financial transactions of the Group and of payment of subscriptions by members. To submit such books and records to the Auditor of the Group in sufficient time to enable the Auditor to audit the Group’s accounts as soon as possible after the 31st day of December of each year. To obtain the Balance Sheet and any other reports compiled by the Financial Officer and to place the same before the Committee to enable the Committee to discuss and submit the same to the ensuing Annual General Meeting.
18.6. To send by not later than the 31st day of January each year to Members still liable for payment of subscriptions, notice to make payment thereof.
19. DUTIES OF THE EDITOR
19.1. The Duties of the Editor shall be:
19.2. To produce a Newsletter at least twice per year.
19.3. To compile and Editorial to the Newsletter.
20. DUTIES OF THE PR
20.1. The Duties of the PRO shall be:
20.2. To promote the Group in all possible ways.
21. DUTIES OF THE FINANCIAL OFFICER
21.1. The Duties of the Financial Officer shall be:
21.2. To obtain from the Treasurer or Officers of the Group whatever information he may deem necessary for the proper performance of his duties.
21.3. To audit the Group’s accounts from the books and records submitted to him by the Treasurer and to prepare and submit a signed Balance Sheet and Statement of Revenue and Expenditure for the Group’s financial year, together with any report which he may deem necessary as soon as possible after the 31st day of December of each year.
22. GENERAL MEETINGS
22.1. The Group may hold Annual General Meetings and Extraordinary General Meetings.
Annual General Meeting
22.2. An Annual General Meeting shall be held not later than the last day of March each year
22.3. A written notice of the Annual General Meeting shall be posted to all Members by the Secretary not later than 21 days before the date of such a meeting. Such notice shall specify the date, place and time thereof. This communication shall include the Agenda and other relevant documentation, including a schedule of nominees for Executive Officer positions, and proposed Constitutional and Rule amendments.
22.4. The Agenda shall include the following:
22.4.1. Confirmation of the Minutes of the previous Annual General Meeting.
22.4.2. Chairman’s Report.
22.4.3. Treasurer’s Report and financial statements.
22.4.4. Election of Officers.
22.4.5. Appointment of Financial Officer.
22.4.6. Amendments to the Constitution and Rules.
22.4.7. Determination of subscription/membership fees.
22.5. The Agenda may include any other business, which a General Meeting is entitled or obliged to deal with and/or decide upon.
22.6. No other business save that appearing on the Agenda shall be transacted at an Annual General Meeting.
22.7. A quorum for an Annual General Meeting shall be 10%, calculated to the next highest whole number of the Members of the Group entitled to vote thereat, or ten (10) members, whichever shall be the greater. Should a quorum not be present within half an hour from the time appointed for such Annual General Meeting, the Chairman shall adjourn the Meeting to a date or time not later than fourteen (14) days from the date thereof, and to a place announced by him, and the Members present and entitled to vote at such an adjourned meeting shall form a quorum. No further notice of such adjourned meeting, save for the Chairman’s announcement, need be given.
Extraordinary General Meeting
22.8. Extraordinary General Meetings shall be convened upon majority decision of the Committee, or upon written request signed by not less than 20% of members of the Group in good standing. Such request shall state the business to be brought forward before the meeting.
22.9. In the case of a request by members, such meeting shall be convened by the Committee within 30 days of the written request to the Committee.
22.10. A written notice of the Extraordinary General Meeting shall be posted to all Members by the Secretary not later than fourteen (14) days before the date of such a meeting. Such notice shall specify the date, place and time thereof and the Agenda.
22.11. The Agenda may include any other business, which a General Meeting is entitled or obliged to deal with and/or decide upon.
22.12. No other business save that appearing on the Agenda shall be transacted at an Extraordinary General Meeting.
22.13. A quorum for an Extraordinary General Meeting shall be 10%, calculated to the next highest whole number of the Members of the Group entitled to vote thereat, or ten (10) members, whichever shall be the greater. Should a quorum not be present within half an hour from the time appointed for such Extraordinary General Meeting, the Chairman shall adjourn the Meeting to a date not later than fourteen (14) days from the date thereof, and to a place announced by him, and the Members present and entitled to vote at such an adjourned meeting shall form a quorum. No further notice of such adjourned meeting, save for the Chairman’s announcement, need be given.
23. GROUP MEETINGS
23.1. Group Meetings for all Members shall be held at the discretion of the Committee from time to time.
23.2. A written notice and agenda of a Group Meeting shall be circulated to all Members, by the Secretary, not later than fourteen (14) days before the date of such a Meeting.
24. VOTING PROCEDURE
24.1. Members holding Full, Life or Family membership, and fully paid up for the current year by no later than 60 days after the due date, shall be entitled to vote, subject to restrictions with respect to postal votes, at all General Meetings and Group Meetings.
24.2. Votes at General Meetings and Group Meetings may be cast in person or by proxy on all matters before such meetings.
24.3. Votes at General Meetings with respect to election of Officers may be cast by postal vote.
24.4. All proxies and postal votes must be submitted to the Secretary, and must reach him not later than 48 hours before the scheduled start of the meeting.
24.5. Members shall endeavor to cast votes in person, to the extent practicable.
24.6. Notices of all meetings shall contain reference to these restrictions and where necessary, the proxy and postal voting forms of which the templates are contained in Annexure B to this Constitution.
24.7. At all meetings voting shall be done by a show of hands or ballot, in the discretion of the Chairman. Where practicable, preference should be given to voting by ballot.
25. AMENDMENTS TO THE CONSTITUTION AND RULES OF THE GROUP
25.1. This Constitution may be amended by a two thirds majority vote of the members voting at an Annual General Meeting.
25.2. All other rules of the Group may be amended by a majority vote of the members voting at an Annual General Meeting.
25.3. To bring a proposed amendment to a vote it must be proposed by:
25.3.1. A majority of the Committee; or
25.3.2. be submitted to the Secretary in writing setting forth the exact wording of the proposed amendment and signed by a minimum of five (5) members.
26. RECORDS OF THE GROUP
26.1. A Register of Voting and Non-Voting Members, Minutes of the General Meetings and Group Meetings, which shall be open for inspection by any Member at the address of the Secretary on reasonable notice and by appointment with the Secretary.
26.2. Likewise the Financial record of the Group shall be open for inspection by any Member at the address of the Treasurer on reasonable notice and by appointment with the Treasurer.
27. INTERPRETATION OF THE RULES
The Committee shall be the sole authority for the interpretation of the Rules or Regulations made hereunder and the decision of the Committee upon any question or interpretation or upon any matter affecting the Group and not provided for in the Rules shall be final and binding on Members.
28. DISSOLUTION OF THE GROUP
The Group may be dissolved by a Resolution to that affect at an Annual General Meeting or at an Extraordinary General Meeting summoned in terms of the Rules with the express purpose of voting upon such a Resolution. Such a Resolution shall only be passed by a majority of two thirds (2/3) of the Members entitled to vote at such a Meeting. Such a Meeting shall decide upon the manner of the disposal of the assets of the Group after payment of all liabilities and shall vest power to carry out the Resolution and decisions of such a Meeting for that purpose.
CODE OF ETHICS: RULES AND RECOMMENDATIONS FOR BREEDER MEMBERS
1. PREAMBLE:
1.1. A breeder member of the SBG shall at all times in his breeding endeavours be mindful that:
1.2. Siamese should primarily be bred for the purpose of improving the breed.
1.3. All the cats in a member’s care should be kept in a safe, clean, healthy and happy environment and have access to veterinary care when they become ill or otherwise need it. Cats have a right to a stimulating environment enriched with toys and adequate exercising opportunities.
1.4. Kitten buyers have a right to expect a healthy and well-socialised kitten that has the potential to develop into a well-adapted companion animal.
2. BREEDING POLICY RULES:
2.1. No queen may be bred before she is of a suitable age and physical development and thereafter according to her condition. A queen may not be bred at a rate faster than that which would allow her to sustain, or regain quickly, her condition over the duration of her breeding career.
2.2. Kittens may under no circumstances be sold to pet shops or through any other form of broker or agent. Kittens may not be sold at events or premises (such as flea markets) where a kitten might be bought on the spur of the moment decision without the breeder adequately evaluating the suitability of the new home.
2.3. Kittens must not be allowed to go to their new homes before at least 10 weeks but preferably 12 weeks of age.
2.4. Kittens must be properly housetrained, have had at least one inoculation, be dewormed and be in good health before being allowed to go to their new homes.
2.5. When selling a kitten a diet sheet, or at the least full details of the kitten’s diet, as well as any other information relevant to the well-being of the kitten, is to be provided and explained to the new owner.
2.6. Should a kitten in a litter die from a contagious disease e.g. FIP, the remainder of the litter must be kept for at least 30 days before they are allowed to go to their new homes.
2.7. The relevant registered pedigree and SACC transfer form are to be provided to the new owner immediately if they are to hand or as soon as they become available but at the latest when the kitten is 6 months old.
2.8. In the event that a pedigree is issued but not recorded in the register of a registration authority, the breeder shall clearly explain to the new owner that it is not a registration paper but merely a record of the parents’ ancestry. No misrepresentation that a kitten is registered when in fact only an unrecorded pedigree is issued, may be made to the new owner.
2.9. The terms of any stud contract/agreement entered into between the stud’s owner and queen’s owner must be honoured by both owners.
2.10. Breeders must draw the attention of purchasers to the “Not for breeding” ruling when selling kittens which are registered as such.
2.11. Breeders are responsible for the health of any cat or kitten leaving their premises for a period of up to 3 days, provided the new owner follows the breeder’s instructions, including those pertaining to the kitten’s diet.
3. BREEDING POLICY RECOMMENDATIONS:
3.1. Cats used for breeding should be healthy, of sound temperament, of good quality and free from any defects as listed in the SACC Standard of Points.
3.2. It is desirable to select cats of good size and vitality for breeding programs.
3.3. Females should be spayed if they turn out unsuitable for breeding. All neutered breeding cats should, as far as possible, be kept and loved as part of a family and not discarded.
3.4. Kittens sold for breeding should be of superior quality and of sound genetic background.
3.5. Breeders selling a kitten for breeding to a new/novice breeder should offer advice and support and act as a mentor to such new breeder.
3.6. A brood queen’s inoculation should be dated within 12 months of the date when her litter is born, as this will maximize the immunity of the kittens.
3.7. Studs should be tested as negative for FeLV and FIV at least every 12 months. Queens should be tested as negative for FeLV and FIV within 24 hours prior to mating.
3.8. The breeder should ensure that kittens only go to homes where the responsibility of cat ownership is understood and where it has a reasonable chance of having a quality life and will receive adequate physical and emotional care.
3.9. Registered breeders should preferably register all kittens with a registration authority.
3.10. A kitten contract/agreement between the breeder and the new owner is highly recommended.
3.11. It is strongly advised that kittens sold as “not for breeding” be spayed/neutered and microchipped prior to rehoming.
3.12. A stud contract/agreement between the stud’s owner and the queen’s owner is highly recommended.
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